Science Says This Is the Best Snow Boot for Walking on Slippery Ice
Walking in a winter wonderland can be so peaceful-unless the ground is icy, that is.
According to Real Simple, a team of Canadian scientists set out to make sure you don't slip and fall on ice this winter. Researchers at iDAPT and WinterLab, rehab research facilities in Toronto, tested the slip resistance of almost 100 winter boots. For the first time, they say, consumers will now have slip-resistant ratings for their cold-weather shoes, much like the ratings given to winter tires.
The team developed a Maximum Acheivable Angle (MAA) testing method to test the "grippiness" of boots worn by real people in simulated winter weather. Participants tried on different boots then walked uphill and downhill on both bare and melting ice. The highest angle the participant reached before slipping was recorded as the MAA score for each pair of boots.
So, which footwear proved to be the safest bet? Only six men's and two women's styles met the minimum criteria to be considered top picks in the test, earning an MAA score between 7 and 10 degrees. (Ontario's accessibility guidelines state that curb ramps cannot have a slope of more than 7 degrees.)
In the casual category for women, the Sperry Powder Valley Vibram Arctic Grip Boot ($180) made the cut with a score of 9. While pricey, they're pretty fashionable and seem worth the money for a guaranteed slip-free season. In the safety category, the Marks Dakota CTCP Transitional Boot (only available in Canada) earned a score of 8.
"This is another example of how research at Toronto Rehab provides practical help to prevent accidents and disability," said Research Director Geoff Fernie, Ph.D., in a press release. "I expect that many serious and life-changing injuries will be prevented this winter by people choosing to buy better non-slip footwear."
The full list of men's and women's boots tested, along with their scores, can be found here.
(h/t Real Simple)
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