Discussing Cleat Performance in Cold Temperatures

Does anyone use this brand of cleats? I really like them, but they become very hard to put on boots when the temperature drops below 20°F.

Cleats are essential in certain seasons and trail conditions. Are you asking about this specific brand or traction devices in general?

Ray said:
Cleats are essential in certain seasons and trail conditions. Are you asking about this specific brand or traction devices in general?

I’m referring to this brand specifically. They work well, but they are difficult to put on when it’s cold.

@True
They seem like a knock-off of Hillsound Trail Crampons. Hillsound and Kahtoola microspikes are considered the gold standard for winter hiking in the White Mountains of NH. Yours might be made of a different material. I wouldn’t compromise on traction quality in mountainous terrain, especially in cold conditions.

@True
It sounds like one of those brands that use a mix of random letters. That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t work.

Noel said:
@True
It sounds like one of those brands that use a mix of random letters. That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t work.

They do provide excellent traction on icy snow, rocks, logs, and during winter water crossings.

@True
These resemble old Kahtoola spikes from the early 2010s. It’s possible that they liquidated the old model to other brands.

I’ve never heard of that brand. Kahtoola is the gold standard, though. MICROspikes® Footwear Traction

Archer said:
I’ve never heard of that brand. Kahtoola is the gold standard, though. MICROspikes® Footwear Traction

We use Kahtoola. If you struggle to pull them on, especially over larger boots, try getting a larger size.

I use Hillsound microspikes and like them. When you say they’re hard to get on in the cold, what exactly do you mean?

Reagan said:
I use Hillsound microspikes and like them. When you say they’re hard to get on in the cold, what exactly do you mean?

I also recommend Hillsound. I’ve used them in temperatures as low as -20°C without any issues, and I hike frequently.

Reagan said:
I use Hillsound microspikes and like them. When you say they’re hard to get on in the cold, what exactly do you mean?

The rubber quality is poor and doesn’t stretch well when cold. It’s similar to issues EV owners have with chargers that become inflexible in the cold.

Reagan said:
I use Hillsound microspikes and like them. When you say they’re hard to get on in the cold, what exactly do you mean?

They are hard to stretch over the boots to get into place.

@True
Going up a size might help. I’m between sizes and always choose the larger one to avoid trouble putting them on.

@True
They should be somewhat hard to get on if you have the right size. You don’t want them too loose. Try putting your toe in first, then stretch it down and back up around your heel. It takes some practice, but if the rubber is decent, you should be able to pull them on firmly.

@Kei
That’s the key. If the rubber is cheap, it may harden under cold temperatures, just like summer tires on a car below 45 degrees F. When I saw that this brand was unfamiliar, I suspected they might have used inferior rubber not suited for icy conditions.

@True
You could consider step-in crampons, but then you’d need compatible boots.

20°F is normal temperatures for cleat use.

I have the Snowline Chainsen Light, which looks similar. They’re also tough to put on. It’s necessary so they don’t come loose. I’ve thought about attaching a cord to the rubber to make it easier to pull, especially with gloves. If you’re using them at home, consider keeping a pair of old winter boots with the cleats permanently on.

I started using these for ice fishing! They’re too clunky unless I’m actually on the ice. I was tired of destroying and slipping in other traction devices.