Do you prefer ice cleats or crampons
Ice cleats or crampons are a must-have for snowy trails. Here are 10 reliable pairs for road running, trail running, and peak bagging this winter.
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Road, trail, and gravel running; moderate hiking?
Ice cleats or crampons are indispensable for running or cross-training in snowy or icy conditions. These portable traction devices come in a variety of levels for everything from icy road running to snowy trails, with several models optimized for a range of terrain.
Ice cleats for road running have miniscule tungsten carbide spikes, which work well on hard-packed or icy tread. These are comfortable underfoot and can accommodate the higher impact of a running stride. Ice cleats for snowy trail runs or hikes have larger stainless steel underfoot spikes, often with chains connecting the sharp points that bite into steep, icy trails. True crampons are the most aggressive, with toe spikes specifically for digging into the steepest, iciest ascents.
Best Ice Cleats For Shoes
The Expert: I’ve been hiking and trail running for as long as I can remember, often in terrible weather and conditions that require a variety of clothing styles and layering techniques. I've been testing and reviewing running gear and apparel for nearly a decade, which helps me understand the nuances of fit, materials, technical details, and intended use. My gear reviews and other work has appeared in Backpacker, Lonely Planet, Outside, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Backpacking Light, and The Trek, among other outlets. I am the cofounder of Backpacking Routes, a website that connects backpackers with long-distance trails across the country.
What to Look For
Ice Cleats Vs. Crampons: Ice cleats and crampons are often referenced interchangeably, but there are differences. Ice cleats are a milder form of traction used on moderate terrain with packed snow or ice. They’re often attached to your running shoe or hiking boot with a rubber “webbing” shoe harness that goes over the top of the shoe, securing the traction underneath.
Crampons are used on steep, icy terrain and have spikes leading your stride, necessary for digging in during more vertical ascents. Crampons are often buckled with a ratchet and webbing for added security.
More Winter Gear: What if I dont want to spend my whole run in spikes • Road, trail, and gravel running; moderate hiking • Hiking, snowy trail runs
Type of Terrain: Choose a pair of ice cleats or crampons best suited for your anticipated conditions and terrain. Most traction isn’t ideal for all-around use… crampons might be overkill on a level trail, but you’ll be in dangerous territory using road-running spikes on a steep, icy climb. This (somewhat annoyingly) means it’s good to have a few traction options in your kit if you plan to hit a combo of trails, roads, and peaks this winter. We’ve noted what terrain each set of traction is best for—just look for the “best for” in each listing.
Correct Sizing: Traction spikes are deliberately spaced underfoot to provide the best grip with each step. If you have the wrong size, the spikes won’t be in the correct place. Additionally, if the rubber harness is too small, it won’t fit around your shoe, and if it’s too big, the chains will be flopping everywhere. Some ice cleats come with adjustable straps for a more custom-feeling fit, and some models of trail crampons are adjustable length-wise for a more secure fit. Most sizing is US standard (small, medium, large), and manufacturer or vendor sites will have corresponding sizing charts.
How We Evaluated
To choose the best ice cleats and crampons for winter running / cross-training, we looked at a variety of terrain and conditions you might encounter on the roads and trails. This included steep, icy ascents, deep snow, packed snow, and a combination of icy roads / snow on outings that take you from the road to the trail. From there, we chose options that have at least one model for pretty much everything you can encounter, taking into consideration spike length and material, shoe harness design, and traction placement underfoot. These are all well-rated from reputable brands, I’ve tested multiple models myself, and they come highly recommended from winter trail runners and road runners.
If you only own one set of ice cleats for winter traction, let these be the ones. While they aren’t my top pick for long runs, this set of MICROspikes is among the most popular set of traction for winter hikers. These can be worn with trail-running shoes or hiking boots, with a stable rubber harness that stays securely over top of your shoe. Each foot has twelve ⅜-inch stainless steel spikes under the heel, forefoot, and toe. These are the best MICROspikes for my favorite type of trail-run-hike combination outing.
Key Specs
| Best for | Can I run on pavement in ice cleats for shoes |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | 12 |
| Sizes | S-XL |
| Weight | 11 ounces |
With 21 spikes underfoot, the Hillsound FreeSteps6 utilizes every option for adding additional traction without feeling like you’re walking on a bed of nails. Each traction unit has three or four spikes for grip at every angle, no matter how canted the trail is. The additional spikes under the forefoot and heel also mean added stability on steep ups and downs. The harness is similar to Kahtoola’s, with durable rubber that stays flexible when the temperatures plummet.
Key Specs
| Best for | Can I run on pavement in ice cleats for shoes |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | 21 |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces |
Built for fast, lightweight outings like icy trail runs, these spikes stash in a pocket or pack and can be deployed when trail conditions get tricky. The harness looks different than the Kahtoola or Hillsound, and feels less constrictive for longer outings, but also isn’t quite as secure. It’s important to note that the six spikes are only under the forefoot, which will impact your security on steep sections. The smaller spikes are more comfortable for running than hiking-specific options, and do well on moderate trails and snowy roads.
Key Specs
| Best for | Ice Cleats Vs. Crampons |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | 6 |
| Sizes | S-XL |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
No spikes can do it all, but this combination-designed model from Kahtoola comes close. These were built with the framework and underfoot construction of the brand’s NANOspikes, while using a more aggressive traction set and harness from the hiking-oriented MICROspikes. This traction set is comfortable on hard-packed, icy terrain thanks to the elastomer underfoot harness (instead of chains) and the smaller tungsten carbide spikes. The spikes are .29-inches long, which is slightly longer than Kahtoola’s dedicated running spikes, making them more adept to handle combination hikes and runs. They also have aluminum platforms under each spike, which grips the trail for additional stability with each step.
Key Specs
| Best for | From Runners World for On |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | 12 |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Weight | 7.3 ounces |
These ice cleats for shoes are secure, comfortable, and provide excellent traction on everything from icy roads to moderate trails. They’re comfortable underfoot and have a reliable elastomer harness that stays securely around your shoe. These ice cleats use the low-profile elastomer platform as the spike housing, which makes these easier to wear for extended outings than a chain-based system. The spikes are just ¼-inch long, which makes them low-profile enough for icy road runs, but sharp enough for steeper trails. These are a versatile option if you plan on wearing them from road to trail in the same outing.
Key Specs
| Best for | How to Use Your FSA/HSA on Eligible Fitness Gear |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | 18 |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Weight | 13 ounces |
These packable crampons stash in a bag for when the route gets super steep and icy. They’re decidedly not running traction, but if you’re using them, you’re probably not running that section of the route anyway. These crampons are ideal for steep, non-technical peak bagging where you need support in front of your shoe as well as underneath. The 10 1-inch spikes ground each stride with full coverage, and the stainless steel bars underfoot are quite comfortable to hike in, flexing with your stride while keeping the traction in place.
Key Specs
| Best for | Best Lightweight / Packable Option |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | 10 |
| Sizes | S/M, M/L |
| Weight | 1 Runners World; Kahtoola. |
The extra few ounces can be worth it if you’re tired of stopping to readjust (or locate) loose or missing traction. These spikes come with an extra strap around the forefoot along with the stretchy harness that ensures they’ll never slide off your foot. In addition to the extra webbing, the 12 stainless steel spikes are built into ergonomic plates under the forefoot and heel, spreading the underfoot pressure into a wider area. This can help reduce fatigue and pressure points during long hikes or runs. Despite the name, I’d consider these in the ice cleat category.
Key Specs
| Best for | Best Running Shoes 2025 |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | 12 |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Weight | 15.7 ounces |
Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction System
Keep your road runs stable with this sleek, low-profile set of traction. Built with 10 durable tungsten carbide spikes, these will feel more comfortable running on hard surfaces than a set of larger stainless steel spikes, especially with the flexible elastomer harness both underfoot and around the top of your shoe. The spikes are under ¼-inch each, with a miniscule, blunted edge that won’t get dull on pavement sections if your run takes you from icy spots to bare road. These fit tightly over your shoes, but the tabs in the back make it easy to take them on and off.
Key Specs
| Best for | Affordable Winter Running Ice Cleats For Shoes |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | 10 |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Weight | 8 ounces |
Utilizing a different form of underfoot traction, this model from Yaktrax has a net-like system of chains with its “diamond grip” traction nodes running along the length of the chains. This means you have hundreds of sharp edges to grab on unpredictable edges and angles of trail, no matter what direction your feet want to start sliding. These aren’t as comfortable for extended outings, but they work great walking down the slippery road to get the mail or to shovel your driveway. As a bonus, they pack down small and are a good set to stash in your car.
Key Specs
| Best for | Health - Injuries |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | N/A (chain system) |
| Sizes | S-XL |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces |
Extremus Ice Snow Grips Traction Cleats
Modeled like the Kahtoola NANOspikes, this budget-friendly version uses similar tungsten spikes underfoot for a streamlined, less aggressive traction pattern ideal for icy road runs. The harness wraps around the shoe and underfoot for a seamless fit, and the rubber stays flexible even during the coldest runs. These have a 10-spike pattern, with three under the heel and seven under the forefoot for traction with each footstrike and push.
Key Specs
| Best for | Road running |
|---|---|
| Number of spikes | 10 |
| Sizes | S/M, L/XL |
| Weight | 6.3 ounces |
Q+A
RW: Can I run on pavement in ice cleats for shoes?
MS: While most ice cleats can handle some pavement pounding, try to avoid it as much as possible. …I wait to put my spikes on until after I’ve crossed the paved trailhead parking lot. Pavement will dull the points and edges of the spikes, making them less effective on ice and snow. It’s also uncomfortable to run on hard pavement in some of the more aggressive spikes, so you’ll want to avoid it for comfort as well. If you think you’ll be running on a combination of icy and clear roads, choose a pair of less aggressive spikes (like the Kahtoola EXOspikes or Kahtoola NANOspikes) that are more geared towards hard-packed terrain. You can also stash your spikes in a running pack or pocket for longer pavement sections, then do a quick switch at the trailhead.
RW: Do you prefer ice cleats or crampons?
MS: I typically opt for stainless steel ice cleats for versatility, since most of my winter outings often combine trail runs with hikes. I wear traction like the Kahtoola MICROspikes or the Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra (despite the name, these are more like ice cleats) for winter peak-bagging expeditions that don’t require crampons with toe spikes. These models are a good middle ground between road-running ice cleats and actual crampons, and they provide excellent security without fatiguing my feet or creating pressure points.
RW: If you’re going from the road to a trail, should you carry two sets of traction?
MS: It depends on how intense the trail is going to be. Often you can get away with a more versatile set like Kahtoola’s EXOspikes, which are low profile enough for icy roads but still have deep (and sharp) enough spikes for moderate trail runs.
RW: What if I don’t want to spend my whole run in spikes?
MS: Choose a packable set! Black Diamond’s Blitz Spike or the affordable Extremus Ice Snow Grips are solid options that can fit into a small running pack, or even a jacket pocket. Slide them on when the trail or route gets slippery, then pull them off when you’re back on dry ground.
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
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