I bought the Yaktrax Run last year. Annnd… I rarely used them. Why? Because on most days I just haven’t had to! However this winter has been the one where I finally get some return on my investment in them.
Unlike the Yaktrax Walk and Pro models, which have rubber bands wrapped with steel coils, the Run has tungsten spikes under the ball of the foot.
I’ve had two issues I’ve had with these units. The first is with the nylon and Velcro straps at the toes. Before I complain too much, it was my fault. I did not have them mounted properly to my shoes. As such, the nylon strap crept down under the front toe. After running on that for 5 mile, it broke. Since Yaktrax’ warranty had expired, I fixed it with some zip ties. Problem solved.
The other issue I have is that the forward-most tungsten spike on one foot has gotten jammed so it points slightly backwards. This is likely because of repeated “foot dragging”. I have not really noticed an impact on performance as a result.
If you haven’t used Yaktrax or comparable traction devices for ice, let me say they are an absolute game changer. I can run on the slickest, iciest surfaces with confidence in these. It’s a little unnerving as you get started, taking those tentative first steps, until it sinks in to your brain “hey! I can just run!”
The feel of running on these does take a little getting used to. It’s not unlike strapping on a pair of boots and running on them for the first time. They weigh just under 5 ounces. While it’s not a lot, it’s not nothing, especially given that my Altra Torin 8 GTX weigh 11.5 ounces, and I can definitely feel the difference.
Also, you won’t want to wear these on primarily non-icy surfaces, whether indoors or out. Outdoors, you’re just wearing down the spikes and making yourself less stable with the added height and weight. Indoors you’re wearing a set of skates on laminate or tile floors, and “leaving your mark” if they’re wood.
Putting them on and off is straightforward, but I find it easiest to do while sitting down. If it’s wet and snowy outside, you may not want to do this, so I usually try to commit before the run. It’s just not fun to stop to have to put them on later, and if you don’t have a waterproof pouch to put them in, carrying them after taking them off is a hassle.
Overall, I give these a thumbs up. If you want to run outside and it’s icy, and you’re afraid of a slip and fall, these will change your running game.
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