[ghaff]

Yaktraks themselves are not great (at least the older ones don't really have spikes). Microspikes are probably the best compromise for general use. They're spiky enough to work even on glare ice so long as it's not too steep. (There are more aggressive ones but they're probably overkill for city streets.)

A pole by itself is pretty useful though for occasional ice. It gives you that extra purchase and balance even if you're just in shoes.

[mordechai9000]

Yaktrax have been adequate for me on compact snow and ice. I also have kahtoolie brand microspikes that I use when hiking, where yaktrax wouldn't be adequate and crampons would be overkill, but they wouldn't be comfortable for walking around on icy roads and sidewalks.

[tokamak-teapot]

I have yaktrax without spikes - they have ‘springs’ on rubber. I have used them for years. They give me great traction when it’s slippery outside and I use them for walking and even running in snow/ice/slush.

When I’m wearing them I never slip and just carry on as if there was nothing slippery underfoot.

The only thing you have to watch out for is remembering to take them off if you go inside where there’s a hard floor such as tiles or wood, otherwise you’re going to fall over immediately. Coming in from a walk I’m taking my shoes off anyway, so it’s hard to forget.

[ghaff]

Fair enough. I live in the country and I mostly need traction for hiking so need something more substantial (and of course even microspikes aren't enough for some situations).