Credit:
Michael Elderbee / Reviewed
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Credit:
Michael Elderbee / Reviewed
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These crutch tips have a sandpaper-like surface and they fit over most standard crutch tips. Read More
These extreme-terrain crutch tips have a cleated design with spikes designed to withstand ice. One tip comes in each box. Read More
These crutch tips offer a larger surface area with improved slip protection compared to previous tips. Read More
These crutch tips are small, stylish and provide basic moisture protection. Read More
These DMI crutch tips have sharp spikes that hold, but installation requires dexterity. Read More
As pristine and picturesque as the first signs of snowfall may be, there’s no denying the abrupt change in weather conditions presents an additional challenge for seniors and persons with disabilities. Having used crutches for the past three decades, I know full well how previously safe pavement can start to feel like a death trap once snow, slush, and ice creep in. Aside from the panic of the increased possibility for slips, falls present an even bigger threat as surfaces harden. It’s a transition that standard tips found on crutches, canes, and walkers aren’t prepared to handle.
That said, there are a handful of niche manufacturers selling products that aim to provide non-slip solutions to seasonal slush stumbles. Leveraging the physics of metal spikes and wider bases for increased stability, these products abandon common aesthetics in favor of function. Certain pairs, like the Tips That Grip Snowboot Crutch Tip (available at Amazon) even feature sticky sandpaper-like coating for extra grip. But, because they look so strange, folks like me may be a little apprehensive about adding these specialized extras to their mobility aids.
But is it possible these supposed non-slip crutch tips might actually be a lifeline for those who need them? We assembled a small team of testers at the Reviewed labs in an attempt to answer that question. Armed with seven pairs of anti-slip crutch tips and dozens of sheets of premade ice, we searched for a solution. Here’s our assessment of the seven best non-slip crutch tips for ice and snow that you can buy right now.
The Tips that Grip Snowboots held up well to ice and were easy to apply, making them our best overall choice.
Large surface area
Ice assurance through retractable spikes
One tip per box may add to cost
Difficult to apply
Obvious tipping point
Large and flexible surface area
Could prove useful for rain or slick floors
Small enough to be portable for daily use
Didn’t hold up on hard ice
Grooved surface for basic slip protection
Sold in multiple color variants
Fared poorly against a large patch of hard ice
Small surface area
Sharper spikes held up to ice
Can be used with regular tips underneath
Just one spiked tip sold in each box
Flipping up the spikes requires dexterity
Not useful for pavement
Sold in a double pack for crutches
Very strong performance on ice
Can be flipped up for versatility
Not quite as sturdy as the DMI pair
To test our winter-centric crutch tips, we filled dozens of trays (measuring 9 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 1 inch deep) with water and then froze them to simulate hard ice. We then ran each of the seven crutch tips along this hard ice surface at a slight walking angle and fully vertical position.
We provided an increasing degree of force until the crutches gave way, making note of the pressure level as we progressed through the test. Persons with disabilities were on hand at all points during the testing period to ensure the proper angles were used.
While this test primarily focused on performance of these crutch tips in hard ice scenarios, we look forward to using them on real snow and slush in the months ahead to further hone our findings.
We’re extremely glad products like the ones we’ve featured here exist, but it’s worth noting that, when it comes to weather treatment for crutches and canes, there really is no perfect solution to this ever-present problem.
While we tested many pairs of non-slip crutch tips, there was no single product that was viable for all weather scenarios.
Our testing revealed that users will almost always have to make a tradeoff between versatility and security, which creates a frustrating conundrum. While products like the Mdub Medical tip can be really effective for daily use, they’re not as tough on ice as the spiked pairs that require a tougher installation process and extra dexterity.
Ultimately, the pair of crutch tips you choose to buy depends heavily on your personal situation. If you live in a climate that deals with more slush and snow than hard ice, many of the indoor-friendly pairs we’ve featured will be a smart purchase. For those in much colder climates that are prone to hard ice, it may be worth having someone help install and use those spikes.
It pains us to say there isn’t a one-size-fits-all choice to be made, which could mean swapping out various modified crutch tips as the cold winter season progresses.
One thing that is certain, though, is that all of these products performed better in harsh conditions than a standard crutch tip. So, at the very least, consumers can feel pretty confident that they’re not purchasing something that will make winter traversal worse. Aiming for perfection, however, is complicated.
In early 2022, Reviewed conducted a study to see if sand, salt, or cat litter proved most effective at preventing falls. We concluded that standard sand was the best at stopping slip, so we strongly suggest treating all slick surfaces with sand to combat winter weather regardless if you’re facing a mobility impairment or not.
Specialized salts and cat litter definitely work to some degree, but sand will keep those crutches firmly placed better than anything else.
Christopher Groux is the Senior Editor, Accessibility at Reviewed. Having persevered through a life with cerebral palsy, he's a specialist in mobility and dexterity aids for the disability community, including everything from crutches to adaptive shoes. He's been a fixture in the accessibility space for the past several years, leveraging that knowledge to lead day-to-day coverage and plans for major trade shows like E3 and CES. Before completing his Communication Arts & Sciences Bachelor's Degree at Bridgewater State University, Christopher composed a thesis on disability culture based on his personal experience.
Over more than a decade focused entirely on web and print journalism, Christopher also covered the games industry at storied outlets like Newsweek, Inverse, International Business Times, and more.
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