Consumer Reports: Get better traction on ice

Winter boots can protect you from the snow, but no amount of rubber tread can prevent you from slipping on ice. Consumer Reports tested devices that slip over your shoes and claim to grip the ice to prevent slips and falls.

Sue Schaevitz slipped on the ice and suffered a traumatic brain injury. She still has headaches, dizziness and vision problems nearly a year later.

"I never thought that a couple of inches of ice would change my life that day and that I'd be where I am nine months later," Schaevitz said.

Consumer Reports tested four products designed to give you better traction on ice. Prices range from $8-34.

Bernie Deitrick made his own personal skating rink and tried each pair on a flat surface and at various angles. Then he went to a real rink to see how well each grips the ice while standing, walking and even running.

"All of these devices improve your traction on ice. But there were big differences in performance," Deitrick said.

The Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for $18 performed the worst at the rink. Despite the metal coils on the bottom, Bernie slid all over the ice.

The $8 OuterStar has ten-stud crampons on the bottom, but you can still slip fairly easily.

The $27 Ice-trekkers gave more traction on the slippery surface with its diamond grip traction cleats.

The best by far was the Stabilicers Maxx that cost about $34. Walking, running and even standing on ice at an angle didn't allow any slipping.

The Stabilicers Maxx are available in several sizes from outdoor stores and online, including from Amazon. Prices vary by size.

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