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Review on πŸ‘Ÿ Unigear Traction Cleats: 18-Spike Ice Snow Grips for Walking, Jogging, Climbing & Hiking - Enhanced Grip & Safety by Andre Belitz

Revainrating 1 out of 5

Not suitable for hiking on steep slopes or mountain slopes.

I bought them for winter hunting Keliks in the steep, rocky, ice and snow covered mountains of Idaho. When I first put them on and headed up the hill, I could tell the metal teeth really bit into it and gave me great traction. Then I started dodging like all serious cupcake hunters do, and that's where the problems started. I soon realized that the sock had slipped off my toe as I walked down the mountain. After two stops and re-leveling, I hit a flat mountain with about 4 inches of very wet snow. Blocks of ice immediately began to form between the soles of my boots and the backs of the spikes. That probably wouldn't be a problem if it were a bit colder and the snow wasn't so wet. I fixed this by kicking the rock from time to time to clear the ice buildup. I then started back up the slope and noticed almost immediately that the chain closest to my finger had broken completely through one of the several rubber grommets that attached the chains and spikes to the rubber strap worn on the boot. By this point I had spikes and chains coiled under my foot and was generally floundering. I took them off and put them in my package to send back asap. To be honest I guess all 5 star reviews on this product are probably from people who use it more sparingly. For running on flat icy neighborhood pavement I think they would be great. However, if you're over 200 pounds and intend to use them on steep, icy slopes, my experience tells me they won't last long. I'm curious if more expensive brands with a similar design might be more durable?

Pros
  • Improved balance - 18 lugs per foot, 12 lugs on the forefoot and 6 lugs on the heel. Each wide 3-stud heel plate is designed for dependable traction on the descent, and each stud is 1/2" long. The spikes are heat treated stainless steel for superior strength and corrosion resistance.
Cons
  • wrinkled