Household item going viral as simple trick to help with walking on ice and snow
2026 has kicked off on a frosty note, with snow and ice leading to school closures and travel disruption across Ireland in recent days.The weather is expected to take a significant turn by the start of next week, but not before another warning for all six counties in Northern Ireland and the risk of snow, thunderstorms and freezing temperatures elsewhere.Snow and ice can render surfaces treacherous, and it's often recommended to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, according to the Irish Mirror. This is due to the extreme danger posed by driving on icy roads, where loss of vehicle control is a real threat, and even walking can be hazardous as feet can easily slip.However, if you do need to nip out for essentials or fancy helping your child build a snowman in the garden, there's a nifty trick to prevent slipping on icy pavements, reports Galway Beo.A life hacks account on TikTok shared a video suggesting that simply putting a pair of socks over your shoes can help maintain grip when conditions outside are slippery.The individual in the footage showcased the trick by initially stepping outside his home wearing ordinary trainers. His feet instantly lost grip the moment he ventured out, forcing him to clutch the handrail whilst descending the steps to prevent a tumble as his footwear struggled for any purchase.Returning indoors, he then slipped an old pair of socks over his trainers before attempting the same journey once more.On this occasion, his feet maintained complete grip on the snow directly outside his property, and as he navigated down the steps to the pavement, he was able to walk entirely normally without any risk of sliding.In the comments section, he explained he had been using "regular tube socks" that were "nothing special" to trial the method. Tube socks are socks without a contoured heel that are frequently used for sport and are typically manufactured from either cotton or man-made fibres.Those commenting on the footage were astonished by the trick, with many admitting they had no clue that an answer to slipping in snowy conditions had been in their homes all along. Others familiar with the method confirmed it genuinely works, with some revealing they relied on it regularly when walking to school during winter as children.One commenter remarked: "I wish I had known this years ago!" Another wrote: "I have to walk on ice to get to my car, and I'm so scared. I'm about to try this."Whilst a third endorsed the technique, commenting: "I did that as a child to walk to school."This same hack was also a topic of discussion on a Reddit forum in December. Many participants acknowledged the effectiveness of the hack, but warned that it could lead to a rapid depletion of your sock collection as the socks are prone to developing holes when used in this manner and "don't last long."When snow and ice cover the roads and pavements, it's recommended to stay at home if possible. However, if you absolutely need to travel, consider these safety tips.Tips for staying safe outdoors during snowy and icy conditions:1. Dress appropriatelyWear layers: Use moisture-wicking base layers, insulating middle layers, and a waterproof outer layer.Cover extremities: Wear a warm hat, scarf, gloves/mittens, and thick socks.Waterproof boots: Choose boots with good traction to prevent slipping.2. Walk carefullyTake small steps and walk slowly.Keep your hands out of your pockets for balance.Use handrails when available.Walk on designated paths and avoid shortcuts.3. Prevent slips and fallsUse sand or salt on icy steps and walkways.Wear shoes or boots with non-slip soles.Consider using ice grips or cleats on your footwear.4. Be preparedCarry a fully-charged phone.Let someone know your route and expected arrival time.Carry a small emergency kit (torch, snacks, water, hand warmers).5. Be cautious when drivingClear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.Drive slowly and increase following distance.Keep an emergency kit in your car.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
