YaktraxRun Traction Cleats for Running on Snow and Ice

I purchased the Extra Large for my size 13 running shoe, and they barely fit. I had to give them a good yank/pull to get them around my running shoes. So I suggest buying at least one size higher than the chart suggests as I did. My review today is based on a ten mile run I performed yesterday after a snowfall a few days earlier. My run took place, mostly on asphalt and concrete. I started the run not knowing what I would get, so I wore the YakTrax just to make sure if/when I hit icy patches I wouldn't slip. At my age, I just can't take a fall, and I don't want to injure myself. More to the point, I want to run happy and confident, even on ice.So they worked very well. My running gate with them on was normal and easy. I even forgot I was wearing them after the first few minutes. I would say that 90% of my run was on bare concrete and asphalt, because it turned out the sun had cleaned up most of the snow before folks had packed it down. So I really gave the little spikes a hard workout.First, the YakTrax overlays did not fall off. Hooking up the toe strap and securing the velcro strap did the trick. Second, the carbide steel spikes show relatively little wear after ten miles of brutal running on the hard stuff. I imagine that if the conditions had been the other way around and I ran on 90% ice and 10% hard surface, there would be no visible wear on the spikes whatsoever. The wire coils on the rear look great too, although I am not a heel striker.I look forward to wearing the YakTrax again the next time I want to go out for a run and I'm looking at icy conditions. They have earned my confidence on ice.There were only two drawbacks. First, about nine miles into my run, I began to notice my left little toe rubbing on the inside of my Hoka AT Challenger 5s. I was initially concerned that my shoes were too small, but that didn't make sense since I've worn these for more than a year! Then I remembered I was wearing the YakTrax. Recall that even the extra large are tight on my size 13 foot. So I stopped and took off the YakTrax and the pain went away. So the next time I wear them, and I'm looking at a run of more than 8 miles, I will see if I can adjust the fit so that there is less impact to the soft sidewalls on the outside of my Hokas. Recommendation to the manufacturer: Please offer an XX Large. I'd probably buy that for my size 13, which would be sizing up TWO LEVELS vs. the size chart.Second, as I said, the carbon steel spikes were stellar, and very little wear after my run. But one tiny spike, on the left Yaktrak was smashed over on its side within it's plastic support base. The metal didn't give way, but the plastic disc supporting the spike gave way, and the metal did a "leaning tower of Pisa" slanting over to one side. I weigh 195 lbs, so I probably gave that spike a massive lateral force while running on raw concrete/asphalt. Even in its bent over position, the spike is still giving me anti-slip capability, so at the moment I'm not worried.So, overall, I had a good experience.

I have been using these with my new ASICS Kayanos 28 All Winter Longs when it's too icy out to normally jog. I have been recovering from a lower back injury nearly 20 years ago that impeded my ability to jog for several years, but recently started getting back into it. These help me push through the long, dark, and cold Alaskan winters. I love being outdoors no matter the season, and these Yaktrax help me enjoy being outside more.The sizing chart was spot on. I wear a size 10 shoe, so the Large fit perfectly. The rubber was very stiff when they were brand new, and required a moderate amount of effort to slip on to my heels, but once they were broken in, they got easier to slip on and off.I love the reflective surfaces, though the Y-pattern in front looks funny from a distance. Fortunately I don't have to look pretty for anyone while I'm out jogging...Traction is excellent! These things will dig into the slickest of ice, whether I'm sprinting uphill or trying to slow down going downhill, they will always find purchase on every step. Unlike actual cleats or crampons, I don't have the feeling of losing my balance with each step, especially when I'm walking around. They don't roll around as the regular Yaktrax do sometimes.So far, I've put about 20 miles on them, and the studs and springs don't show any signs of wear. The rubber has no signs of cracking, and are still very elastic despite the below-zero temps.Overall, I'm very happy with these, and I'll probably buy them again when (if?) these wear out!

I waited a few months before posting my review so I could get more experience wearing these. We've had a mild winter so far, but I've needed to wear my YakTrax probably 7 or 8 times on 5 mile lightly hilly trail runs this winter. I was a bit skeptical about getting traction from a metal coil - that's why I went with the "Run" model that has spikes in the front. And the YakTrax Run seems to have better reviews than their other models. I have been pleasantly surprised at the traction I've been getting, even with coils in the rear half. I have not had one serious slip so far. And I've never had one come off. TRUST THE SIZE CHART. I've read that some people are buying the next size up. I think that would be a mistake. I wear a men's size 10, thick soled running shoe and wear medium YakTrax. I have to pull on them to stretch them around my shoes, but they are comfortable and stay put. There are adjustable straps to assist with fit. My biggest concern is durability. From an early run, I noticed wear on the orange plastic pieces that hold the spikes. They are getting numerous tiny chips in them and a couple of the little pegs on the top (against the sole of the shoe) have broken off. Some of the trails I run have gravel mixed in the dirt, so I suspect that where the snow is sparse, the gravel is hard on the plastic. I don't see these lasting more than one winter. Amazon sells replacement "spike plates". I suspect I'll be buying a set for next winter. Cheaper than buying another pair of YakTrax. Five stars for fit and traction, but I ding them one star for durability.

Great for running on icy trails! I have over 200 miles of trail running on my spikes and they are still in great shape.

Bought two sets to use for a race that was in snow and some ice. Wasn't sure at first to use them because we didn't see many fellow runners had them on for race day. But we decided to use them after all, and the traction cleats worked out perfectly. No one fell, especially going up and down hills. The traction cleats worked out perfectly--best decision to buy them for running. The cleats were easy to use (bought size small for shoe sizes 8 and 9). I'm thankful that delivery was next day and used them the day after. Thank you, Amazon!