Winter Tips

Winter safety is our top priority at Yaktrax. Here are some winter safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this winter:

1. Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily.
2. Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit.
3. Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water before evacuating.
4. Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors and employees.
5. Keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, sandbags and hand tools on hand and accessible.
6. Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Install storm shutters, doors and window gutters; repair roof leaks; and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusual weight from the accumulation of snow -- or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
7. If you have to go outside for any reason, dress for the season and expected conditions: For cold weather, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
8. Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
9. Do not try to walk across running water more than 6 inches deep; even 6 inches of water can sweep you off your feet.
10. Do not drive into flooded areas.
11. During a winter storm, conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your house cooler than normal.
12. If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.
13. Avoid travel if possible during storms. If you must travel, do so during the daylight. Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads and keep others informed of your schedule.
14. Beware of overexertion and exhaustion. Shoveling snow in extreme cold causes major attacks. Set your priorities and pace yourself after any disaster that leaves you with a lot of clean up. The natural tendency is to do too much too soon.

Slips and Falls

According to the National Center For Injury Prevention and Control: How serious is the problem?

• In the United States, one of every three adults 65 years old or older falls each year.
• Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among people 65 years and older.
• In 1998, about 9,600 people over the age of 65 died from fall-related injuries.

• Among older adults, falls are the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for traumas.
• Falls account for 87% of all fractures for people 65 years and older. They are also the second leading cause of spinal cord and brain injury among other adults.
• Each year in the United States, one person in 20 receives emergency treatment because of a fall.
• Among older adults, fractures are the most serious health outcomes associated with falls. About 3% of all falls cause fractures. The most common are fractures of the pelvis, hip, femur, vertebrae, humerus, hand, forearm, leg and ankle.

Tips and Precautions

Always walk with extreme care on ice. Yaktrax Walker and Yaktrax Pro are designed to give you confidence and safety in snowy or icy conditions. The Yaktrax Walker and Yaktrax Pro are not for use on gravel, concrete or sanded roads. Avoid surfaces such as marble, tile or any non-icy, non-snowy surfaces when wearing the Yaktrax Walker or Yaktrax Pro.

Walk with your Yaktrax Walker or Yaktrax Pro as you normally would wearing a pair of shoes.

Always use common sense when walking on ice with any traction device.

How do Yaktrax work?

When you walk or run with Yaktrax, every step you take places hundreds of biting edges in direct contact with the ice beneath your feet. Yaktrax create a solid, secure grip by way of our patented SkiLock coil system, made of a specially treated steel. As you step, each tiny SkidLock coil presses downward, becoming embedded into the ice below. As you transfer weight onto your foot hundreds of Skidlock surfaces squeeze into the ice, providing you with stability in all directions: forward, backward, and side to side. When you lift your foot, the Yaktrax stay securely on your shoe, offering unhindered ease of movement.

Do I have to walk differently?

No. You will move about naturally. There is nothing new to learn -- just walk as you normally would and experience stability on ice and snow like you have never felt before.

How do I put them on my shoes?

The easiest way for most people is to sit down, cross your legs, pull your foot up near your other knee and slip them over your shoe. You need to start from the front and then pull them over the bottom of your shoes, securing them in the back heel area. Some people prefer to fit them over their shoe prior to putting on their shoes. Whatever way you find easiest, will be the best way for you.

Do men and women's Yaktrax differ?

No. The only difference is the sizing. See our size charts under each product.

Which product is right for me, the Yaktrax Pro or the Yaktrax Walker?

The Yaktrax Walker is the original Yaktrax version. It was designed for people who walk across icy parking lots, sidewalks or simply walking their dog. It is a great way to stay safe if you are a pedestrian, walker or elderly. It is simple to put on and take off and you hardly know you have it on your shoes.

The Yaktrax Pro is new on the market and designed for the more active winter person. For example: a mail carrier, runner, outside worker or someone who faces winter conditions on a frequent basis. They are made of the more durable rubber blend and have a removable strap, should you go into deep snow. We have police officers, runners, crossing guards and many other professionals using the Pro.

What kind of Warranty does your product offer?

Yaktrax has a full 90 day warranty. Should anything happen to your Yaktrax or you are not completely satisfied, we will be available to take care of your needs. Email us at help@4implus.com for further information.

Are there any situations that you do not recommend Yaktrax?

Yaktrax are not made for mountaineering. Yaktrax are not meant for indoor use. We highly recommend that you remove your Yaktrax prior to entering a building. They are not to be worn on tile, marble, linoleum or any other non-icy, slippery surface.

Yaktrax are designed to be worn outside on ice/snowy surfaces. Remember, always take care when walking on icy and snowy surfaces as no product can guarantee your personal safety.

If I want to order a pair over your website, will my financial information be secure?

Absolutely. We have hired one of the best ecommerce providers on the market. We utilize the latest online security measures, including full data encryption of credit card numbers. We do not sell any customer records to mailing list companies or solicitors. We do everything we can to make sure your online purchase is safe.