Skip to content
Winter Walk CheckConditions before commitment

Winter field guide

Shoes and Traction for Snow and Ice

Match footwear and removable traction to the actual surface—then remove devices where the manufacturer says they become unsafe.

Plain answerChoose stable, properly fitting footwear with tread appropriate to snow and wet pavement. On hard-packed snow or ice, a compatible over-shoe traction device may improve grip. Follow its sizing, surface, and transition instructions; no device makes all ice safe.

Surface first

Fresh snow, packed snow, slush, glare ice, wet tile, bare pavement, and indoor floors need different grip. A device useful on ice can become awkward or slippery on smooth indoor or bare hard surfaces.

Source checkNational Park Service traction guidance
NPS recommends carrying and using traction devices on hard-packed snow and ice, waterproof boots and layers, and notes that deeper soft snow may require snowshoes instead.

Fit the entire system

  • Confirm the device matches the exact shoe or boot size and shape.
  • Practice putting it on and removing it with cold hands.
  • Inspect rubber, chains, coils, points, straps, and fit before each use.
  • Walk briefly near support before relying on it.
  • Remove it where its instructions require.

Traction does not clear the route

Steepness, side slope, hidden ice, traffic, lighting, handrail access, balance, and consequences of a fall still matter. Choose a treated route or go inside when the system does not restore control.

Decision ruleThe best traction decision may be a different sidewalk, a later time, or an indoor floor.

Keep the appointment when the weather changes

Walk More! You can do it!

WalkTeaming is a walking game for iPhone and Android. On any day you reach 2,337 steps, that day can qualify as your score. Your best qualifying day of the week goes onto a five-walker team, and the app supplies both your team and a matched opponent.

You do not recruit teammates or share a schedule. Use the button to choose iPhone or Android and see the current installation options.

Try WalkTeaming

The 2,337-step threshold is a game rule, not a medical target. Choose the installation page for your phone.