I was wondering if anyone could tell me if they have used overshoes for walking in snow and ice. During the inclement weather in Scotland the paths became no-go areas for many people, especially the elderly, due to the snow and ice. Do people like postal workers wear overshoes or doe they wear proper full boots with appropriate tread and grip? Input would be appreciated. Many thanks Son of Skywalker

I swear by proper snow boots. Warm and excellent grip on snow and ice. Not sure what you mean by 'overshoes'. Plenty of different types of extras to slip onto your shoe ranging from those with spikes to those with metal springs. Not shoes so much as accessories. Posties seem to wear walking boots here. The older dog walkers I know seem to like their snow boots or warm soft soled boots. The good thing about proper snow boots is they keep you warm as well as providing grip and they can be used when it's not snowy and icy too so are more economical in the long run (thouuh more expensive initially).

I agree about the boots. I recently purchased a pair of Karrimor boots. Excellent grip and they have an easy access zip on the side in addition to the full lace up. The recent bad weather in Scotland (i.e. last Monday 6th December) nudged me a bit to get a new pair of boots. I had to walk home five miles in the middle of the snow storm. I have not observed any post delivery personnel with overshoes but it was suggested to me that they may wear them. I have only observed proper boots. Still it is a question I would like to pose. Do any employers provide these to their staff and do they work? Thanks Son of Skywalker

Agreed, crampons are for specific conditions, not walking on snowy or icy pavements. Great on glaciers though!!! For everyday use if you don't want boots these are the items that some may be referring to: http://www.cotswoldoutdo...urce.x=10&source.y=9

Hi Clairel Yes that is the sort of overshoes I am talking about. There are a lot of different varieties but they seem to do the same thing. What I am trying to ascertain is whether employers would go for them rather than proper boots. If so what would be there reasoning (is it to save money rather than buy a proper pair of boots). Son of Skywalker

Safety Smurf Do you use them in the work setting? Would you recommend them for people who are out and about driving to places so that they can put them on when they get out of the car? Obviously after a dynamic risk assessment on the conditions underfoot. Son of Skywalker

Safety Smurf The additional info re loose surfaces, mud and leaf litter is interesting. Son of Skywalker

I recently bought a set of these 'micro spikes' for hiking, they're not in the same league as crampons for mountaineering but excellent for winter walking , running etc. They go on in seconds and I found them excellent when out clearing snow and ice at work, even on the sheet ice of the carpark!!. (Nightmare to clear as the surface is hardcore and ice 'keys' into it. you can't remove the ice without destroying the surface. There are other types and I have just recieved some purchased by my employer for use at work, they are similar to my own but consist of metal loops rather than the chain / spike affair. I would say these are a better all rounder as they seem to cope better with cleared areas, though manufacturers both state avoid indoors, concrete etc. Again tried these on the car park and they make all the difference, already ordered more for the family and colleauges showing much interest too. At around £13 they are great value. A word of warning there are disclaimers and they will not make you invincible, due care advised as always but they certainly reduce the risk (Shame my friend didn't have any last week when he broke his ankle taking his daughter to nursery - It can happen to anyone, anytime!) Google (or other) micro spikes or ice shoe grips for numerous types. The 'Hawiaian' sounding ones and those bearing the name of a siberian beast of burden have been well recieved by the hikiking community) Cheers!! Jon

Google bambi and thames

Safetygirl Will there be any specific difference to the nature of the surface as compared to non low tier COMAH sites? Son of Skywalker

Hi Safetygirl I think earlier in the thread we discussed the fact that it would be on the ground (I know at one point leaves were mentioned). As per assessment to make sure they are fit for purpose if they had the potential for sparks then they would not be used in an area where they could cause ignition. I guess you would be back to rubber soled boots or similar. Son of skywalker

Hi All, My Aunt in Oslo sent me a pair of Devisys heelstops last week. Really effective on our slippery pavements and icy cobbled lanes. http://www.devisys.fi/en/index_en.htm Whether or not you can buy them in the UK, I don't know.

Like everything else its the correct 'tools' for the Job. Good shoes will reduce the risk, ice grips - where appropriate will reduce further by a significant amount. £13 against 6 weeks in pot with a broken ankle make them a no-brainer for me. Getting the gritting done early and back warm inside to the routine work - nice. Watching people on their back sides (so long as they're not hurt) while you zip by - funny Out in the hills taking in the spectacular views - priceless!!