Walk like a penguin

Only in my mid fifties but already scared of falling especially in the wet, let alone the snow! Also struggle getting on descending escalators and sometimes steps!! ?

Thanks judylow, you've just sealed the mental deal for me.

Had both knees done, now my left leg is shorter than my right, and I have knock knees.
I have had a few falls, and find it almost impossible to get up from the ground, need to be hauled up, so undignified.

Kim19 I found when I did use a stick in the snow it slipped more than I did! I hate going out when it’s slippery and hang on to my husband. Had a few falls in the past (for no reason I could work out) but since two new knees have been OK but not taking any chances.

I bought some of the crampon things after I tried DD's and a couple of years ago I bought a walking pole. So far we've never had enough snow for me to try them;

I think the best advice is to buy the very best pair of boots or shoes that you can, making sure they are fairly flat and got good tread on the soles. I swear by my Uggs in this weather

Please use 2 walking poles or walking sticks if you feel unsteady on the snow. I've had 2 bad falls, and found that using one stick didn't help at all to get me up, nothing for me to lean on with the other hand to prise me up, so now I use 2 walking poles and they can pull you up when there's nothing else to grab on to ...be safe out there folks.

Thanks Charleygirl. Every time I toy with using a stick in snow I'm put off by the thought that it's something else to contend with (and always remember!) as well as the prospect of leaning on it too heavily. Your comment is appreciated.

I have a metal contraption that fits over my walking stick for when it snows. All good in theory. What happens though is it has a tendency to fill with snow and form a ball of ice, counter productive and very scary ?.
I have had the crampon things that fit over your footwear, some more useful than others. I was given some advice the other day that I'd never heard before though, apparently if you put socks OVER your footwear they act as a grip in ice and snow! I'm not sure of the look mind......

I’ve given my mum my walking poles. 4 legs are better than 2 sometimes. I can’t think she would need to worry about tendonitis, she won’t be walking far in the bad weather. You can sling them over your shoulder when shopping.

Lemongrove excellent idea. Then we could bounce down the road together! ?????

I can't wear my DM's any more BlueBelle; I had their shoes and the grip was very good. Live in trainers these days but when it's slippy they're useless. My Aqualambs are great, though, and so warm.

I tend to be a brisk walker myself.
I would like to be a brisk walker, alas it doesn't seem possible any more.

I have done that with the woollen socks over shoes Mercedes, not for years though because DD left her snow boots at home so I wear them on the rare occasions I may need them.

Because of a dodgy joint I can’t wear hard shoes like Doc Matens .. but I d love to

I'm surprised at how little grip most shoe's have when it's wet or icy, but have found Celtic Aqualamb boots good in that respect, and also Doc Martens. The worst are trainers and wellies.

For confidence walking in ice and snow I recommend Yaktrax. They go over shoes or boots and are made of metal spirals that give you good traction. They do wear out after a couple of seasons walking the dog here in the frozen north but they're well worth it. Find them online at Amazon or a Google search.

Eglantine I too have such a coating of fat, will I bounce gently if I fall over on the ice?Am not willing to put this to the test, but intend to eat more over the Christmas period just in case I fall over in the New Year.

Broke my wrist badly in snow a few years ago. Had two near misses but third time down I went. Slight concussion too. Was off work five months due to complications. I've not been a confident walker since but find a trekking pole helps a lot. Give me more confidence to stride out. Helps on country walks over stiles and uneven ground too. Also town walking in snow and ice. Can remove the rubber end to have a prong exposed to dig into surfaces.

I'm really scared too, I absolutely hate ice. I fell badly over 2 years ago (in summer, wet muddy ditch) and had a badly broken wrist, needing pinning.

It has really affected my confidence, and being over weight too, I am not good on my feet, I have fallen since on ice.

I am thinking of getting Yaxtrax too. A girl at work has the more expensive ones for jogging. She actually goes running in this weather in them! She also drives a short distance in them, don't suppose you're meant to.

It happens to a lot of us. I have had two joint replacements and ankle deteriorating. After a run of stupid looking falls with no apparent cause except uneven pavements and projecting manhole covers, I took to a pair of good quality trekking poles ( look like ski sticks from which they derive). These will stop you falling almost everywhere if you look where you are going. You have to learn to use them rhythmically like ski poles. You will be amazed how much faster you can walk. One stick is no good, so you need a back pack for shopping and a cross body handbag.

Have had more than my fair share of falls over the years. Very cautious in snow/ice, Thoroughly dislike it as i tense up expecting to slip or fall, which makes me slip or fall.!

When walking normally i always use two poles and understand that two are better than one because you stand straighter, and i do.

Ahh .... a waddle ....perfect

I love that we have a group of penguin walkers on here now what’s a group of penguins called off to google it

It's only natural to walk tentatively when there is snow and ice underfoot. I am always very careful and take it very easy in those conditions.
On the other hand, I can't help noticing when out and about, the number of women who waddle.
Maybe they all have hip problems or something.
I tend to be a brisk walker myself.
Although, not in icy conditions.