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Winter time in Boise is usually cold, often times dipping down into the low teens in temperature and we get moderate amounts of snow, which eventually turns to ice and this can last into early spring on some roads and trails which makes it difficult to run on without slipping and sometimes even falling. Here in Idaho, we not only have to worry about wearing more layers of clothing to keep warm, we also have to worry about not slipping in the icy or snow covered roads and trails that we run on.
Some years ago my running partner and I got a great tip from another runner about traction in snow and ice. We took that traction tip and have been using it ever since. There are many different strap-on traction devices for your shoes that you can purchase and some of them can be expensive. One such brand is “Yaktrak” which you can purchase at this website: http://revelsports.com/yaktrax.asp and probably other sites as well. But before you click on the link and purchase these fancy traction devices for $24.95, let me save you a bunch of money by giving you best tip I ever got for an inexpensive traction device that will only cost you a few bucks at your local hardware store. They’re 3/8’ hex screws...yep! That’s it, small screws. You can purchase a box of 100 of them for about three bucks. They’re inexpensive and they’re easy to use and replace.
I put ten screws in each shoe using a hex screwdriver (or you can use a flat head screwdriver or a power screwdriver). They’ll last you quite awhile, depending on how much you’re out there running. When they start to get worn down, change them. Sometimes the notch on top of the screw will be too worn down to remove it with a screw driver; in this case, just use a pair of pliers to remove them. That’s it; it takes about 15 minutes to stud both shoes. Happy running in the winter and early spring to all of you :)
See the step by step slide show below illustrating just how easy it is.
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Comments
How do you keep the screws from puncturing your feet?
Hi Aaron,
The screws aren't very long at all and don't go through the souls of your shoes. The souls of your shoes are pretty thick. Thanks for the question and happy running :)
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