This is a pair I keep in my car.  Because it's solid metal spike, over the last few years my first pair eventually rusted and one of the rubber piece tore apart so it was time to get a new one.  I mean for three winter seasons, I'm not complaining.  It's really a lifesaver and no one should be without it in a climate where they see snow and ice often.  Since I live in a New England area it's a must and sometimes our parking lot at work is covered with ice so it gives me a better confidence walking on a solid sheet of ice.  I like this better than those coiled versions as those tend to have this rolling affect on ice and was a little hairy at times.

I do highly recommend washing it once in awhile if there are any salt on the ground.  The spikes will rust over time and that was my negligence for the first pair (but the problem was the rubber snapping off after three years as I mentioned earlier).  In either case, this stays in the car along with other emergency winter equipment.  I've fell on my elbow five years ago and since then I don't take any chances walking around if it's icy.  You won't regret it!