STABILicers
I have used STABILicers for the past five years for daily outdoor work in the winter. There is no better, more reasonably-priced, long-lasting tool for keeping traction on ice and snow. They feature case-hardened, replaceable cleats screwed into a Vibram Sole with sturdy Hook-and-Loop straps that will fit most boots and shoes (STABILicers come in three sizes). They take just a sec to put on and take off.
I spend my day outside all year delivering residential heating oil, so I am in and out of yards where there is no shoveling or clearing. After my first run-in with ice, I started a hard search for something to keep me from killing myself or, at the least, from getting seriously hurt. First I tried the previously-reviewed Yaktrax. I liked them, but went through my pair in a week ($20 down the drain!). If you want a product for occasional use then go with the Yaktrax. If you want a product that will perform all day, every day then buy the STABILicers. And as soon as I can justify buying another set of traction aids, I will
and see for myself how the Kahtoola Microspikes work.
I put my STABILICERS on in the early AM and do not take them off for eight to ten hours a day. I tend to go from pure ice-covered walkways to snow-covered slopes pulling heavy loads, but I also walk on hard ground between the ice and snow. As such I tend to go through the cleats quickly. I go over my cleats nightly and may go a week without changing a cleat (sometimes it's one or two a day). If you stick to using these on ice, the cleats will last for some time. Easy to change with a screwdriver or electric drill, they sell sell for around $5 for a bag of 50. I recommend buying one or two bags just to keep around. Personally, I buy ten bags at once, which lasts me a couple of seasons easy.
STABILicers are not indestructible. After a few years, I started to wear out one of the straps near the heel, so I bought another pair and now alternate. I find it is easier and less messy to change cleats when they are dry anyway. I also bought a set of the STABILicer Sport model which are rubber and fit over the shoe like a Yaktrax. Since these require a different, more expensive cleat, I use them only for hiking hardpacked snow trails and ice fishing, and never wear them on the pavement.
-- Robert Ferguson
STABILicers
$45 - 50
Available from Amazon
Manufactured by 32north
Favorite (15)
twoeightnine
I used to use YakTrax for running but you're right, they don't last at all. This year I switched to the New Balance MR921. Increased stability, warmth and water resistance in one package. Plus they were the cheapest option.
http://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Mens-MR921-Trail/dp/B000VV80CS
Kevin Kelly
@289: Thanks for the suggestion. I noticed no cleats on the heel. Do these really work in snow and ice?
bill
Another good option is kahtoola ... I've been using them for a couple of years. They work very well.
http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.html
Notaschmuck
I like these, have a pair. As a professional proofreader, however, I believe that you meant to say "Vibram sole" and not "soul". The latter would be a bit worrisome... I don't want my shoes talking to me. ;)
Casey A Ertz
Why don't you just screw some hex head sheet metal screws into the bottom of your work boots. It'll pretty much be the same deal but cheaper.
BJN
"I started to wear out one of the straps near the heal..."
The word is "heel", not "heal" in this context.
"Heal and soul" has a very different meaning than "heel and sole".
Thanks for the helpful review.
Kevin Kelly
Thanks, folks. The typos are fixed.
John Cunningham
I lived in Anchorage and then Fairbanks for 25 years, and I think I bought and used every type of traction gear for sale there. I found Stabilicers in the late 90s, and they are the best by far. Yaktrax break quite easily, and the Stabilicers are tops! I still use them a fair amount in Cincinnati where I now live, we have quite a bit of slick snow and freezing rain.
Pat T.
I've had STABILicers for a few years as well. I keep a set in the truck for emergencies.
I've had to shovel snow on a steep, icy driveways and they've always given me fantastic traction.
Casey, the screw-in cleats have a sharp, raised outer edge. Great for biting into ice!
Tom Buckner
As a mailman in Massachusetts, I used both Yaktrax and STABILicers. They do what they're supposed to, all right. However, I always had problems with them staying on and not slipping around or falling off. STABILicers, much tougher than the Yaktrax, would be much improved (I think) if they had a heel cup instead of straps.
The cleats do have raised edges; I think they're really just sheet metal screws, probably no. 6 or 8, no more than about 1/4 inch long. Casey, above, says "Why don't you just screw some hex head sheet metal screws into the bottom of your work boots. It'll pretty much be the same deal but cheaper." You'd really want to have a dedicated pair, I think, and they'd have to have good sturdy soles, but that might work. I considered doing it myself, but then I moved to North Carolina. My Yaktrax and STABILicers are now in the shed, since I haven't really needed them in three winters.
jim coffey
My goal in life has been to always live where they don't sell snow tires, galoshes, and ice walkin' shoes ... And now for something totally different...
http://www.havaianasus.com/mens-sandals/ has the best flip-flops on the planet.
Choosing the right flip flop is more an art than a science. You need traction for wet pavement, just the right amount of cush so you don't cut your feet on a sharp shell, but not too spongy or you can't run and catch the frisbee.
I suppose you could screw hex head screws in the bottom of your flip-flop for traction on ice, but DUDE, that would be so wrong on so many levels. It would scratch the paint on the deck of your boat for starters...
Since the price is reasonable it makes sense to have 8-10 pair scattered around your various living spaces (home, car, office). This is important because my life goal is to spend as much time as possible barefoot - with a good pair of flip flops close at hand in case I need to step into danger at a moment's notice.
Can you like, post this as a recommendation on cool tools?
j.k.livin man.....
twoeightnine
Kevin, I've had no problems. Then again I've mainly used them for running so my heals never hit the ground. I'm in the Snowbelt of Upstate NY and if they can handle that they can handle just about anything. The nice thing is that they take regular track spikes so you can replace them anytime and with a variety of lengths of spikes.
Sammy
Evidently LL Bean is recalling certain STABILicers--specifically the STABILicer Lite Cleats.
More on this here:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09114.html
It's interesting that the recall was issued based on two complaints that the straps broke. No reported injuries, however.
Tom
Just before a recent storm (here in Eastern Mass), I bought a pair of the Stabilicer Lite from REI due to the inch or more thick ice buildup at the top of my driveway from partial melting and refreezing. Without them I'm sure I would have slipped while attempting to snowblow my driveway. Looking at the posted recall from LL Bean, I don't see how they would detach unless they were improperly attached in the first place.
HWASKI
Just wanted to add that I, too, love the 32north line of traction gear. I am a "light" runner and living here in New England I rely heavily on my pair(s) of STABILicers Sport. VERY durable and surprisingly comfy considering how sturdy they are. I have heard too many stories about YaxTrax working but not lasting so it was an easy decision to pay more for a reliable product I could trust would last me long term...and they have. They are awesome - a well made product thus I highly recommend them. As a side note - my mom recently slipped on the ice walking her dog so i promptly ordered her a pair of the STABILicers Lite which she reports are working just great. I'm one happy customer. Check them out at www.32north.com
SIKISS
A facebook fan page has been created for STABILicers!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/www32northcom/51535197365?ref=ts