Rate My Treads · UHN's KITE Research Institute
Find Footwear with Better Grip
Rate My Treads helps you find footwear with better grip through independent testing and research from KITE. Our SnowFlake Rating identifies footwear with better grip on ice, while our WaterDrop Rating identifies footwear with better grip on water-contaminated surfaces.
SnowFlake-Rated Footwear
Casual Footwear
Everyday footwear—including boots, sneakers, and slip-ons—rated for slip resistance on icy surfaces.
Safety Footwear with Toe & Plate
Work and occupational safety footwear with toe & plate rated for slip resistance on icy surfaces, helping workers choose footwear with better grip in winter conditions.
Spikes
Footwear with spikes or traction devices (such as crampons and cleats) —rated for slip resistance on icy surfaces.
WaterDrop-Rated Footwear
Occupational Footwear
Work footwear designed for everyday occupational environments, such as restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and other workplaces, rated for slip resistance on wet surfaces.
Safety Footwear with Toe & Plate
Safety footwear with protective toe and puncture-resistant plate protection, rated for slip resistance on wet surfaces.
Best SnowFlake Rated Footwear
Model Number: 5DQEWRF24-5960
Model Number: 5CPEWRF23-5290
Model Number: 5BOFDK8-8905
Model Number: 5ANBDK3-6611
Model Number: 8 Inches Safety Boot
Best WaterDrop Rated Footwear
Model Number: 5BODAG2-3400
Model Number: 5ANDDK0-3025
Model Number: 5BODDK0-3107
Model Number: 5ANDDK0-3023
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Come chill in our WinterLab
Step inside Canada's most advanced winter testing facility.
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Meet our RampLab
Where footwear grip on wet surfaces is tested on an adjustable ramp.
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What are the best boots for winter? U of T researcher discusses his ratings with the New York Times
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What people are saying
Marnie Ottawa, Dec 2023"I am a big fan of your research and so grateful for a scientific evaluation that cuts through marketing hype. I live in Ottawa, where there are long stretches of freeze and thaw that make the sidewalks a nightmare. As a city walker, what I really need is a boot that grips in the streets and on the wet floors of the destinations I’m heading to. Thanks so much for your work!"
Lori SK, Nov 2021"I have been using your ratings in the past when deciding on what winter footwear to purchase and have found the information to be very helpful."
Skip K Stratford, ON, Nov 2021"I want to say thanks for what you do. As my friend told me, you rate boots on their ability to avoid slips and it was like the bell went off for me. Of course, being that I'm getting to be of a certain age, that is the most important feature for me."
Susan S. Winnipeg, MN, Nov 2021"I was excited to learn about your research. Thank you for your work, it is so important."
K. Gupta Ancaster, ON, Nov 2021"I learned about your website from a recent CBC article. I really appreciate the work you're doing, and love having a scientific basis for comparing winter boots, so thank you!"
Andrew B. Toronto, ON, Nov 2021"I saw your work featured on Marketplace last night. Your work will have a hugely positive impact on Canadians' lives! It is truly wonderful science! Fantastic website, I will be using it to inform future purchases and will share with family."
Melinda B. Grimsby, ON, Nov 2021"Thank you so much for the work you do, I really wish I'd found your website sooner!"