While lightly falling snowflakes are always beautiful, nobody really wants to venture out into ice pellets and snow drifts just to run every day errands. Even when you think you’re as prepared as can be with high-quality, insulated, waterproof winter boots, it doesn’t mean you’re protected from winter’s icier conditions. It’s important to consider the best winter boots for traction to ensure your boots grip the cold, icy and snowy surfaces to keep you from slipping and falling.
Many well-known boot brands focus on high level insulation and quality waterproofing, and others additionally focus on traction. When it comes to traction, Vibram® is the industry leader with their Arctic Grip™ technology, specifically engineered and designed to perform on wet, icy surfaces. Many well-known brands now incorporate Vibram® Arctic Grip™ technology into their outsoles to add an extra layer of traction to their boots so you can better conquer winter.
Take Merrell—a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts—for instance. Their women’s Aurora Ice Grip not only has a waterproof shell with Thinsulate™ protection and a removable footbed, it also features Vibram® Arctic Grip™ for traction on wet ice. This hiker is a great transitional boot to take you from an icier fall, right into winter. 
Their men’s Overlook Hiker incorporates the same features with an added 200 grams of insulation to keep your feet warm and cozy. Yes, waterproofing, insulation and traction!
Maybe you’re looking for a pair of winter boots that really keep the snow out and and your legs warm. Sperry (they don’t just make boat shoes!) now incorporates Vibram® Arctic Grip™ into their winter boots, too. Their women’s Powder Valley boot (which is also available in black) is not only lined with 200 grams of Thinsulate™ and faux-fur, but also has a Vibram® Arctic Grip™ outsole. This boot will definitely keep you surefooted and on your feet on ice or snow!
A key feature of Arctic Grip™ outsoles is their thermochromatic lug on each sole which turns from white to blue as the temperature nears 0 degrees Celsius. This serves as an indicator to let you know the temperature is low enough for ice formulation. How ‘cool’ is that? 
You can also find styles that are on the more fashionable side that have Arctic Grip™ outsoles as well. The Hush Puppies men’s Beauceron Tall boot has a removable foam footbed that casually contours to your foot. With its breathable sock lining, this boot is sure to be a comfy one. Aesthetically, it has full grain waterproof leather, which is also available in brown.
Another stylish boot for the guys out there is Kodiak’s Rhode II, which has superior traction on ice; thanks again to its Vibram® Arctic Grip™ outsole. Not only will it help keep you upright, it will also keep your feet warm with 400 grams of cushioning warmth and a comfort rating down to -30 degrees Celsius. Plus, its padded collar and lace-up closure creates a secure and comfortable fit. It’s also available in brown to give your style a more rugged, casual, everyday look. Even better, each pair comes with two pairs of laces!
Maybe you’re in need of a more versatile boot that can be worn to and from the office, or out to pick up the kids from school. Kodiak’s Rover II for men is the boot for you with its classic ‘Chelsea’ double-gore design. With its leather uppers that are waterproof and SaltShield protected, these boots will not only maintain their look over a longer period, but also keep the cold away from your toes. Add Vibram® Arctic Grip™ to the mix and now you have a boot that you can rely on.
Lastly, you don’t have to make a fashion statement all the time (especially in the winter). Sometimes, you just need to get the job done. If all you need is a boot that you can wear around the farm, up and down the driveway to grab the mail, or to throw on to take the dog for a quick walk, Muck’s Arctic Ice Mid boots for men might just be what you’re looking for! This fleece lined, 100% waterproof neoprene slip-on has a Vibram® Arctic Grip™ outsole and features Vibram® Icetrek for additional traction. The soft rubber compound in combination with multi-directional lugs allows the Icetrek soles to move even more swiftly, maintaining solid traction on all different kinds of terrains and surfaces. It’s also comfort rated from 4 degrees Celsius down to -40 degrees Celsius, making it a great transitional boot to take you from fall to winter, and even into early spring.
What to see Arctic Grip™ in action? Here’s a video from Vibram® demonstrating how traction can be maintained even when walking on ice:
Want to see for yourself? Becker Shoes will be hosting Arctic Grip™ demonstrations with representatives from Merrell at select locations.
Attend an ice block demonstration at a Becker Shoes near you:
Becker Shoes Kingston: November 5th at 11:00am-4:00pm
Becker Shoes Orillia: November 6th at 11:00am-2:00pm
Becker Shoes Barrie: November 6th at 3:00pm-6:00pm
Becker Shoes Collingwood: November 7th at 11:00am-2:00pm
Becker Shoes Owen Sound: November 7th at 3:00pm-6:00pm
Becker Shoes Port Elgin: November 8th at 11:00am-2:00pm
Becker Shoes Hanover: November 8th at 3:00pm-6:00pm
Shop styles with Arctic Grip™ online or visit one of Becker Shoes’ 14 locations to ask us more about Arctic Grip™. Remember, if you don’t see the style you’re looking for in your local store, just ask us and we’ll order it in at no charge for you to try on.