Advice on Instep Crampons

Hiking is a great way to stay in shape and, at the same time, explore the natural beauty of the wilderness. Most parks, local and national, have hiking trails cut through forests and mountains to make your trekking a little easier. These paths can be full of rocks and loose debris, however. Using an instep crampon creates traction so that you do not slip and fall while hiking on these trails.

  1. Choose the Right Boot

    • Before you choose an instep crampon, you need the proper boots to fit the crampons . According to bluedome.co.uk, your boot should have a solid, stiff sole, with a slight arch under the middle of the foot. In addition, your boot should have good ankle support with material that is thick enough to support the straps of the crampon. You cannot attach instep crampons to standard tennis shoes. Buy a solid hiking boot made out of sturdy materials (such as leathers and suedes).

    Adjustability, Weight and Number of Points

    • Crampons are traction devices that are usually made out of metal; they contain "points," which are metal spikes that grip the ground. The greater the number of points on a crampon, the more traction you can attain. Let the type of hiking you plan on doing dictate the number of points. If you need a lot of traction, choose a crampon with more points. Petzl's Crab 6 Instep Crampon, for example, has six points; CMI's Instep Crampon has four.

      Weight depends on what the crampon is made of and how many points it has (more points equals more weight). Weight can become an issue if you are planning an extended hiking trip. Even if the terrain is difficult, a lighter crampon could save you some energy on long hikes.

      Most crampons are secured by tightening different straps. Test out a few different models and see how easy the crampons are to put on and remove. Walk with the crampons and see if the straps hold the crampons securely to your feet.