Best traction for urban running -- variety of surface conditions (icy to slick to bare concrete/asphalt)

I suggest getting sheet metal screws like these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-10-x-1-2-in-Slotted-Hex-Head-Zinc-Plated-Sheet-Metal-Screw-10-Pack-805801/204275267?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-204275267-_-N&amp

;

You put them into the heel and forefoot of your running shoe, with the head of the screw in contact with the ground.

They add almost no weight, you barely feel them on dry pavement, and you can install/remove the whenever and into any shoe (maybe besides Nike with air pockets). The increased traction on ice is significant.

Be sure to get the non-self tapping, just the ones that come to a point, as opposed to a chisel, as these will hold better in the shoes. I suggest a hex headed screwdriver, if you use a flat-head in the slot it is kind of a pain in the ass.

If you don't install any screws at the front of the shoe, you can walk on your toes and not damage flooring....nice if you forgot to pee right as you-re heading out.

Either make screw shoes as mentioned, or get some ice cleats you can take off and fold/stick in the back of your pants if you hit dry concrete.

https://www.amazon.com/Due-North-Everyday-Traction-Medium/dp/B00DBR636E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=56790035755&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuP-OBhDqARIsAD4XHpfL52gNJT5B2CL6W8DdRMEUfYq7Zo30Qo5-jTCqpWbVVJUxkPOE6IIaAvADEALw_wcB&hvadid=274742007799&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9030252&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7267431274847909604&hvtargid=kwd-302004248811&hydadcr=23599_9936835&keywords=due+north+ice+cleats&qid=1642085171&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTURUSjRYWTUzWUUyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjgyNzUxMkpWN0ZYNU1DMU8zQyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTI5NTYwM0ZCMk1KWDBCODhNNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Screw shoes- make sure you get the right screws and also the drill bit to drill them (a drill is much easier than manual):

http://skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm

Another option is wearing spikeless cross country flats or shoes like Saucony Peregrine Ice+ or VJ shoes.

My faves: macadam, and chipseal.

Thank you for the tips.

I guess I will start with taking some screws to an older pair of running shoes and see how it goes.

I've had good luck with trail shoes in that scenario. I use Altra Lone Peaks and get great traction on snow, so-so traction on ice (I still have to slow down but don't feel like I'm about to wipe out). They're still comfortable on bare pavement too.

If stuff is varied like that, where you're on dry ground sometimes and total ice sheets other times, you just need to plan your routes ahead of time. It might get boring, but you gotta stick to places that work. It's not about finding shoes that work in all conditions necessarily. I wouldn't want to run in screw-shoes for miles at a time on dry pavement, nor would I want to run on ice sheets in regular shoes for an extended period. Winter is about adapting to the conditions, being creative when possible, and accepting the limitations of the season.