Hillsound Trail Crampon I Ice Cleat Traction System for Beginner & Experienced Winter Trail Hiking

I recently replaced 2 pairs of cheap (but popular) knockoffs when they both broke after just a couple of hikes. As a hardcore hiker, I can say these are a SIGNIFICANT upgrade. The long spikes provide more aggressive traction than what you’d get even from Kahtoolas, rendering them surprisingly effective in deeper snow where previously, I may have considered snowshoes. They obviously won’t replace those in soft, very deep powder; however, I’m a minimalist who can’t/won’t carry both spikes and snowshoes, and these give me added peace of mind in borderline situations.One reason I got these was for the toe spikes. Just today I was climbing a very steep slope that required me to crawl on all fours due to extreme postholing (better weight distribution across the snow). I had done that many times before with my old sets of spikes, and I can assure you these Hillsounds made it effortless. No need to kickstep repeatedly—just plant the toe spikes into the ice and keep on climbing. It’s like having hybrid microspikes/crampons, and I love it.I initially wished for similar spikes in the heel for downclimbing. But thanks to the aggressive traction, I haven’t found their absence to be an issue. With my old spikes, I would often find myself sliding around on downhill sections, but not so with these Hillsounds.Added bonus: I like that the chainlinks welded very taut, unlike other brands. The result is you don’t feel like you’re spreading the spikes under your foot, then stepping on them. These spikes really feel attached to your foot. You don’t constantly hear them chiming as you walk along the trail, and they don’t rattle when you encounter dirt sections.Speaking of, they handled dirt sections quite well also. My biggest concern with such aggressive spikes was that they would make the transition from snowy to rocky terrain uncomfortable. It’s a very annoying problem in the spring and fall, especially if you hike across large elevation differentials that straddle the snowline. So far however, that hasn’t been a problem, and I haven’t noticed any significant difference compared to shorter spikes.Now, all that remains is how long they will last. I am worried about the stainless-steel chainlinks, as those are known to break after a single winter season or even faster. But the carbon fiber is supposed to be much more durable, so hopefully that’s one less point of failure.

I seldom take the time to write reviews- even for items that I like very much. I have to make an exception for these AMAZING trail crampons. I walk my dog daily off-leash on trails through local nature preserves. The last few weeks the trails have iced up terrible to the point where I was forced to bushwack off trail because it was impossible to walk it in regular hiking boots.... I even had to humiliate myself by sliding down inclines on my butt!I've seen others walking the trails with slip on traction devices like YakTrak and Kahtoolie so I decided it was time for me to join the club. I went to a local outdoor outfitter store and they had both brands but so late in the season nothing in my size. That's when I turned, reluctantly, to Amazon and started reading reviews. Despite my worries about not being able to try a pair on for fit before purchasing, I chose the Hillsound Trail Crampon on the strength of the reviews and because they appeared a bit more "aggressive" than the others. I ordered Size Medium as it was recommended for my shoe size on the fitting chart.As soon as they arrived I tried the on over my size 9 1/2 OBOZ hiking boots. They were easy to put on, fit snuggly and the spike plates were centered perfectly under the ball and heel of my foot with no fiddling or adjustment. That afternoon the pooch and I went for our walk on the same trails that were literally impossible for me to walk just the day before... and I actually started giggling because I was so amazed at the difference. Effortless walking on crazy slick ice... in fact easier to traverse than the muddy spots between iced trail. They are light, comfortable and though we were only out for a little more than an hour I could have easily walked in them all day... I hardly felt them on my feet.I went out with the dog again for a longer walk this morning and I am even more convinced. They didn't shift on my shoes walking up or down rocky inclines and were flexible enough that they moved as one with my hiking boots. I felt secure and confident in every situation- wet ice, hard ice, ascents and descents... wether icy or not. They felt completely transparent on my feet and I had no problem maintaining a natural stride... in fact I think I walk a bit faster with them on. I haven't used other makers products, but have crossed paths with YakTrak users who commented on how I have a serious set of spikes- if they only knew how easy they are to take on and off, how comfortable they are and how well they work. KUDOS!

These were great for walking through snow with ice underneath. They gripped well. The velcro strap across the top of the foot helps hold them on without being so tight it was annoying.I wouldn't wear spikes this serious on pavement, but for icy and crusty trails they are wonderful.

These are high quality spikes for use on snow and ice. The spike points are slightly rounded and give a good grip on ice and snow. I use them for non-technical winter hiking and climbing. They are not a true crampon. There are no foward projecting spikes and there are shorter spikes with slightly rounded points which means that are not nearly as dangerous as real crampons. They are very secure on your boots. Can't tell you how many microspikes I've seen on the trail but these spikes stay on with the included velcro security strap. My spike have stood up well even with early spring and hiking where trails have short stretches of dirt and rocks to be traversed but it is too bothersome to unspike. I have ocassionally had ice buildup when the conditions are ripe for that kind of thing but, the short spikes make these easier to clear than real crampons. Be sure to get the correct size for your boot. My large size spikes work well on mens US10.5 hikers - both the modern sneaker style boots and the old school all leather hikers with Vibram soles.

I just hada bit of trouble putting the left foot on but it was the 1st time putting them on and I am a bigger guy. But once they are on they work awesome.

Lightweight, easy to get on boots and the grip is mighty. You will feel like Spider man on the ice with the incredible grip. Have used while winter hiking mountains in the Adirondacks.