Whether you admit it or not, ice fishing is an activity that comes with quite a bit of risk.
One angling product that can play a large role in injury-prevention is ice fishing cleats.
In this article, we’ll walk through some best of the best cleats that you can purchase today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Ice Fishing Cleats
- OUR TOP PICK: Hillsound Trail Crampon
- RUNNER-UP: STABILicers Ice Cleat
- BEST FOR THE MONEY : ICETrekkers Diamond Grip Cleats
Comparison of the Best Ice Fishing Cleats
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What Are Ice Fishing Cleats and What Are They Used For?
Moving through snow and ice with traditional shoes can be very hazardous, as they do not have the proper amount of traction for slip-resistance. As winter comes around and the temptation to head out to the frozen lake gets more intense, it is very important to ensure you have all the necessary gear to keep safe.
Ice fishing cleats are a safety product used to prevent slips and falls while on a frozen surface. Similar to how chains operate on a vehicle’s tire, ice cleats use extra tread to provide traction in snowy and icy conditions. These cleats come in several different styles and work by slipping onto the bottom of boots or shoes. Some are more chain-like while others utilize a heavy-duty plastic material to add extra tread.
Ice cleats are not just for ice fishing. They can also be used to provide extra traction for everyday activities like outdoor exercise during the frigid winter months. They are a versatile accessory that can be used to keep you safe in a variety of settings.
How to Choose Ice Fishing Cleats
When you’re considering purchasing a pair of ice fishing cleats, you’ll want to find a pair with features that are well suited to your personal needs. Still, all great ice cleats should have some underlying qualities that unite them.
Comfort and Usability
When it comes to ice cleats, a comfortable pair can be pretty hard to come by. However, that doesn’t mean comfy cleats don’t exist. When considering a pair, try on the product before finalizing your purchase. This will give you the best chance at finding a pair that won’t be an issue comfort-wise.
Tread Style
There are several different tread styles that are common in ice cleats. Chain and spiked options are super heavy-duty and can be used in mountaineering escapades as well as for ice fishing—however, they tend to be a little bulkier and awkward. Cleats with plastic tread are more lightweight but don’t have the grabbing power of metal.
Design
Before buying ice cleats, you should know which shoes you’ll be wearing with them so you can plan accordingly. Most ice cleats can adjust to fit on any style of footwear, but some are made for rugged hiking boots.
When is it Time to Replace My Ice Fishing Cleats?
Cleats provide you with the extra traction your shoes need when walking through snowy trails and surfaces. They provide safety and security to you from injuries and accidents; therefore, it is vital to keep them updated, maintained, and good as new. You need to keep check of your cleat’s rubber area and check for any minor or major cracks and potential breakages. If you see any, it’s time to look for a new one.
Furthermore, some cleats are not resistant to rust due to poor quality or just the choice of construction material. Look out for any notable corrosion that might lead to the cleats not functioning properly. If there’s visible corrosion, know that it’s time for a replacement.
Some people even consider keeping track of the miles walked around in those cleats to know when to replace them. Ideally, rigorous users should not use a pair of cleats for more than 4,500 miles.
Review of the Best Ice Fishing Cleats
When it comes to buying a new product, research is key! We’ve done that job for you and put together a list of the very best ice cleats for anglers in a variety of categories. Check it out!
Best Overall:
Hillsound Trail Crampon
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of these spikes have posted overwhelmingly positive feedback online. They loved the carbon steel construction of the spikes, which helped them in walking. They also liked the spikes for their length. They easily dig into the ice and snow to let you get a better hold of the ground.
Overall, purchasers of the Hillsound Trail crampons were very happy with their performance in muddy, slick, and slippery conditions. Buyers appreciated the powerful traction and thoughtful design. Some warned that this style of cleat will get tangled and rust easily if not stored properly after each use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These spikes gained our attention with their elastomer harness, which improves the quality overall. The ergonomic plate system is worth appreciating as it increases the elasticity and movement. The carry bag that comes with it is also amazing as it does not puncture easily.
In our opinion, the Hillsound Trail ice cleats are among the best options on the market. They earned our top spot for their overall effectiveness in action. We appreciate that they’re easy to use and fit a wide variety of shoe styles and we love the tough materials used in their construction.
Who Will Use This Most
This is most useful for people who live in areas of high snowfall. The spikes are long and strong enough to crush the solid ice and help you avoid slipping. These are great for heavy-duty usage also because of their two-year warranty, which lowers your risk as a buyer.
These crampons are an awesome pick for ice anglers who are also outdoorsmen in general. This product is not a one-trick pony and would make an awesome set of cleats for hiking and backpacking in muddy conditions as well as on a frozen lake for ice fishing.
Bottom Line
Considering all this, these spikes are truly the best on the market. They work equally well for soft snow and hard ice surfaces. The build quality of the soles, fasteners, and spikes is also appreciable. So, getting these will be a wise decision on your part.
All in all, the Hillsound Trail crampons are a very reliable pick for ice anglers looking to step up their slip-resistance on the water. They have the well-earned favorite spot on our list, and they just might earn your affection too.
Product Specs
Number of Cleats Per Foot:
11
Materials:
Carbon Steel
Attachment Method:
Elastomer harness
Runner-up:
STABILicers Walk Traction Cleat
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers reported having a great time with these cleats. They liked the full coverage soles, which improve balance. They also liked how they are easy to replace without any professional assistance. Buyers also appreciated the 90-day warranty, which helped them resolve issues regarding the size.
These Stabilicer ice cleats are a very popular choice among the angling and outdoor communities. Overall, the reviews for this model are positive. Buyers love the reliable traction these cleats provide in snow and ice and enjoy that there are bright color choices to choose from.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We were impressed by the free and smooth traction that these offer. They support 360-degree traction, which is helpful for all professional, daily life, and recreational tasks. The cleats need less energy to replace as well, which makes them more durable.
We enjoy the ice cleats from Stabilicer for a couple of different reasons. First, the color choices are a great option for anglers who want something that will stick out in their gear. From bright blue to orange, there’s no losing these bad boys. Secondly, they wouldn’t have a spot on our list if they didn’t offer incredible traction, which of course they do!
Who Will Use This Most
These cleats are most useful for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Whether you are a postman or a patrol officer who is always on the go, these will help you. They are even great for trekkers who do not want winter to hinder their path.
These ice cleats are a great general pick for all ice anglers. Whether you’re spending a lot of time walking to your fishing destinations or just taking a quick trip from the car to the lake, these ice cleats will provide reliable traction to keep you safe from slips and injuries.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is a great option by STABILicers for you if you need a firm footing. They will make sure that there are minimal falls and injuries, even in the severest of snowfall spells. So, get these if you want to keep pursuing your passion for trekking in snowfall too.
Although there are sizing issues with these cleats (try them on before purchasing if possible), these are, overall, one of the best options for basic ice cleats on the market. No matter if you’re an avid ice angler or just spend a lot of time outdoors, these are an excellent pick.
Product Specs
Number of Cleats Per Foot:
24
Materials:
Steel
Attachment Method:
Thermoplastic Elastomer Binding
Best for the Money:
ICETrekkers Diamond Grip Cleats
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers reported great ease of usage when it came to these spikes. They loved these for the strength and amazing construction that they come with. They also approve of these because of the way they support heavy-duty use.
The response to the Icetrekkers diamond grip cleats was fairly positive overall. Users were excited by the tough materials used in construction but were disappointed over time when certain aspects seemed to rust or deteriorate. They appreciated the stable, reliable traction and comfort in use, but wished that the product was more durable overall.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These grab our attention due to the steel alloy construction of the studs. They are highly durable and do not wear out that quickly. These are also great due to the traction that they offer. This traction supports movement and helps in reducing fatigue. We like the elasticity and retention along with the stretchable nature as well.
We included the Icetrekker cleats on our favorites list because we are big fans of their super-strong, reliable traction. While they may have durability issues over time, their initial performance is pretty hard to beat. The sharp spikes provide traction that plastic or chain cleats cannot.
Who Will Use This Most
These are most useful for people who live in drastically low-temperature conditions. The elasticity of the rubber and soles remains consistent at very low temperatures, as well. This, along with the rubber slings, makes for a great combination for people living in subzero temperatures.
These diamond grip cleats are another nice choice for anglers not wanting to spend an exorbitant amount of cash on a new pair of cleats. These are a great value for their quality and they provide reliable performance. The Icetrekkers are also fairly comfortable for walking long distances, so it could be a good pick for anglers who hike into their favorite fishing spots.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this is a great choice for you if you have a budget to consider. The price is fairly low for all the amazing features that it offers its users. The hardened steel alloy construction makes sure that they stay around for a long while. So, get these and keep moving about even when there is slippery ice all around you.
Although these Icetrekkers cleats could use improvements in terms of durability, that shouldn’t overshadow the overall value of the product. These grips offer solid performance and comfort on the ice.
Product Specs
Materials:
Case hardened steel alloy
Attachment Method:
Rubber harness
Best Ice Cleats for Shoes for Ice Fishing:
OuterStar Ice & Snow Grips
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
These studs have impressed recent buyers so much that they recommend them with all their hearts. Buyers like the elasticity of these the most. They stay stretchable at extremely low temperatures and do not lose traction. This enables buyers to keep using them even in harsh winter conditions.
Overall, recent purchasers of the snow cleats from OuterStar were quite satisfied with the product’s quality and price. Users found that the grips had suitable traction on several different slippery surfaces and appreciated that they were lightweight. Some buyers complained about the cleat design, wishing they were a little farther back on the heel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The thermoplastic elastomer construction of these makes them stand out to us the most. This ensures longer life, and you get to use your favorite studs for many seasons. The grabbers are nice as well since they let you fasten them to the shoes more securely.
These OuterStar grips earned the runner-up spot on our list because they are a surprisingly high-quality product for a very reasonable price. We’re fans of these cleats because they provide great traction on varied surfaces, have a convenient slip-on design, are easy to throw in a backpack or pack, and represent a high value for their low price.
Who Will Use This Most
These are most appropriate for people who need to walk a lot. The studs are very lightweight, and they do not cause any fatigue in your feet while walking. The grabbers do not come off easily either, so these are perfect for you if you have to travel on foot for a while.
These grips are an excellent choice for anglers who can’t afford to spend a ton of money on a set of ice cleats. Just because they come at a lower price point doesn’t mean they aren’t of a high-quality standard. These are also quite versatile, a good choice for people who spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter months.
Bottom Line
Keeping the expert opinion in view, these are the best studs that you can get at this price. They have the right position of studs and construction quality. These OuterStar grips prove that there is no need to break the bank to get cleats with awesome traction power. Although they could use some minor improvements design-wise, for the most part, they offer reliable and consistent performance when it matters most.
Product Specs
Number of Cleats Per Foot:
10
Materials:
TPE thermoplastic elastomer and special non-slip steel studs
Attachment Method:
Thermoplastic Elastomer Binding
Editor’s Pick:
Kahtoola MICROspikes
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Reports tell us that buyers used these cleats to walk uphill and downhill with utmost comfort and ease. They had no issues in terms of the comfort provided by this product. Reviews also state that the cleats are easy to put on, and it takes up very little time to take them off too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This MICROspikes cleats is the best product to use in ice fishing and winter hikes. It is of a robust quality and is made with stainless steel that ensures rust and corrosion resistance even after extreme exposure to moisture. The unit is also available in two colors, so you can choose the one that meets your preference as well as your shoes/attire.
They are very sleek looking and have a low-profile design, making them good for regular usage. The cleats are easy to put on and feature an ergonomic design that ensures your feet do not hurt during long hikes and durations. The product comes with a comprehensive size guide that makes choosing the best fit possible for everyone.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, these ice fishing cleats are a higher-end product with excellent features, adding up to the cleat’s durability. They feature raised heel tabs to make wearing and taking them off much easier.
Product Specs
Number of Cleats Per Foot:
12
Materials:
Synthetic, Spikes are stainless steel
Attachment Method:
Elastomer harness
Best Ice Fishing Boot Cleats:
STABILicers Maxx Original Ice Cleat
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
These STABILicers spikes have earned a huge range of loyal customers. Buyers took to these due to their strength and replaceable nature. They found the cleats very easy to adjust under the soles of the shoes. They also like these because of the way they retain their shape.
Those who purchased the Stabilicer Maxx cleats had great things to say about several parts of this product, including the comfortable walking design and durable spikes. Users appreciated that the individual cleats could be replaced when they wear out, resulting in a reliable grip season after season. Some users were disappointed in aspects of the design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These made it to our list because of the way they hold on to your shoes. The hook and loop bindings have a very strong grip on the shoes. They are great for all kinds of shoes, even the leather ones. The power strap on the cleats makes them even better as it helps you move about more.
These cleats earn high marks from us for several different reasons, but especially for their durability and functionality. One cool aspect of this product that sets it apart from others on the market is the replaceable cleats. This is an awesome feature as it allows an angler to “update” their cleats when needed without buying a whole new pair.
Who Will Use This Most
These are the most useful for people who want both practicality and comfort. The cleats cover the overall surface under the soles as they have a smooth spread over the heels and forefeet. This makes them a better fit for people who love hiking in the snow too.
These cleats are a great pick for ice anglers who need to walk long distances to get to their favorite fishing spots. Although some users think the back cross stitch is a little low, the actual cleats provide a lot of support underfoot, something that is often lacking in ice cleats.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on these is that these are well worth your money. You have to be a little careful about the size and traction compatibility while you buy these. Other than this, there is nothing to worry about. So, you can invest in these if you want to have a better footing on the slippery icy floor.
When it comes to ice cleats, durability and comfort are qualities that should be sought out. The Stabilicer Maxx cleats have both, resulting in a product that is high-quality and high-functioning.
Product Specs
Number of Cleats Per Foot:
17
Materials:
Rubber
Attachment Method:
SureFit Binding System
Types of Ice Fishing Cleats
The versatile market is packed with products that have significant variations. You should choose the type of cleats that best match your needs and usage.
Some of the most common materials used in the construction of cleats include aluminum, stainless steel, and various kinds of carbon steel. The best material for you will depend upon where and how you want to use the cleats, as well as the frequency.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Some of these variations include the following:
NANO Spikes
A huge difference exists between the type and kind of spikes ice fishing cleats have. NANO-spikes are better for lesser challenging trails and surfaces. These usually include ten spikes per cleat and are made with tungsten carbon.
MICROspikes
Microspikes are known for their steel chains and rubber composition that slip over your shoes. The bottom of these cleats has several tiny and sharp spikes that provide the traction your footwear needs. These are useful for the majority of outdoor activities during winters, as the length of these spikes is mid-range. These are usually made of stainless steel and are 12 on each foot.
Comparison Overview
You will be overwhelmed by the wide variety of traction options available on the market. There are various kinds of cleats present that make decision-making incredibly challenging. Here we have compared some of the most common products available.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Icetrekkers vs Microspikes
Amongst several traction devices used, Microspikes are innovated by Kahtoola, a brand that manufactures top-quality steel cleats. Meanwhile, Icetrekkers is also a renowned manufacturer of some of the best quality traction devices, amongst which the Icetrekkers Diamond Grip is the most famous.
- Icetrekkers are made of steel alloy and aircraft-grade steel cables. Meanwhile, microspikes are made of stainless steel.
- Microspikes tend to be pricier than Icetrekkers.
- Weighing no more than ten grams, Icetrekkers are much lighter in weight than Microspikes.
- You will find color options in Microspikes only.
- Microspikes feature a rubber frame that is used to wear the cleats on.
Ice Crampons vs Ice Grip vs Traction Cleats
Ice crampons, ice grip, and traction cleats serve a similar purpose and functionality. However, the main difference lies in how they provide your footwear with the necessary traction and prevent slippages on icy surfaces.
Let’s see how each of these are different from one another.
- Unlike Microspikes and traction cleats, ice crampons are attached to the framework of your footwear, with large, sharp, and lengthier spikes on the bottom. They are incredibly well-made for climbing inclined icy areas and deep snow areas. Typically, crampons are heavier than traction cleats.
- Traction cleats usually have a rubber top that is used to slip on the cleats on your footwear and secure the spikes at the bottom in place. They are more lightweight, have stainless steel spikes, and are also more suitable for less inclined icy surfaces.
- Ice grips have a rubber surface and cover a much larger area of the sole of your shoes. These are good for basic, thin ice coverage.
Stabilicers vs Yaktrax
Some common and famous traction cleats made by Yaktrax are the Yaktrax Pro and the Yaktrax Run. Stabilicers is also a renowned name when it comes to the best-quality traction cleats for outdoor activities. Here is how the two compare to one another:
- Yaktrax has pro-level traction devices made with exceptionally heavy-duty metal. They feature metal coils instead of spikes like other traction devices.
- Yaktrax Pro also comes with Velcro straps that prevent the traction from slipping off.
- Stabilicers are more practical for winter hikes and are less likely to slip off. They have metal studs on the bottom.
- The Yaktrax traction device tends to fill up with snow soon after a few uses. This can seriously damage the traction capability.
How to Put Ice Cleats on Boots
If you are new to the world of outdoor activities during winters, then you must have lots of questions. In this section, we have explained how ice cleats are put on boots.
- Wear your boots as you do regularly, and tie them up tightly.
- Find out the labels “front” and “back” on the rubber frame of your cleats.
- By holding the cleats in the correct position, start pulling the front of the rubber frame over your shoes.
- Stretch the rubber part all the way to the back, and keep firm control over your cleats.
- Pull over the backside of the rubber frame over the boot’s behind.
- Make adjustments to the cleats so that it fits comfortably on your shoes.
For visual assistance on how to put on cleats, here is a detailed video for you.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
If you’ve convinced yourself that you’re ready for a new pair of ice fishing cleats, don’t jump into a purchase just yet. Before making your pick, it’s important to consider the following aspects to make sure you’re getting the most solid choice for you.
What Will You Use Them For?
Some ice cleats are more versatile than others. Are you strictly an ice angler? Or do you plan to take them on your next backpacking trip? For plowing the driveway? If you want your ice cleats to be effective in all sorts of scenarios, search for a pair that have a versatile tread style that can handle snow, ice, mud, you name it.
What Kind of Value Do You Want?
While some cleats are awesome for one season, they may not last year after year. Consider the value of each product you’re looking at by paying attention to the durability and materials used in construction.
Comfort, Practicality, or Both?
Some heavy-duty cleats may not be as comfortable as cleats that are more lightweight and blunt. If you plan to do lots of walking in your ice cleats, it’s probably worth it to seek out a pair that will offer lots of comfort over time.
Conclusion
When it comes to ice fishing, safety should be one of your top priorities. Ice cleats are one of the best ways to stay safe and have fun. Hopefully, this article gave you a few good choices to pick from and some helpful information in your search. Happy fishing!
People Also Ask
In this section, you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions and queries. The list of questions will help you make a better decision while buying fishing cleats.
How to Care For Ice Fishing Cleats
The care and maintenance required by your ice fishing cleats depend on the material they are made of and the way they are put on. Stainless steel cleats are low maintenance as they are resistant to corrosion and are also less likely to break up.
Meanwhile, rubber-framed ice grips or traction devices can be difficult to maintain as too much pressure on them can lead to breakages. It is important to take them on and off with immense care and always clean them up once you are done using them to prevent any buildup of dirt, ice, or debris.
What’s the Difference Between Ice Cleats and Ice Grippers?
Ice cleats and grippers are the same things. However, the kind of traction used might vary from one product to another. For example, some cleats might use metal coils while others use different sizes of steel spikes.
Is it Possible to Find Boots With Built-in Ice Cleats?
There is a wide range of shoes available made with high traction and extremely robust bottom surfaces. These boots are heavy in weight and are solely made for ice fishing purposes.
Are Boot Ice Creepers the Same Thing as Ice Cleats?
Yes, both of these are the same thing: a contraption with small spikes underneath that is fixed to your footwear.
What Materials Are Used to Make Ice Cleats?
Most commonly, ice cleats consist of a rubber frame, along with stainless steel or aluminum spikes. Some traction devices are made of metal coils as well.
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