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Ice cleats are an invention that many of us take for granted. We are able to use them to provide us with the traction we need to walk on ice and snow. You will find many types of traction footwear
out there that you can use to complete different tasks in such weather. Many emergency personnel rely upon snow cleats to help them make their way through the terrain. It allows them to reach those
in need in less time and also to keep them save along the way.
View our Current line of ice cleats, slip resistant shoes and footwear
Traction footwear such as crampons are great for recreational use. They are often used for vertical climbing and offer the traction you need. Depending on the type of work environment you are in, ice cleats or ice creepers may be required. Snow cleats can be used for work activities or for leisure activities during the winter months. Having the right type of traction footwear available to you will help reduce the risk of falling.
The invention of traction footwear is nothing new as you will soon learn. They have been around for decades. However, the ongoing research and development of them have allowed ice cleats to be more comfortable and easier to use. They are also more effective now than they have ever been in the past. You will find many different types of ice cleats, ice creepers, snow cleats, and crampons for you to choose from.
Discovering such value in the way of ice cleats and other traction footwear doesn’t happen over night. It is a time consuming process filled with trial and error. Yet through all of the research
and development there is plenty of testing. As a result of that testing there are many areas of success recognized along the way. Those that develop ice cleats have made sure their hard work isn’t
taken advantage of either.
This is due to them filing for a patent regarding their invention. Such patents are a very big part of why the area of ice cleats continues to move forward. In April of 1873 a significant change for ice creeper designs was introduced. This particular patent introduced a new heel plate for these types of traction footwear. This particular heel design involved a supporting frame held in place on the heel with screws. The design was made from iron.
By October of 1873 there were already more patents in place relating to the ice creeper. They introduced some improvements over what was introduced less than six months before. The major improvement was the use of a grooved plate with spikes on it that were attached with pins. The result was a thinner piece of iron being used than in the past. This allows this type of traction footwear to be more comfortable. At the same time though it also allowed it to become more comfortable.
One of the problems though was being able to effectively benefit from the use of an ice creeper or ice cleats. To deal with this another great leap in the development of these traction devices
was introduced. The invention by William Foehl in 1874 allowed the position of the safety points to be altered. This could now be done without having to remove the device from the foot. This was
accomplished by offering a rotary shaft that was attached to the frame of the ice creeper.
The research and development continued too with the further improvement of ice creepers. There were at least twenty more patents applied for over the course of the next five years. Close to one hundred of them existed as we moved into the 1900’s. In 1964 ice cleats were readily available, yet often criticized for being difficult to use. The complex designs weren’t always comfortable either.
A patent applied for in 1964 by Eric McNair though changed that. His idea for a more comfortable and easier to use ice cleat was introduced. The fact that it easily slid onto just about any type
of shoe make it worth looking at. The fact that this was also offered as a very affordable option meant more people were using such ice cleats in the snow and the work environment than in the past. 
In 1973 ice cleat designs benefited from the addition of a design that was to be used in deep snow. This was perfect for sports in the snow as well as for emergency crews to get to those in need. The benefit was due to the introduction of longer spacing along the track of it. As a result it was stronger than the snow due to the two blades moving in opposite directions. The result was the snow not being trapped like it was in the past. It allowed movement in deep snow to be faster and safer than before.
A patent introduced by Jordan David in 1994 helped to reduce the build up of snow and ice. This was a huge improvement as it meant that traction footwear could continue to be very effective. The ability to achieve this was the result of the design including a tread that was both wider and deeper than in the past. These particular types of ice cleats were slip on sandals that could be put on the bottoms of other shoes and boots to make them safer. The straps where designed to be very easy to get them on and off. At the same time they were very durable so that they would remain securely in place.
Even so, there was one problem with ice cleats and other types of traction footwear that continued to be a concern. This had to do with how well they stayed in place. It could be annoying to have to make adjustments to them all day long. Sometimes users weren’t in a position where they could do so with ease either. Development continued to take place in this area, and a breakthrough was accomplished in 1996.
Jordan David introduced a new idea with this patent. It allowed for there to be a way for the traction footwear to self adjust. With an assembly to fit securely both for the heel and the toe it would stay in place better than in the past. This concept was applied to ice cleats, ice creepers, snow cleats, and crampons. It really improved the overall safety and benefits from such traction footwear.
Also introduced in 1996 was a design that allowed more traction was offered because the design covered both the heel and the sole of the foot. Yet it allowed for a portion of this set up to be removed from the heel. That way the grip would still be powerful yet not as aggressive because some people didn’t need it. This new design also made it possible for driving to be more comfortable while wearing a type of traction footwear.
In 1998 a layout which allowed the spikes used to be retained longer for traction footwear was offered. The idea was to offer a spike that consists of two pieces instead of just one. They are held in place by quality rubber and as a result there is less wear on them. This means that the traction footwear is going to remain useful for much longer.
At this same time an idea was introduced that was the combination of a snowshoe with crampons. For those that want to be outdoors in the snow and ice on flat ground as well as for climbing, this is the perfect solution. In areas such as Alaska where the weather is extremely cold along with snow and ice, such traction footwear has more than served its purpose. It has allowed people to continue enjoying sports as well as using them for basic survival.
The idea allows for the crampon to be placed on the snowshoe to bind the boot to it. The easy to secure set up allows the crampon to offer teeth for both the front and the back. There is a separate
plate for each. No tools are needed to put it on or to take it off. Instead it is put into place by tipping the toes downward. Once in place the heel is placed on the ground and then rotated. This
process will allow the crampon to be securely locked into place.
The concept of traction footwear that could be mounted to shoes and boots took of in 1999. Many new ideas were introduced through the use of patents. Since the goal has always been for a secure fit some attention was given to this area of the design. What was introduced was the idea of using thicker rubber on the heel and the sole areas. As a result it would be easy enough to get one and off. Yet it would also remain in place like it should while being in use.
In the past traction footwear had featured a single tab. This was used to pull the traction device on. Now a dual tab was offered which enhanced the control a person had while putting the item on. The fact that the design was less elastic than in the past also would ensure that the quality of the spikes would be retained for a longer period of time. By 2000 the idea of using ice cleats and other traction footwear became more popular than ever before.
The concept of being able to use ice cleats for work or for playing in the snow had become one that was very common by this point. That is why the development in 2005 which specifically pertains to ski boots was so important. This type of traction footwear is part of the industry. Avid skiers often own their own pairs while others rent them for the day when they spend it at the slopes.
This type of patent introduced the idea of using a flexible sole that could also roll thanks to the thin elastic attached along the length of the sole. This attachment is very simple to put on with or without a tool. Many skiers can even add it without taking their gloves off. With such a traction footwear device, you don’t need to spend a fortune for high quality ski boots. This is a great alternative, especially for those individuals that don’t make it to the slopes on a regular basis.
Yet the idea to continue making a better fit and a more comfortable use for them continued. Ice creepers and ice cleats were offered in just about any form by this time. Crampons were also becoming increasingly popular as a safe way to enjoy various forms of mountain climbing. Many types of traction footwear became fashionable as well. That way a person could still look great while having such an added benefit on their side.
As you can see, the history of ice cleats shows this type of invention has come a long way. You can be sure there will continue to be new develops in the future as well. Perhaps seeing where they started out though and where they are today will give developers new ideas that society can benefit from. If you are in need of such traction footwear, you will be glad to know that you have plenty of quality items to choose from. You may need a basic pair of ice cleats or a high quality pair of crampons. You should be able to find what you need though and that you can rely upon.
Below is a sample of products from Jordan David that portray the latest in design and technology, used in slippery conditions.
You certainly don’t want to be out there in harsh conditions due to the weather or the work environment without them. Now that you know there is plenty of great traction footwear out there, you need to start exploring your options. One of the best resources for them is our product selector. Here you will find plenty of amazing types of traction footwear you can rely on.
The AltraGrips are perfect for walking on the snow and ice so you don’t fall. They also can be used in factories where chemicals or fats can be on the ground. You can choose from a basic shoe, a short boot, or a high boot design. If you don’t need this type of traction footwear all the time, the AltraGrips Lite many be a better option for you. This is a removable cover that you can easily place over the bottom of your shoes. They are very fast and easy to add and remove as you need to for your own safety.
Another great type of slip on traction footwear they offer is called the Spiderz. It has a design that will help you to maintain your footing when you are dealing with wet or oily conditions. They are a nice addition in the workplace and they easily fit on work boots or shoes. The design of them means that the water and oil will be removed from the area of the sole instead of remaining on it.
Many people work jobs where they are on their feet for many hours a day. This can really take a toll on the body. Magic Soles though can help you to feel less tired at the end of a shift. This type of traction footwear fits easily over normal shoes or work boots. The soles have a patented design that help to absorb the energy as you walk. As a result there is less stress on the back and the knees. They are also designed to provide more traction so there is less risk of slipping or falling.
If you have any questions about the perfect footwear solution, please contact us.
