We even had a major snow event this year make the national news. That storm covered our local area with a wonderful combo of 3-4 inches of snow and then a half-inch thick coating of Ice, thanks to a rare freezing rain.
Needless to say this winter, I was using my basic YakTrax "Walkers" on a fairly regular basis.
Recently, I have had mixed feelings about my "Yaks". They definitely give you a secure grip when walking on snow and ice. I was able to walk up our local hill with ease -- even with a mix of plowed snow slush, snow, ice and gravel.
However, a couple times I returned home to discover that one of my Yaks was no longer on my hiking boot. Luckily it was usually only a short distance away - this happened not just once but twice. Not sure if the Yaks, which got heavy use for a couple weeks, were too stretched out by the frequent use or I had not secured them enough into the grooves of my boots. In any case, it was a bit annoying.
Yaktrax Walker vs Yaktrax Pro
The folks at Yaktrax sent me a "Pro" version to try out and review. They were unaware of my experiences prior, so it seemed like a good test to see if the Pro version is a better Yak.
The box is almost identical to the basic "Walker" version - but it does reveal a major difference -- a strap that goes over your boot.
Here is the difference - the basic Walker Yaktrax version is on the left, the Pro version is on the right (notice the velcro strap).
Oddly the basic concept is the same on the bottom of the Yak - both versions have the diamond/criss-cross design. No major difference here - but maybe you dont need to change a "good thing" (Basic "Walker" Yak on the left, Pro version on the right)
While the bottoms of the Yaks are similar - you can see the perimeter rubber of the Pro version is a bit more beefy -- helping it feel more secure to your boot.
Here is the basic Walker Yak:
Here is the Pro version - a bit more rubber surrounding the boot:
Of course the major difference is the Yaktrax Pro's
The YakTrax Walker is probably fine for once/twice a year use (just be sure to double check they are still on once and a while -- there is no springloaded "boing" noise when they release!)
If you are a semi-serious hiker, I would probably invest a bit more in the Pro version. They will probably hold up better on longer snow hikes - plus you have the strap, which should reduce unintended releases.
Both versions of the Yaks are available at REI
Editors Note: YakTraxs contacted me for a honest review of the Pro version. They sent me the Pro Yaks (I already owned the Walker Yaks). While we may review product samples - we do not review products for compensation on this blog.