As the winter is getting closer many are pondering on what type of winter shoes would be best for the icy streets and cold season. During the most slippery conditions, to avoid falling we need shoes with a great grip or friction on the outsoles.
Halti has designed and produced spike shoes for many winters and nowadays we also have friction sole shoes in our collection. In this guide, we’ll tell you what the difference between spike shoes and friction shoes is and give tips on choosing the right type of winter shoe for your needs.
Spike shoes have small spikes in the outsoles of the shoe. The spikes provide a great grip on an icy surface and in snow. Spike shoes are a good choice if you spend a lot of time outdoors in terrain where there may be slippery spots or if you want to enjoy walking on snowy ice. Studded shoes are at their best when moving in nature.
It is good to note that spike shoes easily leave marks on the floor, so you cannot walk with them indoors. For spike shoes, we recommend protective non-slip covers, which can be placed on the bottom of the shoes to protect the spikes and the floor if necessary. Halti's spike shoes use the GripmaxX Spike sole, which is a rubber traction sole with added steel spikes.
The bottom of the friction or grip-sole shoes has a friction-creating structure that provides a good grip on slippery conditions. A good feature of friction shoes is that they also hold in wet weather when the winter frosts change to the spring sun and the ice starts to partially melt. Like spikes, friction shoes do not leave marks on the floor, so they are a good choice for general winter shoes that you can use not only for outdoor activities but also for walking to, say, the store.
Halti's friction sole shoes most commonly use Vibram's Arctic Grip grip sole, which is a patented structure designed for slippery conditions. We also use the traction sole of the Michelin brand, which is also known for car tires, in our shoes.
Friction sole shoes can also be called friction shoes, traction shoes, grip sole shoes.
Both studded spike shoes and friction shoes should have a waterproof structure, so that snow or slush does not get through the shoe and make your feet wet. When the feet don't get wet, they also stay warm in the cold weather. Halti's spike and friction winter shoes all have a sock-like waterproof DrymaxX® membrane.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors in snowy terrain, we recommend mid-high shoes or boots so that snow does not get inside the shoes from the top. If you spend more time outside in an urban environment, like in the city, then low winter shoes are a good choice. The advantage of low-top shoes is their better agility when walking or running.
Please note that spike shoes or friction shoes do not completely prevent slipping, so always be careful, especially in slippery conditions!
Enjoy your day outdoors in the winter with the perfect fit (and grip) for your feet! From Halti, you can find a variety of styles and features in winter shoes for women, men and kids. Explore & shop spike shoes, traction shoes, waterproof shoes and all winter shoes and boots.
