Yak Trax to the Rescue

Ice, sleet, snow, ugh! Attempts to dash through the snow can only be achieved under safe winter conditions, definitely not in Chicagoland on any cold, icy, snowy day. Eight inches of the white stuff coats the roads, laying on top of an inch of ice from the previous day's sleet. Walking outside under icy wintry condition can be tragic if not prepared. Yak Trax to the rescue.

Yak Trax are expandable plastic or steel coils that quickly attach to boots or shoes giving instant traction and protection against falls. Available in two strengths, the Walker (with plastic coils) or the Pro (with steel coils), each device provides lightweight traction to shoes or boots for a low price. The coils provide 360 degrees of traction safety and the biting edges are good to -41 degrees F.

According to the manufacturer, the Yaktrax Pro will instantly provide better traction, confidence and safety on packed snow or ice. "Made with high strength, abrasion resistant 1.4 mm steel coils and heavy duty natural rubber material, the Yaktrax Pro easily conforms to the shape of your boot or shoe. With its patented SkidLock coil design, the Yaktrax Pro provides 360 degrees of traction on packed snow and ice and can be worn in temperatures as low as -41° Fahrenheit. "

The two pair of Yak Trax Pro I purchased have kept me on my feet while walking on thick icy snow as well as on icy sidewalks. The Yak Trax product provides a solid grip and stability that gives me confidence while moving about outside. The $29.95 price is cheap insurance against falls and the product line is available from several online sites at even reduced prices. Additional traction devices are also available at Cozy Winters , which even offers clip-on foot gear with small spikes to dig into the ice and snow, but probably come with a warning "do not drive while wearing these." My advice to all: order the Yak Trax Pro today. You won't be sorry. I'm ordering two more pair.

Photo attribution: somewhat frank