Stabilicers Traction Cleat Review

Stabilicers Traction slip on cleats for snow and ice have emerged as a seasonal solution to a nagging problem for people with ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). I recently switched to a new type of orthotic, but, as much as I appreciate the assist in posture and stability, the extra-thick hardware makes it impossible for me to zip up traditional snow boots.

$28 at Amazon

Advertised as slip-on cleats for winter boots, Stabilicers solve that problem by easily fitting over any boots or shoes in your wardrobe. The unique design allows you to secure any footwear that’s comfortable to you with high-performance traction aids that can withstand packed snow and slippery ice. When I was asked to cat sit for a friend, I had the perfect excuse to venture out into the winter weather and give my new cleats a try.

About Stabilicers Walk Traction Cleats for winter boots

The Stabilicers cleats come in four universal sizes for men and women: small, medium, large, and extra-large. Right off the bat I was concerned, as my feet tend to run smaller than average. I wear a range of shoe sizes from women’s 3 to 5, sometimes even dipping into the kids' section, even though I am 28 years old.

I decided to go with the small size and hope for the best. The product’s website claims the cleats are for everyday use and will help with traversal in snow and icy gravel. It also says the cleats fold for easy storage in a purse or backpack, but I would also recommend housing them in a plastic bag as well. You wouldn’t want to stuff these cleats in a purse after walking in the snow.

The cleats feature rounded steel spikes, which are molded into the thermoplastic shoe grips to provide ice traction and protect against slips and falls. Instead of the velcro strap you’ll find on Stabilicers Maxx, the Walk Traction cleats feature a rubberized material that holds onto your shoe, making for a tight grip without a lot of configuring. This design is more akin to the suspension system used by ice grips like the Yaktrax Pro, and Due North’s tungsten carbide spiked cleats.

The fit

I paired these tailored cleats for shoes and boots with my size-5 New Balance sneakers. They were easy to slip on and felt like a snug fit, so I did not foresee the cleats slipping off. According to the included sizing guide, a small cleat should fit a women’s size 5 to 8. As these were a tight fit on my size-5 sneaker, I would suggest someone with a size 7 or 8 shoe buy the medium sizing.

What I like about Stabilicers Walk Traction Cleats

I wore my Stabilicers to a former professor’s apartment while I was cat sitting, and I am glad I did! The day before, we had a mix of rain and ice, so the walkway and roads were covered with some serious icy conditions. Some spots were pure ice, while others were a slushy snow.

I cautiously walked through the precipitation and was immediately comforted by the stability of the traction devices on the cleats. No matter what type of surface I was walking on—ice, snow, or slush—the cleats cut right through it. I felt like I was walking on solid ground and did not slip or slide at all.

What I don’t like about Stabilicer’s slip on ice cleats for boots

My only complaint about the Stabilicers ice cleats is that they are very difficult to walk on indoors, particularly on hardwood and tile. While they are not designed for indoor use, one has to find a seat inside to use while putting them (or the shoes they’re attached to) on and taking them off.

I needed to exercise extreme caution while walking inside, as I could feel my feet slipping slightly with each step. Fortunately, the cleats are easy to don and remove, so taking them off right inside the door may be doable for some.

Should you buy Stabilicers shoe cleats for snow and ice?

Yes

As someone who is notorious for falling on ice or in the snow, I believe any device that offers extra assistance is worth a look. These Stabilicers Walk Traction Cleats truly helped me feel safe in slippery situations. They are easy to use, and the anti-skid mechanisms do make a difference when walking in the winter. Priced at around $20, I think these are a great traction cleat for walking on snow and ice.

$28 at Amazon

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_Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.