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J Pangburn
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025
I attached a photo of what these look like 8+ years after I ordered them. They're dirty from use but otherwise just as good as brand new. When I got them, I was worried the rubber would dry and crack after a couple seasons- but obviously I was wrong. The rubber shows zero signs of wear and the hard steel chains and spikes are in excellent shape. I'd give more stars if I could!These probably have 100-200 miles on them in all kinds of conditions. Mostly I use them to go shovel snow in the driveway. They are most effective in hard packed snow but have a decent grip on clear ice- they can slide a few inches on really hard smooth clear ice but always seem to grip after an inch or two. If I was mostly going to walk on really hard smooth ice, I'd get ones with shorter spikes, but mostly I need them on snow with the rare bits of clear ice so these are the optimal balance.I've taken them hiking numerous times on icy snowy trails and you feel like a mountain goat while other people are slipping and sliding around. They are also great for walking up a stream on slippery moss covered rocks- only the smoothest hardest rocks will let these slip at all and even then it's a controlled slide and not a slip/fall, everything else you're just locked down to it. They worked well on muddy jungle trails with lots of slippery clay and muddy tree roots- again you're just locked down while everyone else is doing the slip'n'slide dance. For me, they also get a lot of use on neighborhood walks, so they've had a fair amount of time on asphalt (the patches between snow/ice) and it doesn't seem to have damaged the spikes. These things are extremely tough.The size is pretty flexible too. I've put them on regular shoes, hiking boots, and even occasionally on ski boots (I have a hill to walk up/down which can be scary in ski boots when it's icy out). Probably I should have a larger size for the ski boots so I don't wreck these but they seem to stretch fine.I bought a pair of these for my girlfriend, and another pair for a friend (also in 2016). They love them too.
Daisy
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023
If you’re an avid hiker in the winter, these are a definite purchase that you will need. They pack easy and go on the feet very easy. My only suggestion would be for the company to throw in a canvas bag to travel with.
Jerry Melsky
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
Better then most "microspikes" for hardpacked snow and ice. Hill sound makes a unit with even more agressive spikes that you may want to consider. Good quality. Long lasting.
V. Lapotre
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2021
Good job, but some of the chain links do open. Take a multi tool with you to be able to repair the links
Rick S
Reviewed in Canada on March 20, 2019
I ordered these in large following the sizing chart. Not even close to fitting my size 9.5 Merrelll hiking shoes. I re ordered in XL and they fit great. Thanks to Amazon for free returns and prompt refundsFunctionality: Love them. No slipping. They don't seem to grab on anything. They do give you confidence on ice. They have been getting lots of use. I would never use them to walk on an icy sidewalk. I think the concrete would wear them out quickly.Would have given them 5 stars if the fit wasn't so far off. If you order, order a size up !
Vincent
Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2019
These things are easy to put on your boots, they are easy to adjust and you will walk on ice like it is pure dry concrete. I go by others like a rocket when they are trying to get a grip on icy sidewalks. Best traction device I ever owned.However, when you get inside a building, you'll need to take them off. If you are walking on a nice floor with no carpet, you will slip as if, how ironic, you were walking on thin ice with only your business shoes on.5 stars because they are easy to put on and easy to take off, and when walking on ice, they offer perfect traction. Very, very happy with this purchase.
Customer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2019
Heavy duty. Am able to walk on thick ice without any problem- brilliant for Aberdeenshire winter weather.
Jim
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2019
So far so good! Great purchase! I have used the Freesteps 6 only a few days now, but outstanding in trail in the 6 miles or so of winter running/hiking/light climbing! They fit very well, I wear a size 10 Merrill shoe, and the marriage of the Freesteps 6 size Large fit perfectly. Initially I was concerned about the weight, and if the spikes would collect snow, mud and rocks but there was no issue. They maintain their position on my foot and and maintain firm grip. A+ recommendation!
X. Chen
Reviewed in Canada on October 6, 2018
Well, I have actually bought a few of these traction device over the past few years. This one is probably my favourite so far. I have to walk my dog daily and we all know roads and sidewalks gets really icy here in Canada.I've gotten the longer spike ones in the past, and they are kind of hard to walk on in areas where ice or snow isn't as thick. So I started to look for an-all-in-one solution that would make it comfortable to walk on areas without ice patches and areas with ice patches. These are perfect for the job. when I enter areas without snow/ice, they are still pretty alright to walk on without me feeling awkward. In areas with ice, they seem to work just as well as my longer spike traction devices. They are are also pretty light, which is a welcome bonus (managed to test this purchase out from the freak snow storm Calgary just had).I haven't wore them for long though so I'm unsure of its durability at the moment.I definitely recommend these at the moment though! I bought the small, and it fits snug on size 8 winter boots.
RVee
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2017
Got exactly what I needed out of these. Did an early spring backcountry trip in CO, where the snow on the trails was deep but relatively packed (icy in the morning, a little slushy later in the day). These traction devices kept my feet stable with each step, both on ascents and descents; without them, my boots would've been sliding all all over the place and I probably would've spent a lot of time on my butt. The fit was perfect for both my hiking boots and hiking shoes (Large for men's size 12). They fit good and tight -- I wouldn't want them to be loose. NOTE: these ARE NOT intended to replace crampons -- if your excursion takes you on ice fields or glaciers with steeper grades, you'll need more than the FreeSteps.
Mr Mind Floss
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2017
These pull on easy, plus have great traction on pure ice, hard pack snow, and other conditions. They are extremely durable, as my first pair is going strong after 5 full years. Seems as good as ever. I did buy a backup pair so that my wife and I can go out together. I had a cheaper brand previously that wore out after just 2-3 years - poor rubber.They pack down fairly small, but they are hard to stash for runners when you don't want them on. When running bring a small waist pack for putting away, or when hiking you might already have a small pack.One problem, however, is that frequently a small ball of ice builds up under the metal plates with the holes, causing an unpleasant feeling. This is where the chains are connected. I'll clean them, and they will often reform ice balls within 5-15 more minutes. Not in all snow conditions, but usually in older snow, or maybe wetter snow. Another Hillsound model does not have this weakness, and has a design with no small holes that permit ice to build up. Highly recommend that design if you can afford to spend a little more.Would buy this model again and recommend.
MrMoonbeam
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2012
I was packing for a backpacking trip into the Adirondack high peaks, and was told by my friend that I needed to get a pair of crampons.We weren't expecting to see much, but as a safety concern it was a good idea.After toiling on the internet I found this pair, well reviewed, for a good price.On the trip we found there was far more snow and ice than we imagined, and I was able to put them on good use on both uphill and downhill trails with a fully loaded pack.I had little prior experience with any crampons, yet had no difficulty either putting them on, or taking them off when I no longer needed them.Without them I had to go far slower, placing my feet on the outskirts of the trails, where the snow and ice hadn't flowed, and taking careful baby steps.But with these on, I could step onto the ice covered slope or the middle of the frozen brook, feel and hear the metal claw through to traction, and make much better headway than without.This shaved 10 minutes off per hour hike, and I felt far more secure with my footing as we progressed.There are more expensive options, and these may not work for ice climbing, but for my needs they were just about perfect.Highly recommended.
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