Put the screws to ice

We get a lot of questions about our footing while running on the trail in icy conditions.

The secret is the simple stainless steel metal screws we use on the bottom of our shoes. We use half-inch hex head screws in either size #8 or #10, the later being the larger sized head.
One package of the screws will give you more then enough screws for a single pair of shoes.
The hex shape of the head give more edges to grip the ice.
You will probably still slip just not as often that's for sure.


When driving the screws into the bottom of your shoes, be sure to keep the screws to the outter edge where you will not go through the sole and find yourself running on the sharp point where it has come through.

The outter edge of the sole should keep you outside the area where your foot comes to rest.
I find the best way to drive the screws is using a hex-nut driver for a cordless drill. It drives the screws much faster. I DO NOT RECOMMEND USING A SLOTTED SCREW DRIVER DESPITE THE SLOT IN THE SCREWS.










Another alternative would be a nut driver similar to a screw driver but having a socket head. It is harder to use but will work. Screws will come out from time to time but are much cheaper then Yak Trax which I have had come off. I have run on pavement with them without much trouble. Yak Trax can be damaged doing so.
Matt Carpenter offers some similar information on his page here.