Historically, I’m a fair weather runner. I’m talking no rain, no wind, no sun and only running in a temperature range of 50 – 70 degrees. And definitely NO SNOW!
I’m happy to report that I’m a changed woman. I’ve ran with my running club in the heat, rain, and even 10 degree weather. I’ve found it invigorating and personally motivating for me – and I can’t bring myself to ‘wimp out’ in bad weather now.
I wasn’t sure how to handle running in the snow safely. A few people recommended Yaktrax to help stabilize my footing in snow and on ice. So, after the first snow run of the year, I ordered them online in anticipation of a snowy winter. Unfortunately/fortunately (depending on how you feel about it), it just finally snowed again this weekend, so I finally got to try out my new gear. Here’s my take!
Product Review: Yaktrax Pro
In case you’re not famliar with this product, Here’s what the Yaktrax promises one their website:
The Yaktrax Pro will instantly give you better traction, confidence and safety on packed snow or ice. Walk, jog, or run on slick surfaces with the same stability you are accustomed to on dry surfaces. Made with high strength, abrasion resistant 1.4mm steel coils and heavy duty natural rubber, the Yaktrax Pro easily conforms to the shape of your boot or shoe. With its patented SkidLock coil design, the Yaktrax Pro provides 360˚ of traction. Additionally, the Yaktrax Pro sports a nylon hook and loop strap to ensure a secure fit around your shoe. Don’t let the winter weather put a damper on your outdoor activities or athletic training with the Yaktrax Pro!
Putting the Yaktrax on my shoes was pretty easy. They’re labelled to show which end goes at the front and back of the shoe. You have to stretch them around, then secure the velcro strap over the top. They felt like they were on securely (I’m a size 7.5, and ordered a size small) and they never felt loose or like they would fall off during the run.
When I left my house, walking on the cement in my garage felt a little weird and slippery. I started to worry that maybe I should’ve tested these out on a shorter run, since I was planning on going 12 miles! But once I got out on the snowy roads, they never felt strange again. The snow sort of packs up into the coils, so it stabilizes your foot.
I will say that the run was TOUGH. Running in the snow is not easy, and it feels like you’re running twice as hard. I can honestly say I probably would not have completed the full run if I didn’t have the Yaktrax on. On snow-covered streets /sidewalks, Yaktrax are awesome. I found that I wasn’t really hesitating when I took a step, nor really paying a lot of attention to my footing. I was also pretty well stabilized, so I didn’t feel like I’d roll my ankle if I mis-stepped. I do plan to test and see how they do in less snow, on ice, etc.
Everyone I was running with was sliding around, and everyone was curious how I was liking the Yaktrax.
The verdict: Love! Yaktrax Pro are a snow-running must. I no longer need to worry about safety when running in the snow. I recommend!
~ Brandi
Lara
Amanda
Brandi Heinz Brown
