3 Reason You Should NOT Use Ice Cleats

You’ve seen them in movies and on TV: a person strapped into crampons with metal spikes that dig into the ice. They make it seem like there’s no way you can’t keep your balance on the ice, but that’s not always true. We’re going to look at three reasons why using ice cleats for boots might not be the best idea for you.

3 Reasons You Should NOT use Ice Cleats for Boots

Ice cleats are not for long periods. 

You should only wear them when you need them and not continuously for more than a few hours. If you plan to do this, the ice cleat can become damaged from use and cause injury.

It can be challenging to walk in ice cleats on hard ground. You may get away with wearing them indoors, but going outside on pavement or other hard surfaces can be hard. If there are any cracks, you could easily slip as easily as if you weren’t wearing them.

Water can get into your cleats

While ice cleats for boots are a great way to keep you from slipping and falling on slick surfaces, they’re not waterproof. If it rains or the road is wet, water can get into your cleats and make them heavy and awkward to walk in. Water also makes the rubber more slippery than when dry, which can be dangerous if you’re trying to cross an icy sidewalk or driveway.

Restricts the range of your motion

If you decide to use them, mind that they can be annoying to put on and take off. And once you do have them on, they can restrict your range of motion, making it really hard to do some of your regular activities that require bending or squatting.

Having ice cleats for shoes also means that you can damage any ice or hard surface you walk on. The cleats will chip the ice, causing it to break and fall off in chunks, which can cause damage to property and people. If a chunk of ice hits the floor of your home or car, it could cause a lot of damage that would not be covered by insurance (and we all know how expensive those premiums are!).

Snow Ice and Black Ice: Know the Difference and Why Ice Cleats Fall Short

Many people assume that ice cleats for boots are the safest bet when navigating snow ice in the winter—but that assumption can be risky, especially when black ice is involved. First, let’s clarify the danger. What is black ice on roads? It’s a nearly invisible layer of ice that forms when moisture quickly freezes on road surfaces, particularly overnight or during early morning hours. Unlike snowy or frosty patches, black ice is clear and blends seamlessly into asphalt. That’s why it catches even the most cautious walkers and drivers off guard.

Understanding what does black ice look like is tricky because—well—it doesn’t look like much at all. It appears like a damp spot or slight sheen on the road or sidewalk. And how does black ice form? It develops when rain, mist, or melting snow refreezes under cold conditions. Even high humidity followed by a temperature drop can trigger its formation. When is black ice likely to occur on the road? The highest risk times are just before sunrise and after sunset, especially in shaded areas, on bridges, and untreated roads.

Here’s where ice cleats run into trouble. They may work decently on crunchy snow or thick ice, but on smooth, thin layers of black ice—especially over concrete or pavement—their metal spikes can slide off the slick surface rather than grip it. Add to that their issues with hard surfaces, water absorption, and restricted movement, and you’ve got a solution that’s more awkward than effective in real-world conditions. This is exactly why traction agents like Traction Magic are a better option. Unlike ice cleats, which only protect your footwear (and with limitations), Traction Magic turns any surface into a safer path. It works instantly by absorbing the slippery moisture layer and gripping into the ice below, creating a stable, non-skid surface on snow ice, black ice, or anything in between. No complicated straps. No worn-down rubber. Just sprinkle it where you walk or drive and get moving safely—indoors, outdoors, or even across your driveway.

Conclusion

While ice cleats for boots may seem like a smart winter buy, their performance falters when it comes to black ice and mixed snow conditions. And let’s be honest—winter is rarely predictable. With black ice on roads being nearly invisible and treacherous, relying solely on cleats can be more of a gamble than a safeguard. Instead, products like ice Traction Magic offer fast, reliable traction without compromising comfort, mobility, or safety. Whether you’re walking across your porch or backing out of an icy driveway, don’t just hope for grip—carry it with you.

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