Best winter shoes to avoid falls?

Submitted by schnitzelcr3ek t3_ylah1c in vermont

Hi Vermonters! I've lived here for a year now, and am anticipating my second Vermont winter. I am looking for your best recs for winter shoes that will protect best against falls and slips etc. I have a lot of fear about falling as I have physical health issues but want to try and get out and about more this winter with confidence. I'm a college student but the pavements were havoc last winter. Looking for options, regardless of budget because I can get a school grant to cover the cost. Appreciate any and all suggestions!

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rumpusbutnotwild t1_iuxg1gw wrote

Came here to recommend ice cleats that slip over your shoes or boots.

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mellercopter t1_iuxh1i4 wrote

I would look at a pair of good quality hiking boots AND some over boot traction like yak tracks. I have a pair of waterproof Merrell Moab 2 Mid that have pretty great traction on their own, plus they are waterproof and the thick sole helps keep my feet warm and come above my ankle so if I happen to step funny I'm not breaking an ankle. They aren't extremely heavy, but are definitely not as light as a sneaker, unsure if the weight would be an issue.

They are affordable enough that you can get away with wearing them daily if you're just walking around, but durable enough to last a few seasons. I've had mine 3 years running and they are in great shape. I bought a second pair for hiking cause those get beat to shit but even those have lasted more than 2 years. Every "winter boot" I have bought previously looked nice, but either didn't keep me warm, didn't provide traction, or fell apart too quickly.

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LifeIzBeautiful t1_iuxnehl wrote

Adding my voice to the ice stabilizers. Be aware that they will absolutely DESTROY floors so take your boots off inside when possible.

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GraniteGeekNH t1_iuxnmi2 wrote

As others note, its not the shoes but the added grips you attach to them. I suggest having a pain by the front door with the grips (yak trax or whatever) attached, so you don't have to put them on and off. That's what I do.

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triathing t1_iuxo4yo wrote

Yaks have had quality issues - they’ll last maybe a couple of weeks. Invest in a pair of Icebugs and NexGrips. The NexGrips have folding heel cleats so you can wear them inside, too. Some of the best money I’ve spent in a while - only cost me a broken cheekbone and concussion.

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kayleezi t1_iuxpq68 wrote

navatex and nexgrip are two winter boot brands that have retractable cleats on the bottom so you can wear them indoors if needed!

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skiitifyoucan t1_iuy0wcf wrote

I wear studded shoes , obviously you don't want to wear them on wood, etc. but this is the best option for walking on ice.

the lacing system is awesome too, you can tighten them with gloves or mittens.

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https://icebug.com/p/newrun-m-bugrip-gtx

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goldenlight18 t1_iuyemxx wrote

Sorels! And look for something with a little bit of a tooth. In college in particular things like Bean boots get hyped up but I've found that they're the slipperiest. And yes, yak trax and ice stabilizers can help on the worst of days, but a reliable boot for 5 months out of year is important.

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TwoNewfies t1_iuyfsx7 wrote

I found ice bug boots to be better than yak tracks which got to be a pain to put on and take off. And my Muck Boots have Arctic tread. Supposed to be more sticky to help with Falls. I love the Muck Boots and the ice bugs!

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deadowl t1_iuypigx wrote

The range is yak trax < ice cleats < crampons. Don't have experience with yak trax or crampons. Can attest that ice cleats can turn into ice skates at steeper walking terrains (think Cliff Street in Burlington but less maintained). And all options are going to be hazardous to indoor floorboards.

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StankyBo t1_iuyubwo wrote

My college buddy from LA bought UGGs. I highly recommend it.

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triathing t1_iuz776k wrote

Replying to Unique-Public-8594 (#439,034)

Yaks were good for me until two or three years ago. They've gone to hell since then, and I really don't think it's because I'm rough on them. I bought two pairs in 2020, and the plastic webbing broke on both within a month.

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DasWheever t1_iuzb7iw wrote

Not for the iciest days, maybe, but I've found Merrill Ice Mocs to give me good solid traction 99% of the time.

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carbonpenguin t1_iuzeqhj wrote

I live in a pair of slip-on Merrills in the winter. Quick on and off, waterproof, and solid traction.

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bobsizzle t1_iv76ng8 wrote

A good work boot with vibram soles. Preferably insulated and American made. Or even assembled.

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