Stabilicers vs. other ice footware

Everyone I know has switched to the microspikes in the past 2 years. You get better traction, and they last a lot longer. Also easier to pack and put on.

Thank you for your quick response. How would they be for walking on icy/snowy sidewalks, especially since there may be clear patches without ice/snow?

I have a pair of the original stabilicers and use them on dayhikes in the winter in our local state park (Maine), half snow, half granite ledge. They wear well and grip well. That said, I am probably buying microspikes this year as they are lighter and pack smaller.

I made the switch from stabilicers to microspikes last winter (also in maine), and I quite like the microspikes. Microspikes have the added bonus of having less bulk under your foot. I found the last time I used stabilicers I felt clumsy because of the extra centimeter or two of space between my foot and the ground.

Are you referring the stabilicers that are rubber and pull on over your boots, with little spikes on the bottom, or the classic version that is a full boot bottom covered in screws? The classic version has been replaced as the choice of many by microspikes for hiking, since microspikes are lighter and perform better.

I think microspikes may be overkill for just walking around on sidewalks. The spikes are large enough that they are a bit uncomfortable on hard ground (like when I cross my driveway). A lower profile option, like yaktrax or the rubber stablicer option would be better for that use.

edit to note you mention "stabilicers lite" which I think are the rubber versions. Everyone else here is referring the classic version. I think the lites look better for sidewalks than microspikes, but less good for steep trails (but maybe adequate, if you also bring crampons or don't go steep).

does anyone have any experience with ICESPIKE Shoe Spikes?

http://www.icespike.net/

looks to be interesting but seems as though the spikes could pull out…

Anyone with any insight?

Thank you for your input. I was referring to the Stabilicers on this website: http://www.scoutgear.com/stabcla.html, though I'm considering the Sport version of them, which are lighter.
Have a great Christmas.

Darwin

I'm using Icebug shoes. Every shoe has got 16 spikes and you've got good grip on ice.

http://hrxxl.wordpress.com/2009/12/14/icebug-speed-bugrip/

http://www.rei.com/product/760284

Stabilicer lights are good for walking on icy sidewalks; they're easy to put on and off. It seems like everyone on the streets in Brattleboro, VT wears them. I'd avoid them for hiking on anything except flat smooth trails.

Kahtoola microspikes are quite a bit sturdier than the stabilicer lights and will work over a wider range of conditions. On mild slopes and ice that's not hard, they will eliminate the need for crampons and they're more convenient than crampons. Some people find that they break less often than the regular stabilicers, but I never had either break.

The Icespikes look like they would be about the same as the regular stabilicers, better than the stabilicer lights but not as good as the kahtoola microspikes.

Yaktrax seem to break too much, from what I hear.

BUT, if you need crampons, you really need crampons! If you're carrying just the microspikes, there will be times and places where you'll have to turn back whereas with crampons you'd be safe continuing. In New England or New York above tree line or places with icy rock slabs, it would be a good idea to always carry crampons in the winter.

I bought a pack of replacement screws for my classic stabilicers for $5 and plan to try these with an older pair of trail runners for winter hiking:
http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm