Ice & Snow Gear

Micilin Muc

I imagine today's isn't the only snow/ice we'll have this winter so I'm looking for some solution so I can keep up my training.

These are my options:

1. DIY alterations to old running shoes as explained by robinph and heffsarmy.

2. YakTrax Pro.

3. Cross Country Shoes

I'm thinking the YakTrax Pro would be the best idea but would like to hear experience/advice from other Boards members.

shazkea

Micilin Muc wrote: »

I imagine today's isn't the only snow/ice we'll have this winter so I'm looking for some solution so I can keep up my training.

These are my options:

1. DIY alterations to old running shoes as explained by robinph and heffsarmy.

2. YakTrax Pro.

3. Cross Country Shoes

I'm thinking the YakTrax Pro would be the best idea but would like to hear experience/advice from other Boards members.

I would be interested to hear reviews on the YakTrax as well. I saw them on Amazon for ~£20 and thinking of getting them. I have heard mixed reviews but that was mainly from hikers so wondering what runners think.

puffdragon

http://cgi.ebay.ie/CRAMPONS-Anti-Slip-Sole-Ice-and-Snow-Shoes-/230544255682

http://www.blacktoe.co.uk/ice%20Grips/ice%20grips.htm

http://www1.uk.shopping.com/ice%20grips/products~NS-1~linkin_id-8019934

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=ice+grip&tag=googiehydra-21&index=aps&hvadid=3951488730&ref=pd_sl_4zm8lif3up_b

http://www.yaktrax.co.uk/

Micilin Muc

I bought a pair of YakTrax Walker this morning in Base Camp on Middle Abbey Street. They have very few left (medium and large) and have no small sizes. The Pro range don't seem to be available in any shop in Dublin.

I've ordered a small pair for my OH from Capel Camping on Capel Street. They are getting a big delivery at 2.00 today apparently.

Will report back on how I get on.

Micilin Muc

Just back from 6km walking in YakTrax Walker and they really are great. As far as I can tell the only difference between the YakTrak Walker and the YakTrax Pro (which they market as better for running) is the velcro strap across the Pro. Might try running in them tomorrow.

Capel Camping are already sold out (apparently they sold 150 units today) but will get another order on Wednesday.

kennyb3

Micilin Muc wrote: »

Just back from 6km walking in YakTrax Walker and they really are great. As far as I can tell the only difference between the YakTrak Walker and the YakTrax Pro (which they market as better for running) is the velcro strap across the Pro. Might try running in them tomorrow.

Capel Camping are already sold out (apparently they sold 150 units today) but will get another order on Wednesday.

Tempted by a pair, did you notice them much walking? like would you imagine they d be fully comfortable to run in? and grippy enough?

mloc123

This isn't worth a new thread and this one seems relevant...

What are the footpaths in Dublin city like now? Away at the moment but heard there was alot of snow... Worth bring my gear into work tomorrow for a lunch time run?

kingQuez

On my way home from work at 7 it seemed hit and miss. Some are covered in snow, some ice, some a mix of slush and grit, and some lovely and clear (infront of hotels etc.).

tunney

mloc123 wrote: »

This isn't worth a new thread and this one seems relevant...

What are the footpaths in Dublin city like now? Away at the moment but heard there was alot of snow... Worth bring my gear into work tomorrow for a lunch time run?

Did 10km around city centre at lunch. Plenty of compacted snow but was grand. 25s per km slower for same HR.

That being said the uphill ride home on a fixie with a big gear was "interesting".

huskerdu

mloc123 wrote: »

This isn't worth a new thread and this one seems relevant...

What are the footpaths in Dublin city like now? Away at the moment but heard there was alot of snow... Worth bring my gear into work tomorrow for a lunch time run?

I'm out in Dundrum/ Sandyford and the pavements are slushy and nasty today, worse that icy and snowy. I couldn't even walk quickly in decent walking boots.

I haven't run in a week and I am having withdrawal symptoms.

mloc123

Got out at lunch time, wet and slushy but fine to run on. That said, if you are a heavy heel lander I could see that causing alot of problems.

Patrick_K

For anyone over this side of the city (Dublin 2/4) Sandymount Strand is a good option for running at the moment.
Was down there at lunchtime and if you keep in near the wall it's in decent nick.
It's low tide around lunchtime at the moment.

Also isn't it funny how runners become more friendly the more extreme the conditions become ?
I passed a fella today and he gave a big thumbs up as if to say 'we must be mad' or something like that ...

PK

tunney

Patrick_K wrote: »

For anyone over this side of the city (Dublin 2/4) Sandymount Strand is a good option for running at the moment.
Was down there at lunchtime and if you keep in near the wall it's in decent nick.
It's low tide around lunchtime at the moment.

Also isn't it funny how runners become more friendly the more extreme the conditions become ?
I passed a fella today and he gave a big thumbs up as if to say 'we must be mad' or something like that ...

PK

What time were you there at?

Patrick_K

Between 1 and 1.30 or so.
Were you that fella ?

tunney

Patrick_K wrote: »

Between 1 and 1.30 or so.
Were you that fella ?

Didn't do thumbs up but I was there - red hat, green jacket.
You? Not many there!

Patrick_K

Nope was quiet enough, think I only saw 2 others, neither of which match your description.
Thumbs up guy had no hat which I thought was quite mad.
I'd a black hat + leggings, grey long sleeved top.

nerraw1111

I was down there around 1.30pm or so. I had no hat and gave someone a thumbs up. Blue top on, black leggings.

I nodded to another but got no reaction so that was probably Tunney

tunney

nerraw1111 wrote: »

I was down there around 1.30pm or so. I had no hat and gave someone a thumbs up. Blue top on, black leggings.

I nodded to another but got no reaction so that was probably Tunney

Sorry, didn't realise I knew you.

Patrick_K

neraw1111 you'll catch your death of cold out with no hat on a day like that !
Thumbs up none the less.

nerraw1111

Patrick_K wrote: »

neraw1111 you'll catch your death of cold out with no hat on a day like that !
Thumbs up none the less.

I was only venturing out for a test run but was enjoying it so much I decided to stay out. I was fine till the sleet. Brrrr

pgibbo

Am going to order some Yaktrax Pro today. Anyone know which site is best value for them?

tunney

pgibbo wrote: »

Am going to order some Yaktrax Pro today. Anyone know which site is best value for them?

Ordered mine from Amazon. Still waiting on them. The screws trick works but terrified of a screw coming through the sole.

mloc123

So far my runners are fine, if this is gonna hold up for another week I might retire my current active runners to the homemade solution.

kennyb3

pgibbo wrote: »

Am going to order some Yaktrax Pro today. Anyone know which site is best value for them?

tunney wrote: »

Ordered mine from Amazon. Still waiting on them. The screws trick works but terrified of a screw coming through the sole.

Ordered mine Monday due to arrive today (hopefully), anyone know of how well they work (friends using them or whatever)

Micilin Muc

I'm just back from 2 miles running with the YakTrax in the snow. I didn't slip at all, but then again the snow being fresh meant it was crunchier.

tunney

I've found compression socks a must for running in the snow. I'm overusing my calves in it.

kingQuez

I've been using microspikes, great investment. They look similar to the yaktrax.
http://www.amazon.com/Kahtoola-MICROspikes-Pocket-Traction-System/dp/B0030I3Y48

ronanmac

I bought a pair of Stabilicers while over in London last weekend. Went out with them for the first time today, put them on a pair of Inov-8 295s. I found them to be great, no loss of traction going uphill on black ice.

dapope

I've been using the YakTrax Pro the last few days and they are really good. I did 70mins last night between compact snow on paths and icy roads. It wasn't my usual pace and I suspect like Tunney that I am still using my calves more.

Apart from that its nice weather for running

kennyb3

dapope wrote: »

I've been using the YakTrax Pro the last few days and they are really good. I did 70mins last night between compact snow on paths and icy roads. It wasn't my usual pace and I suspect like Tunney that I am still using my calves more.

Apart from that its nice weather for running

+1, used them last night and even running on sheets of ice never felt i would fall.obviously pace is slower and gait is probably messed with but they allow you to do a bit.

tunney

kennyb3 wrote: »

+1, used them last night and even running on sheets of ice never felt i would fall.obviously pace is slower and gait is probably messed with but they allow you to do a bit.

I find the YakTrax 10-15 seconds per km slower. The DIY jobby is 20-25 seconds slower per km. I felt more secure on the ice with the YakTrax but on areas where the ice had melted the screws are better. I think for full on ice - YakTrax, once it starts to thaw screws.

Stark

Have been using Yaktrax walker in snow and ice (wove shoelaces through them so they wouldn't come off my feet. My housemate lost one of hers walking in the snow). Have worn them in orienteering races wear I've been racing over icy ground and so far they've been brilliant.

Micilin Muc

Both mine and my OH's Yaktrax broke today. I ran a total of 10 miles and walked a total of 12 miles in them and the rubber in one point has totally worn away.

Will buy another pair and avoid the concrete as much as possible!

Seres

badly in need of the yak trax pros , where is the best place to order to get the quickest possible delivery ?

tunney

Seres wrote: »

badly in need of the yak trax pros , where is the best place to order to get the quickest possible delivery ?

Went up ten pounds since I bought mine. Good luck getting some this side of christmas.

Seres

tunney wrote: »

Went up ten pounds since I bought mine. Good luck getting some this side of christmas.

thanks on that basis , how do the nails work i.e how many do you put in ? where , just the soles ? whats the best lenght to use ?

pgibbo

Seres wrote: »

badly in need of the yak trax pros , where is the best place to order to get the quickest possible delivery ?

Are you going to be in Galway at all Seres? Safety Direct have them on the Tuam Road and so do Walker Footwear in Liosban. If you call them they might post to you. The lady in Walker's is very helpful.

huskerdu

Seres wrote: »

badly in need of the yak trax pros , where is the best place to order to get the quickest possible delivery ?

I ordered a pair of YakTrax Pros from an American seller on ebay.
It cost a total of €27 including postage, and they arrived in 9 days.

I ordered them during the last snow a few weeks ago, knowing that they would arrive after the thaw, but decided that I was better off having them for the future.

It looks like I might get to try them out quicker than I thought.

Seres

pgibbo wrote: »

Are you going to be in Galway at all Seres? Safety Direct have them on the Tuam Road and so do Walker Footwear in Liosban. If you call them they might post to you. The lady in Walker's is very helpful.

thanks a million pgibbo , really appreciate that , will give them a call now

Seres

pgibbo wrote: »

Are you going to be in Galway at all Seres? Safety Direct have them on the Tuam Road and so do Walker Footwear in Liosban. If you call them they might post to you. The lady in Walker's is very helpful.

all went in walker footwear this morn , ordered them in safety direct , will post out monday , thanks a million , might see ya soon

pgibbo

Seres wrote: »

all went in walker footwear this morn , ordered them in safety direct , will post out monday , thanks a million , might see ya soon

Maybe they should give them out instead of Hats at the FoA. Then the race could go ahead regardless of the conditions...:D

Hopefully see you there on Sunday

Krusty_Clown

Wore the Yaktrax pros for a 16 mile run over the Dublin mountains today, and found them brill in all sorts of conditions. Road, grass, forest pines, frozen rivers, rocks, snow. They coped really well; Only one minor fall. They did tear up my running shoes a bit, so you may want to wear them on an older pair of running shoes.

Murraythree

Seres wrote: »

all went in walker footwear this morn , ordered them in safety direct , will post out monday , thanks a million , might see ya soon

They work out pretty expensive from Safety Direct

Items

€ 24.00
Shipping

€ 7.50



Vat @21%


€ 6.61

Total €38.11

Seres

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Wore the Yaktrax pros for a 16 mile run over the Dublin mountains today, and found them brill in all sorts of conditions. Road, grass, forest pines, frozen rivers, rocks, snow. They coped really well; Only one minor fall. They did tear up my running shoes a bit, so you may want to wear them on an older pair of running shoes.

thanks for the tip kc , really need mine now , hopefully they will be here tuesday

Patrick_K

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Wore the Yaktrax pros for a 16 mile run over the Dublin mountains today, and found them brill in all sorts of conditions. Road, grass, forest pines, frozen rivers, rocks, snow. They coped really well; Only one minor fall. They did tear up my running shoes a bit, so you may want to wear them on an older pair of running shoes.

Where did they tear them up KC ?
Soles or uppers ?
I haven't noticed that with mine although I haven't looked at them too closely either (or run 16 miles continuously for that matter ...)

Cheers
PK

Krusty_Clown

Patrick_K wrote: »

Where did they tear them up KC ?
Soles or uppers ?
I haven't noticed that with mine although I haven't looked at them too closely either (or run 16 miles continuously for that matter ...)

Cheers
PK

On the edges of soles. However, I was continuously on trails, over the top of a mountain, so it could be the rough terrain that was cutting up the shoes. Largely just cosmetic damage. But they were an absolute saviour. You would barely notice the snow or ice. In fact I was aiming for the snow and ice most of the time, to try and preserve the Yaktraks. I was a doubter, now I'm a believer.

MaroonTam

KC,

How would the Yaktrax compare to a set of Cross Country spikes?

I am in the market for both, but if I could get away with buying just the spikes..... :rolleyes:

tunney

MaroonTam wrote: »

KC,

How would the Yaktrax compare to a set of Cross Country spikes?

I am in the market for both, but if I could get away with buying just the spikes..... :rolleyes:

Nope, not enough grip with XC spikes.

Modifed shoes or Yaktraks only way to go. (or a threadmill)

Bambaata

Seres wrote: »

thanks on that basis , how do the nails work i.e how many do you put in ? where , just the soles ? whats the best lenght to use ?

i have about 15 on the sole of each runner on mine. i put a few around the edges at the back and then focused on where i can see the most wear towards the front as thats obviously where i strike with the foot the most. The ones i used are like this -

Where the sole is very small i put some washers on to ensure the screw doesnt pop straight through and into my foot! So far so good, really getting good traction. Havent even had 1 near miss and ive ran on ice that i wasnt able to walk on in normal runners!

whyulittle

I ordered a pair of Yaktrax in a local shop on Friday 17th December. "Yeah no problem, we'll have them in the store for collection on Tuesday".

Called in on Tuesday and am met by blank stares when I enquire about my pair. "Oh no, we weren't able to get our delivery. Give me your number and I'll call you when they come in, should be Thursday".

Thursday comes, and goes, into Christmas. Try them on the 29th, closed. Just happen to see one of their vans later that afternoon, so ask the fella when they re-open - January 4th.

Ordered 4 pair from ScoutGear.com later that night, last Wednesday. Posted from California and they arrived this afternoon, January 4th.

Still waiting on my call back from the local shop.

maria74

whyulittle wrote: »

Ordered 4 pair from ScoutGear.com later that night, last Wednesday. Posted from California and they arrived this afternoon, January 4th.
.

Thanks for that. Was looking to order a couple of pairs, especially with the weather due to return on Friday (?) so I have now ordered from Scoutgear.com also!