Yaktrax · Budget
The Yaktrax Pro is a slip-on traction device with 1.4 mm steel coils on a natural rubber frame, made for walking, jogging or hiking on packed snow or ice.
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We have not tested it ourselves: strengths and weaknesses below come from the tests cited.
Yaktrax lists walking, running, hiking, fishing, outside chores and hunting as activities, and names in town, trail running and dog walking as the best uses; trains are not mentioned. The terrain it lists is packed snow, pavement, mixed conditions and slush. A winter outing to a station platform, a car park or a public path tends to mix exactly those surfaces, which is where the Pro's low-profile design is aimed: the page says the coil pattern gives 360 degrees of traction and lets you move about naturally, as you would on dry surfaces. Better footing on ice is not permission to go closer to the railway. Stay on platforms and public paths whatever is under your boots.
The Pro comes in four size bands: women's 6.5 to 10 and men's 5 to 8.5; women's 10.5 to 12.5 and men's 9 to 11; women's 13 to 15 and men's 11.5 to 13.5; and women's 15.5 and up with men's 14 and up. For oversized shoes or boots, Yaktrax recommends buying one size larger than your normal shoe size. The foot frame is rubber and carries a removable over-foot strap, and the page says the device conforms to the shape of any boot or shoe. The coils are described as abrasion and rust resistant, and the device is tested safe from breakage in temperatures as low as minus 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The listed item dimensions are 7.48 by 5.91 by 1.97 inches. Yaktrax sells other models for different conditions, including Walk, Spikes and Diamond Grip.
Strengths
Weaknesses
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 08609 |
| Coils | 1.4 mm steel, abrasion and rust resistant |
| Frame | Heavy-duty natural rubber with removable over-foot strap |
| Traction | 360 degrees, low-profile patented coil design |
| Warranty | 90 days, defective parts replaced |
| Terrain listed | Packed snow, pavement, mixed conditions, slush |
| Item dimensions | 7.48 x 5.91 x 1.97 in |
| Tested against breakage | As low as minus 41 degrees Fahrenheit |
Adults who walk to winter railfan spots across packed snow, slush and pavement and want a device that goes on and off a boot or shoe without tools. It carries only a short defect warranty.
Yaktrax Spikes Traction Device, which Yaktrax's home page lists under spiked traction for icy terrain and glazed surfaces. Yaktrax Diamond Grip, which the home page presents as versatile traction for all conditions.
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