Best Crampons 2018 – Ensure Safety & Quality!
Whether you’re looking for the best crampons for ice climbing, snow walking or mountaineering, you owe it to yourself to have the best possible experience.
But here’s the thing:
There’re quite a lot of crampons to choose from in the market and getting one that meets exactly what you want is not an easy task which is why we’re here today. There are a number of styles you could choose from each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses hence it’s important to know exactly what to look into which is why we’ll be looking at a comprehensive guide.
Most importantly, we’ll review 10 of the best crampons and you’ll have a comparison chart of the same as well. Let’s get started, shall we?
Table of Contents
- Comparison on 10 Best Crampons
- 10 Best Crampons in 2018 Reviews
- 1. OuterStar Traction Cleats Ice Snow Grips Anti Slip Spikes Crampons
- 2. Black Diamond Serac Strap Crampon
- 3. YUEDGE Universal Anti Slip Ice Cleats Shoe Boot Grips Crampon
- 4. Anti-slip Ice Snow Climbing Cleats Crampons
- 5. WEANAS Unisex Multi-function Anti-slip Ice Traction Crampon
- 6. OUTAD Traction Cleats/Crampon for Snow and Ice
- 7. OuterStar Ice & Snow Grips Over Shoe/Boot Crampons
- 8. EnergeticSky Upgraded Version Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons
- 9. Uelfbaby Crampon Micro spikes ice snow grips traction cleats System
- 10. Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction
- Here’s how to go about when shopping for crampons
- How to use crampons
- Crampons vs microspikes
- Crampon walking techniques
- Final verdict
Comparison on 10 Best Crampons
Image | Name | Material | Teeth(Quantity) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OuterStar Traction Cleats Ice Snow Grips Anti Slip Spikes Crampons | Rubber & Stainless steel | 12, 13, 18 | |
 | Black Diamond Serac Strap Crampon | Stainless steel & ABS | 12 | |
 | YUEDGE Universal Anti Slip Ice Cleats Shoe Boot Grips Crampon | Stainless steel & Silicone | 18 | |
 | Anti-slip Ice Snow Climbing Cleats Crampons | Aluminium alloy, TPU | 14 | |
 | WEANAS Unisex Multi-function Anti-slip Ice Traction Crampon | Stainless steel, Premium Rubber | 12 | |
 | OUTAD Traction Cleats/Crampon for Snow and Ice | Aluminum alloy, Manganese steel & TPR rubber | 14 | |
 | OuterStar Ice & Snow Grips Over Shoe/Boot Crampons | TPE thermoplastic elastomer & special non-slip steel | 10 | |
 | EnergeticSky Upgraded Version Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons | Stainless Steel & Durable Silicon | 19 | |
 | Uelfbaby Crampon Micro spikes ice snow grips traction cleats System | TPE rubber & Stainless Steel | 13 - 19 | |
 | Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction | Carbon steel | 12 |
10 Best Crampons in 2018 Reviews
First, before you go any further, it would be really important to have a look at the comparison chart below. It’ll be much faster to get your best pick and it’s also equally as good as our buying
1. OuterStar Traction Cleats Ice Snow Grips Anti Slip Spikes Crampons
As far as versatility is concerned, this one’s definitely going to give you a good time. It’s got quite a strong design and more so, the performance is not compromised whatsoever.
Here are all the reasons you should get them.
It’s tough and strong
Being a must-have feature on any crampon, the fact that this one has got a really outstanding level of strength and toughness keeps it from bending.
Provided you watch your step while using it and master how to walk in it just like you would for any crampon in the market, you ought to be good to go.
The materials used include rubber, a steel chain, and stainless steel claws.
Utmost safety
In addition to being one of the toughest and strongest crampons in the market, the stainless-steel chain keeps the OuterStar Traction Cleats securely on your feet and prevents it from moving from side to side. This way, you’ll be sure-footed and won't risk having a sprain or slipping.
Bound to fit on any kind of sports shoes
Whether you need one for mountaineering boots, sports shoes or hiking shoes, it's not going to let you down whatsoever.
Pros
Cons
2. Black Diamond Serac Strap Crampon
A precise fit, durable construction, and amazingly durable. The final crampon on our reviews will definitely be worth every penny and here’s why.
Versatile horizontal front points
They come with horizontal front points that also do have classic secondary points as well as adjustable rear points. With all of these working together, you’ll get the best out of your climbs.
All the 12 spikes are also made out of stainless steel which is durable, will resist snow balling and won’t rust whatsoever. Th stainless steel coating also has no toxic coatings and with the surface being smooth, it will shed snow better for less snowballing
A perfect fit
For a precise fit, it comes with a low-profile and micro-adjustable heel bail, a classic secondary point as well as a substantial rear point that gives you the best stability on descents as well as a low-angle terrain
Pros
Cons
3. YUEDGE Universal Anti Slip Ice Cleats Shoe Boot Grips Crampon
From its name alone, you can tell that these crampons are unlike any other you’ll get since they come with an amazing 18 stainless steel teeth. But is this all it’s got? Let’s find out.
User-friendly
It’s easy to wear and walk with once you get them on and considering it comes in both the men’s and women’s variant, getting what fits perfectly should be a walk in the park.
You can also adjust the tightness to just the way you like it. There are also two Velcro straps that fit over your shoe hence making the cleats attached to the footwear solidly.
Quality stainless steel construction
All of the 18 teeth at the base are made out of stainless steel via the welding technology. With the chain system and high strength spikes working hand in hand, you end up with the best traction- definitely the best mountaineering crampons.
Also, the spikes are strategically placed hence ensuring equal weight distribution
Utmost versatility
Other than hiking and mountaineering, you’ll appreciate the use of these in a snowy weather a lot and the same goes for mud, wet grass and any other slippery terrain
Pros
Cons
4. Anti-slip Ice Snow Climbing Cleats Crampons
Well, there are more to these than just a stylish design. The secret to what qualifies these as the best anti-slip boots is the design of the cleats which is also why they’re more than capable of handling anything you throw at them.
Lightweight design hence sure footed
Weighing only 480 grams, these might just be the best lightweight crampons for you. Being quite light such that you’ll barely be able to notice their weight in your feet, they’re going to give you a sure footing and most probably allow you to walk naturally.
They’ve got a perfect fit
They’re really easy to put on and take off since, as mentioned, the design is lightweight. You can also adjust the size of the cleat boots using a double row of rivet studs to fit your shoe size
Have got 14 long and teat treated peaks cleats
As for their performance, each of the 14 peaks on its base is long and has a heat treatment to give you a really awesome braking power. The material used for these is an aluminum alloy- lightweight and durable.
Pros
Cons
5. WEANAS Unisex Multi-function Anti-slip Ice Traction Crampon
Why go through the trouble for looking for crampons that’ll offer a perfect fit and at the same time just be as good in their performance when you can simply have these Unisex crampons?
Here’s why they’ll work best for you
Quality construction and design
In addition to being a unisex pair of crampons, they’re also designed to last quite a long time and perform just as good.
The spikes are premium stainless steel and bound to dig into any icy terrain hence delivering the amount of traction that you need just the way you like it.
There's also a thermoplastic elastomer with excellent elasticity and high-density stainless steel
Secure attachment system
When using them, they’ll securely attach on your footwear without the use of any buckles or straps. The heavy-duty rubber also makes it easy to put on and take off. The whole package is also amazingly light and it comes with a carry bag for easy storage
Pros
Cons
6. OUTAD Traction Cleats/Crampon for Snow and Ice
Now here’s something that’s going to blow your mind- the OUTAD Traction Cleats/Crampon for Snow and Ice. With as much as 14 spikes and being lightweight in nature, there’s no way you could go wrong with these.
Easy on and off usage
A crampon won’t be any good to you if it can’t fit perfectly, right? So as to ensure this one fits perfectly, it comes with an easy on and off feature for the heel as well as the toe. This deems it eligible for use with all kinds of footwear and at any time.
It comes with a carry net bag
In addition to having an amazingly snug fit, it does have a carry net bag coming along with it. When not in use, you can easily take them off and pack them down to fit in your pocket perfectly
Durable aluminum and TPR rubber construction
For the build quality and design, there are 14 multi-directional and enhanced aluminum alloy spikes. These are ideal for walking, hiking and running. The length of the spikes is designed for maximum stability and the rubber is one of the best for elasticity and durability
Pros
Cons
7. OuterStar Ice & Snow Grips Over Shoe/Boot Crampons
Meant for anyone who's after a simple and yet well-performing pair of crampons, these ones from Outerstar come in a really unique design that doesn’t compromise their functionality whatsoever.
Easy to put in and take off
Regardless of whichever kind of shoes you’ll be wearing, this pair will definitely be giving you the best time. They are also suitable for both men and women and for any outdoors ranging from ice fishing to walking, jogging, and hiking, they won't let you down
Utmost reliability
As for the usage, you can easily fold them up to fit in your pocket when need be. Underneath it, there are 10 studs to keep you from slipping.
A unique design and durable construction
The material used is TPE thermoplastic elastomer, special non-slip steel studs and it is also odorless as well as flexible up to -40 degrees C
Pros
Cons
8. EnergeticSky Upgraded Version Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons
Yes, this one’s definitely an upgrade and worth every penny. It’s definitely an all-in-one design and will be giving you a nice fit and outstanding performance.
Here’s why you should settle for these
Safer and durable
With the link being used on this crampon being a welding chain and a stainless-steel chain that is even much stronger, it’s definitely going to last.
It also includes an outstanding 19 multi-directional spikes made out of stainless steel hence providing a sure-footed performance and excellent traction in icy surfaces
Reduced risk of injury
The cover is made of silicone which is highly elastic and won’t easily snap. These are also tested and verified to remain flexible even below -60 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also got full foot coverage on the heel and the forefoot for utmost traction
Easy to wear and carry
The silicone used provides flexible and lightweight performance all day and will fit securely on your shoes with utmost ease
Pros
Cons
9. Uelfbaby Crampon Micro spikes ice snow grips traction cleats System
Besides just being suitable for use for the ice and snow usage, you can use it outdoors for any snowy or slippery terrain. There is, however, more to it than just this…
Stronger spikes
The rule of thumb when it comes to the selection of the best crampons normally is that the stronger it is, the better of you are.
With as much as 19 spikes on each of these crampons, it can dig into a variety of terrain quite easily. Being stainless steel, their excellent toughness and strength make it easy to dog into a variety of terrain.
Firm connections
Owing to the face that it comes with a strong spike-and chain connection, it won’t threaten to slip off your foot or wobble which in turn gives you a completely safe hiking session.
The elastic harnesses also ensure that the hold on your shoes is also firm even at low temperatures and there’s also an ergonomic plate system got added stability
Pros
Cons
10. Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction
This is probably the most comfortable crampon you'll get for your money. It features quite a stylish design and simultaneously a really good performance.
Here’s what you’ll be getting:
Includes elastomer harnesses
In order for it to have the best fit, it does come with elastomer harnesses which easily stretch to fit most footwear. To add onto these, there are also the rip and stick over-shoe straps to keep the shoe secure on your footwear.
It is also easy to put them on and take off
A hinged plate
To make the spikes really stable, there’s an ergonomic plate system. The plates are hinged and are able to flex with the sole of the boot. This makes movement amazingly easy
Long spikes for good traction
As for the performance, there are two-thirds of an inch spike beneath it. These make it comfortable to walk on ice as well as packed snow.
Pros
Cons
Here’s how to go about when shopping for crampons
Now that you have the best of 2018 simply a click away, let’s shed some light on how you should go about when shopping for a crampon that’s bound to do you some justice.
Which type should you go for
The attachment types of modern crampons are of 3 types. You can get either the hybrid, a step-in or the strap-on style when it comes to this.
Step in crampons
These are the most popular types of crampons probably owing to the fact that they’re also the most secure. The heel bar is lockable and you’ll also be using a lockable heel tab that is also adjustable. In order to use this, you'll need boots that got both the heel and the toe welts.
The hybrid crampons
These are similar to the step-in crampons in the sense that they also do have a lockable heel tab. The difference, however, comes in the bail whereby it is replaced with a plastic loop which extends over the toe-box of the boot.
Strap-on crampons
if you’re looking for something that can be used with any kind of mountaineering boot, this is definitely it. Whereas they have a plastic loop on the front just like the hybrid boots, the rear locking mechanism is, however, another plastic loop which wraps partially around the boot
Regardless of whichever of the above-mentioned crampons, you select, here’s everything you ought to have in mind:
The plates
Being one of the most common features you’ll have on a crampon regardless of the design, the anti-balling plates attach to the bottom of the crampons and prevent the sticking and caking up of snow and ice on the crampons as you climb
What about the point material?
Being made out of steel, aluminum or stainless steel, each of these is ideal for a specific activity. Let's have a look:
- Aluminum, though being the best lightweight crampons, is not very durable as compared to its other two alternatives hence are best suited for soft snow.
- Steel spikes and stainless-steel spikes hold up quite well in a rough climb and with the latter being the most durable, I’d recommend that you go for it.
The point style
Even though all the points are important on a crampon, the front points are twice as important as they’re what distinguish the rather general mountaineering models from the ones you’ll need for technical ice climbing.
Vertical points happen to be the beast as they are meant for hard
The front points are either horizontal or vertical. Vertical points are best suited for mixed climbing as well as hard ice whereas the horizontal is best for use in snow
The number of points
You’ll get either 10 or 12 points on a crampon. The latter is best suited for basic climbs in both mountaineering and snow travel as the terrain angle is gentle.
The best ice climbing crampons and mountaineering would be a 12- point crampon
How to use crampons
The usage of crampons is dependant on the fact of whether or not your boots are compatible. There’s normally the rating scheme whereby a boot that is rated as B1 or B2 can be used with a crampon that’s rated as C1 but not the other way around.
Using a crampon with a higher rating than that of your boot can result in really injurious results
Crampons vs microspikes
Both of the above are ideal as far as winter traction is concerned but the difference comes in their application. The microspikes are best used when you’re tackling grounds that are fairly level.
If you switch to land that is inclined, you should go for the crampons as they are longer and sharper than the microspikes.
Crampon walking techniques
When it comes to using a crampon, you’ll be required to go out of the norm of your normal footwork and you might take some time to master how to walk in them.
While going up an incline, you should stomp into the ice or have your foot angled towards the direction of your travel in order to have the best grip.
As you walk, one foot has to always be planted in the ice. You should also make your steps much shorter to have your center of gravity over your points at all times.
Final verdict
It’s been a good review of the best crampons and definitely much easier to get your hands on one right now. Here’s my recommendation on what you should go for.
The Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction comes with long stainless-steel spikes, a hinged plate system that ensures easy mobility and its got an elastomer harness for a perfect fit.
Most importantly, take your time when shopping for the best. Pay attention to the design with regard to the activity you'll be partaking in to ensure it doesn't let you down. Maintenance and storage are also mandatory if you do want your crampons to last long.
Relevant Resource
About the Author Edward Hansen
Hello! This is Edward Hansen. Welcome you to my blog outdoorsuggest.com. I’m a travel enthusiast and love to make outdoor camping. Over here I regularly post articles on travel hacks and required tools depending on the type of terrain and weather. You can prepare your checklist from my suggestions what you need to do or avoid during your travel. I can help you stay updated about the tools or gears you need for your outing purposes. For further inquiries please contact me through our contact form.
