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.
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.
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.
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.
