Read The
Current Issue
Winter Traction
We tested these so you don’t have to.
// By sofia mcgulick
ICEBUG GROVE2 REWOOL
What it is
Insulated, water-repellent, style-y unisex boots available with either 14 dynamic steel studs or Icebug’s proprietary Nordic Traction rubber soles.
Strengths
Thanks to an insole, lining, and insock made with fleece, recycled wool, and an insulative foam made from algae (!), these are as toasty as sitting in front of a roaring fireplace; a newly thickened midsole makes walking even more comfy.
Weaknesses
The studded version needs to be paired with Icebug’s FloorSaver, which covers the spikey sole, to prevent damage to inside floors, and to also keep the studs from slipping. (They grip ice like a champ, but not the polished concrete floors of local grocery stores.)
Best for
Daily wear around town.
Details
$210 (non-studded), $230 (studded), available at icebug.com
KAHTOOLA NANOSPIKES
What it is
Slip-on low-profile traction devices with 10 tungsten carbide studs and center plate ridges.
Strengths
These grip ice like winter grips Wyoming in January; the studs have a much lower profile than spikes, making them more comfortable for long distances.
Weaknesses
The studs aren’t big and burly enough to provide purchase in loose, heavy snow.
Best for
Running or walking on solid ice.
Details
$55, available at Teton Mountaineering, 170 N. Cache St., Jackson
BLACK DIAMOND DISTANCE SPIKE TRACTION DEVICE
What it is
A workhorse slip-on spike system with 14 8mm heat-treated stainless steel spikes and a softshell, snow-resistant toe cover.
Strengths
Neither the lightest nor the burliest spike option, but the most durable, high-performing spikes that aren’t too big and heavy for stuffing in a pocket.
Weaknesses
Your feet might get sore if you walk on solid ice with these for several miles.
Best for
When you want a quiver-of-one traction system to work on as many different surfaces as possible.
Details
$100, available at Black Diamond, 160 W. Pearl Ave., Jackson
MERRELL MOAB SPEED 2 MID GTX
What it is
A light hiking boot with a Vibram TC5+ outsole that provides decent traction on all trails, whether they’re covered in snow or not.
Strengths
Thanks in large part to a wide toebox, these are comfy out of the box for many people.
Weaknesses
There’s a Gore-Tex layer, but no insulation; on the coldest days, feet can get cold.
Best for
When you want one boot that does multiple jobs—hiking (on either dirt- and snow-covered trails) or strapping into snowshoes.
Details
$180, available at Hoback Sports, 520 W. Broadway Ave., Jackson
SCARPA MORAINE POLAR GTX
What it is
A winter-specific hiking boot with PrimaLoft Pure insulation and an outsole made from a compound rubber formulated to stay flexible and grippy in cold temps and on snow.
Strengths
These boots have an integrated RECCO reflector, which can be found by search and rescue teams in emergency situations, like if you’re buried in an avalanche.
Weaknesses
Its treads were great on packed snow but didn’t feel secure on ice.
Best for
Fat bikers and snowshoers; hikers on non-icy trails.
Details
$219; available at Teton Mountaineering, 170 N. Cache St., Jackson
YAKTRAX WALK
What it is
The original slip-on traction devices, these have steel-coil-wrapped rubber and fit over most every shoe or boot.
Strengths
Affordable and super compact—they’ll not only fit in a jacket pocket, but even a pants pocket.
Weaknesses
We don’t find these add additional grip to footwear that already has a decent tread.
Best for
Convincing you that spiked traction devices are worth the extra money.
Details
$30, available at REI, 974 W. Broadway Ave., Jackson JH
