Trail and Fell Running Crampons/Spikes

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 EuanM 30 Nov 2015
This winter I'm determined to maintain my hill running fitness, covering some longer Munro and trail routes.

I've never used spikes or chains for running during the winter and looking for some opinions on the various options.

I like the look of the Grivel Spider (currently £15 on Rock & Run website) but worried they may be a bit rigid for running.

The other option is fully chain/spikes which look like they'll grip well but may lose a lot of energy/momentum if they're loose fitting.

Does anyone have any experience/advice?

Cheers
 yorkshireman 30 Nov 2015
In reply to EuanM:

I live in the Alps, so need to deal with snow/ice quite a bit and have tried a few different solutions.

This morning was a nightmare, we've had a week of snow, but now its warmed up again - sheet ice on the roads giving way to slushy snow going further up the valley and on the trails.

I recently bought a pair of Salomon Snowcross - basically like the Speedcross but with built-in gaiters and some carbide spikes in the tread - they've worked pretty well this week.

Prior to that, for the last few years I've used Yaktrax - both the normal variety and the run-specific variety. I actually find the non-running type better for running in. I reviewed them both here on my blog if you're interested.

http://mountaintrailrunning.com/product-reviews/yaktrax-run-winter-traction...
http://mountaintrailrunning.com/product-reviews/yaktrax-pro/

 vscott 30 Nov 2015
In reply to EuanM:

Yaktrax work ok, light enough to carry as prob find not needed that often unless trails/paths well traveled and been beaten to ice.
 petestack 30 Nov 2015
In reply to EuanM:
Spiders are OK on trails where you can keep your feet flat, but don't take them up the hill. Kahtoola MICROspikes etc. OK in some hill conditions but not good enough in others. If you need to be sure on Munros etc., look at Kahtoola KTS Steel crampons or maybe the newer Kahtoola K£10s.

http://www.petestack.com/blog/running-crampon-review.html
http://www.petestack.com/blog/lurchers-crag-and-kahtoola-kts-steel-review.h...

(My blog and my reviews.)

PS Another way of putting this is that you might need one thing for the trail and another for the hill.
Post edited at 20:29
OP EuanM 30 Nov 2015
Thanks for the ideas and blog links. I'll get a read of them both!

That's a fair point on the Spiders, I'd prefer to do as much in the hills as possible so I guess that writes them off.

I've just bought a new pair of Speedcross 3s on a Black Friday deal so don't really have the budget to upgrade to the Snowcross at the moment. They look good though.
In reply to EuanM:

I've had good experience with metal studded orienteering shoes

http://www.compasspoint-online.co.uk/acatalog/Metal_Studded_Orienteering_Sh...
 markk 01 Dec 2015
For trails these work well, though not waterproof: http://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ino260/inov%7E8-oroc-340-trail-running-s...

For proper mountains in full conditions, still wouldn't head out without a pair of kahtoola steel crampons as well.
 goldmember 01 Dec 2015
In reply to EuanM:
Slight hi jack.
What website did you find a deal on speed cross?
 ablackett 01 Dec 2015
In reply to EuanM:

I have always used Kathoolah Microspikes, on all kinds of snow and ice in the lake district with no problems.

They only failed me when I was on Winter Grade 1 type ground, rock hard névé , with a dusting of fresh snow on top - the spikes weren't long enough to bite through the dusting of fresh stuff.

Ysgo 01 Dec 2015
In reply to EuanM:

Grivel Spiders are definitely not what you want. I'd say they are pavement oriented, or for walking where you can place your whole foot down, rather than heel striking.

Personally I've run in a variety of snow and ice conditions on the Lakeland fells in Kahtoola Microspikes and Nanospikes. I think the Microspikes are the best tool for the job. I've not pushed them too hard and there's terrain I'd rather avoid as they aren't designed for proper steep ground, but if it's vaguely a footpath (not a scramble) then so far they've been great. Best thing is how quick and easy they go on and come off. I know people who leave them on for long sections of non-snow and they've worn the spikes down so had to buy a new pair. They take 5 seconds to whip off, and 20 to pull back on. Also, I'm yet to meet anyone who's had one fall off, unlike Yaktraks.

The Nanospikes by comparison are lighter and more packable, but not as good in snow, and make a noise which goes right through me on tarmac. Great on ice, and hard packed snow.
OP EuanM 01 Dec 2015
In reply to goldmember:

They were on the Rat Race kit section on their website. Reduced to £70 with a further 30% off using a blackfriday discount code.

My current pair only lasted 7 months before the sole came apart and the tread was worn away completely. They do fit me well though and at that price I'm not overly fussed about them wearing out quickly.

 ianstevens 01 Dec 2015
In reply to EuanM:

You missed out. They're £44 on Epic TV.

I've stocked up.
 kerry cooper 01 Dec 2015
In reply to EuanM:

I have 2 pairs of spikes for slightly different conditions; the Kahtoola Microspike and the nanospike

http://www.rockrun.com/kahtoola-micro-spikes-2499
http://www.rockrun.com/brands/kahtoola/kahtoola-nanospikes

The micro spikes are brilliant in snow, hard neve and even muddy slippy steep grass!

For thin layers of ice i would wear the nano spike as they provide just that bit of extra required traction
OP EuanM 01 Dec 2015
In reply to ianstevens:

Good find!

I think I'm going to go with the Kahtoola micro spikes as a starter. They look like the best all round option. I try to avoid any road/tarmac sections when running so should manage to avoid completely blunting the spikes.

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