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How to walk in winter

Posted: December 18th, 2019, 5:00 pm
by neversay
I wonder how many of the falls witnessed this winter could be avoided by this simple advice?

https://i.redd.it/crn1xz5t0a541.png

Walk like a penguin (and have big/grippy feet)

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 18th, 2019, 7:26 pm
by UncleEbenezer
Walk like this penguin?

If we get enough snow and/or ice to worry about, I shall bring out the winter sandals. I don't know why, but they have a much better grip on those surfaces than any other footwear. Including walking boots, trainers, etc.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 18th, 2019, 7:55 pm
by quelquod
I’ve always instinctively walked on slippery surfaces with my weight forwards. Doesn’t everyone? ISTM that overbalancing forwards is inherently less dangerous (aside I suppose from anyone who protects their brain with a clavicle rather than an occiput).

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 18th, 2019, 8:01 pm
by kiloran
This penguin has the right idea: https://giphy.com/gifs/penguin-slide-l49FvM5VWIPnyiyVW

--kiloran

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 23rd, 2019, 12:51 pm
by StepOne
quelquod wrote:I’ve always instinctively walked on slippery surfaces with my weight forwards. Doesn’t everyone?


Yes.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 23rd, 2019, 1:43 pm
by todthedog
Don't. walk with hands in pockets you then stand a sporting chance if you do slip.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 23rd, 2019, 11:32 pm
by PinkDalek
todthedog wrote:Don't. Walk with hands in pockets you then stand a sporting chance if you do slip.


? :)

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 24th, 2019, 2:30 am
by UncleEbenezer
PinkDalek wrote:? :)

I think the puzzle is to unravel that bizarre punctuation into words that make sense. You can do it!

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 24th, 2019, 10:18 am
by PinkDalek
UncleEbenezer wrote:
PinkDalek wrote:? :)

I think the puzzle is to unravel that bizarre punctuation into words that make sense. You can do it!


Yes, I knew what was meant but thought I was on LoOTP, where the age old fun and games included misquoting others.

You did spot the slight change I made of course.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 24th, 2019, 7:39 pm
by GeoffF100
The technique is to balance on one foot and place the other straight down in front of you, and shift your weight over the foot in front. The important thing is not to push with your feet. You move by shifting your weight.

Trekking poles help if you do slip. It is also important to avoid slippery ice where you can. Kicking out steps can help you go uphill.

If it is steep with big drops, you will need an ice axe and crampons, and be well practised at using them.

If you have already been injured doing dangerous sports and are on crutches, it is best to stay away from ice.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 24th, 2019, 7:49 pm
by Arborbridge
Shortening the stride helps with all this too. In Norway, I bought some cheap spikes which strap on across the middle of the boot - they were excellent. Don't often have a need for them in Surrey!

Arb.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 27th, 2019, 11:22 am
by quelquod
GeoffF100 wrote:The technique is to balance on one foot and place the other straight down in front of you, and shift your weight over the foot in front. The important thing is not to push with your feet.


You can’t. Action and reaction. To move forwards (or to stop or turn for that matter) you need something to push against.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 27th, 2019, 12:06 pm
by GeoffF100
quelquod wrote:
GeoffF100 wrote:The technique is to balance on one foot and place the other straight down in front of you, and shift your weight over the foot in front. The important thing is not to push with your feet.


You can’t. Action and reaction. To move forwards (or to stop or turn for that matter) you need something to push against.

Yes, that is true. Shifting your weight will impose a horizontal force on the stationary foot. Nonetheless, shifting your body weight imposes the minimum horizontal force on that stationary foot. Pushing backward on your foot as in normal walking imposes a greater force, and you are more likely to slip.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 27th, 2019, 4:37 pm
by GeoffF100
Another factor is that with the suggested technique, the foot is flat on the ice. The contact area is at a maximum, and the grip is at the maximum.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 27th, 2019, 5:08 pm
by swill453
GeoffF100 wrote:Another factor is that with the suggested technique, the foot is flat on the ice. The contact area is at a maximum, and the grip is at the maximum.

Is that necessarily true? cf. skinny tyres slipping less on snow than wide ones.

Scott.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 27th, 2019, 7:05 pm
by GeoffF100
swill453 wrote:
GeoffF100 wrote:Another factor is that with the suggested technique, the foot is flat on the ice. The contact area is at a maximum, and the grip is at the maximum.

Is that necessarily true? cf. skinny tyres slipping less on snow than wide ones.

Scott.

I cannot say for sure, but we are talking ice rather than snow here. Wide tyres certainly grip better of a wet surface. Ice skates work because the pressure melts the ice. Perhaps the lower pressure from a flat foot is a factor too. I know the technique works, and I am trying to work out precisely why.

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 27th, 2019, 8:33 pm
by Dod101
I think the centre of gravity has more to do with it as far as we humans are concerned. Obviously, for car tyres, it is the weight on a particular square inch or whatever that is important, so that for a given car's weight, narrow tyres will, contrary to what might seem intuitive, give a better grip than wider ones.

Dod

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 28th, 2019, 8:00 am
by GoSeigen
Dod101 wrote:I think the centre of gravity has more to do with it as far as we humans are concerned. Obviously, for car tyres, it is the weight on a particular square inch or whatever that is important, so that for a given car's weight, narrow tyres will, contrary to what might seem intuitive, give a better grip than wider ones.


Ha ha, especially the "obviously" bit! Seen all those F1 cars going round on bicycle tyres???

It's not the weight per unit area that is important but the total friction created between the road and tyre surfaces. And that is more complex than presented above. In practice it's a compromise where the tyre is made as large as possible without becoming too heavy, ungainly or negatively affecting handling.


quelquod wrote:
GeoffF100 wrote:The technique is to balance on one foot and place the other straight down in front of you, and shift your weight over the foot in front. The important thing is not to push with your feet.


You can’t. Action and reaction. To move forwards (or to stop or turn for that matter) you need something to push against.


This is only the case when accelerating (i.e. starting, stopping or changing direction). Once already moving in a straight line no further horizontal forces are needed (bar the negligible amount to beat air resistance).

GS

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 28th, 2019, 9:27 am
by Dod101
The answer as far as car tyres are concerned is that I really do not know. It would be interesting to get a definitive answer but big fat tyres do not give a very good grip in snow which is what we are talking about, not F1 cars whizzing round a racing circuit.

Dod

Re: How to walk in winter

Posted: December 28th, 2019, 9:39 am
by GeoffF100
As I have said, walking on snow is different. If you are walking on fresh snow (without a steep incline), there is no problem. If the snow is compacted it becomes slippery. It is often a good idea to stay off the path where you can, or even take a cross country route that you would normally not even consider.