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Ice cleats are worn over shoes or boots for winter sports and have metal spikes on the sole for increased traction. They have been around for over 100 years and have evolved in design. They are not ideal for mountain climbing or deep snow, and can cause heat loss. Durability varies.
Ice cleats are a form of outerwear for athletic shoes or boots used for a variety of winter sporting activities. They are typically designed to have a series of short metal spikes on the bottom sole of the shoe, which will slightly dig into an icy surface and provide the wearer with increased traction during movement. The most common use for ice cleats tends to be in hiking and mountaineering settings, where it is important to be safe to avoid injury and progress at a moderate pace.
There are a variety of designs for ice cleats and they have been around for over 100 years. The first official patent for ice cleats was in 1873, but, even at that time, the patent for the current version was just a refinement of earlier ideas. The traction element for the ice cleats was the first area of change in the design. Initially, cleats were made of iron, with the tips centered near the toe region of a boot and not adjustable. Subsequent refinement of the idea introduced pins that would allow movement of the spike placement without removing the cleats, as well as switching to steel, which was lighter and easier to work with, and adjustable heel components.
The limitations to the protection and utility offered by ice cleats often involve terrain. Cleats are not ideal for mountain climbing, as they are awkward for precise movements and the tips are not long enough to provide a secure grip on an angled surface. For such terrain, crampons are more appropriate foot equipment. Very rough terrain can also be hard on cleats and cause spikes and the shells they are mounted to to break. Deep snow also poses a problem for them, as they are not true snowshoes meant for walking through strong drifts, but are primarily for normal walking.
Running on icy cleats is possible, but it requires more effort than in standard winter boots and is better performed on softer ground than hard pavement to prevent cleat damage. It’s also important to note that steel is an excellent conductor of heat, so ice studs on boot soles tend to cause more body heat loss from your feet when walking. Thick-soled boots are recommended for cleats in very cold environments.
The idea of spikes on the bottom of shoes as a stabilizer for walking, running and climbing has been around for a long time. The technology continues to be refined with each passing year to provide more traction and reduce the weight of the cleats. Durability varies greatly with cleats, some lasting only one winter season if used repeatedly, and some can last many years.
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