Ice Cleat Blog

Best Traction Devices for Snow and Ice: Why Winter Walking Leads the Way

Written by Bill Coyne | 10/22/25 6:34 PM

Winter slips and falls are costly, painful, and preventable. The best traction devices for snow and ice do more than stop accidents. They keep teams productive and confident through the toughest winter weather. At Winter Walking, traction safety is our only focus. Our specialized ice cleats, overshoes, and heel-only devices are trusted by industries that cannot afford downtime when the ground freezes.

What Makes a Great Traction Device?

Choosing the right traction device matters more than you might think. The wrong design can crack floors, cause trip hazards, or wear out within weeks. The right one feels secure, easy to wear, and built for the way you actually work.

Five key features define the best traction devices:

  1. Grip performance – Consistent traction on ice, snow, and slush.

  2. Fit and comfort – Easy on, easy off, and stays secure throughout the day.

  3. Indoor-outdoor safety – Traction you can wear into clean facilities without floor damage.

  4. Task compatibility – Works safely with ladders, pedals, and equipment.

  5. Durability – Long-lasting traction that holds up all winter.

Winter Walking designs every model around these principles, ensuring real-world safety and reliability.


Traction Devices Built for Every Condition


1. Transitional Traction: Move safer indoors and outdoors

If your work takes you between icy lots, vehicle cabins, and clean shop floors, the LOW-PRO Ice Cleat and ICE BEAST LOW-PRO are the right choice. Their low-profile tungsten carbide studs grip ice but remain safe on most indoor surfaces. You can even wear them while driving or walking on smooth floors without constantly taking them off.

2. Spike-less Grip: Non-metal traction for restricted areas

When metal studs are not allowed, GRIPS-LITE provides sure footing using a grit-based, non-sparking surface. It is ideal for facilities, utilities, and warehouses where static or sparks can be an issue.

3. Maximum Outdoor Traction: For all-day exposure

For crews who spend their entire shift outside, the HIGH-PRO Ice Cleat, ICEGRIPS, and ICEGRIPS OVERSHOE deliver aggressive, deep-bite tungsten carbide traction that locks onto frozen ground, packed snow, and ice.

4. Heel-Only Solutions: Ladder and equipment safety

Jobs that involve climbing or ladder work benefit from HEEL GRIPS and HEEL GRIPS LOW-PRO. These options provide traction only on the heel while keeping the forefoot clear for better control and a defined heel for climbing stability.

5. One-Size and Light-Duty Options: Simplify inventory and compliance

Managing multiple sizes for large crews can be difficult. The ICE BREAKER and ICE BREAKER with Transitional Traction solve this with one-size-fits-most flexibility. For lighter daily use, the E-CLEAT with WALKING TRACTION adds confidence on snow and ice without unnecessary weight.


How Winter Walking Outperforms Typical Market Options

Most traction brands focus on a single feature. Winter Walking products are engineered for the full safety picture.

   Winter Walking Advantage    Typical Market Devices
Tungsten carbide studs for long-lasting grip Basic steel coils or small metal spikes
Low-profile design safe indoors Bulky cleats that slip on smooth floors
Heel-only and defined-heel options for climbing Often missing or limited
One-size-fits-most to simplify stocking Multiple SKUs and inconsistent fit
Training and rollout support for safety programs Usually just product with no support

This combination of engineering, comfort, and program support makes Winter Walking the trusted choice for safety managers across North America.


Building a Safer Winter Program

A traction program only works if employees use the devices consistently. Winter Walking provides training materials, sizing guides, and rollout resources that make it easy for companies to launch successful winter safety programs. Less time managing footwear means more time staying safe and productive.


The Bottom Line: Proven Winter Safety

The best traction devices for snow and ice keep people upright, protect floors, and keep operations moving all winter long. Winter Walking products are built to do exactly that. Whether your team needs low-profile cleats for indoor-outdoor transitions or aggressive all-weather traction for outdoor work, there is a Winter Walking solution designed for your environment and safety goals.

Explore Winter Walking traction devices today and build a safer, more productive winter season.