Don't Fall for the Wrong Winter Boots!

UPDATE December 2021:

See my Icebugs review here. These are now my #1 choice for boots. (Also check out this Icebugs review by Ottawa physiotherapist/Nordic walker Margaret Martin.)

According to a friend who contacted the Toronto Rehab researchers (see info below), Icebugs were tested and passed its tests, but for some unknown reason they aren’t included in its reports.

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Winter is a fantastic time for outdoor exercise. But slipping on a patch of ice is everyone’s nightmare. Until now, finding reliable footwear to keep you upright on ice has been a challenge; there’s no way to tell in the store just how grippy the soles will be.

Fortunately, Toronto Rehab’s recently created WinterLab has developed a “snowflake” system that rates winter boots for the amount of traction they provide on ice.

Check out this very interesting episode of CBC’s Marketplace to see boot testers in harnesses slipping and sliding on the WinterLab’s icy test floor.

Their basic findings are shocking: only eight percent of the 98 boots they tested (brands that you likely own or are familiar with) met their minimum slip resistance standards.

You can see the results in chart form at www.ratemytreads.com.

Two of the few boots that passed their tests are made by Wind River, sold at Mark’s. I went to Mark’s today, and the staff people were very helpful. Here’s what I learned:

• Two non-slip boot options (according to the WinterLab findings) are the Wind River Ice Queen (I bought these, see far right image) and the Wind River Blackcomb (black or burgundy, see middle image).

• Look for the ICEFX logo on the bottom of their soles (see left image). This is what will keep you on your feet. The Ice Queens also have tiny metal shards, so Mark’s says these are the best of the two. I'll wear these for standard walking, but I’m thinking they might be a bit heavy for Nordic walking? But maybe not. You may have to order online. These boots were selling like hotcakes when I was in the store.

Several of my Nordic walkers recommend Olang and Anfibio boots, which have retractable grips. But some complain that flipping out the grips isn’t always easy; some require a special small tool.

An economical option is to add icers/grips/traction devices over your current hiking shoes/boots. Be sure to take your shoes/boots to the store to get the right fit. The icers need to be easy to stretch on but tight enough that they don't shift or fall off. Find these at any outdoor gear store or running shop.

I find that the ones with small "flat tacks" on the soles work best. They are light and allow you to walk on both wintery surfaces and bare sidewalks.

It’s very important that they are so light that you forget you're wearing them. I find that some designs, such as the popular Yaktrax, are heavy and cumbersome and can be noisy and slippery on non-snow/ice surfaces.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful winter!

Choose the Right Nordic Walking Shoes

If you’re a beginner Nordic walker or if you mostly take short Nordic walking trips around your neighbourhood, running shoes or walking shoes will work just fine.

But if you attend weekly Nordic walking classes, walk on dirt trails or gravel, walk for 60-plus minutes, or walk in cold or rainy weather, your best choice will always be day hiking shoes.

Compared to running shoes, day hiking shoes offer several benefits:

• The lightweight, rugged and slightly wider sole helps with balance and stability and helps to stave off fatigue.

• The gusseted tongue (its sides are sewn to the upper part of the shoe) helps keep out small stones.

• The mid-cut design at the ankle provides ankle support and helps keep out small stones.

• The rubber toe cap acts like a bumper protecting your toes and helps keep feet dry and warm in snow, dewy grass and puddles.

• The breathable yet water-resistant uppers let sweat evaporate while keeping out snow, rain and dew.

For more info, check out this article from Mountain Equipment Coop.

Want to keep active while enjoying the outdoors? My Nordic walking group classes are an opportunity to keep fit, meet new people and explore beautiful Mount Pleasant Cemetery, High Park and other lovely Toronto locations.. Private and semi-private lessons are also always available!

Some Favourite Winter Things

I wrote my book, The Urban Poling Ultimate Guide to Nordic Walking to capture the Nordic walking tips and advice that I've found myself sharing over and over again for the last 10+ years.

One of the most frequent questions I get is about clothing for winter workouts. Space constraints didn't allow me to include too much detail in the book. So instead I'm sharing some of my favourite items here. (These really are my favourites, and I receive no compensation for recommending them!)

Fleece-lined Pants

Long underwear is a must in the cold months, but a better and easier way to go is the all-in-one approach--pants with a stretchy wind-resistant outer layer and a cosy brushed lining.

My current must-haves are from Mountain Equipment Coop: the Prana Winter Hallena Pant ($120) and the MPG Lined Nemea Pant (sorry, no longer available at MEC but perhaps elsewhere). A bit pricey yes, but worth every penny.

Mark's has a similar pair ($110) (they didn’t fit me well, but might work for you).

I haven’t tried these ones from Uniqlo, but they look and sound good on their website.

Best Socks Ever

Hopefully you know to avoid cotton socks to keep your feet dry and blister-free. My favourite sport socks are these ones from Lululemon ($18). Maybe a crazy price for socks (I ask for them for Christmas), but they're stretchy and thin with just a bit of padding in the right places, they don't slip, and they’re long lasting. Love them!

Thicker/warmer winter workout socks are everywhere including Mark’s.. Always doublecheck labels to be sure there’s no cotton.

Base Layer

In wintery weather, a snug base layer that hugs your skin is key to keeping warm. I have a few of these from Uniqlo. Lots of options from MEC as well.

Mitts

Keeping your hands warm in winter (especially if you’re a Nordic walker or runner) can be a real challenge. If you tend to have cold hands, always opt for mitts over gloves since they trap more heat; mitts with a glove liner are really the best. Be sure they are made of a wind blocking material. This year I’m adding liners like these to my mitts in an effort to keep my almost-always-cold hands warm! On really cold days, I’ll be wearing my cosy battery-operated mitts!

Folding Cap

I recently found this FitKicks Folding Cap ($10.99) at Shoppers Drug Mart's Wellwise store (in Leaside in Toronto). It folds into thirds then in half again to easily fit into your pocket. Perfect when you're out running or Nordic walking in unpredictable weather. Bonus: it's water- and crush-resistant, has a good-size brim and looks great.

Illuminating Waist Pack

Another excellent item from Wellwise is the FitZip Illuminating Waist Pack ($19.99). On dark mornings and evenings, press a button to light up the pouch in one of three flash modes. The zippered pouch easily holds a phone or even a small water bottle or wallet. Best of all, it's rechargeable via a USB port. No batteries required!

Buff

If you haven't done so already, ditch your scarf and get a buff or two. You can buy them at any outdoors store (such as Sport Chek or Mountain Equipment Coop). This multi-purpose tube of light stretchy fabric can be a scarf, cap, hood or face mask or can just be stored on your wrist or in your pocket once you've warmed up and no longer need it. (Try that with a bulky scarf!)