Every year, a couple of friends and myself, take some time off work and head up North, ice fishing.
Sometimes we can get a little competitive on which one of us catches the biggest fish – but it’s all friendly jesting, to say the least.
Last year when we went ice fishing, the ice was incredibly slippery to the point that it was downright dangerous. I decided that the following year I would invest in some ice cleats to help me get around the ice.
I did some research and was surprised at what I learned.
I wanted to write a post on this topic, and help my fellow ice anglers out there get safely to their ice hole to pull up that big catch. Below you’re going to find the results of my research. Here are the best ice cleats for ice fishing.
STABILicers Maxx (BEST OVERALL)
These high-rated, heavy duty ice cleats are built to last. They give you some serious traction in the worst winter conditions. The STABILicers Maxx cleats come with 34 replaceable, heat-treated steel cleats, and come with a SureFit polyester hook-and-loop binding that stays on your feet even when they are wet.
These cleats are built to give you the stability and support that you need on the ice while providing you with a product that’s made to last you a long time.
Before you purchase this product make sure you check out their sizing chart to buy the right product that fits your foot. They offer several options for different traction needs from aggressive all the way to more aggressive. The STABILicers Maxx cleats have hundreds of positive reviews and have a 4.5-star rating.
These cleats will do an excellent job helping you get around the lake when you’re ice fishing, if only they would help you catch the big one!
For a more affordable pair of cleats that are the same brand, try the STABILicers Walk Traction. These cleats will work well for ice fishing as well. These are not as heavy duty as the STABILicers Maxx cleats but are still an excellent product for getting around on the slippery ice.
These cleats have multi-directional heat-treated steel cleats which bite into the ice and snow. These cleats are compact and very easy to store. Taking them off is a breeze, thanks to the convenient tab at the back of the cleats.
These ice cleats are designed more for walking, or everyday activities. Most people purchase these cleats for walking the dog, delivering newspapers or even going to work (Read about a man that slipped at work and so he started to wear these every day). If you’re afraid to fall on the ice going about your everyday tasks, I suggest you purchase the Yaktrax Walk Traction Cleats. These cleats don’t have spikes so they won’t damage sidewalks or driveways, yet they give you excellent traction on snow and ice.
Though the STABILicers Walk Traction are designed directly for ice fishing, many people use them for this purpose, and they work well. They give ample grip on the ice that will protect you from getting hurt.
Unigear Traction Cleats (BEST MEDIUM PRICED)
Another comparable ice cleat that’s a little cheaper, but extremely tough are the Unigear Traction Cleats. The bands on these cleats are made with a tough, stretchy thermoplastic elastomer which is also anti-tearing. This ensures that they are going to be around for a long time, and secures tightly to your outer boots and shoes.
They have 18 heavy-duty stainless-steel cleats on each foot that bite into the ice. There is full-foot coverage with forefoot and heel coverage which makes climbing iced pathways a breeze.
The cleats are comfortable to wear and fits the foot nicely. The company also offers a 60 day 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can buy with confidence.
They have a 4.5-star rating and many satisfied customers.
Limm Ice Traction Cleats Pro (MOST AFFORDABLE)
These cleats are easy to slip on your shoes, they roll up nicely for easy storage and have ten steel metal studs that dig into the ice.
The final pair of cleats that I wanted to review are the Limm Ice Traction Cleats Pro cleats. These cleats are the least expensive but still have an excellent rating. If you’re looking for a pair of cleats that won’t break the bank, then these cleats are your best choice.
These cleats are lightweight and very portable. I even rolled them up and stuck them in my pocket when I didn’t need them.
The base of these cleats are made from a rubbery material that can tear or rip. Make sure that you purchase the proper size that fits your boot, or they will break. I didn’t have a problem with it, but some customers have commented that the straps broke trying to get them on their boots.
For the price, it’s a great option. They give you plenty of grip, and work well for ice fishing.
My #1 Recommendation
Overall, all of these cleats will serve you well and help you get around on the slippery ice. I preferred the STABILicers Maxx just because of the quality and just knowing that these babies aren’t moving or breaking. They’re priced more on the high-end for ice cleats, but sometimes you do get what you pay for.
Thanks for reading this post, and good luck on the ice. Leave your questions or comments below.
