Help me stay upright on the ice

[Babieseverywhere]

Just that. I am really struggling on the morning school run with the iced pavements.

It takes me 10 minutes to walk my little girls to school in summer and today after 15 minutes, I had hobbled slowly maybe a fifth of the way there, lost both my grip soles (I have them, but they fell off my boots) :(

A passing mother took pity on me (bless that woman) and offered to take my kids the rest of the way.

But the weather is only going to get worse, help me with suggestions, ideas or products to keep me upright over winter.

I was practically in tears this morning, it is not good for my kids to see me struggle, as they then worry about me getting home again.

1. I have terrible balance generally, as I have problems with my ears since being a child. I fell down some stairs 6 months ago, stretched my leg tendons and weakened my ankles. Signed off from physio now but I don't want to be back on crutches again.

1. I always wear sturdy walking boots with big grippy soles.

3.I do use ice grips on my shoes, mine usually flip off my boots. I need to take off my boots to refit them. So spend more time carrying them, than wearing them.

1. In the past I had a car, so when I was unwell or the weather icey I would drive close to or into school carpark. This is no longer an option.

EasyAndy That sounds logically, I am just frightened of falling again. It takes months of crutches and painkillers to walk nearly normally again...I can't risk have the same problem with no car and ice in the ground.

RJ I haven't tried it but will have a go.

Get some Yaktrax

If Yaktrak or similar come off, you can get shoes with studs in the soles, e.g. these: www.startfitness.co.uk/asics-gel-fujisetsu-gtx-womens-winter-running-shoes-grey-t3k5n-9711.html

These look a slightly more secure version of my normal ice grips.
www.amazon.co.uk/Grippers-Traction-Crampons-Spikers-Climbing/dp/B07XNT93MZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?dchild=1&psc=1&keywords=yaktrax%2Bwomen&th=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1576666088&sr=8-12

I love my Yax trax pro. I personally find that they're fine on pavements. Not slippy even on dry patches. They just feel odd.

I'm a bag of nerves in the ice too

Minimise the amount you carry (hard with school bags I know)

Rough Socks over shoes

Padded gloves, thick clothes in case you do fall.

Walk on grass when you can

Will try out those grips and sticks

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.vox.com/platform/amp/2016/1/24/10822806/three-tips-to-walk-on-ice-do-it-like-a-penguin

They will wear out quicker on pavement though but I still had mine for 3 Winters before they broke.

I'm have not tried those OP so can't rally say. I have Blackspur; they have small metal treads but they are also all over the sole and slightly proud of the rubber so better for thick ice or snow. But the spikes are not to high that the snow has to be deep. Other than scattering salt before me, I've not figured out a solution.

My own feeling is that we want ones that have spikes only on the ball of the foot, and when walking on ice don't land heel first. Maybe like these? www.amazon.co.uk/Eshylala-Grippers-Climbing-Spikes-Children/dp/B078N5ZF23/ref=pd_sbs_309_12?pf_rd_p=f4a31d1d-8f61-48f5-b6f4-a22ba06df575&_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_wg=CCDGC&pf_rd_r=G927AZ2W42R8H7P65MR1&pd_rd_i=B078N5ZF23&pd_rd_w=FR1ua&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&refRID=G927AZ2W42R8H7P65MR1&pd_rd_r=601c9350-0622-47b0-b3da-c0e1f84328a7

but I would be concerned whether these particular one would stay on or move around.

amazon.co.uk/Eshylala-Grippers-Climbing-Spikes-Children/dp/B078N136VX/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=kids+snow+grips&qid=1576666423&sprefix=kids+snow+gr&sr=8-6]]

Big steps or normal steps definitely do!! That's why little kids stay upright on the ice they haven't got "the fear" yet so walk normally.

GG20 Good suggestion will have a look for studed shoes too.

I would definitely try thick rough socks before spending lots of money. Ones with some wool are probably best.

intermittent ice vs solid ice (i.e. any indoor walking, or dry sections of pavements) takes different tactics. surely someone's invented a heelies version of ice boots by now?

Another vote for Yaktrax Pro - well worth it, no pinging off.

Do Yaktrax do kids sizes? We're right at the top of a very steep hill and all the car owners all the way down do the "pouring water over the frozen car" thing . It's like an ice slide every morning, so dangerous. My 3yr old is in a mountain buggy with brand new off road tyres which are great. 7 Year olds Clarks shoes (new at the start of Sept) have no grips whatsoever it's ridiculous - won't be buying Clarks anymore... maybe look at Kickers.

Big steps or normal steps definitely do!! That's why little kids stay upright on the ice they haven't got "the fear" yet so walk normally.

I'd love to go back to not having 'the fear'!! :) its also that they can react unconsciously with such small supple movements throughout their body like snakes, rather than jerky ones that stop halfway and unbalance us. Things that build proprioception like dancing or yoga or Tai Chi can help. And warming up ankles and feet with rotations etc before going out. Rolling your feet through their full range of motion etc. Slightly knees bent and soft elbows as if carrying a tray of drinks. Easy to say but sometimes hard to achieve, especially with balance dysfunction.

I've seen people wear socks over shoes in icy weather, seemed to work for them! Don't be self conscious, anything goes when the weather is snow/ice.

Decided to try "Yak Trax Pro" due to the number of positive recommendations on this thread :)

Just one last question to those who wear them. The reviews say the sizing is small..
Should I get medium ice grips to fit my Size 6 Walking Boots ?

If I follow the size charts I should get small but several reviewers says small was too small for them.

Will also try socks tomorrow morning, as ice grips will not arrive until the afternoon if I order shortly.

If socks work, I will return ice grips unused.

Yaktrax are fine everywhere except something like a smooth tiled surface (like shopping centres!) I love mine

I used medium yaktrax for my size 6 boots. Really recommend the poles too. We did a long hike (not icy) and they were a life saver on the loose gravelly bits.

The ice here in Norway is fucking awful right now!

OP find some yaktrax www.amazon.co.uk/Lightweight-affordable-traction-walking-mailbox/dp/B0045EV7CW/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&hsa_cr_id=3664535800302&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&aaxitk=7ZsHuprpjN1ha9gfFzEe5Q Wow link.. sorry. They're great for grip and they have a velcro strap over the top of your shoe so they won't just flip off.

As for walking it's all about technique and (sadly) confidence. If you are hesitant and stop then you will slip. Slide your feet rather than pick them up, bend your knees and never straighten your legs. Take smaller steps and never put your weight on the ball of your back foot (you will slip). Put your toes down first, not your heels (you will slip) and pretend to be a penguin.

Good luck!

The absolute BEST spikes (brodder) for your shoes are chainsen pro. Don't get chainsen city, they don't have spikes on the heel and they'll flip off your boots. Trail is okay. Whatever you do, do not wear these things inside (or any form of spikes for your shoes) as not only will you ruin the floor, you'll slip like a beast.