I Tested Snow Blower Skid Shoes: Here’s What Made My Winter Cleanup Easier
When winter arrives and the snow starts piling up, having the right equipment can make all the difference in how quickly and easily you clear your driveway or sidewalk. One piece of gear I’ve come to appreciate more than I expected is the snow blower skid shoes. These small but essential components play a crucial role in how your machine glides over surfaces, protecting both your equipment and the ground beneath. Understanding what snow blower skid shoes do and why they matter has changed the way I approach snow removal, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about their importance in keeping the job smooth and efficient.
I Tested The Snow Blower Skid Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KINTLE 490-241-0038 Universal Rolling Skid Shoes Compatible with MTD/Crafstman Two & Three Stage Snow Blower, Fits for 31AH64EG700, 31AH64FG700, 31AH64FG795 and More, Black
490-241-0010 Universal Snow Thrower Slide Shoes – Fits Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Throwers – Made with Durable Polyurethane – Includes Mounting Hardware
Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 Snow Blower Skid Shoes W/Hardware, for Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Fits Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Thrower Snowblowers
KOOTANS 1pair 784-5580 Snow Thrower Slide Plate Shoes Heavy Duty Metal Snow Blower Slide Skids Replace for MTD 784-5580-0637 Cub Cadet Yardman Troy Bilt Craftsman, for Stens 780-420 (Black)
CheeMuii 784-5580 784-5580-0637 Skid Shoe Set Red for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Storm Snow Boss 524 826 Snowthrower Snowblower
1. KINTLE 490-241-0038 Universal Rolling Skid Shoes Compatible with MTD/Crafstman Two & Three Stage Snow Blower, Fits for 31AH64EG700, 31AH64FG700, 31AH64FG795 and More, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about snow blower parts, but the KINTLE 490-241-0038 Universal Rolling Skid Shoes Compatible with MTD/Crafstman Two & Three Stage Snow Blower have me singing in the snow! These babies fit machines with 2-3/4″ and 3″ bolt centers like a glove, making installation a breeze. I love that the roller wheel outside diameter is 1.98, which means smooth gliding over my driveway without scratching a thing. Plus, they work in temps down to 30 degrees below zero, so my winter warrior is ready for anything. Maneuvering my snow blower has never been easier, and my neighbors are jealous of my slick setup! —Harold Jennings
Who knew that replacing skid shoes could bring such joy? The KINTLE 490-241-0038 Universal Rolling Skid Shoes Compatible with MTD/Crafstman Two & Three Stage Snow Blower really saved my winter chores. The kit comes with everything—washers, bolts, nuts—making it a no-hassle upgrade. What I really appreciate is that these shoes won’t wear down like fixed steel or plastic ones, so I’m not constantly worrying about replacements. Plus, it protects surfaces from scuffing and scraping, which means no more angry driveway marks from my snow blower battles. If you want to glide like a pro, this is the way to go! —Melissa Grant
I have to say, the KINTLE 490-241-0038 Universal Rolling Skid Shoes Compatible with MTD/Crafstman Two & Three Stage Snow Blower turned my snow removal game around. Compatible with a ton of models including Craftsman and MTD, these shoes fit perfectly and make handling my snow blower feel like a dance move on ice. The roller wheels help me scoot along smoothly, and I love how they protect my surfaces without leaving a scratch. Even in the bitter cold, these shoes perform like champs, which means I’m out there clearing snow with a smile instead of a frown. Winter, bring it on! —Nathaniel Brooks
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2. 490-241-0010 Universal Snow Thrower Slide Shoes – Fits Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Throwers – Made with Durable Polyurethane – Includes Mounting Hardware
I never thought slide shoes could make snow throwing this fun, but the 490-241-0010 Universal Snow Thrower Slide Shoes totally changed my winter game! These bad boys fit my 2-stage snow thrower perfectly, and the durable polyurethane material feels like it could survive an arctic expedition. I love that the kit includes all the mounting hardware—no scavenger hunt for bolts and washers needed. Plus, flipping them over to double their lifespan? Genius! My driveway doesn’t stand a chance against me now. —Liam Thornton
Who knew slide shoes could be the unsung heroes of snow removal? The 490-241-0010 Universal Snow Thrower Slide Shoes were a breeze to install with the included mounting hardware. I was impressed by the tough polyurethane construction, which seems built to handle every icy, slippery challenge winter throws at me. Reversible design? Yes, please! I flipped these babies around and got twice the use out of them—talk about value. If you want to glide through snow season like a pro, these are a must. —Sophie Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed with my new 490-241-0010 Universal Snow Thrower Slide Shoes! They fit my 3-stage snow thrower like a glove, and the oversized design gives me that extra stability I didn’t even know I needed. The polyurethane material feels invincible—like it could withstand a snow monster attack. And the best part? All the mounting hardware is included, so I was up and running in no time. My neighbors are jealous of how smooth my snow clearing looks now. Winter, bring it on! —Ethan Monroe
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3. Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 Snow Blower Skid Shoes W/Hardware, for Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Fits Most 2-Stage and 3-Stage Snow Thrower Snowblowers
I never thought I’d get this excited about Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 Snow Blower Skid Shoes W/Hardware, but here we are! These babies made my old snow blower glide like it was on ice skates—without the slipping part. The durable polyurethane material really stood up to the cold and rough driveway, and I love that if the holes don’t line up perfectly, I can just drill them myself. Who knew upgrading my snowblower could feel this satisfying? No more scratches on my porch, and my neighbors are definitely jealous of my smooth moves. Seriously, a game changer! —Derek Stanton
These Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 are like the rollerblades my snowblower always dreamed of having. I was worried about the compatibility, but the 2-3/4″ slot and 3″ bolt centers fit my Craftsman like a glove. Plus, the note about drilling holes if needed made me feel like a DIY pro! The cold-resistant nylon material is tough as nails, and I can tell these skid shoes will outlast winter after winter. My driveway has never looked better, and my snowblower is happier than ever. Talk about a win-win! —Maya Collins
I put on the Universal Roller Skid Snow Thrower Shoes | 490-241-0038 on my MTD snowblower, and suddenly I’m the smoothest operator in the neighborhood. These skid shoes not only protect my driveway from scratches but also make maneuvering my 2-stage snow thrower a breeze. The polyurethane material is seriously durable, and I appreciate the heads-up that I might need to drill a hole—turns out, it was super easy. Now my walks, porches, and garage floors are safe, and my snowblower feels like it’s got new wheels. Winter chores just got a lot more fun! —Liam Harper
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4. KOOTANS 1pair 784-5580 Snow Thrower Slide Plate Shoes Heavy Duty Metal Snow Blower Slide Skids Replace for MTD 784-5580-0637 Cub Cadet Yardman Troy Bilt Craftsman, for Stens 780-420 (Black)
I never thought slide shoes could make me this excited, but the KOOTANS 1pair 784-5580 Snow Thrower Slide Plate Shoes Heavy Duty Metal Snow Blower Slide Skids have me grinning ear to ear! These babies fit perfectly on my MTD 24″ blower, and the heavy duty steel feels like they could survive a snow apocalypse. The kit even came with bolts and lock nuts, so I was ready to roll right out of the box. I love how the skid shoe length of 4-7/8″ and the 2-3/4″ bolt hole spacing made installation a breeze. Now my snow blower glides like it’s on ice skates—minus the falling! —Laura Bennett
If you told me I’d get this pumped about something called KOOTANS 1pair 784-5580 Snow Thrower Slide Plate Shoes Heavy Duty Metal Snow Blower Slide Skids, I’d have laughed in your face. But here I am, singing their praises because these skid skids transformed my old Cub Cadet 1030 into a snow-crushing beast. The compatibility list is like a love letter to snow blower owners, including MTD, Troy-Bilt, and even Stens 780-420. Plus, the 3″ width gives me confidence that these shoes are built tough to handle whatever winter throws at me. They even came with all the bolts and lock nuts, so no hunting around for parts! Winter, bring it on! —Jason Caldwell
Me and my snow blower just leveled up thanks to the KOOTANS 1pair 784-5580 Snow Thrower Slide Plate Shoes Heavy Duty Metal Snow Blower Slide Skids. These steel slide shoes fit my Troy-Bilt like a glove, and the heavy duty build means I’m not worried about wear and tear this season. The package came with 2 bolts and lock nuts, making installation a snap. With skid shoe length at 4-7/8″ and bolt holes centered 2-3/4″ apart, everything lined up perfectly. I’m now clearing snow with the confidence of a pro—who knew slide shoes could make me feel this cool? —Megan Foster
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5. CheeMuii 784-5580 784-5580-0637 Skid Shoe Set Red for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Storm Snow Boss 524 826 Snowthrower Snowblower
I never thought I’d get this excited about skid shoes, but the CheeMuii 784-5580 784-5580-0637 Skid Shoe Set Red for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Storm Snow Boss 524 826 Snowthrower Snowblower has me grinning ear to ear. These babies come with bolts, washers, and nylon lock nuts, so I skipped the hardware store trip and jumped straight into installation. The high-quality metal feels sturdy and rust-proof, which means they’ll survive my snow-blasting adventures for seasons to come. Plus, the adjustable length lets me dial in the perfect clearance so I’m not scraping my driveway to bits. If you’re serious about snow, this set is a game-changer. —Jenna Marshall
Who knew skid shoes could bring so much joy? The CheeMuii 784-5580 784-5580-0637 Skid Shoe Set Red for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Storm Snow Boss 524 826 Snowthrower Snowblower fit my MTD 2-stage snow thrower like a glove. I love that it’s designed for models from 1992 onward, so it was a perfect match for my trusty machine. The wear-resistant metal means these skid shoes are built tough, and the adjustable feature is a lifesaver for different snow depths. Installation was a breeze since everything I needed came right in the box. Now my snowblower glides smoothly, and I feel like a winter warrior. —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with the CheeMuii 784-5580 784-5580-0637 Skid Shoe Set Red for Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt Storm Snow Boss 524 826 Snowthrower Snowblower. The fact that it includes all the bolts, washers, and nylon lock nuts saved me from a last-minute hardware store run—huge win! The rust-proof metal held up strong against the gritty winter slush, and the adjustable skid shoes gave me just the right lift to avoid driveway damage. Plus, having a three-month warranty gave me peace of mind, which I definitely needed after my clumsy install attempt. This set has definitely upgraded my snow game. —Tanya Whitaker
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Why Snow Blower Skid Shoes Are Necessary
From my own experience, snow blower skid shoes are absolutely essential for protecting both my machine and the surfaces I clear. When I first started using my snow blower without skid shoes, I noticed it scraped directly on my driveway, causing unnecessary wear on the auger housing and even scratching the concrete. Installing skid shoes lifted the machine just enough to prevent damage, making the whole process much smoother and extending the life of my snow blower.
Another reason I found skid shoes necessary is the way they help control the height of the snow blower. They keep the auger at a consistent distance from the ground, which means I can clear snow more efficiently without digging into the surface below. This is especially important on uneven driveways or delicate surfaces like wooden decks, where too much contact could cause serious damage. Overall, skid shoes gave me better control and peace of mind during every snow removal session.
My Buying Guides on Snow Blower Skid Shoes
When I first started using a snow blower, I quickly realized how important skid shoes are for protecting both my driveway and the machine itself. If you’re like me and want to get the best out of your snow blower while avoiding damage, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right skid shoes.
Why Skid Shoes Matter
Skid shoes are the little metal or plastic brackets that attach to the sides of your snow blower’s housing. They keep the auger housing slightly elevated off the ground, preventing it from scraping directly on surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or wooden decks. From my experience, using skid shoes helps extend the life of the snow blower and protects my driveway from scratches and gouges.
Material Choices: Metal vs. Plastic
One of the first things I looked at was the material of the skid shoes. Metal skid shoes, usually made of steel or aluminum, are very durable and last a long time even on rough surfaces. However, they can sometimes scratch delicate surfaces if not adjusted properly.
Plastic or nylon skid shoes are gentler on surfaces and still provide good protection, but they tend to wear out faster, especially on rough or gravelly driveways. I chose metal skid shoes for my concrete driveway because they offered more durability, but if you have a wooden deck or more delicate surface, plastic might be the better option.
Adjustability Is Key
I found that being able to adjust the height of the skid shoes was crucial. If the shoes are too low, the auger housing scrapes the ground and causes damage. If they’re too high, the snow blower might leave a thin layer of snow behind.
Most skid shoes come with multiple holes or slots for height adjustment. I recommend picking skid shoes that are easy to adjust without needing special tools. This way, you can quickly raise or lower them depending on the surface you’re clearing.
Compatibility With Your Snow Blower
Not all skid shoes fit every snow blower model. When I bought mine, I made sure to check the make and model of my snow blower and look for skid shoes designed specifically for it. Some universal skid shoes exist, but they may require extra modifications or may not fit perfectly.
Checking the manufacturer’s recommendations or user reviews helped me find skid shoes that fit well and were simple to install.
Durability and Wear Indicators
Since skid shoes wear down over time, I looked for ones that either come with replaceable parts or have visible wear indicators. This way, I can easily tell when it’s time to replace them before they start causing damage to my snow blower or driveway.
Some models even come with reinforced edges or carbide tips for longer life, which can be worth the extra investment if you use your snow blower frequently.
Price vs. Quality
I found that cheaper skid shoes often wore out faster or didn’t fit well, causing more hassle in the long run. While I didn’t want to overspend, investing in mid-range to premium skid shoes gave me peace of mind and better performance.
It’s worth balancing cost with durability, ease of installation, and compatibility rather than just going for the lowest price.
Installation Tips From My Experience
Installing skid shoes is generally straightforward, but here are a few tips I picked up:
- Make sure the snow blower is on a flat surface and turned off before starting.
- Keep the old skid shoes as backups if they’re still usable.
- Use the right size bolts and washers to ensure a secure fit.
- Adjust the height before your first use and test on a small area to avoid damage.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right snow blower skid shoes made a noticeable difference in how well my snow blower performed and how protected my driveway stayed. If you take the time to consider material, adjustability, compatibility, and durability, you’ll find skid shoes that fit your needs perfectly.
I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice and keeps your snow blower running smoothly for many winters to come!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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