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By Ron Schmidt

We just had our first big snowstorm of the season and I have been reminded of one of my favorite cold-weather songs, “Winter Wonderland”. The lyrics with the refrain, “Walking in a winter wonderland”, make it sound so peaceful and relaxing. There’s no hint of the danger of falling on slippery sidewalks and roads, missteps that can lead to bruises, sprains, broken bones and a sudden trip to the hospital.  

We live up north and, if you like to walk as much as I do, your mental and physical well-being and fitness depend on walking year-round. When snow and ice arrive, that’s when it’s time for me to head to the closet. Not to hide, but to find my Yaktrax – which have waited patiently for me since April.  Mine are only one brand of shoe gear known generically as spikes or cleats. Once strapped onto my running shoes – I like to feel the ground when I’m walking, so I don’t wear boots – I can walk safely.

Spikes worn on boots offer even more traction on frozen ice and sand. Photo by Pat Stinson.
Spikes worn on boots offer even more traction on frozen ice and sand. Photo by Pat Stinson.

My first pair were given to me by friends more than 10 years ago. Mine have rubber webbing that stretches beneath each shoe or boot, from my toes to my heel. The brand I wear uses rolled wire on the bottom for traction and a strap across the bridge of my foot to keep them from popping off as I walk over uneven ground or deep snow. There’s nothing more annoying when walking confidently on a slippery surface than feeling a sudden loss of traction in one foot or glancing down at your feet to find one cleat missing. Some brands use chains or triangular spikes on straps, which offer even greater traction for steep hills or walking on ice, as most winter anglers already know.

Advertisement for Saint Ambrose Cellars features its red barn in winter on a clear, blue-sky day. The logo of a queen bee with a woman's face, eyes closed and her arms extended says Mead, Beer Music. The gold logo is a circle and appears to float in the sky. Beneath the photo of the barn is a list of things found at the location. Mead. Beer. Wine. Food. Live Music. Disc Golf. Indoor and Patio Seating. Open 7 days a week. There is a Q.R. code to point your smartphone at. next to it are the words: Check out our event line-up and weekday specials. Located at 841 South Pioneer Road, Beulah, Michigan. Call them at 231-383-4262. Click on this ad to be taken to the website.Keep the press rolling at Freshwater Reporter. Like what you're reading? Your donations and our advertising partners helped us break even in 2024. Thank you to those of you who contributed! Haven't donated yet? Click on this ad.Advertisement for Marie Marfia Fine Art. There is a pastel painting of a yellow lily pad flower just off to the left of center in a blue pond or lake with multiple lily pads in green and rusty orange. A working artist's studio gallery. Landscapes, portraits and skeleton art. Schedule of classes at mariemarfia dot com. Ludington Michigan. Hours by appointment. Call 904-566-4473. Click on this ad to be taken to the website.

I walk mostly on a snow- or ice-covered dirt road, where I live. But I’ve also used them on packed trails and frozen fields.

I am glad to promote these  simple but amazing gadgets. I hope whoever invented them became wealthy – or at least is gratified to have saved thousands of serious injuries or deaths resulting from falls. 

Ron Schmidt (R) and Mark Videan walk on a snowy road with confidence while wearing cleats. Leader Dog Lila is more surefooted. Photo by Pat Stinson.
Ron Schmidt (R) and Mark Videan walk on a snowy road with confidence while wearing cleats. Leader Dog Lila is more surefooted. Photo by Pat Stinson.

If you do not yet own a set, you might consider buying them for yourself and a friend. You can find them in area sporting goods stores, sometimes feed and tractor stores, or places selling hardware. Amazon also carries them. They start at $19 for a basic set without straps and can cost $30 or more for sturdier gear. 

Consider them the best investment for walking in our northern Michigan winters safely and enjoyably —  maybe accompanied by a good song brought to your lips by the season. 

Enjoy those winter walks.

A children’s author, Ron Schmidt lives in the north woods with his Leader Dog, Lila. He enjoys long walks, listening to birds and music, and visiting a nearby destination cellar for his favorite wine and mead.

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