Best Mountaineering & Ice Climbing Crampons in 2022

Last update: November 27, 2022

Are crampons needed for Ben Nevis?

Are Microspikes better than crampons?

Microspikes are traction devices that are worn over shoes or boots and are ideal for walking on icy or snowy surfaces. Crampons are also traction devices, but they are designed to be worn over boots with a heel and are used for activities such as mountaineering, ice climbing, and glacier travel. So, which one is better? It really depends on the activity you’ll be using them for. If you’re planning on doing some light hiking on icy or snowy trails, then microspikes are probably all you need. But if you

Are spikes the same as crampons?

There are many types of ice climbing gear, and each has a specific purpose. Crampons are metal traction devices that are attached to your boots and have spikes that dig into the ice. Crampons are essential for glacier travel, ice climbing, and mountaineering. Spikes are also metal traction devices, but they are not as aggressive as crampons and are not meant for ice climbing. Spikes are typically used for winter hiking, running, and trail running.

Are Yaktrax worth it?

I would say that Yaktrax are worth it if you live in an area where it snows and you need traction when walking on ice. They are also good if you are going to be hiking in snow.


Crampons Ice Snow Grips Traction Cleats Shoes Grips with 19 Spikes for Womens Mens Kids Boots Shoes Safe Protect Lightweight Crampons, Hiking, Walking, Climbing, Jogging Mountaineering on Ice and Snow Review:


According to forecasts, this winter could be snowy. Yes, I am aware that it varies on which version you read—some claim it's all rain. Regardless of how you look at it, I manage a farm, and no matter the weather outside, the animals need to feed. To reach them in a secure manner so they can receive their daily food, I'm ready to go with these. They go on over my boots or any other outdoor shoe simply, so I don't have to spend all day putting them on or taking them off. When I'm done using them, I can put them into a lovely bag to make them simpler to find and maintain (or to prevent me from stepping on them if they're on the floor by the door). They appear to be well-made and should last me for many winters to come. You need something like this to be able to walk in slick situations, such as snow or ice, in order to be able to remain upright and not go tumbling down as easy!



LOPOO Crampons Traction Cleats Ice Snow Grips with 19 Spikes System Safe Protect for Walking, Ice Fishing, Climbing and Hiking on Snow and Ice Review:


Amazing crampons, these. My wife (Small) and I each received a pair that we had ordered (Medium). The quality appears to be fantastic, and the sizing chart was accurate. We just tested them out today by hiking a mile and a half on an icy/snowy trail. The excellent traction, whether on snow, ice, mud, scree, or just plain rock, pleasantly surprised us. I did a ton of research to locate crampons that were both affordable and had outstanding, authentic reviews (I checked fakespot.com). We are going to acquire two pairs of LOPOO crampons for our son and his future wife because we HIGHLY RECOMMEND them!



MIABOO Ice Cleats Crampons Traction Sonw Grips with 19 Stainless Steel Spikes and Durable Silicone, Shoe Talons Anti-Slip Boots Spikes for Hiking Fishing Walking Climbing Mountaineering Review:


I adore my brand-new cleats.I go fishing every weekend as an ice fisherman. Clear ice can become extremely dangerous at times. I've tried a variety of cleats, but I didn't have much success. Either my boots slipped during lengthier hikes or it was braking just before the season ended. It appears that MIABOO Ice Cleats is what I have been wanting for a long time.It feels incredibly sturdy and fits my ice fishing boots well. Time will tell, but thus far, I'm delighted.When I was purchasing it, the size was my main worry. I had pretty big ice fishing boots on (the "bunny-boots" or "mickey mouse boots"). Cleats suited me perfectly, contrary to my fears that they would be too tiny.Remarkably sharp spikes on those cleats will probably ruin whatever floors you tread on. Something to be aware of, I suppose.



Ice Cleats Crampons Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes Women Men Kids Anti Slip 19 Stainless Steel Spikes Safe Protect for Hiking Fishing Walking Climbing Jogging Mountaineering Review:


For my most recent snow and ice hike in Colorado, these were ideal! Women's hiking boots in my size 8.5 fit perfectly and aren't at all loose because they are waterproof and have thicker rubber on the outside. Chains and spikes are of excellent quality and offer excellent traction; they will last for a very long period. It also came with a bag, which at first I didn't understand but was great when I went to put the wet, muddy items in my lovely (and pricey) Gregory pack. Obviously, the bag's purpose is to keep the mess contained and prevent getting your gear soiled. Once I came home, I simply dumped them in the sink with some warm water and gave them a quick spray off. I then flipped the bag inside out and did the same, and the mess was quickly cleaned up! Impressive for these crampons, I'm standing on one foot in the picture on a mixture of ice and snow. I wore these through the trail conditions in the other picture.



SHARKMOUTH Ice Cleats Crampons Traction, Ice Snow Grips for Boots Shoes, Anti Slip 19 Stainless Steel Spikes and Durable Silicone, Safe Protect for Walking, Jogging, Climbing or Hiking on Snow and Ice Review:


We purchased these because we will be traveling this winter in snowy and ice circumstances. Previously, we had spent $65 on the Kahtoola microspikes from REI, and while they functioned incredibly well on ice, it's expensive for something we almost ever use. So for $16 we tried the Sharkmouth version. The Sharkmouth looks to be very similar to the Kahtoola in every way: metal, rubber, reinforced nobs around where the metal and rubber connect. We haven't used the Sharkmouth in actual conditions yet, but we have physically compared the two brands and have walked around in the Sharkmouth on dry ground. The Sharkmouth also has a metal bar across the front of the toe to prevent the two toe chains from separating and the rubber toe from tearing (the Kahtoola has a stiff piece of hard plastic in the rubber toe—unclear it's which method will be more durable over time), and the Sharkmouth comes with velcro straps to tighten up the rubber across the top of your foot to secure the chains in place. In comparison to the Kahtoola, the Sharkmouth has two spikes Last but not least, the Sharkmouth has a clever zippered "stiff" case that is easier and more convenient to use than a nylon bag and appears to do a much better job of preventing your wet micro-spikes from getting everything else wet after you take them off and put them in your purse or daypack or whatever. The Kahtoola comes in a small nylon bag, which is nice for storage (and light weight for backpacking), but the nylon will quickly soak through if you put (Just keep in mind to dry them out when your day is done.)



Wirezoll Crampons, 24 Teeth Stainless Steel Ice Cleats Fit Boots and Shoes, Safe Protect for Hiking Fishing Walking Mountaineering etc. - 1 Pair - Upgraded Version Review:


I'm from Colorado, or COLDorado as we like to say. Late November or early December marks the start of the snowy season, which lasts until at least March or April. Since it snows and freezes every day throughout those months, either ice or snow are a constant. I have to feed my chickens, rabbits, and barn cats, as well as cross slick ice to get to and from my car, so I can't just sit inside for months on end. The last thing I need at my age is to stumble and break my hip or an arm.I therefore purchased these cleats for my snow boots. When they first arrived, I didn't find any instructions on how to put them on, but since I could easily determine which end was the toe end, I just inserted the toe of my boot there before stretching the black rubber over the back end of the boot while holding the boot between my knees. My arthritic hands could manage it because it stretched out easily enough. And it was a tight fit. They make no movement at all.I have a pair of women's boots in size 9 that the sizing chart indicated would suit this size nicely, and they do.Given how I have to hold the boot to put them on, I won't be putting them on and taking them off with each trip to the car. I simply take off my cleated boots before getting into my car. I simply put the cleated boots on at the door and take them off when I enter for trips outside to tend to my animals or for other outdoor activities.Although I wouldn't wear these on my wood floors due of how pointed the cleat points are, they are comfortable and don't make walking on indoor or non-ice surfaces unbalanced. Although it was indicated that I wouldn't exercise in these, walking on ice felt really secure.As a side note, two little straps that resembled key fob holders were also included. Considering that there were no instructions provided, I have no idea what they are for. I don't know if that is their intended use, but if I were wearing them in and out frequently, say at my car, I might tie the straps around the rubber's rear end to help me put the cleats on without getting nearly as dirty.They operate well, fit well, and are simple to use, thus I give them a five-star rating. Zero instructions result in a one-star deduction. Is it something I'd suggest to friends? Of course! I'm even getting my spouse a second set.



Vdealen Crampons for Hiking Boots, 19 Teeth Stainless Steel Anti-Slip Traction Ice Cleats, Slip-Resistant Snow Ice Spikes,Crampons,Ice Snow Grips for Walking on Ice Snow Review:


arrived on schedule. I can't yet comment on lifespan, but it worked perfectly on a day trek. I bought these XL ice cleats since size L (another brand, bought two years ago for two other family members) suited my size 13 insulated boots but appeared too stretched. Either size could have fit, but I saw a tiny tear in the size L of the other brand and didn't want to take a chance.On the heel of each ice cleat is the letter L . I initially thought that these were for two left feet because I didn't notice the " ," but they are identical, and L just denotes XL.On a sunny trek on March 9, the steep, regularly traveled trail was firmly packed but not ice, and in some places it was even sloppy. With only boots, I would have been sliding all over the place, so these were quite useful. When stepping off the compacted path sections, where my foot would plunge down 2 feet or more into unpacked snow, other hikers were wearing show shoes, which helped.



Tenei Crampons Microspikes Traction Cleats Ice Snow Grips Ice Cleats with 19 Spikes for Walking, Jogging, Climbing and Hiking on Snow, Ice, Mud, Sand and Wet Grass Review:


I spent a lot of time on YouTube researching microspikes before buying these 19-spike versions for an off-season trip and climb up Half Dome. I'm so delighted we added an extra 15 ounces to our load. Before getting to the subdome, we traveled about a mile over snow utilizing these microspikes. Before arriving at Half Dome, we first scaled the subdome in heavy snow. Without them, I have no idea what I would do. I had good footing with these microspikes. For a small fraction of the cost, the quality is comparable to name brands. helped me navigate Yosemite's snow and ice while saving me a ton of money. These little spikes come highly recommended.



EnergeticSky 24 Spikes Crampons Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes,Anti-Slip Stainless Steel Spikes,Microspikes for Hiking Fishing Walking Climbing Jogging Mountaineering. Review:


24 spiked spears Extremely robust and durable, Ice Snow Grips Traction Cleats System Safe Protect for Walking, Jogging, or Hiking on Snow and Ice (L Size). The size L can accommodate shoes up to a man's size 10. To get this rubber to stretch just far enough to cover a man's size 10 shoe, I had to tug extremely firmly. As for my personal shoe, it was simpler to stretch and fit comfortably in a females size 8 12 to a 9.There are large chains fastened to the sturdy, thick rubber that hold four cleats at the front of the shoe bottom, each of which has four pointed spikes on the metal. The traction you obtain from these cleats is unbeatable. A smaller cleat with four pointed spikes and a larger cleat with four pointed spikes are then on the back bottom, just in front of the heel.All of these heavy metal spikes have a great hold on the snow and ice. Cheaper stretch-on cleats I've owned in the past didn't grip like these do. These are a need if you have harsh winters like we do in the Midwest after I was seriously injured on black ice at work years ago. The chains are robust, the rubber is good and thick, and the cleats and spikes are incredibly thick and durable. Even if you are simply walking from your house to your car until you can salt your sidewalks, a must-have for walking on ice to prevent accidents. 5 STARS.



Limm Crampons Ice Traction Cleats - Grips Quickly and Easily Over Footwear for Snow and Ice - Portable -Sizes: S/M/L/XL Review:


These snow cleats received the top rating on a website that assessed them, in part because "they stay on your feet while some others do not." The Limm website also features a man tap dancing while wearing cleats on a piece of ice. I am pleased that I purchased these. They fulfill every promise made. In time for the arctic vortex that has left our region blanketed in ice, the cleats arrived. With great steadiness, I have been able to wear these on any pavement and stairs. No way slippery at all! I use them when driving, but I have to take them off before entering a structure with carpeted or vinyl floors. Despite the fact that they hold your feet while you are wearing them, they are simple to remove as you enter a business. When I'm seated, they are simple for me to put on. I'm sure I could put them on while standing when I was younger and more flexible. I have to lean against a wall to put them on when standing because my balance isn't what it once was, which is not always convenient. (I'm too old and out of shape; it's not the cleats' fault.) The fabric is robust, flexible, and simple to handle. As it will be used frequently over the next few months, I hope it stays that way. To allow other family members to use them, I ordered two pairs. I've ordered 2 additional pairs. My son's size 10 Men's dress shoes and my husband's size 9-1/2 sneakers all fit nicely over my Large size, which I own. They can wear them over their boots and sneakers because I am ordering the XL size.


Can I wear trail runners in crampons?

Yes, you can wear trail runners with crampons although it is not recommended. Wearing trail runners with crampons can be dangerous because the crampons can puncture the shoes and cause you to slip and fall.

Can you ice climb in mountaineering crampons?

Yes, you can ice climb in mountaineering crampons, but it is not recommended. Mountaineering crampons are designed for use on snow and ice, and they have a different design than climbing crampons. Climbing crampons are designed specifically for ice climbing and have sharper points that are better suited for gripping the ice.

Can you ice climb in semi auto crampons?

Yes, you can ice climb in semi auto crampons, but you need to be very careful. The semi auto crampons can slip off your boots easily, so you need to make sure they are tight and secure before you start climbing. Also, be aware of the terrain you are climbing on. If the ice is soft or wet, it can be more difficult to get a good grip with the semi auto crampons.

Can you rock climb with crampons?

Crampons are not just for ice climbing! You can use crampons for rock climbing in a few different situations. The most popular way to use crampons for rock climbing is called "mixed climbing." This is when you use both ice climbing gear and rock climbing gear to climb a route. Another way to use crampons for rock climbing is called "dry tooling." Dry tooling is when you use your ice climbing gear to climb rock, but there is no ice present.

Can you slip wearing crampons?

Crampons are metal plates with spikes that are attached to the bottom of shoes or boots and are used for traction on ice or in other slippery conditions. Although they provide good traction, it is possible to slip while wearing crampons. This can happen if the crampons do not fit properly, are not attached correctly, or are not suitable for the type of surface you are walking on. Wearing crampons can also be more dangerous than not wearing them, so it is important to be aware of the risks before using them.

Can you use mountaineering boots for ice climbing?

Most people use specialised ice climbing boots for ice climbing, as they are designed to provide good support, grip and comfort when ascending icy slopes. Mountaineering boots can be used for ice climbing, but they are not as well-suited to the task and you may find yourself slipping and sliding more than you would like!