Walking boots, crampons and micro spikes

The hills and mountains can be stunning in wintry conditions, with anything from a light dusting of snow to a steep, frozen summits. This article helps inform whether you need crampons or micro-spikes when walking in winter, and how crampons are fitted with walking boots:

Crampons are a set of metal spikes that can be fitted to boots, giving greater security when walking over snow and ice. Walking boots need to be ‘crampon-compatible’ to be suitable for use with crampons, meaning that they at least have a semi-stiffened midsole (allowing just a slight flex), and generally having more insulated and protective uppers and a high ankle for support. The stiffer sole is also useful for kicking steps in softer snow. This type of boot, described by the B1 category, is the absolute minimum for use with crampons. If the soles aren’t stiff, the danger is that the boot bends causing the crampon to fall off. More technical models of boot will include fully stiffened soles, welts for clip-on crampon bindings and higher ankle profiles. At the top of the spectrum are fully rigid technical climbing boots, which are designed specifically for hard mixed or ice climbing.

B0 Unsuitable for crampons. Most walking boots for summer are designed to flex for comfort and are not rigid enough in their midsole for crampons. Softer uppers may compress under crampon straps causing discomfort and cold feet.

B1 Suitable for the easiest snow and ice conditions found when hill walking, in case crampons are needed to cross a short patch of snow or ice found in shoulder seasons in lower elevations, rather than a full day's walk. They have a reasonably stiff flexing sole, and the uppers provide enough ankle and foot support for traversing relatively steep slopes.

B2 A stiff flex boot with the equivalent of a three quarter or full shank midsole and a supportive upper which can be more insulating and are protective. These boots are designed for four seasons mountaineering and can be used with crampons all day, whilst moderate alpine terrain and Scottish snow and ice climbs can also be covered. They will likely to be able to accommodate a heel clip crampon rather than just a heel basket.

B3 A technical boot regarded as “rigid” both in midsole and upper. Used for mountaineering and ice climbing. They will have a welt for a heel clip and may also be able to accommodate a toe bar.

Your choice of crampons will be dictated by your boots. If you’ve already got a pair of stiff 3 or 4 season walking boots, then take them along to a shop and get a suitable pair of crampons fitted - boots and crampons must be suited to each other and adjusted accordingly. All-purpose hill-walking and mountaineering crampons should be made of steel, there are some specialist crampons sold which are made of aluminium which aren’t designed for use in the UK or mixed conditions.

Crampons are adjusted to fit different sized boots using the crampon bar which holds the front and heel piece together. This bar will fit all but the largest sized boots when an extra-long bar might have to be bought separately. There are also other adjustments to improve fit, which might be at the toe basket/bar or heel clip/basket, depending on the make and model. After crampons have been fitted, crampon straps can be cut shorter if needed to make them less of a trip hazard – but don’t cut them too short! Crampon designs are becoming more modular making it easier to upgrade or replace crampon parts.

C1 A flexible walking crampon attached with straps and toe and heel baskets. This crampon may have less points, for example 10-point crampons.

C2 Articulated multi-purpose crampons attached with straps either with toe and heel basket or a toe basket and heel clip combination. The front points of these crampons are a flat design to give good surface area when climbing steep snow and neve and thus preventing the front-point tearing through the snow.

C3 Articulated climbing or fully rigid technical crampon attached with a heel clip and possibly a toe bar. They may have dual front points or a mono point. Some may not have anti-balling plates. The front points are also a different shape, more akin to picks which are good for climbing ice and accuracy on mixed routes. These types of points are less good on steep snow and neve where they are less secure because they tear through the snow more easily.

Boots in the B3 category are ideal for C3 crampons and will also take C2 and C1. At the other end of the spectrum a B1 boot could only be recommended with a C1 crampon. If you don’t own any crampons yet, read our ‘Crampons for mortals’ guide on how to choose the right ones for you.

Note that it is advisable that all crampons should have anti-balling plates which prevent snow balling beneath the crampon and preventing the spikes biting into the snow. Some C3 may not have anti-balling plates. Anti-balling plates can also become worn or even detach from the crampon. Replacement anti-balling plates can be bought if this occurs.

Micro-spikes or mini crampons are an alternative to walking crampons but do have their limitations and it is important to understand this when winter hill walking. There are a range of different products designed to give extra grip in snow and icy conditions, usually using designs of studs, underfoot chains and short metal spikes, fitted to footwear by stretching a flexible harness over the boot.

The more substantial end of the micro-spike spectrum, with small spikes, are the most suitable for hill walking. In general, the advantages of micro-spikes s are that they can be fitted to a range of footwear, they are a lot cheaper, lighter-weight and in some conditions more comfortable to wear than crampons. Combined with a fast and simple attachment system and the ability to be used on softer, lighter footwear than a walking crampon, this makes them an option for those intending to travel on non-technical terrain. They can also be fitted to fell running and approach shoes, so are suitable for runners and climbers. However, they can quickly become insufficient for the conditions.

Micro-spikes can be bought in a few sizes general small, medium and large and are best for flat or very gentle gradient paths which may have some ice or compacted snow, or they can be used to walk more comfortably on flat icy ground with rock protruding through the ice and in these conditions can be more comfortable than wearing a walking crampon. Some hill walkers are choosing to walk with both micro-spikes and crampons so they can choose the best tool for the conditions.

Micro-spikes are unsuitable for steep or consequential terrain or any snow conditions which are not compacted because the short spikes are insufficient to bite into the snow.

Walking crampons meet a PPE standard which includes a minimum strength of the points, frame and attachments. Micro-spikes do not, so although many are well made, it can be a bit of a lottery whether they will stand up to the knocks and scrapes of a full day out in the hills.

Changeable conditions may mean that whilst on a compacted snowy path approach they may be suitable, beyond they are not. Much of the support provided by a walking crampon comes from the fact that it has to be mounted on a fairly stiff and supportive boot, with the crampon frame working to provide lateral support - you don't get this support and control with micro-spikes on a soft shoe or boot, making a slip more likely, which could become a dangerous slide in consequential terrain.

When choosing whether to use crampons or micro-spikes for winter hill walking, consider the consequences of a slip or fall. If a slip would result in nothing more than a bruised bum and ego, micro-spikes are probably an appropriate choice. If the result of a trip or slip could be a long slide or fall over a drop onto steep ground and rocky slopes, micro-spikes often won’t provide suitable security. Do not rely on ice axe arrest stopping you injuring yourself, once sliding an ice axe arrest can be difficult to execute, even for those well practised in the skill, your safety relies on not slipping in the first place. Choose whether crampons or micro-spikes are suitable based on the route and the conditions on the day, and always be ready to turn back if you don’t have the right equipment for the conditions you encounter on the hill.

Updated by Rebecca Coles | www.roammountains.co.uk