Run Traction Cleats for Running on Snow and Ice

Thought I would give these a try instead of walking with a Hickory walking stick on the compacted snow trails I walk with my dog. The best feature about these is that once installed properly, you can have a more natural walking gait instead of the "I'm about to fall, flat foot, slow pace walking on ice" gait. The sizing chart seems correct. If you have a pair of shoes or hiking boots in mind to use, make sure there is some sort of "lip" that the rubber frame can fit over and not slip off after walking...meaning: the soles should be just a tiny bit wider than the body of the boot. Bonus features are the rubber and velcro retaining strap over the front as well as the strap device that connects with the arch strap. These two things should prevent the toe portion from suddenly coming undone and possibly tripping you. Walking on ice is comfortable, but walking to and from my car in the asphalt parking lot is like walking with baseball spikes on. Recommend and would buy again.

I purchased the Extra Large for my size 13 running shoe, and they barely fit. I had to give them a good yank/pull to get them around my running shoes. So I suggest buying at least one size higher than the chart suggests as I did. My review today is based on a ten mile run I performed yesterday after a snowfall a few days earlier. My run took place, mostly on asphalt and concrete. I started the run not knowing what I would get, so I wore the YakTrax just to make sure if/when I hit icy patches I wouldn't slip. At my age, I just can't take a fall, and I don't want to injure myself. More to the point, I want to run happy and confident, even on ice. So they worked very well. My running gate with them on was normal and easy. I even forgot I was wearing them after the first few minutes. I would say that 90% of my run was on bare concrete and asphalt, because it turned out the sun had cleaned up most of the snow before folks had packed it down. So I really gave the little spikes a hard workout. First, the YakTrax overlays did not fall off. Hooking up the toe strap and securing the velcro strap did the trick. Second, the carbide steel spikes show relatively little wear after ten miles of brutal running on the hard stuff. I imagine that if the conditions had been the other way around and I ran on 90% ice and 10% hard surface, there would be no visible wear on the spikes whatsoever. The wire coils on the rear look great too, although I am not a heel striker. I look forward to wearing the YakTrax again the next time I want to go out for a run and I'm looking at icy conditions. They have earned my confidence on ice. There were only two drawbacks. First, about nine miles into my run, I began to notice my left little toe rubbing on the inside of my Hoka AT Challenger 5s. I was initially concerned that my shoes were too small, but that didn't make sense since I've worn these for more than a year! Then I remembered I was wearing the YakTrax. Recall that even the extra large are tight on my size 13 foot. So I stopped and took off the YakTrax and the pain went away. So the next time I wear them, and I'm looking at a run of more than 8 miles, I will see if I can adjust the fit so that there is less impact to the soft sidewalls on the outside of my Hokas. Recommendation to the manufacturer: Please offer an XX Large. I'd probably buy that for my size 13, which would be sizing up TWO LEVELS vs. the size chart. Second, as I said, the carbon steel spikes were stellar, and very little wear after my run. But one tiny spike, on the left Yaktrak was smashed over on its side within it's plastic support base. The metal didn't give way, but the plastic disc supporting the spike gave way, and the metal did a "leaning tower of Pisa" slanting over to one side. I weigh 195 lbs, so I probably gave that spike a massive lateral force while running on raw concrete/asphalt. Even in its bent over position, the spike is still giving me anti-slip capability, so at the moment I'm not worried. So, overall, I had a good experience.

Yaktrax Run Traction Cleats for Running I'm not sure if the pair I received were mislabeled - Large (Shoe Size: W 13-15/M 11.5-13.5) - but at first glance these border on comically small. I wear a size 10 men's and was at the limit of my finger strength to stretch these onto my shoes. Once installed however they do fit fine, the toes of my shoes are curled up a bit but I have no concern they will fall off. I'm hoping these will naturally stretch out some once broken in. I've owned Yaktrax in the past and they have always been very high quality. I like these have a combination of cleats and coil springs for maximum traction and slip resistance, plus a strap over the top to secure to the foot. Overall highly recommended.

My new favorite piece of equipment for winter running gear. I ran with these on my standard running shoes during a large snow storm and maintained great traction throughout the entire run. I never slipped once even when traversing ice patches and snow. I could also see these as being great for hiking.

Fell apart at 30 miles. Studs fell out, plastic chassis. The studs need to be securley mounted with a hard tarrenced plastic overcast, or part of a steel plate chassis. Another brand I bought after this(only 10 bucks more.) Has withstood over 1,000 miles of running with 30 - 55lbs packs plus my body weight. Currently using that other brand for concrete construction now too. Holding up so far.

What sets the Yaktrax RUN aside from other cheaper alternatives is the plastic studs at the front half. Cheaper alternatives usually come with metal coils. Coils are fine for walking and hiking, but such design is just not good for running as you will put so much pressure on the front part of your sole. The plastic studs provide good traction even on icy/slushy surface. Despite the steep price, it is simply the best option for safe winter running in Japan. On the other hand, the Yarktrax RUN is very slippy on indoor/dry and flat surface. It is recommended to take them off before going indoor.

I love microspikes. Ive used these before in the snow and the ice. Whilst it is a little strange running on the odd bit of tarmac, it is possible to run with them. I lost one of my last pair, but normally they are a snug fit and tend not to fall off. With them on, I am able to go down icy roads that other people are unable to walk on.

I use these to run on a snow and ice packed road that is normally gravel. The spikes are great for digging into ice or packed snow. The rear springs also great on packed snow, but get caked with loose snow depending on road conditions. I’ve run on freezing rain in these and there is no slipping. The rubber is also anti slip in the cold so it works on ice as well. I wear a ladies 7 (men 5) and bought the small for my ASICS. They are very tight and need to be stretched onto your runner, then secured with a Velcro strap. They won’t fit on a winter boot in your usual size. Made for runners, or maybe a hiking boot. Overall I’m happy, not afraid to fall!

Just received our Yaktrax and so far, very impressed! I ordered the Pro for myself (US Men's 11, Large) and the Run for my wife (US Women's 9, Small). The fit is snug and secure—especially over boots—and the build quality is noticeably heavy-duty compared to generic traction cleats. We haven’t tested them on snow yet, but even on carpet at home, the grip is solid and stable. You can barely feel them while walking which is surprisingly great, and a good sign for comfort. The packaging was professional, with clear right/left markings and an instruction card—definitely feels like a premium product. Looking forward to our first snow adventure with confidence. So far, it’s money well spent!

They worked well, made my winter running possible! Work better on ice and compact snow conditions.