Rate My Treads · KITE Research Institute
Find Footwear with Better Grip
Rate My Treads helps you find footwear with better grip through independent testing, slip resistance ratings, and winter footwear research from KITE.
Choose the Right Footwear
Reduce and Prevent Slips and Falls
Over 21,000 Ontarians visit an emergency room because of slips and falls on ice and snow each winter.
Footwear Ratings
Everyday comfort tested across styles — boots, sneakers, and slip-ons rated for traction, warmth, and durability.
Industrial-grade boots assessed for toe protection, slip resistance, and compliance with safety standards on the job.
Ice and trail spikes evaluated on grip performance, attachment systems, and stability in wet and frozen conditions.
Best Rated Footwear
Model Number: 5DQEWRF24-5960
Model Number: 5CPEWRF23-5267, 5CPEWRF23-5266
Model Number: 5BOFDK7-8520
Model Number: HHF231104
Model Number: IB7520BK
Best Rated Footwear
Model Number: 5BODAG2-3400
Model Number: 5ANDDK0-3025
Model Number: 5BODDK0-3107
Model Number: 5ANDDK0-3023
Frequently Asked
Questions
Find answers about our ratings, testing process, and how Rate My Treads works.
Browse FAQs →Latest News
What are the best boots for winter? U of T researcher discusses his ratings with the New York Times
More Info
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!"