how durable are yaktrax?

[happypup]

I walk to and from work (about 2.5 miles each way) and I'm thinking about getting yaktrax or something similar for a little extra traction. Most of the low reviews on amazon are low because the yaktrax wore out quickly, and I'm wondering if those folks just got bad pairs or if yaktrax might not be up to regular, somewhat heavy use.

Anybody have experience wearing them daily, for a couple miles at a time? Any recommendations for a different product?

[Left]

I have one similar to it, don't know the brand since I don't think it actually had one. I like them but I only used it once or twice (not much ice here). But I don't know how they are for longer distances/running (fast speeds). It just felt like I wouldn't slip as likely when I was walking, but if I did, it didn't help. I'd estimate it being like using cleats on shoes if you have before, I haven't used them before so I'm guessing.

Make sure that it wraps to top of toe area of shoe (I don't know if it has a name) and the back, so it doesn't fall off. Instead of the ones that hug the side of the wall of the shoe. Mine was the type that had cleat looking things and not just springs though, they haven't worn out but I haven't used them more than twice a year for the past few years either.

Here's pictures of what I mean above about wrapping shoe
http://www.jmldirect.com/content/ebiz/shop/invt/y01yt10100000001/large.jpg This type I didn't like.

These two are ones that wrap shoe that doesn't seem to come off as much, You can modify the ones that hug shoe with cloth/rope too
http://www.gemplers.com/images/pages/Traction_Devices_09_10.jpg
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7fUrMyiRGPR6XBKOd-tQrihAWPrpnJIGUzGAkuNL6yJSyaX5yHw

[Beef Rindly]

I haven't read the reviews, but I've used Yak-trax for years.  They are all fairly similar products.  Yak-trax makes a pair that has a Velcro strap that goes over the top of your foot, in order to help them stay put.

Overall they work great for snow/icy conditions.  However, they are metal, and if you wear them walking around on concrete (or similar) surfaces, they will wear down quickly. 

I've had mine for years and they are still in great condition.  I've used them for trail running in snow and hiking in snowy conditions.

Don't plan on them lasting too long if you'll be walking on dry (non-iced or non-snowy) sidewalks!

[happypup]

Thanks for the responses!

That's good to keep in mind, rnewsom. Luckily (?) I live in a snowy area so most of my walk, with the exception of a couple crosswalks and the last 100 yards or so to the office, is on packed or new snow. Maybe I can just pull them off for the last bit of the walk so they don't wear down too fast.

[zenyata]

If you are still looking for traction devices - I'd recommend Kahtoola Micro-Spikes...they more aggressive than yaktraks but not full on mountain climbing crampons.

I use them in the mountains and they are designed for mixed rock & ice so they are plenty durable - a really great product...

[k_to_the_v]

I live in SW Michigan, and I use them everyday for at least 3 months for anywhere from 2-5 miles to walk my dog. The problem is I need them because some, not all, of my neighbors are not good about keeping their sidewalks shoveled - so some sidewalks have a light dusting of snow, some are completely clear, and some are just massive lumpy blocks of ice. This is my second season with them, but I'm sure they are wearing down quicker since at least half of my walking is on concrete. However, I wouldn't be able to maintain my daily neighborhood walking habit without them, they are lifesavers and so worth it to me.

[anastrophe]

I've used them for four years or so now. I wear them almost every day in January and February at least; one pair usually lasts a winter. I have had one or two that broke when the metal coil got caught on something and stretched the rubbery part until it snapped. But otherwise I've been pretty happy with them. I buy the Pro version that straps on.

[eostache]

I've used Yaktrax for hiking in rough terrain and found the rubber part broke easily. Now we have been using Kako Icetrekkers for several years and they hold up well and work on variable surfaces: snow, crusty snow, ice, snow and ice-covered rocks, mud, and bare rock.

[k_to_the_v]

Well, my yaktrax bit it this week - just like anastrophe, one of the rubber parts snapped. They are still usable, but I will need to get some replacements. I may look into some of the other options mentioned here - I wonder if they make "city" versions that hold up better on mixed cement/ice footings....

[firewalker]

I switched to Kako Icetrekkers and love them. For deeper snow, I use Kahtoola Microspikes. They are "micro" only when compared to climber crampons.