Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra I Ice Cleat Traction System for Hiking & Trail Running

I have used these micro spikes twice, about 7 miles total. They are easier to put on then I expected, the rubber stretches nicely, and they stayed on. They felt good on my boots and the added traction made up for the added weight. I used the XL on size 13 hiking boots. Have only used in below freezing temperatures on packed snow and ice. I did use them on an ice covered rock cliff and they worked well but I didn't have the nerve to rely on them next to the 300' drop. The last time I tried them was on a ice covered gravel driveway on a slope and was very impressed with the traction. A little expensive but if these last a reasonable amount of time I'll be very happy.UPDATE: Hiked another 8 miles on packed snow and they worked great until it got above 35 degrees and the snow became wetland packing. I did have a slight problem with snow balling under my feet. I removed them for the last mile and walked in my hiking boots only, not a problem. They don't show any wear so far and work much better in sub freezing temperatures. I still like these spikes and will use when conditions fit.

I used these for my John Muir Trail hike in May when the trail was easily 90% covered in snow. They worked exactly as expected for microspikes.The buyer should be aware that these are not true crampons. These work great for morning snow that hasn't melted. They are not going to dig in the same way full crampons will to slushier snow. And because they don't have the horizontal blades will not punch into hard snow as easily on ascents,That being said, I pushed these microspikes hard and they rose to the occasion. I went up snow-covered 45-50 degree inclines with a 30lb pack with confidence because they performed so well. A good balance of anterior, posterior, and lateral spikes which provides for solid footing on frozen snow. The top velcro strap does a good job of holding the spikes in place. The benefits are that these are a lighter and less space-occupying alternatives over full crampons that I was able to keep in my pockets when I was boulder hopping or doing stream crossings. They have been trailed tested and so far have been quite durable. I would recommend the product to people who are needing quality microspikes based upon their outdoor habits.

My first set of microspikes were Kahtoola's, back when they were the only ones available. I really liked them, but eventually they became too dull, as they all will do. By then, all of these cheap knock-off brands had appeared, and I gave one of them a try. At first it seemed like a bargain, but with a bit more use, they broke over and over, with weak links and front wire bars, and actually caused me to take a bad fall with injuries during one of their failures. I was going to go back to Kahtoolas again, but began seeing many reports of a decline in quality and reliability from them, with breakage of their newer, thinner, viscoelastic harness. I was a bit concerned by the greater weight and longer spikes of the Hillsound Ultras (I sometimes trail run in them, and didn't want to catch my spikes and trip), but liked the inclusion of the velcro retainer straps to improve stability of the device on the shoe, and prevent losing it under the snow while post-holing. After 3 mountain hikes in them so far, including steep scrambling, I'm very happy with my purchase. I note better traction, especially on descent, from the longer heal spikes, and haven't had any problems with tripping while running. My only other concern for the longer spikes which I haven't been able to assess yet, is that they may be more prone to 'snow-balling' (cookie-cutter effect in packable snow), leading to loss of traction and falls. I'll know more when we get some fresh snow and warmer days.

I have recently taken to hiking/climbing the northeast Bakersfield bluffs. These bluffs offer a variety of surface materials including hard-packed clay, rubble, coarse sand, gravel, dirt, and scree and combinations of two or more of each. The clay provides the best traction unless it’s covered with coarse sand which makes for the worst traction. I’ve tested various types of footwear, boots and shoes, with different tread designs and depths, and found the Sketchers GoWalk shoes to be the best overall for the aforementioned surface materials. The soles provide good traction on smooth surfaces and moderately good traction on dirt and on tamped-down vegetation.As good as they are, the Sketchers are not suitable for walking up or down grades of thirty degrees or higher with mixed footing. So, on to the Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras. The challenge they faced was creating a solid footing on all surfaces and on various incline angles -- both for ascending and descending trail segments. A corollary challenge was that wearing the Ultras didn’t lead to sore feet.The Ultras, strapped onto my Sketchers, exceeded all expectations -- including the sore feet part. They even took much of the effort out of walking on soft sand. They easily handled all the familiar slopes without a single instance of slippage, and after about three miles of this, I was tempted to try climbs that were previously inaccessible. So, next up were a few 50 – 60 degree inclines with mixed surfaces. With the Ultras, they became just a strenuous walk in the park.Since this was only the first time I wore the Ultras, I obviously can’t comment on long-term wear. However, with regard to reliability under extreme stress, they handled all foot orientations on all surfaces and inclines without any hint of slippage or deformation, despite the fact that I weigh over 220 lbs. About the only negative I have to report is that the toe guide refused to stay on the front of my shoes. I’m guessing this is due to the design of the shoe, the size 14 of my dainty feet or both. Whatever the reason, it did not present a problem.

If you pick the right fit , best running and hiking traction device out there. Ive tried several, but this hits the spot. Fits on my trail runners and hiking boots. Very easy off and on, in less than a min. Light weight. super grippy in all Conditions, no snow built up underneath. Awesome ! zero negative comment .

My wife and I just received these crampons for each of us and we are thrilled. The quality immediately has surpassed any foot traction models we have tried previously. They are very well built and easy to put on. They are secure on your foot big time. No worries about whether they are going to stay or are they still there. Also appreciate the protective bag that comes with each set for when not in use and the maintenance instructions for caring for them. AND you wont need a magnifying glass to read the instructions!! Definitely recommended!We have now used these over and over and are completely impressed and happy. Great fit, no slipping, sliding and always feel secure. We are back to climbing mountains in winter because of this product. Really impressed.

Durable and very effective. Solid brand

Outstanding, used in deep snow climbing up long and short grass hills, fits exactly as guided. Considering purchasing another pair for hiking boots as the pair I have now are for winter boots. Been out more than a dozen times, easy to get on and off, fits perfect, no jingle sounds either.

Not to overstate but this product has changed my days. We have a large dog area and in recent years water level has risen so that it is a skating rink in winter. I’m fragile and falling is to be avoided so I had given up on walking with the pups. Gave these a try on my muck boots and wow! Traction plus. They shed ice accumulation pretty easily so they are basically perfect. I had tried Pajar spiked winter boots which worked not at all despite highest anti slip rating so I wasn’t optimistic but nothing ventured. Highly recommended.