Winter boots

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I had a nasty fall on ice last winter and broke my wrist. I’m determined to be extra cautious this year. Can anybody recommend any boots with really good grip? I really don’t care what they look like. I’m a size 4, so might even be able to get away with children’s so long as they’re not pink and girly.

Also, what about the things that slip over boots for more traction - any recs for those? I won’t need to walk miles in them, just up to the shops etc.

Under £100 ideally.

My Lowa hiking boots ate my go-to when it’s icy. Definitely not pink and girly!

Is there a Cotswold Outdoor near you, OP, where you could try on something like this?

https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/merrell-womens-vego-mid-leather-waterproof-boots-B2122720.html?colour=144

Thanks for these. Any other recommendations very gratefully appreciated.

I've got 2 dogs I walk in all weathers and really like Bareback footwear. They're a decent price, and have got fantastic soles. They're a bit "country" rather than town smart but I now always go for grip over style after spraining my ankle badly a few years ago.

Thank you. There are some nice looking ones on there but most are more expensive than I ideally want to pay for something that will probably only be worn a couple of weeks in the year.

I have Yaktrax that I pull over my boots when it's icy. They are very effective.
https://www.yaktrax.co.uk/

Thanks for this thread Remus. I’m following as I slip and fall over at least once every winter and I’m concerned it’s only a matter of time before I do some serious damage to myself.

I normally wear my Dr Martens in bad weather but they’re clearly not enough.

I’ve got some spiked slip over your shoe things and they’re good in solid ice or snow but useless once the snow / ice is patchy which tends to be the case round here.

I was flabbergasted that my docs proved to be as much use as a pair of ballet shoes!

Same here!

Following with interest. I also fell on some ice last winter and although it wasn’t as nasty as your fall, it was only a matter of luck that I didn’t do any serious damage. We’re also going to Boston at the end of December where I expect we may get some snowy/icy conditions and I’m not sure that my current footwear is up to it. It’s mainly icy pavements that I’m worried about as I tend to be a city-dweller. Bonus points if they look vaguely smart enough to wear at work although I think I might be looking for unicorn boots.

Hopefully we’ll get lots more recommendations and have plenty of choices to go and check out.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-waterproof-snow-boots-sh500-leather-beige/332914/c70m8644860
I got these for my week in Sweden in February. Didn't slip or slide once and they are the comfiest footwear I've ever worn. They are lovely and warm and I walked 20,000 steps in them some days. Decathlon has a big selection of snow boots/winter boots and I highly recommend

Try Mammal boots - I have some with ice grips on the soles. The grips are flat against the sole but you can pop them out quite easily when it's icy. They are wonderful. No more slipping in ice and snow.

Thank you - they could be a contender!

We’ve only really got Mountain Warehouse, North Face or Jack W for outdoor type shops, I think.

OP if you have a mountain warehouse near you, I’d recommend going in and having a look at the kids hiking boots. I got some as an emergency pair as my boots had been left behind somewhere I couldn’t get them for a month and needed boots for dog walks over winter, and they’ve been amazing, good grip, comfy and I still reach for them when my dog wants a muddy walk.

If you want to use Yak Trax or similar grips, then you need a fairly rigid boot to start with eg: walking boots, rather than a soft snow boot. Snow boots are not always great in ice.

yaxtrax definitely. The only boots I don’t slip in are out of budget but they’re Ariat ones. Wore them randomly one day when it was snow and ice and didn’t slip at all

oh actually not boots but I have a pair of regatta walking trainers that are v v grippy, I can find a link

I have these:
https://www.outdoorandcountry.co.uk/womens-sorel-lennox-lace-stkd-waterproof-leather-boot.html?c=Ceramic%20/%20Canoe&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&tlid=CjwKCAjwtp7VBhBjEiwAJfpV--ioLaKoePSgDT1a09oPPCK2ftNMs5rUWtSXDzqqOOBVvUxTy2sW9hoCHXIQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18842343539&gbraid=0AAAAADROmV8xDvjFdYvr-hJAE5x9XlqW6&gclid=CjwKCAjwtp7VBhBjEiwAJfpV--ioLaKoePSgDT1a09oPPCK2ftNMs5rUWtSXDzqqOOBVvUxTy2sW9hoCHXIQAvD_BwE

(apologies for ridiculous link 🙈) - and love them! The brand is fantastic for “proper” winter boots 👍

I live in a cobbled street and it's absolutely lethal. Ive cracked a rib before on slipping.
Yak trax. They fit over your boot and are coiled wire that provide a fantastic grip.

The Sorrel ones are lovely, but I just can’t justify spending over £100. I have three pairs of DMs, a pair of knee high Gortex from Clarks and two pairs of Seasalt boots. I just need something for the few days a year that there is ice.

Just looked at Yaktrax and it seems that I couldn’t wear them indoors, so no good for when I have to walk to the shop. There’s nowhere to sit to take them off and put them on again. Gah!

Yes please re the link.

These. Not overly stylish but I feel safe in them

https://www.regatta.com/womens-lady-vendeavour-walking-shoes-mocha-dark-cherry/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaignname%7D_21452197611&utm_content=%7Badgroupname%7D_165057311912&utm_term=&utm_brand=regatta&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21452197611&gbraid=0AAAAADQdSE_WHZyN6VXQQSCOJgOlVGOlY&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh4XQzorulgMVvIlQBh3BGTuJEAQYAiABEgKvUPD_BwE

Thank you. I’m not bothered about stylish - just want to stay upright!

I don’t think Yak Trax are the answer for me either unfortunately. I’m after something for when snow and ice has been cleared from main roads but the side roads and pavements are still treacherous in patches. That can go on for weeks.

Hope you don’t mind me crashing your thread Remus!