Icy pavements

[s017506]

Managed to take a very ungraceful dive this morning on an icy pavement. Any recommendations for footwear to help me feel more steady? I was looking at those things you put over your shoes but wasn't sure if they would help on smooth icy pavements, most seem more marketed for snowy weather?

I'm already a bit nervy of falling because I've got a dodgy hip so any tips welcome!

If a quiet residential road and it's been snowing or icy I walk in the road itself as they're always safer than the pavements.

And yes if a car comes i step onto the pavement,wait for it to pass and then back into the road.

I've been known to do that, unfortunately on my cul de sac the road is as bad as the pavements as there's not enough traffic to help clear it.

Ouch OP, I hope you're ok? To be honest I've a terrible fear of falling on the ice too so I tend to avoid going out unless absolutely needed and then like the PP said, walking in the road if possible.

I think boots with proper ridged soles would be better than trainers or smooth soled shoes.

Those over shoe things are good

I had my Yak Track thingies onto my hiking boots this morning and still couldn't get up our hilly road without sliding down....

I have proper walking boots and almost went over several times this morning (only saved by a fence, a wheelie bin and DH catching me)

It's treacherous out there today. Take care

I'm hibernating till the snow has gone...its like an ice rink on the pavements and I just don't feel safe out there. A walk to the dustbin is my limit lol

Yak trax are excellent, so long as you aren't going shopping... their achilles heel (sorry) is that you can't go inside anywhere with them on, and they're a bugger to get on and off! Other than that they are amazing, and I am a clumsy bugger.

amzn.eu/d/1rXC3S8

I am OK thank you, went straight down on my (generously padded) bum so apart from jarring my back a bit then nothing worse than a spot of damaged pride . I would have quite happily stayed in, but sadly have to do the school run and walk the dog at some point too.

I have the over shoe things and couldn't live without them. But yes, their downside is making it impossible to walk indoors. I can live with that.

I've got microspikes for hiking and used them today.

That's what I've been looking at, don't need to go shopping in them, just school run and dog walking. Just wasn't sure how they would fare on mornings like today when it's icy rather than snowy! Maybe I will invest!

I have these ones and like them. Def good for ice not just snow.

amzn.to/49jkrQZ

Permagrip soles. Timpsons. £19.99

(One for the Scottish MNers)

But yes, YaxTrax or similar work amazingly well on ice, and they just slip on and off. You will click a bit if you walk on any clear pavement, but otherwise they're great.

I took a huge wobble this morning and just turned around and went home 🤣 I was stupidly wearing trainers, it didn’t look too bad from my window but once I turned the corner around my house it was like an ice rink.

Would also be interested in what shoes I should be wearing… will look for something with ridges.

I wear apre ski boots - you can literally run on icy pavements in them! I managed to get some relatively pretty, furry ones in Snoe and Rock a few years ago. They don’t go with all clothing though!

Yak trax are life savers, been wearing mine to work the last 3 days.

Just don't go into any shopping centres or on buses with them! Currently food shopping at local Sainsburys as there is a handy bench at entrance to take them on/off.

I have north face apres ski boots. They are brilliant.

I have some spikes that I stretch over the sole of my boots and they work really well. Lots of options on amazon. I tried to take the dog out last night without them and had to turn back by the time I reached the end of the drive. I put the spikes on and didn't slip at all. They're a bit weird to walk in but I suspect that's because I don't need them everyday.

Yak Trax are great for outdoors.

Those slip on 'ice pick' bottomed thingies are not bad, my DH and DD have worn them many times when they've had to walk on sidewalks. They are a nuisance to put on, but the picks on the bottom do grip, don't walk on the floor with them! The best way though, not to slip on the sidewalk, is to stay indoors!

Old woolly socks over your shoes.

I always take out a walking pole when its icy or I'm walking on rough ground even though I have no condition that requires a walking stick. The length adjusts and I tend to extend them further than normal walking stick height. It makes you feel a lot steadier. It's easier than grips on your shoes if you are going in and out of the car and buildings.

My osteopath actually recommends using two walking poles - it's better for your back.

I'm just about to order a new set as my stick was broken when I went to get it out this morning. I've been slithering all day without it.

Another vote for Yaktrax. Only way I stayed upright walking down the hill I live on this morning. Road was as bad as the pavements. Proper Yaktrax with coil type grips work better for me than the spike ones.