Safety is a big concern when ice fishing. Fishing on slippery ice can be dangerous, which is why it’s best to buy a pair of ice cleats for your shoes. Ice cleats, also called spikes or ice grips, are attachments for your shoes that add extra traction for slippery surfaces like ice.
Without cleats, walking on ice can be a dangerous task for ice fishermen. Invest in a pair of ice cleats to improve your traction and grip while ice fishing.
Top-Rated Ice Grippers for Shoes
We’ve found the best ice cleats available, so you can choose your favorites and hit the ice faster. These ice cleats have great traction, fit well, and are perfect for ice fishers who need a strong grip to walk on the ice.
These are the Best Ice Traction Cleats:
- STABILicers Maxx Original Heavy Duty Ice Traction Cleat
- ICETrekkers Diamond Grip Traction Cleats
- Unigear Traction Cleats
- Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
- Hillsound Trail Crampon
- Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats
- OuterStar Ice & Snow Grips
- Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Traction Cleats
- EnergeticSky Traction Ice Cleats
- OuterStar Traction Cleats
Ice Cleats Reviews
STABILicers Maxx Original Heavy Duty Ice Traction Cleat
STABILicers Maxx Original Ice Cleats are a favorite among ice fishermen. The Maxx 2 has been updated, so they are 25% lighter. An enhanced binding system makes them easy to strap onto ice boots and shoes, with SureFit polyester hook-and-loops. Full sole coverage and steel cleat placement ensure your safety on the ice, and they come with replacement cleats in case you lose some.
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ICETrekkers Diamond Grip Traction Cleats
ICETrekkers Diamond Grip Traction Cleats work great on the ice, so you can confidently walk on ice without falling. The rubber sling remains elastic even in cold weather, so these cleats will fit your shoes and keep the grips secure. They’re also self-clearing, so you don’t have to worry about snow or ice buildup on the bottom of your feet.
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Unigear Traction Cleats
The Unigear Traction Cleats are another great pick, lightweight and tough for icy weather. These cleats use an ergonomic plate system with stainless steel chains and spikes to provide traction on the ice. The flexible TPE band is durable, so it will survive even the coldest days, but it is still stretchable enough to fit easily over shoes.
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Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System is durable and easy to slip on and off in icy conditions. Twelve stainless steel spikes per foot provide great traction for ice fishing and other slippery terrain. These cleats easily and securely slip onto your shoes without the hassle of extra buckles or straps.
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Hillsound Trail Crampon
Hillsound Trail Crampons work great on the ice, and are made with high quality components. With 21 stainless steel spikes spread across a durable, heat molded harness, your safety on the ice is seriously improved. The harness is easy to take on and off, maintaining its elasticity even in the coldest temperatures. These ice cleats come with a two year warranty.
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Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats
The Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats are some of the best ice cleats on the market, made with premium materials and built to last. These affordable ice cleats are made with stainless steel coils and heavy duty rubber for 360 degree traction. Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats are different in that they use coils rather than spikes, which cuts down on their weight without sacrificing traction.
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OuterStar Ice & Snow Grips
OuterStar Ice & Snow Grips are extremely affordable, so they may be the best ice cleats for anglers on a tight budget. Made with TPE thermoplastic elastomer, these cleats are lightweight and can even fold to fit in a pocket. Non-slip steel studs ensure you stay on your feet when walking over slippery ice. Ten extra steel studs are included as replacements.
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Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Traction Cleats
Another great pair of ice cleats from Yaktrax, the Diamond Grip All-Surface Traction Cleats are a top choice for ice anglers. The natural rubber sling is flexible but secure, even in sub-zero temperatures. Patented diamond beads made from steel grip in all directions to prevent slipping, and they swivel independently to prevent ice, snow, or dirt buildup.
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EnergeticSky Traction Ice Cleats
EnergeticSky Traction Ice Cleats are made with 19 multi-directional stainless steel spikes to dig into the ice. The silicone harness is flexible and durable, all the way down to negative 60 degrees. These ice cleats fit easily over most shoes, and are lightweight. The spikes are abrasion and rust-resistant, so they are sure to last.
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OuterStar Traction Cleats
OuterStar Traction Cleats are another top choice to grip the ice. With 18 spikes per shoe, you’re sure to stay firmly planted on the ground. They’re easy to put on and off, made with elastic TPR rubber. These ice cleats are wear resistant, with strong rubber and impact resistant Manganese steel.
[amazon box=”B0761SMK33″]
Ice Cleats – Buyers Guide
Your safety while ice fishing is an important consideration. When you’re walking over a frozen lake, there are two main safety concerns: the thickness of the ice, and how slippery it is. You should always check ice thickness before putting weight on it.
The best ice cleats will help with both of those safety concerns, however. A quality pair of ice grippers will prevent any slips or falls, which is vital to keep you from crashing through the ice on impact.
Learn what to look for in ice cleats so that you can confidently stroll across the ice without slipping.
Grip
Traction is the point of wearing ice cleats, so how well they grip the ice is the most important consideration. Look for ice cleats that have great reviews for walking on ice, and see what previous customers have to say about their grip.
Most ice cleats use steel spikes or studs to grip slippery surfaces. Look for products with quality materials like stainless steel – these will provide better traction, and they’ll last longer.
Fit
How your ice cleats fit is important: if they fall off easily or can’t fit over your ice fishing boots, they’re of no use to you. A good pair of ice cleats will come in various sizes, but should be flexible enough to fit over a slightly different size or shape shoe.
Ice cleats should fit comfortably. They shouldn’t squeeze your feet or shoes, nor should they be too tight to pull off. Cleats also can’t be loose, as they could fall off or may be less effective in keeping you safely planted on the ground.
Material
Not only the material of the spikes, but the entire cleat should be made with high quality components. The harness should be durable – you don’t want your cleats falling or breaking off while you’re wearing them.
Most ice cleats use rubber or rubber-like materials for the harness, so they can stretch to fit your shoes. Rubber can lose elasticity in freezing temperatures, but the best ice cleats will use materials that maintain their flexibility and durability, regardless of temperature.
Weight
Wearing metal around your shoes can get heavy. The weight of ice cleats is something to consider, as you’ll have to walk around all day with them on your feet. If they’re too heavy, they can cause fatigue.
Look for a pair of ice cleats that are still durable and effective without weighing too much. There are plenty of lightweight ice grippers that won’t be too heavy, so you won’t be trudging through the ice with tired legs.
Ice Traction Cleats FAQ
Do you have more questions? Check out common questions relating to ice traction cleats.
What are cleats?
Cleats are devices that can be attached to shoes to add traction when walking on slippery or uneven surfaces. When it comes to ice fishing, cleats are made so that anglers can walk across the ice without worrying so much about slipping and falling.
Ice cleats are typically made with metal spikes to grip the ground, but different materials can be used as long as they help maintain balance and grip on the surface.
Do I need ice cleats for ice fishing?
If you have enough traction in your boots, you may opt out of wearing ice cleats. We recommend wearing cleats – a quality pair doesn’t cost too much, and they can save you from slipping and falling on the ice.
Falling while ice fishing is not ideal; it can lead to injury, you can break through the ice on impact, and it’s simply unpleasant. Ice cleats will greatly improve your traction, so falling won’t be as much of a concern. Cleats aren’t a requirement, but we would recommend investing in a pair for your safety.
Will they fit over my boots?
Check sizing before you order ice fishing cleats. Most should be flexible, so if you get an approximate size, they should still stretch to fit over your boots. If you boots are particularly bulky, you may want to go up a size.
Find Ice Grippers and More on Fishmasters
Research the best ice cleats before you buy, or choose from our top ice grippers for shoes! Always practice safety while ice fishing, and stock up on other safety gear like ice picks, or ice fishing apparel like bibs and ice suits to stay warm on cold days of winter fishing.
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