Comments on: Are Ice Spikes Better Than Sheet Metal Screws?

By: Blaine Moore

Blaine Moore — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:17:49 +0000

Jenny, those seem pretty similar to Stabilicers – my guess is that they’ll work fine on icy roads but will have the same problems in snow and on trails.

Since I’d rather run where there’s no traffic (in general but especially when the roads are icy and narrow from ice and snow) that’s why I prefer the screw shoe/ice spike method over anything else I’ve tried.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 01:46:02 +0000

I use a product that is really low profile but is extreamly effective. They are the Spiky Ice Cleat. Our whole running club uses them. http://www.spiky.com

it’s a good product, really holds up.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:47:40 +0000

I really like mine, and use mine for orienteering and not just running on snow/ice.

By: Grant (Untamed Adventure)

Grant (Untamed Adventure) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:23:33 +0000

If you haven’t already, check out IceBugs (http://www.icebug.se/Default.aspx?m=4) for winter running. I really like mine, and use mine for orienteering and not just running on snow/ice. They just announced a rep in the USA (lives in Vermont region, I think) so look for them making incursions into your neck of the woods soon.

Of course, putting in your own screws are darn cheap…

By: Blaine Moore

Blaine Moore — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:08:46 +0000

Chick –

It depends entirely upon the shoes what pattern I use. You want to avoid putting the screws in a thin part of the shoe or you’ll be running on the screw, and you want to avoid puncturing air pockets and things like that.

In general, I put 3-5 screws or spikes into the heels and 6-8 screws or spikes in the forefoot, mostly along the outsides of the sole.

The Ice Spike site has a good guide for where to position the spikes that is a lot more technical than I bother to be but is a great guide to start out with.

I’ve also got a video I made a couple of years ago about how to go about putting the screws in place:
http://news.runtowin.com/2008/03/04/how-to-make-screw-shoes.html

By: Chick J

Chick J — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:56:02 +0000

Blaine,

Being older, I have a fear of slipping on the icy surfaces. The metal screws sound like a great idea. do you have a pattern or just put them where you think you will need them.

Thanks,

Chikc J

By: Chuck

Chuck — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:49:46 +0000

Hi Blaine,
I won a set of these in your 1 More Mile Challenge and have run with them 3 or 4 times. One of these was at the Holiday Lake 50K++ race where the trails were covered by at least 5 inches of crusty snow that later turned to mud in spots. Before the race I ordered a set of replacement spikes to share with a friend who was also running the race. Delivery was in 3 days.
We both felt that the traction was a big help, especially on the hill sections. I have used the sheet metal screws and these have a higher profile and a more open slot for a deeper, more aggressive bite.
I have lost 2 of the IceSpikes from the heel of my shoe. The 2nd one was at the same spot as the first, so I think the hole in the sole was to blame.
I am very happy with the IceSpikes and will use them over the sheet metal screws from now on. If I need to buy more replacement sets, I may look for a way to buy them in larger quantities.
Thanks again for my ‘super screw shoes’.
Chuck