10 Best Snow Chains 2025 in the United States

The AutoSock HP697 snow socks are a modern alternative to traditional tire chains, designed to help your vehicle maintain traction on snowy and icy roads. These snow socks are compatible with a wide range of tire sizes, making them versatile for different vehicles. Made from polyester, they are lightweight and easy to handle.

One of the standout features is the three-step installation process, which means you can get them onto your tires quickly without hassle. This ease of installation makes them particularly appealing for those who find traditional chains cumbersome and difficult to mount. In terms of performance, the AutoSock HP697 meets American and European road standards, indicating reliable traction under harsh weather conditions.

These snow socks are also reusable and foldable, so they take up minimal storage space when not in use. On the downside, while they offer good traction, they might not be as durable as heavy-duty metal chains, especially over prolonged use and rough surfaces. Additionally, they are best suited for urban and light snow conditions rather than extreme off-road or deep snow environments. If you are looking for a convenient and effective solution to improve your car’s winter traction without the bulk and complexity of traditional chains, the AutoSock HP697 is worth considering.

The K&K Auto Accessories Snow Socks serve as a smart alternative to traditional metal snow chains, designed to enhance traction on snowy or icy roads. Constructed from durable, tear-resistant polyester, these fabric-based traction devices are gentle on tires and rims, making them safe for vehicles equipped with modern stability systems such as ABS and ESC. They are lightweight and compact, easily fitting into an emergency car kit, and come with gloves and storage bags for added convenience.

Installation is quick and straightforward, typically taking around 5 minutes, which makes them ideal for users seeking an easy-to-use solution without the hassles of complicated chain setups. These snow socks are approved by European and Colorado authorities, assuring compliance with legal and safety standards for winter travel. They fit a wide range of vehicles including cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans, but it is important to consult the size chart carefully to ensure proper tire fit.

These snow socks improve steering and braking compared to having no traction devices, though they might not offer the extreme durability or traction level of heavy-duty metal chains in very harsh conditions or deep snow. Being made of fabric, they can wear out faster if used extensively on bare pavement. They provide a quiet, tire-friendly traction aid suitable for winter emergencies or lighter snowy conditions, while drivers anticipating frequent heavy snow driving may prefer more robust metal chains.

The Mytee Products 22.5" Twist Link Snow Tire Chains are designed specifically for semi trucks, making them a solid choice if you need reliable traction in snowy or icy conditions for heavy vehicles. Made from hardened carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant zinc coating, these chains are built to last and handle tough winter conditions without rusting easily. The twist link design with 14 cross links per chain offers good grip, helping improve stability and control on slippery roads. A useful feature is the four outside tensioning cams that keep the chains snug and properly aligned, reducing the chances of slipping off while driving. These chains are DOT approved, so they meet official safety standards, which is important for commercial use.

Weighing 51 pounds and being made for 22.5" tires means they are quite heavy and bulky, which might make installation a bit challenging and less convenient for casual users. They fit semi trucks and larger SUVs or pickups but aren’t suitable for smaller cars or other tire sizes. If you have a semi truck or heavy vehicle with the right tire size, these chains provide strong performance and durability for demanding winter driving, though expect some effort during installation due to their weight and size.