Fits Do Product Reviews: YakTrax Run

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Ever since I broke my ankle running on the ice in March of 2008, I have become an avid user of the YakTrax.  I have trained for many spring marathons with these sexy accessories.

The YakTrax aren't perfect. You could definitely still slip and break an ankle, but they do provide a good amount of traction.

Unfortunately though, I have had some bad luck with my YakTrax; they always break! I have had to replace mine at least once a winter. 

{Another pair bites the dust}

I think it's because I use them a lot when there isn't a ton of snow...or, more likely, they break because I use them a lot period. 

So my wonderful husband picked me up a new pair that are running specific. They are called Yaktrax Run and you can find them at REI for $40.

http://www.rei.com/product/839491/yaktrax-run-winter-traction-devices  

Rather than the steel coils across the entire bottom of the YakTrax like my previous pairs, these have carbide steel spikes on the forefoot strike. They are also made of a hardier rubber, and apparently can be worn in temperatures as low as -41 (God forbid it gets that low in Minneapolis!)

One caveat about the device: runners shouldn't use them on gravel, concrete or sanded roads. This traction contraption is solely for packed snow and ice. I think that was part of my problem with my previous YakTrax. I often wore then when the paths were mostly clear, but I couldn't help it! They're like my security blanket for winter running. But I really should only wear them on packed snow and ice as instructed. 

I tested my new Yaktrax Run yesterday morning on a 12 mile run after 4 inches of snow. I felt like the spikes and coils gripped the snow pretty well. I'm used to running in Yaktrax, so I don't feel like I notice them that much, but I honestly think I noticed this pair even less.

So far, I think Yaktrax Run are the way to go, and hopefully with the heavier gauge coil than my previous pairs, they will last a little longer than just for one winter!