Icy pavements, tips, footwear ?

[Milpale]

Since getting older I am very anxious about walking on icy pavements.
Does anyone have any tips about how to manage them?

You need something like these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YUANCOX-Grippers-Crampons-Traction-Non-slip/dp/B09P1TBQQ6/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3FN90LE3CODHC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m98lGUsEXnZS1QZNlWFqXsAk0QmZfpFT8xk7E6KBxs8PG0joTVJTOEzFSTHVfZCBUat0BtfJcx7WIeuXy8R-aiPs9k40otpHxXhAadjrZxYeVZgTk-Fau2SyZ9kKTzHB9TqUYmadD8rBLu-a3uNFogPtfwN2HkF5S_iGWCzJJZQqtQwoIKepUL4NeEKePmPEty_wprXRrXzwu5zdFbq2TcyvLUM-FAa3R_KMtVx4bFxzr2X-0KyA3A7lhsYXW5ZCF8q1GBE81uMK4evucOQP8PKt2YmbyGfvp_xQUjIEp9o.sKxVnQHHggMsc4zXxBEq5wm7nqq9fJ3ft71-9GUiZmQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=foot+grips+for+shoes+ice+non+slip&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1731784835&sprefix=Ice+foot+grip%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-10

Yaktrax are the best out there.

I have a fear bordering on a phobia around slipping after taking a real tumble some years back.

I walk with confidence with Yaktrax on.

amzn.eu/d/eW61GSt

Regular ones are fine mostly, I have Pro's too for longer dog walks etc.

Also what about a walking pole? Would that help on pavements or is it only for grass or snow?

They are good, and inexpensive, and give a confidence but make sure you fit them over your footwear properly otherwise it's possible to trip over the rubber stretchy bits.

For deeper snow, you can get more crampon-like devices.

I am terribly, ridiculously scared of slipping on ice. On more than one occasion I have taken my shoes off and walked in my socks ( short distance only mind!)

My reply was about the grippers, sorry

Echoing yak trax -thought for a long time they must be a scam but they really really work
do take the. Off before walking on your inside floors tho

Agree Yaktrax are the best. I have a real fear too and rely on these every winter. Worth every penny. I'm going to did them out for next week!

Might try those yak trax also!

Re walking pole- maybe ok to give you a greater confidence but if you're not used to walking with one, it might be more of a distraction than a help.

I've also got a fear of falling since I did fall earlier this year and knackered my knee badly. I have seen the Yak Trax for walking in snow - but wondered, do they work when it's just icy pavements but no actual snow ? As the little metal studs on the bottom seem to look as if they are designed for snow -but not for black ice ?

I wondered that too @PotOfTulips . The grippers will grip into fairly thin films of ice, which are often the most deadly. I used to live on a steep cobbled street not gritted by the council which was a nightmare in winter

Not sure if they are sold in the UK, but Pajar make winter boots where you can flip the grippers in and out of the sole using a provided tool.

Icebug also make good winter footwear, including running shoes.

I just don't go out in the ice/snow.

And yes I know I'm lucky that I don't have to. I have Yaktrax and walking poles and grippy soled boots, and snow boots but they are still pristine. I fell and hit my head a few years ago walking from the tram to house. I was zonked and got a dreadful fright. Been very nervous ever since, and I now feel that even if I did venture out on ice that I would only take tiny steps, my limbs would be tense with fear so I don't bother anymore. A well stocked freezer is my friend.

Yes they work on black ice. I live on a steep hill and have used them when we've had freezing rain to get me safely down the hill.

Yaktrax aren't good for icy pavements. lol when they get the light glaze of ice. Fine for snow.

I can't walk on icy pavements and am also terrified after an injury (not on ice but I fear another injury would finish me)

I have boots with deep rubber treads but tbh I avoid it as much as I can

someone here suggested grippy socks on top of boots but I don't think that would be better than the boots that have deep rubber grips

I wouldn't use a pole as I can't see how it would help but mum has elderly friends who use them.

Yes, socks on the outside of shoes can help apparently

Lots of ideas here. I am so comforted to see I am not the only one with this absolutely paralysing fear of falling down.

Yak trax type things don't work on frosty, icy pavements, they are more compacted snow type things. A proper pair of walking boots/shoes will help a lot, with good tread and grippy soles. I also have a real fear or slipping, having fell on sheet ice year ago and properly bruised my coccyx. Now even with a bit of frost my hiking boots go on and I feel a lot better.

Although about 15 years ago when there was a winter with snow and ice constantly I had a cheap pair of brogues from River Island which were honestly the grippiest shoes in ice I have ever worn!

I don't even trust my hiking boots anymore!

Bruised coccyx is horrendous. I slipped on black ice down a flight of steps a few years ago. Bang bang bang bang bang bang.. My god it hurt.

Other than the previously mentioned footwear, when it’s treacherous out and you have to go out, a physio recommended my Gran wore padded leggings which have padding around the hips and bum, we got them from an ice skating shop online. It is to prevent a fractured femur, which she was recovering from. With a long padded coat or gilet you can’t see them. Wrist guards and a well insulated hat were recommended too along with footwear which supports the ankle.

Your posture is very important when walking on ice or snow.
Lean slightly forward as you walk keeping your center of gravity forward.

Interested if anyone would recommend specific boots with grippy soles. I have walking boots with Vibram type soles but wondered if there are better options

That's what students who lived on the steep hills in Dunedin, NZ did in the winter when I was studying.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I usually try to avoid going out when it's icy but I have two appointments this week that I have to attend. No car so lots of walking!
I have a cousin in Canada who unhelpfully just laughs when I mention this, but I know some of the family there do the sock thing over shoes.

https://www.yaktrax.co.uk/ Yakrax definitely do work on ice. They say so themselves and I use them every year on ice as well as snow.