Winter Traction Materials Explained
Carbide vs tungsten vs rubber spikes
Understanding Traction Materials
Ice cleat traction comes from three main materials: (1) Carbide studs offer aggressive grip on ice but wear quickly on pavement, (2) Tungsten carbide is more durable and handles mixed surfaces, (3) Rubber coils (Yaktrax-style) provide 360° traction but less bite on hard ice. For urban use, tungsten or rubber coils work best.
Key Tips:
- Carbide studs = best ice grip
- Tungsten = durability + mixed surfaces
- Rubber coils = 360° urban traction
- Steel chains = aggressive but noisy
- Consider your typical terrain
Carbide Studs
Carbide studs provide the most aggressive traction on pure ice and packed snow. However, they wear down quickly when walking on dry pavement and can be loud on hard surfaces. Best for primarily icy conditions rather than mixed urban terrain.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide offers excellent durability and works well on both ice and pavement. It's the go-to choice for urban commuters who encounter mixed surfaces daily. More expensive than basic carbide but lasts much longer.
Rubber Coil Systems
Rubber coil systems like Yaktrax wrap around your entire sole, providing 360° traction. They're quieter on pavement and handle transitions between surfaces well. The trade-off is less aggressive bite on hard ice compared to studded options.