Get a grip! The best snow boots and snow grips for winter weather
December 06, 2024
In this guide
We've all had the unfortunate experience of slipping and sliding down the street when walking in snow or icy conditions. Having the best snow boots or grips to put on the bottom of your shoes is a fantastic way to stay on your feet in bad weather
Plus, having footwear that's best suited to snow means your feet will be better protected from the adverse effects of cold and wet weather. Read on to discover more about adapting your shoes for the snow and ice.
Best spikes, sprays and grips for shoes
Typically, the best shoes for snow and icy conditions will have strong grip and traction. Sometimes though, even shoes that look winter-proof could benefit from a little extra help - especially if you've had them a long time and worn the soles down.
Adding spikes, sprays and attachable grips to the bottom of your shoes are all useful hacks to help you stay on your feet when the weather turns icy. Here's our summary of the best products to help improve your grip in snow and ice.
Spikes
Placing detachable snow chains with metallic spikes on the bottom to your shoes is a great way to improve the grip of your shoes instantly. The spikes will dig into thicker snow and ice, preventing your feet from slipping underneath you. Instead, you'll have a steady footing to see you through even the snowiest of walks.
Sprays
Adhesive sprays are another way to add traction and grip to your favourite shoes. These 'grip sprays' are designed to add a degree of tackiness to the soles of your shoe. If you can't find any, however, a standard hairspray will do effectively the same job. Unlike spikes or grips, the effects of a spray will wear off over time - so you'll need to maintain the upkeep to see a continued improvement. Sprays can be a great short-term fix if you find yourself caught out by a change in the weather.
Grips
Attachable snow grips can also add traction to your shoes and keep you on your feet. They'll help improve the tread of your boots without compromising on their structure - essential for keeping your feet warm, secure and protected. Because you can take the grips on and off, you're not limited to wearing just the one pair of shoes and boots - so you can keep your feet looking fabulous whatever the weather.
Discover more hacks to make your favourite shoes winter-proof.
Best boots for walking on ice
There's something magical about taking a walk on a crisp winter's day - don't let snow and ice hold you back from that. With the right shoes for ice and snow, you can enjoy even the frostiest of walks. Sturdy winter shoes and boots, with a non-slip rubber sole, are generally the best option for walking on icy pavements.
Best ice and snow footwear for women
While snow boots are typically the best option when it comes to footwear for wintry conditions, their chunky style might not suit everyone. Here are some great snow footwear options to keep you upright and on-trend:
Best ice and snow footwear for men
Choosing the best men's snow boots you can find is an effective way of protecting your feet from cold and wet weather, while keeping you from slipping over on ice. But as with women's footwear, snow boots don't always work for the occasion. They're not exactly the smartest shoes to wear to the office, for example. Some top options for men during the snowy and icy weather include:
Read our winter boots guide for more in-depth information on picking the right winter footwear.
Other ways to avoid slipping on ice
Even with your sturdy footwear in place, there are a few extra things you can try in order to stay on your feet. Here are some of our top tips for staying upright on icy pavements.
Walk like a penguin
When the ground turns slippery, take inspiration from those that deal with ice and snow every day - penguins. Try to take small, flat-footed steps to waddle like a penguin. This will help to spread your body weight as much as possible and improve your balance.
Use masking tape
Sticking masking tape to the bottom of your shoes can add extra grip and traction. This should give you a steadier footing and help to prevent slipping and sliding on snowy surfaces.
Don't get over-confident
When snowfall starts to melt, it's easy to get a little over-confident and think you can start walking normally or wearing your regular shoes. However, remember that once the snow starts to thaw, it's likely to freeze up again overnight - leaving black ice in its place.
Use walking sticks
Placing your belongings in a backpack - and freeing up your hands to use walking sticks or hiking poles - can be a real bonus in heavy snow. Placing your sticks firmly into the snow will help give you a sturdy support when walking and help to spread your bodyweight over a larger surface.
Check out our guide to finding the best snow boots.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.