Yaktrax

Article from AARP

Oh Really?
A CALL TO TRACTION

The Product Yaktrax: a stretchy, rubbery traction device with metal coils that fits on the bottoms of your shoes. It’s like a snow tire for your feet. 

The Claim The eponymous company has been around for a few years, but it’s touting a recent study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showing that folks 65 and over who wore the gizmos were less likely to fall when walking in wintry conditions. 

The Cost The Walker: $24.95 - It come’s in men’s and women’s sizes; color choices for the Walker include glo-in the-dark neon green. (866) 925-8729; www.yaktrax.com

The Test We tried out the Yaktrax on the slickest ice we could find: the local skating arena.  Happily, we didn’t need to call an ambulance. The metal coils were clearly taking a bite out of the ice with each step (you feel as if you’re walking over small, gritty pebbles). The devices are meant for snow-and-ice-covered surfaces, so you’ll need to slip them off on cleared roads or indoor floors. But if the streets and sidewalks are frozen, the Yaktrax might help you avoid an unintended double axle

 – Kelly James-Enger