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Last updated: 10 Nov 2020

10 Best Crampons (Review) In 2021

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This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Published December 17, 2019

If you’ve walked on snow and ice, chances are you’ve slipped over. Crampons solve that problem. Whether you’re planning to walk the dog in the snow or climb a vertical ice wall, you should consider buying a pair of crampons. In this list, we’ve mainly focused on microspikes and crampons designed for walking on level ground. However, there are a couple of more serious crampons as well. Here are the best crampons.

The Best Crampons

1
Yaktrax Pro Traction Crampons

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yaktrax pro traction cleats
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yaktrax pro traction cleats
yaktrax pro traction cleats
yaktrax pro traction cleats
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First up, we’ve got the Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats. As you might have guessed from the picture, these aren’t the best crampons for ice climbing or serious mountaineering. Instead, they’re designed for added traction when walking on level ice or snow. The traction comes from the small metal coils (rather than the normal spikes), which are made from 1.2MM high-strength steel. The idea behind this traction system is to give as natural a feel as possible. Instead of feeling like you’re walking with large spikes on your boots, you can barely notice these cleats are there.

Another huge advantage of the Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats is that they’re easy to slip on. There’s no complicated bindings or clips, just a simple strap over the top of the boot. And, there’s less chance of you damaging the floor when you step in from a walk in the snow. If you’re looking for a high-quality traction cleat for walking or jogging on packed snow, this one is the best.

Key Features:

Traction cleats

1.2MM steel coils

Heavy-duty rubber construction

Durable rubber foot frame

Available in sizes small to XL

Specification:
  • BrandYaktrax
  • Weight4 Ounces
Pros

Easy to slip on

Great traction on flat ground

Less damage to the floor

Cons

Sizing isn’t always accurate

Can break if worn on the wrong surface

2
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System Crampons

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kahtoola microspikes traction system
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kahtoola microspikes traction system
kahtoola microspikes traction system
kahtoola microspikes traction system
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Kahtoola MICROspikes are the best crampons for hiking in most conditions. They have a fantastic reputation for adding grip and stability in snow, ice, mud, and even on concrete and rocks. The reason they are so effective is the innovative system of spikes that either penetrate or hug a surface, stopping you from falling over. The spikes are made from hardened stainless steel, so they won’t snap if you step on a hard surface. And, the chain that holds it all together is welded to give it maximum strength.

They are designed for ice walking more than anything else. They are favored by hikers because they perform so well on multiple surfaces and they’re super easy to slip on and off. In fact, all you have to do is step into the MICROspikes and it auto-adjusts to your foot – that is if you buy the right size. If you buy the wrong size, they can break pretty easily. Having said that, we’d highly recommend these to anyone serious about safety when walking on the ice.

Key Features:

Hardened stainless-steel spikes

Welded chain

Elastomer shoe harness

Available in sizes small to XL

Available in red and black

Specification:
  • BrandMicro Spikes
Pros

Unrivaled traction on ice

Easy to slip on

Auto adjust to your foot

Cons

Can break if you get the wrong size

Not comfortable on concrete

3
Uelfbaby 19 Spikes Crampons

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uelfbaby 19 spikes crampons
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These crampons from Uelfbaby are a budget version of the Kahtoola MICROspikes. Until a couple of years ago, Kahtoola basically had a monopoly on the market of light-use crampons like this. Fortunately, that’s changed now, which means customers can find a cheaper version of the same thing. Now, it’s worth mentioning that the quality of Uelfbaby 19 Spikes Crampons isn’t the same as the Kahtoola product. But, if you are just using them for walking and light hiking on ice, these will perform just fine.

They have a similar system of stainless-steel spikes on a welded chain, which provides just as much grip as the Kahtoola MICROspikes. The difference is in the quality of the chain and rubber frame. They have used thick TPE rubber, but it doesn’t feel as solid. However, you can’t argue with the 200+ positive reviews on Amazon. And, you get a 1-year 100% money-back guarantee, which means that these crampons are really worth a try. Ideal for your winter boots.

Key Features:

Stainless-steel spikes

TPE rubber frame

Welded double-chain

1-year money-back guarantee

Available in sizes small to XXL

Available in black and orange

Specification:
  • BrandUelfbaby
Pros

Easy to slip on

Can be used on multiple surfaces

Very affordable

Impressive money-back guarantee

Cons

Not as durable as Kahtoola MICROspikes

4
Yaktrax Run Traction Cleats

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yaktrax run traction cleats
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The Yaktrax Run Traction Cleats are designed for runners that want to train in the winter. They are similar to the Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats that we featured as our Best Choice product but have a few key differences. First of all the design is low-profile and the cleats are lighter, to make them easier to run in. And, if you look at the bottom of the cleat, you’ll notice that the 1.4MM steel coil is only on half of the cleat. The front section of the cleat has a rubber area with 3MM carbide steel spikes that provide more control at high speeds. The other major difference is the two straps at the front of the cleat that is designed to keep the toe in place. The bottom line is that these are the best crampons for running.

Key Features:

1.4MM steel coil

3MM carbide steel spikes

High strength natural rubber

Available in sizes small to XL

Specification:
  • BrandYaktrax
  • ModelRun
  • Weight22.7 grams
Pros

The best for running on snow or ice

Lightweight and low-profile

Easy to slip on

Cons

Not as grippy as normal crampons

5
Springk Traction Cleats

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springk traction cleats
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springk traction cleats
springk traction cleats
springk traction cleats
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The Springk Traction Cleats are one of the cheapest products on this list. They work in a similar way to the Kahtoola MICROspikes and the Uelfbaby spikes, but they cost a little bit less. With products like this, it’s always the case that – you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a serious pair of hiking cleats, you should be paying $50 or above. However, if you’re looking for something to give you extra traction whilst winter walking the dog or walking to the mailbox on your drive, these will hold up just fine. They have 12 stainless-steel teeth connected by a double chain. Like the Uelfbaby spikes, the frame of the cleats is made from TPE rubber, which is relatively durable. If you’re looking for a cheap crampon system, this is one of the best.

For more products that will make walking on snow much easier, check out our guide to the best snow shoes.

Key Features:

Stainless steel spikes

Double chain

TPE rubber frame

Available in sizes medium and large

Specification:
  • BrandSpringk
Pros

Easy to slip on

Very cheap

Work with most kinds of footwear

Cons

Will break after heavy use

Limited sizes available

6
Hillsound Trail Crampons Traction Device

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hillsound trail crampons traction device
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Next up, we have the Hillsound Trail Crampons Traction Device. At first glance, it would be easy to mix these crampons up with a lot of the cheaper products we’ve featured, and honestly their not that different. The difference (and the reason they’re more expensive) is simply the quality. Each crampon has 21 ¼-inch stainless steel spikes. They are longer than a lot of the competing crampons, which makes them better at sticking into the ground. And, they are also higher-quality. It’s hard to tell the difference in quality by just looking at them, but you will notice when they haven’t broken in a year of use. And, in the rare case that they do break, they’re covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. Feel free to wear them with your snow boots while walking on snow. 

Key Features:

¼-inch stainless steel spikes

Heat-molded elastomer harness

Tightening strap

Lightweight

2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Available in large

Specification:
  • BrandHillsound
  • Weight15.8 ounces
Pros

Very high-quality

Spikes don’t break easily

Easy to get on and off

Covered by warranty

Cons

Start to stretch after a couple of years

Limited sizes available

7
Weanas Unisex Multi-Function Anti-Slip Ice Cleat

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weanas unisex multi-function anti-slip ice cleat
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These Unisex Ice Cleat crampons are made by a company called Weanas. They were a strong contender for our Best Value prize but narrowly missed out to the Springk Traction Cleats. Honestly, there isn’t much to separate the two products, except for the $1 difference in price. These crampons are designed for light use – walking the dog, basic hiking, and other activities. However, some of the Amazon reviews suggest that customers have been using them for much more strenuous activities. They have stainless-steel spikes held together by a durable steel chain. And, the rubber frame is made from a thermoplastic elastomer. All in all, they’re pretty durable, but they can’t compete with the crampons that cost closer to $50. If you’re not going to put them through their paces, they will hold up just fine. If you are looking for some durable footwear for outdoor activity, be sure to check out our guide to the best Gore-tex boots.

Key Features:

Stainless-steel spikes

Thermoplastic elastomer

Double chain

Available in sizes medium to XL

Available in orange and black

Specification:
  • BrandWeanas
  • Weight14.4 ounces
Pros

Very cheap

Easy to get on and off

Cons

Sizing isn’t accurate

Will break after heavy use

8
Hillsound Cypress 6 Crampons

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hillsound cypress 6 crampons
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If you’re looking for something easy to slip on and off for walking in the snow and ice, this is one of our favorite products. Admittedly, most of the products on this list are easy to get on and off, but none as easy as this – you just step in and tighten up. Plus, when steel chains are involved, there’s always the possibility of them getting tangled up. The large spikes on the Hillsound Cypress 6 Crampons also provide more grip, especially on ice. Of course, the disadvantage of large spikes like this is that you have to take them off before you walk on solid ground. Plus, they’re useless for running in. Our guide to the best winter running gear features some high-quality products for active men, so check them out.

Key Features:

14-inch stainless-steel spikes

Heat-molded elastomer harness

Adjustable straps

2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Specification:
  • BrandHillsound
  • ModelCYP6
  • Weight1.55 pounds
Pros

Very easy to get on and off

Great grip on slushy snow and ice

Covered by warranty

Cons

Not great on solid surfaces

9
Yatta Life Trail Spikes

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yatta life trail spikes
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yatta life trail spikes
yatta life trail spikes
yatta life trail spikes
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Last up is the Yatta Life Trail Spikes. This is another product very similar to the Kahtoola MICROspikes, a product that paved the way for others like it. The stainless steel spikes and chain are the closest in quality to the MICROspikes and should stand up to years of hiking. The elastomer band is one of the best we’ve seen and can be stretched out without losing its shape. If you’re looking for a serious pair of cleats, it’s between these and the MICROspikes. Plus, these come with a cool little carrying case, so you don’t have to put them in your roll top backpack and risk scratching your other stuff.

Key Features:

Stainless-steel spikes

Elastomer band

Adjustable strap

Carrying case included

Available in sizes small to XL

Specification:
  • BrandYatta Life
Pros

Very high-quality

Easy to slip on

The strap gives you a tighter fit

Cons

Some complaints about customer service

10
EnergeticSky Walk Crampons

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energeticsky walk crampons
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energeticsky walk crampons
energeticsky walk crampons
energeticsky walk crampons
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For walking on snow and ice, the EnergeticSky Walk Crampons are a great way to improve your traction. They’re designed to fit over walking boots and walking shoes and come in three different sizes to accommodate different types of footwear. You can also tighten the crampons over the top of the boot using the velcro strap. The 19 multi-directional spikes are made from high-quality stainless steel and the cover is made from tough silicone instead of TPR rubber. These durable materials ensure that the crampons aren’t going to break under your foot when it counts. We also like the fact that they come with a drawstring carry bag, so you can keep them organized when you get in from the cold. 

Key Features:

19 multi-directional spikes 

Made from high-quality stainless steel 

Silicone cover 

Adjustable velcro strap 

Carry bag included 

Available in two colors 

Specification:
  • BrandEnergeticSky
  • Weight11.2 ounces
Pros

Durable materials 

Amazing traction

Available in different sizes 

Cons

Difficult to get on and off 

Crampon Buying Guide & FAQ

Features To Look For In Crampons

Spike length - The length of the spike on your crampons determines how much grip you will get on snow and ice. If it has long spikes, your feet will stick to the surface but you have the disadvantage of having to pull the spike out again. Smaller spikes are more suited to light activities, like walking and jogging in the snow.

Spike angle - The angle of the spike on the front of the crampons tells you what the crampons are designed for. If they are shaped like an ice ax, you can use them for vertical ice climbing. If they’re broader and less pointed, they are more suited to mountaineering.

Spike shape - The shape of the spike on the bottom of the crampons has a big impact on how much grip and comfort you can expect. The sharper and thinner they are, the more grippy and less comfortable they will be.

Material - Most crampons have metal spikes and a leather, rubber, or fabric fastening system. However, we’ve included some innovative crampons that are made of high-strength natural rubber with metal rings to provide grip - these are more lightweight and easier to walk in.

Installation - The installation process of your crampons depends on the type of fastener. It’s always important to fit your crampons standing up so that you can ensure a tight fit.

Flexibility - If you are planning to run on snow or ice, you need a flexible pair of crampons. They should have the flexibility to move with your shoe or boot, without coming loose. For ice climbing and intense mountaineering, you want more rigid crampons.

best crampons

Crampons FAQ

Q: What are crampons?

A: A crampon is a device that fits onto a boot or shoe to improve traction on snow and ice. Traditionally, they have metal spikes that penetrate the surface and stop the wearer from slipping. Nowadays, you can find many different styles of crampon.

Q: How do crampons work?

A: The metal spikes (or rings) penetrate the snow or ice and stop the wearer from slipping on the surface.

Q: Do crampons fit any boot?

A: No, you have to find the correct type of crampon for your boot. Technically, ice-climbing and proper mountaineering crampons will not fit in hiking books. They need a stiff-shank mountaineering boot to work properly. However, the word crampon is now used for all traction devices. If you’re looking for the best crampons for ski boots or climbing boots, you should look elsewhere.

best crampon shoes

Q: What is the difference between crampons and MICROspikes?

A: MICROspikes are similar to crampons but have smaller spikes and are used on fairly level ground. Crampons have larger spikes and are used for everything, from level to vertical climbs.

Q: How do you attach crampons to boots?

A: There are 4 different methods of attaching a crampon - clip-on, strap on, semi step-in, and step-in. The method of attachment is different for all 4 and you should get instructions when you purchase them.

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