No straps. No chains. Will my new ice spikes do the trick on Calgary’s pathways? That is the question I pondered when I took to the city pathways on the weekend.
The proper name is icespikes – one word – but I can’t bear to type it, the little red line indicating a misspelled word sticks out as a sore thumb. So know when I am saying ice spikes, I really mean icespikes.
I set out twice this weekend from Bowmount Park in Calgary. Navigating the pathways is always a gamble, especially following heavy snowfall or frigid temperatures. The ground beneath your feet can transition from dry dirt to treacherous ice or knee-deep snow in the blink of an eye.
Since I broke my ankle, I have very cautious about where I run. It doesn’t take much for a slip – my friend broke a wrist just a few weeks ago within a few blocks of her house after hitting a patch of black ice. Be safe out there friends.
The Ice Spikes Review
This was a super easy install. I was worried that I needed a power tool or something else to install the spikes. Thankfully the kit came with 32 icespikes and a handy installation tool. I bought a cheap pair of sneakers for the winter so they were perfect to test. I loosely followed the instructions that came with the kit – spacing the spikes evenly and in the same pattern on each shoe. I used the recommended 12 icespikes per shoe.
I learned quickly that I couldn’t drive with them – oops. I found the trails at Bowmount mostly with a nice snowpack – not too deep and not too slippery. I immediately felt at ease wearing icespikes. I think having that extra traction gave me a confidence boost.
The pathways were a mix lot of packed snow, pavement, some dirt and ice. My gait remained steady and assured, with only a subtle reminder of the spikes’ presence when I encountered pure pavement or dirt— a small price to pay for the added traction and stability they brought to my shoes.
I will definitely continue to wear these in the city. I would continue to rock my Kahtoolas in the mountains but I highly recommend these icespikes for urban running and walking when the conditions and trails are mixed.