Tried and tested recommendations for footwear for walking on icy pavements please.

[SwedishEdith]

I know this gets asked a lot but there must be something that works before using crampons.

I was tempted by some of the trail boots at Decathlon until I read the reviews about them being slippy! My Blundstones are useless at the merest hint of ice. So has anyone got anything relatively reliable that's preferably not £100s and heavy duty snow boots.

Thanks

Bump, slip.

I have the fur lined pull on DM rider boots and they are AMAZING. Im disabled so really need non slip boots, and have never ever slid in these. They are toasty warm and comfy( cant wear lace up DMs, these are pull on and have the elasticated bits on the side). They are expensive, but ive had mine 8 years and not a break in them even though i wear them every day months at a time. Get loads of compliments on them too.

Thank you. Yes, I used to wear DMs and can't remember slipping so much. Or maybe I was just younger and didn't worry then.

If the ice is thick or there's snow, YakTrax (which go over your shoes) are amazing, but they don't work unless there's enough snow/ice to give them purchase. I also wear DMs otherwise.

Another vote for yaktrax thingies.

Thanks for yaxtrax recommendations but I'm thinking more of when it's just black ice on pavements when you're foot can randomly go from under you. Some people seem to be able to carry on walking regardless of what footwear they have.

Was in Buxton earlier this year, impacted icy snow on slippery hilly pavements and I remember a woman walking around nonchalantly in heeled boots.

If not the Yaxtrax or similar, then any boots with the Vibram Arctiv Grip soles like the Muck boots. Though, the sole does wear off after a while if it's having daily use not on snow or ice.

I second the warning about vibram soled footwear disintegrating if you don’t use it regularly. Not good.

I had very expensive hiking boots do that. Apparently the molecules need to be activated to keep the boots in one piece.

Bizarre. Especially as most people don’t use hiking boots over the winter as it’s not as fun as summer so the company knew that yet still chose that medium.

People may breeze around on black ice but ten minutes later that woman you saw might have been felled by it so I’d rather be safe than sorry. I have the studded strips that go round your foot. Sorry I’m no help otherwise re boot recommendations!

Hmm, thanks, was just reading that about Vibram. Plus, wouldn't want to have to carry another pair of shoes to change into at work.

It's not just footwear, it's posture too. I'll try to find the studies to link to but, basically, you need to throw your weight forward slightly, and take small steps, so that your legs stay under your torso. Think penguin!