The best approach to removing ice on the walk is to never let it get there in the first place. If you have a downspout that drains onto the walk you should redirect the water overhead so it drains on the grass on the far side of the walk. Put a post in the ground and place the downspout on it. Draining water on the walkway is a fall looking for a place to happen. As to ice melts I do not know of any particular brands that will not eat away the concrete over time. Salt based ice melting products are very hard on the walks and the lawn for that matter. It is best to control the water in the first place. If you must use salt do so sparingly.