Walking on icy pavements can be challenging, but it can also be dangerous, especially if you don’t wear the right shoes. This can be embarrassing and result in serious injuries. Many people have sustained minor and major injuries as a result of slipping on icy pavements.
Research carried out by the National Institute of Health shows that the number of people who get fractures increases during the winter as opposed to the summer. Icy pavements make it more challenging to go about your daily errands.
Therefore, the right footwear can significantly reduce the risk of slipping on icy pavements. It is important to wear supportive shoes that stabilize your feet and provide you with a firm grip to prevent slipping.
The best shoes for walking on icy pavements should have rubber soles, a large tread, and a raised pattern. These features ensure a better grip and make it easy and comfortable to walk on icy pavements. The right shoes should also be waterproof to keep your feet warm and comfortable.
Guide to Choosing the Best Shoes for Icy Pavement Walking
Are you looking for the best shoes for walking on icy pavements, but you feel overwhelmed by the numerous options available on the market? Here are some great tips and features to guide you in identifying the right shoes for your needs.
1. Traction
When looking for the best shoes for walking on icy pavements, consider shoes with deep grooves on the outsole. Avoid shoes with slippery soles and opt for rubberized and threaded soles.
What’s more, footwear with great traction not only reduces the risk of injury but also helps reduce lower extremity joint loading and other joint and muscle ailments.
2. Ankle Support
According to experts, your ankle joint has multiple muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to stabilize your foot and ankle to ensure you walk effectively. It is advisable to opt for ankle-height shoes with laces or adjustable straps as this offers the best Ankle Support.
Ankle-height shoes with laces or adjustable straps allow you to decide how and where to tighten them to provide the right amount of support. Lower-cut shoes, on the other hand, tend to provide less ankle support, but they do provide more flexibility for activities such as running.
3. Arch support
Arch support is another essential feature to consider when looking for the best shoes for walking on icy pavements. Flat shoes give you less stability than shoes offering adequate arch support.
Look for shoes that offer ergonomic features like padded, contoured footbeds and are made of durable yet comfortable materials.
These kinds of shoes keep your feet stable on icy pavements and also give you arch support, which is important for people with painful foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
4. Waterproof
The best shoes for walking on icy pavements should provide a firm grip and prevent slipping but should also be water-resistant.
Most winter shoes are 100% waterproof, but it is always important to confirm that the shoes you choose are rated waterproof before purchasing them to ensure that your feet stay warm and dry.
5. Proper Fit
Ensure a proper fit by trying on shoes with the socks you intend to wear while walking on icy pavements. Shoes should provide a snug yet comfortable fit without pinching or rubbing, with enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes.
6. Reflective Features
In low-light conditions or snowy environments, shoes with reflective accents or materials improve visibility and safety for nighttime or early morning walks. Look for shoes with reflective elements on the uppers, laces, or outsoles for added visibility to motorists and pedestrians. Reflective clothing such as jacket, trousers or bag are just as effective.
7. Ease of Cleaning
Finally, choose shoes that are easy to clean and maintain, as they may accumulate salt, dirt, and debris from icy pavements. Select materials that are simple to wipe clean or machine washable for convenient upkeep and maintenance.
5 Best Shoes for Walking on Icy Pavements Review
Now that you know what to look for in the best shoes for walking on icy pavements, we have provided you with reviews of 5 of the best shoes that will make walking on icy pavements easy and safe.
Here are reviews of some of the shoes that are suitable for walking on icy pavements.
1. Best Overall For Men: Icebug Stavre BUGrip GTX Hiking Boot
- Advanced Hiking Comfort – Made for...
- BOA Fit System - The BOA Fit System dials and...
- Grip Technology – BUGrip is the name of...
The Icebug Stavre BUGrip Hiking Boot is our overall best men’s shoe for walking on icy pavements. The shoe is designed for winter walks that involve icy trails, making it a great choice for men looking for reliable shoes for walking on icy pavements.
The shoes feature IceBug BUGrip studded soles, which provide a firm and stable grip on icy pavements. The upper part of the shoes has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and a BOA lacing system.
The BOA dial provides a smooth, even closure and no pressure points for added comfort. The GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane keeps moisture out and ensures that your feet remain dry. The shoe can be fastened even while wearing gloves.
It has synthetic mesh and thinner mudguards that provide the upper part of your feet with added comfort, making it our first choice for people looking for the best shoes for walking on icy pavements.
Pros
- The shoes come with a removable OrthoLite® Hybrid® insole.
- They feature GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort and Oeko-Tex 100-certified textile lining for improved comfort.
- It is a lightweight pair of midsoles with a stabilizer.
- The hiking boots have a rubber outsole with BUGrip® carbide steel tip studs for a firm grip even on icy pavements.
- It is a waterproof shoe ideal for walking or hiking on ice.
Cons
- The shoes run small.
- Pricey
2. Best Overall For Women: Salomon Speedcross 5 Hiking Shoe
- WATERPROOF TRAIL RUNNING SHOES: Featuring an...
- GET ROUGH: Redesigned with deep, sharp lugs...
- GO THE DISTANCE: Whether you love daily road...
The Salomon Speedcross 5 hiking shoes are reliable shoes designed to provide a firm and comfortable grip on icy pavements.
The sole of Speedcross 5 has larger lugs with more space and an updated geometry to give you a better push-off grip and braking grip on all surfaces.
It has a fully welded upper with dissociated sensitive arms that move naturally with your foot and ensures comfort. The hiking shoes feature Contagrip® rubber outsoles with deep, sharp lugs made from a material that balances durability and adhesion.
It has EnergyCell™+ high-rebound midsoles that provide extraordinary energy return along with extensive cushioning and durability.
The shoes also have removable OrthoLite® footbeds that add shock absorption, while the antimicrobial treatment prevents odors, keeping your feet comfortable and fresh.
They also incorporate a quick lace system for a secure and customized fit. The Salomon Women’s Speedcross Shoes are made to offer a firmer grip on loose, soft, or rugged surfaces and on uneven surfaces.
Pros
- The shoes come with contagrip® rubber outsoles that use deep, sharp lugs for durability and adhesion to provide better grip on all surfaces.
- It features EnergyCell™+ high-rebound midsoles that offer great energy return and ample cushioning and durability.
- Removable OrthoLite® footbeds add shock absorption; antimicrobial treatment deters odors
- The Speedcross 5 has a quick lace system for a secure and customized fit.
- They include protective toe caps that protect your toes against bumps and abrasion.
Cons
- The shoes might run big for some people.
3. Best Premium: Icebug Metro2 BUGrip Winter Boots
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The Icebug Metro2 BUGrip is one of Icebug’s bestselling winter shoes. It is loved for the comfort it provides. The shoes have rubber soles to help you walk comfortably in the winter without the risk of slipping.
The BUGrip sole is made of a special rubber compound with 13-19 integrated steel studs, making the studs adjust to the surface and providing you with the most suitable traction on any surface from dry tarmac to pure ice.
The Icebug Men’s Metro2 BUGrip are wide-toe box shoes intended to provide your feet with a little extra wriggle room for toes, making them ideal for long winter walks. Additionally, the shoes are made of Protex PU outer material, which provides an anti-slip and water-resistant outsole.
The walking boots give you stability when walking on icy pavements and also keep your feet dry. The winter ankle-high boots come with a warm lining for added comfort, a side zipper for ease of wear, and a skid-resistant sole.
Pros
- The 13-19 integrated steel studs offer good traction on slippery surfaces.
- Icebug Mens Metro2 BUGrip shoes have zippers that make them easy to wear and remove.
- The boots feature a warm lining, which helps keep your feet warm and comfortable.
- They have a water-resistant outsole to ensure that your feet remain dry.
Cons
- Some people might feel loose on the ankles when wearing the boots.
4. Best Value: Icebug NewRun BUGrip GTX Trail Running Shoe
- Advanced Winter Running Comfort – NewRun...
- Grip Technology – BUGrip is the name of...
- BOA Fit System - The BOA Fit System dials and...
The NewRun BUGrip Trail Running Shoe is another great shoe choice for women looking for reliable winter shoes for walking on icy pavements. When worn with the right pair of socks, it also works well as a winter running shoe for up to -5 C ( 23F).
It features fused synthetic cladding that blocks the wind and moisture to keep your feet warm. The running shoe has a generously spiked outsole with about 17 Carbide-tipped studs that provide a supportive grip on ice-covered pavements and sidewalks.
The Icebug shoes have an EVA foam midsole and Ortholite insole to provide the right amount of comfort that a running shoe should provide. It is a waterproof shoe that keeps your feet warm and comfortable.
The BUGrip GTX Trail Running Shoes are made using quality material for durability and reliability. They make an excellent choice for women seeking comfort and stability in winter shoes.
Pros
- The shoes are very comfortable on your feet.
- They provide you with good traction on icy surfaces.
- Icebug Women’s NewRun BUGrip GTX shoes have a lace-up system that makes them easy to wear and remove.
- The shoes are lightweight and can be used for running or jogging during winter.
Cons
- They are only suitable for outdoor use and should not be worn indoors since they might damage your wood or vinyl floors.
5. Best Budget: NORTIV 8 Waterproof Winter Snow Boots
- Waterproof material: Men's snow boots feature...
- 200g high-quality cotton: Keeps your feet...
- Removable Cotton Towel Insole: The insole can...
Lastly, we have the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Winter Snow Boots are the best budget shoes for walking on icy pavements. The shoes are designed to ensure comfort even in cold and wet outdoor conditions. The boots feature waterproof protection, microfiber, and heat-reflective lining for added warmth and comfort.
They have a durable rubber outsole that provides a firm and stable grip even on icy surfaces. The Rubber outsole includes multidirectional lugs for traction on different terrains. The shoes offer all-weather protection thanks to their cushioned EVA footbed, which provides supportive comfort.
They feature a waterproof shell bottom unit and a thick thermolite insulation rated to -25F. The snow boots have a quality waterproof upper that is also oil and slip-resistant. They are a great choice for those who are on a budget but want a reliable and durable pair of winter shoes.
Pros
- The snow boots feature waterproof protection heat reflective lining for improved warmth and comfort all day.
- They have a durable rubber outsole with excellent traction on all icy surfaces.
- They offer a warm layer of insulation and a 200g thermolite style technology insulation for all-weather protection.
- The NORTIV 8 Men’s Snow Boots have a water and oil-resistant upper.
- The shoes are budget-friendly.
Cons
- The laces require a tight knot to keep them in place and for a snug fit.
Conclusion
If you live in the city and you are required to go outside during the winter, you need to invest in the best shoes for walking on icy pavements. With the right shoes, you can comfortably and confidently walk on icy pavements without the risk of slipping and sustaining injuries.
There are many shoes on the market that claim to provide good traction for walking on icy pavements. However, some of them lack the ideal features to ensure ample support and stability on icy pavements.
The right shoes for walking on icy pavements will not only protect you from a fracture or a splint ankle but they will also save you money and time that you might need to recover from a fracture caused by slipping on icy pavements.
The best way to identify the best shoes for walking on icy pavements is by looking at the features that the shoes offer instead of the price or the shoe brand. We are confident that you will find the shoes that meet your needs and that your winter will be wonderful.
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API