Crampons are metal spikes that attach to the bottom of your shoes to provide traction on snow and ice. They are essential for winter hiking, mountaineering, and glacier travel. But not all hiking shoes are compatible with crampons. To choose hiking shoes compatible with crampons, you need to consider the boot rating and the crampon rating. The boot rating is B1, B2, or B3, while the crampon rating is C1, C2, or C3. As a rule, your boot rating should match or exceed the rating of your crampon.
B1 boots are flexible and lightweight hiking shoes that can be used with C1 crampons, which have 10 or 12 points and a flexible frame. These are suitable for easy snow slopes and glacier walks.
B2 boots are semi-stiff and durable hiking shoes that can be used with C1 or C2 crampons, which have front points and a semi-rigid frame. These are suitable for moderate snow and ice terrain.
B3 boots are stiff and robust hiking shoes that can be used with any type of crampon, including C3 crampons, which have vertical front points and a rigid frame. These are suitable for technical ice climbing and mixed terrain.
Here are some examples of hiking shoes that are compatible with crampons:
| Shoe | Rating | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asolo Titan GV | B2 | Nubuck leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, Vibram sole | $300 |
| Hoka Anacapa Low GTX | B1 | Mesh and leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, Vibram Megagrip sole | $136 |
| La Sportiva TX4 Mid GTX | B2 | Leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, Vibram Mega-Grip sole | $190 |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | B1 | Synthetic upper, Gore-Tex lining, Contagrip sole | $165 |
| Merrell Moab 2 Mid GTX | B1 | Suede leather and mesh upper, Gore-Tex lining, Vibram TC5+ sole | $150 |
| Columbia Facet 45 OutDry | B1 | Knit upper, OutDry waterproof membrane, Omni-Grip sole | $145 |
| Hillsound FlexSteps | B1/C1 (crampon included) | Rubber harness with 18 stainless steel spikes (6mm) | $60 |
| Kahtoola K-10 | B2/C2 (crampon included) | Aluminum frame with 10 steel points (3/4 inch) | $100 |
| Petzl Vasak | B2/C2 (crampon only) | Steel frame with 12 steel points (1 inch) | $180 |
| Grivel G10 | B1/C1 (crampon only) | Steel frame with 10 steel points (3/4 inch) | $130 |
As you can see, there are many options for hiking shoes compatible with crampons. The best one for you depends on your personal preference, budget, and intended use. Always make sure to check the fit and compatibility of your shoes and crampons before heading out to the trails. Stay safe and have fun!
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