In September 2010, while I was visiting friends in Mainz, Germany we discussed the harshness of the previous winter. Comparing notes, it seemed that the UK was beginning to experience the sort of winter weather that is common in Germany, although they explained that most people are well prepared for icy conditions. I was shown a product which I realised, at first glance, was the proverbial 'best thing since sliced bread'. It was ice grips: two rubber non-slip shapes with small steel studs on the sole that can be pulled on over shoes or boots. My friend demonstrated them and I was immediately hooked. I needed some! The next day, to my surprise, I was taken to a normal shoe shop to buy my ice grips; I had expected to have to visit an outdoor specialist store or at least a sports shop for my new find. Although it was only September I was going to be ready for winter!

Sadly, I was about to become a walking advertisement for the ice grips and just one of many winter statistics. By early December the harsh winter of 2010-11 was well under way and most of the UK was snowbound. Unfortunately I went out without my grips, slipped and broke my shoulder: a four-part fracture, the worst type. The prognosis wasn't great, but determination prevailed and after lots of daily physio work, at a recent consultation my consultant was surprised at the degree of movement I have regained so far.

This unfortunate incident would almost certainly have been avoided had I been wearing ice grips and it was this that finally motivated me to make the product readily available in the UK, and not just in traditional outdoor shops. Who better to convince people of the benefits of wearing ice grips, and to provide the opportunity to buy the product?

Thus the birth of GettaGrips! It's been a sharp short learning curve! I have sourced the best possible ice grips of the highest quality, learnt how to import them myself with lots of HMRC protocol to get through, built this website, and all with the hope that the ice grips will help lots of people to get through this winter without any broken bones!

I've found the best possible quality ice grips made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), which means they can withstand conditions as low as -40°C. They also conform to European standards (the CE marking).

They are great for everyday use, for getting from your front door to your car, walking to work, going to the shops or just going for a walk. Always use the ice grips sensibly, and to prevent wear only use on ice and snow.