Hero 0Hero 1Hero 2Hero 3Hero 4Hero 5Hero 6Hero 7Hero 8Hero 9Hero 10Hero 11Hero 12Hero 13Hero 14

Top Crampons for Ice and Snow Traction

Curated from 685 real Reddit comments and discussions across 20 products.

Refreshed on: April 17, 2025

Snoop’s Take

Crampons and ice cleats aren’t created equal: top performers nail reliable bite, durable spikes, secure fit systems, and modular adjustability—often backed by certifications. Losers flaunt flimsy straps, slip catastrophically on soft soles, grind down on rock, and dodge EN/UIAA standards. Redditors praise gear that claws ice relentlessly yet packs light; they roast junk that pops off or peels out at first contact. Pick your poison wisely.

Top Considerations Before Purchasing

Traction Is Non-Negotiable - Prioritize spike count, material quality, and weld strength for lasting bite.
Strap Security Matters - Loose or weak straps ruin performance; seek robust, adjustable bindings.
Boot Compatibility Counts - Flexible soles confound many crampons; confirm fit with your footwear.
Certification Brings Confidence - EN/UIAA-certified gear ensures tested reliability and safety margins.

All Products that we Rated

Our Winner
Technical Ice ClimbingGlacier TravelSki Mountaineering
PETZL VASAK 12-Point Crampon, FLEXLOCK
7.9
PETZL VASAK 12-Point Crampon, FLEXLOCK
Reddit Feedback
U
Climbed wi3 on the grand with them with no issues
U
The heel locks down very tight and I can pull forcefully and apply shearing and twisting forces with no give indicating ...
U
I like the look of the blue ice "band" connection instead of the Petzl rope/strings, but the movable center points seem ...
Snoop Score Breakdown
Sentiment
7.7
Popularity
8.9
Feautures
7.4
✅ Recommended
Our Runner Up
Technical Ice ClimbingSki MountaineeringGlacier Travel
BRS-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Crampons for Ice Climbing
7.6
BRS-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Crampons for Ice Climbing
Reddit Feedback
U
Too overkill for 4 and 5? No way. Good score and enjoy, they’re the most secure and precise crampons I’ve used.
U
Loved my BRs. Super stable. I've climbed W5 to M8 in them.
U
Great crampon for that, as long as you fit them correctly on your boots.
Snoop Score Breakdown
Sentiment
6.3
Popularity
5.6
Feautures
9.0
✅ Recommended

Other Products the Community Recommends

Glacier TravelSki Mountaineering
PETZL Irvis Hybrid Crampons
6.7
PETZL Irvis Hybrid Crampons
Reddit Feedback
U
Never used the Vasak so I can't compare but the Sarken are a great allround piece of gear.
U
Has anyone else found a good crampon for low angle ice/mixed that has worked out for you?
U
I use these as well and have never had an issue
Snoop Score Breakdown
Sentiment
8.0
Popularity
7.2
Feautures
5.7
✅ Recommended
Technical Ice ClimbingGlacier TravelSki Mountaineering
BRS HUAYE 14 Teeth Ice Crampons for Snow Boots
6.6
BRS HUAYE 14 Teeth Ice Crampons for Snow Boots
Reddit Feedback
U
Was initially thinking grabbing the Petzl leopard, but from what I gather it won't excel in anything more than soft snow...
U
The strap system is way better than the cords on the irvis ( I cut the string on mine twice)
U
I've done dozens of glacier routes in Al alloy crampons, e.g., Rainier 4x, Ptarmigan Traverse, Shasta/Hotlum, Baker 4x, ...
Snoop Score Breakdown
Sentiment
6.9
Popularity
5.7
Feautures
6.2
✅ Recommended

Products You Will Return...

Leapiture 4 Toothed Crampon Hooks - Lightweight Climbing Claws
2.7
Leapiture 4 Toothed Crampon Hooks - Lightweight Climbing Claws
Reddit Feedback
U
Interesting idea. I’m kinda doubtful of the security for any front pointing.
U
I use exclusively hillsounds--similar to katoolas w/a few significant differences.
U
Do they snap when cold like most plastics? Don't most crampons use metal buckles for a reason?
Snoop Score Breakdown
Sentiment
3.6
Popularity
5.2
Feautures
1.9
❌ Not Recommended
Salewa Unisex Alpinist Combi Crampons
3.5
Salewa Unisex Alpinist Combi Crampons
Reddit Feedback
U
Once its gone thru its initial stretch, its pretty solid and I don't worry about it loosening.
U
Without a sole stiff enough the crampon has to do all the work and it's a pain in the ass to keep tight, especially on s...
U
the front section is much smaller than other 12 point crampons, so they’re not as stable as a g12 or petzl vasak.
Snoop Score Breakdown
Sentiment
1.0
Popularity
0.1
Feautures
5.6
❌ Not Recommended

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
PETZL VASAK 12-Point Crampon, FLEXLOCKPETZL VASAK 12-Point Crampon, FLEXLOCK$196
7.9
DetailsBuy
BRS-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Crampons for Ice ClimbingBRS-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Crampons for Ice Climbing$69
7.6
DetailsBuy
PETZL Irvis Hybrid CramponsPETZL Irvis Hybrid Crampons$197
6.7
DetailsBuy
BRS HUAYE 14 Teeth Ice Crampons for Snow BootsBRS HUAYE 14 Teeth Ice Crampons for Snow Boots$48
6.6
DetailsBuy
BRS HuaYe Professional Edition Ice CramponsBRS HuaYe Professional Edition Ice Crampons$52
6.4
DetailsBuy
Amarine Made Anti-Slip Ice CramponsAmarine Made Anti-Slip Ice Crampons$29
6.4
DetailsBuy
Cimkiz Crampons Ice Cleats Traction for Boots and ShoesCimkiz Crampons Ice Cleats Traction for Boots and Shoes$23
6.3
DetailsBuy
Grivel Air Tech Light EVO Wide Climbing CramponsGrivel Air Tech Light EVO Wide Climbing Crampons$194
6.0
DetailsBuy
Black Diamond Contact Strap CramponBlack Diamond Contact Strap Crampon$169
5.9
DetailsBuy
Tomaje 24 Spikes Crampons for ShoesTomaje 24 Spikes Crampons for Shoes$13
5.5
DetailsBuy
Kahtoola K-10 Hiking CramponsKahtoola K-10 Hiking Crampons$119
5.1
DetailsBuy
WIN.MAX Crampons for ShoesWIN.MAX Crampons for Shoes$19
5.0
DetailsBuy
AYAMAYA Upgraded 24 Spikes Crampons Ice CleatsAYAMAYA Upgraded 24 Spikes Crampons Ice Cleats$19
4.9
DetailsBuy
Climbing Technology Nuptse EVO Automatic CramponsClimbing Technology Nuptse EVO Automatic Crampons$119
4.8
DetailsBuy
Yaktrax Adventure Grip CramponsYaktrax Adventure Grip Crampons$34
4.6
DetailsBuy
GRIVEL Air Tech New-Matic Evo CramponsGRIVEL Air Tech New-Matic Evo Crampons$159
4.5
DetailsBuy
Magiduck Crampons for Shoes with 24 Stainless Steel SpikesMagiduck Crampons for Shoes with 24 Stainless Steel Spikes$9
4.2
DetailsBuy
AIROKA Crampons Ice Cleats for Shoes and BootsAIROKA Crampons Ice Cleats for Shoes and Boots$44
4.0
DetailsBuy
Salewa Unisex Alpinist Combi CramponsSalewa Unisex Alpinist Combi Crampons$130
3.5
DetailsBuy
Leapiture 4 Toothed Crampon Hooks - Lightweight Climbing ClawsLeapiture 4 Toothed Crampon Hooks - Lightweight Climbing Claws$32
2.7
DetailsBuy

Products that are Best For...

From urban sidewalks to alpine summits, these crowd-approved picks deliver dependable grip for every icy adventure. Find your perfect traction match—no more faceplants.

Technical Ice Climbing
BRS-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Crampons for Ice Climbing

The BRS-S3 crampons are designed with aggressive front points and a rigid frame that make them suitable for vertical ice and mixed climbing routes. Positive feedback highlights the secure and precise ...

Glacier Travel
PETZL Irvis Hybrid Crampons

Users report good performance on glacier routes, indicating that the semi-rigid frame and moderate points provide safety and stability on crevassed terrain.

Ski Mountaineering
BRS-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Crampons for Ice Climbing

Their ultralight aluminum construction reduces fatigue during uphill skinning and ridge traverses, aligning well with the needs of ski mountaineering. However, some users have expressed concerns about...

Winter Hiking and Trail Walking
WIN.MAX Crampons for Shoes

The crampons excel in this use case, as they are specifically designed to provide excellent traction on packed snow and icy paths, making them highly effective for winter hiking and trail walking.

You May Also Like

Explore more Categories
Rope Bags
Top Climbing Rope Bags for Outdoor Adventures
Top Climbing Rope Bags for Outdoor Adventures
Utility Cord
Best Utility Cords for Climbing & Outdoor Recreation
Best Utility Cords for Climbing & Outdoor Recreation
Climbing Holds
Top Climbing Holds for Indoor and Outdoor Walls
Top Climbing Holds for Indoor and Outdoor Walls