Boots that'll help me not slip and slide on snow and ice?

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I have a nice sturdy pair of Danner-contracted leather work boots that I got from Gemplers. They were a steal online and they're really great boots ...... EXCEPT when I'm walking where there's ice or packed snow. At that point, it's like I'm a drunk with an inner-ear disorder walking on the bow of a ship in a hurricane. Partly this is because I'm an old south Florida boy; I just can't get the hang of walking on slippery ice. My wife grew up in the snow and she never slips and slides.

The reason, she says, is that my boots' soles aren't good for it. So, my question for you guys who live in four-season climates: What features, materials, etc. should I be looking for in selecting boots that'll help me walk on snow and packed ice without killing myself (and looking like a moron to boot! :D ).

I have my eye on these LL Bean Wildcat boots. They claim to have "dual-density lugged rubber outsole for superior traction on slick surfaces." Thoughts?

Many thanks in advance.


PS: My price range is $100 or so.
 
Sorel Conquests

Best damn winter boots I ever owned. Search online and you can get them for under $100.

Here is a pretty good review.

The Sorel Conquest Boot, which is for men only, is an ideal winter weather boot for people who tend to venture into rough, rocky and slippery places. The Sorel Conquest boot provides solid ankle support - as the upper part of the boot is firm. While this reduces the flexibility of the boot a bit, it also goes a very long ways towards preventing sprained and broken ankles.

Additionally, the Sorel Conquest is the perfect boot for use in deep snow as the snow gator has a barrel lock that allows the gator to be tightened up securely against the leg. Like other Sorel's, the Conquest has a rubber lower - providing 100% waterproof protection and making the boot right at home in the mud. And finally, with a temperature rating of -40 degrees, the Sorel Conquest boot can be worn comfortably in very cold weather all day long.

One thing any buyers of the Conquest Boot should be aware of, though, is that it is kind of a pain to initially put on right out of the box. I own a pair of Sorel Conquests and really had to struggle to slip them on the first time. As the boots stretch out this becomes less of a problem, happily. (This was never a problem for me. I was able to get them on very easily. - Ken C.)

Overall, the Sorel Conquest boot is ideal for anyone who needs a winter boot that will be used in conditions that not only require a warmth, but that also require solid ankle support and excellent traction on slippery surfaces. The boots superb traction, ankle support and excellent snow gator make the Conquest a perfect choice of winter boot for anyone who ventures into rough and rocky areas. The Conquest also makes for an excellent hunting boot, too. If you do not need the rock-solid ankle support and snow gator that this boot provides, you may want to look at the Sorel Caribou Boot instead. The Caribou is easier to put on and is less expensive, too.

Advantages of the Sorel Conquest Boot

Sorel Conquest Boots work so well in the winter for six reasons:

First, the lower portion of the boot is made of rubber. This provides 100% waterproof protection. The rubber also makes the boot very easy to clean, especially if the boot is muddy.

Second, the boot provides superb insulation, with a temperature rating of -40 degrees. The insulation in the boot is 400g Thinsulate. The interior lining of the boot is made of fleece, allowing for comfort and helping keep your feet dry.

Third, the Conquest Boot has a built-in snow gator. This snow gator is for preventing snow from falling down into the boot as the barrel lock enclosure allows the gator to fit snugly around the leg. For deep snow, the Conquest boot is probably a better choice than the Caribou Boot which lacks this highly effective snow gator.

Fourth, the Conquest Boot has an upper leather and suede that is also 100% waterproof. The upper extends far above the ankle, providing excellent protection from deep snow and mud.

Fifth, the Sorel Conquest Boot provides excellent ankle support. Unlike the Caribou Boot, the Conquest provides firm ankle support. And for real treacherous conditions, an Achilles Adjustment Strap on the boot can be tightened to further provide ankle support.

Sixth, the boot has superb traction. The multi-directional lug outsole provides excellent traction in slick, snowy and muddy conditions.

Sorel Conquest Boot - Basic Information
Temperature Rating : - 40 degrees
Colors Available for Men's Boots : Cargo/Camo, Black and Coal..
Lower Boot Construction : Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell.
Upper Boot Construction : Waterproof, full grain leather upper.
Snow Gator: Yes, with barrel lock.
Sizes Available : For Men (7-15). Whole and Half Sizes. Order true size (don't step up or down a half-size).
Replaceable Liner? : No
 
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Rocky boots seem to have a softer outsole and get good traction on snow and ice. I have two different pair of their's and they work great. Salomon makes some nice winter boots as well.

You might also consider wearing the boots you like and putting on some YakTrax when they're needed.
 
If you look at snow tires they have lots of tight grooves in the tread patern. Snow and ice do not stick to rubber.
Snow and ice stick to snow.

What will help is a pair of boots that will actually hold some snow in the sole.
 
Try walking more pigeon-toed.

I'm not sure how applicable my advice is for walking on snow and ice on pavements etc, but in the mountains, it helps a lot to have a) a "sharp", hard edge to the sole for creating a bit of a platform; and b) to scuff your feet like you are trying to get dog $h!t or chewing gum off the bottom of the sole.

The latter helps to consolidate the snow into a firmer flatter platform and is more difficult to slip on.

cheers
Sean
 
Lee valley Tools has some tough slip on traction "ICER's" that have carbide tips. All the Posties here in Canada use them.

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/pag...//www.leevalley.com/home/page.aspx?c=&p=47397

el906s5.jpg

el906s6.jpg


best part is they are cheap ($$) and well made. Leaves you money for more knives!
 
+1 on the Rocky suggestion
If I'm going out in the cold for a while I wear the Blizzardstalker, though in the spirit of full disclosure I did slip a little on some ice tonight (caught myself though)

If I'm not actually going to be outside in the cold for a prolonged period I go with the Magnum Stealth II (The company has already replaced this model but have a similar one). I wear mine in any weather. I should also mention that they do have a non-slip sole but once it wears down a bit the first couple of steps on slick tile while wet might slip a bit.
 
Years ago we were having a particularly nasty winter, and a local shoe-repair guy had a booming business cutting shoe soles out of snow tires that were set up for studs, and then studding same with standard tire studs.
Worked great, but watch out for hardwood floors!
 
Thanks for all the advice, guys. :thumbup: I like the looks of those Rocky boots, and I definitely aim to pick up a set of yak tracks.
 
I've had fairly good results with chunky Vibram soled walking boots, and with Timberland boots too.

I like the look of those strap on tungsten carbide soles, never tried them but I imagine they would be just the thing for very icy conditions. No rubber soled boot is going to be slip free on solid ice.

Do steer clear of PU based soles like Dr Martens they're worse than ice skates!

When you're walking in icy conditions try to be more flat footed and don't spring off your toes like you would when its warm and dry.
 
Well, my main tip for walking is slippery conditions is to use your groin to keep your legs togther. Focus more on leg position than the actual act of walking; yeah you'll move slower, but also with more control.

That said, the best footwear I've ever had- when it comes to downright traction in slippery conditions- are Pearl Izumi trail running shoes. Had a pair of Sycroseek II's last winter and they were fantastic in all respects. "Upgrdaded" to water resistant Syncroseek III WRX this year, and I gotta say, good shoes for the winter but I've rather have my II's for general purpose.

Anyhow, phenominal traction.
 
I'm going to almost exactly mirror what Bladefixation said... Doc Martens are like walking on a slick cement floor covered with wet dish soap. On the other hand, my Timberland steel-toe boots have excellent traction.

It's funny, though, because my Docs have great traction on just about every other surface that I've walked on. :confused:
 
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