What’s this red plastic stick that came with my boots?
At first glance, the small red plastic stick tucked into the side pocket or near the zipper of your Denver Hayes boots can look like a packaging mistake. It isn’t. That little tool is there for one job: to turn the boots’ built-in ice cleats on and off, making them far safer in true winter conditions.
More Than Standard Winter Boots
Sold by Mark’s, the Denver Hayes line is known for rugged, weather-resistant footwear. Some models go a step further by including a retractable cleat system in the heel of each boot. When deployed, these cleats can provide extra grip on solid ice and packed snow, helping reduce the risk of slipping on winter sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways.
What the Red Plastic Stick Actually Does
The red plastic stick is the activation tool for the heel cleats. It allows you to quickly engage (deploy) or disengage (retract) the traction system.
How to Use the Red Stick
- Look at the heel area and find the circular or rectangular turning point (often a small dial or slot built into the heel).
- Insert the red plastic stick into that opening.
- Twist to deploy the cleats for outdoor winter traction, or twist the other way to retract them back into the sole.
With the cleats retracted, the boots function like normal footwear indoors. With the cleats deployed, they become a winter-safety upgrade for slick outdoor surfaces.
A Simple Fix for a Common Winter Problem
The best part of this design is convenience. You can walk confidently outside on ice—then, when you head indoors, retract the cleats to avoid:
- Slipping on smooth indoor floors
- Scratching or damaging hardwood, tile, or laminate
Common Mistakes People Make
Many first-time buyers find the red stick and assume it’s:
- A mini shoehorn
- A tool for scraping mud or debris
- A leftover piece from manufacturing
- A random accessory tossed in the box
But once you spot the retractable heel cleats and use the stick as intended, the purpose becomes obvious: it’s a built-in traction system control tool.
Practical Winter Footwear—No Add-Ons Needed
Because the traction system is built into the boot, you don’t need to buy separate ice grips or strap-on cleats. The Denver Hayes retractable cleat + red activation stick is an efficient, everyday solution for winter walking—especially for anyone who regularly moves between icy outdoor ground and smooth indoor flooring.