The one thing you need before stepping foot on that ice is a good pair of ice fishing cleats or spikes. Without them, you could be in for a nasty slip and fall that could end your ice fishing trip in a hurry. Don’t know which ice fishing cleats or spikes to go for? We’ve done all the research and will share our top picks with you in this article.
The best ice fishing cleats/spikes have a combination of the following features and characteristics:
- Dependable grip
- Durable materials
- A secure and reliable fit over shoes and boots
- Design that makes them easy to put on or take off
One thing you should know is that not all ice fishing cleats and spikes are created equally. And sorting through your options can very quickly become exhausting or frustrating. The information and picks we’ll highlight shortly will make it much easier to choose the right cleats/spikes for your next fishing trip.
What to Look for In Ice Fishing Cleats or Spikes
Before you hop on the internet or walk into a department store in search of your ice fishing cleats, you need to know what you’re looking for. What makes ice fishing cleats or spikes good? That’s what we’ll address below:
Extreme Grip
If you need ice fishing cleats or spikes, you’re going to be walking around on ice. So, you need cleats with some serious grip. Manufacturers achieve this with metal spikes or studs. They are designed to puncture the ice with every step you take.
Though average ice fishing cleats may have studs or spikes that go in one general direction, there are others with multi-directional technology. They provide even more grip to keep you from sliding in any direction on the ice. These are the gold standard.
High-Quality Materials
The quality of your ice fishing cleat/spike materials is extremely important to their performance. Imagine going for some cheap ones that rust, corrode, or become damaged after a couple of uses. They’d be a waste of money and could even be a hazard when used in less-than-optimal conditions.
Look for high-quality materials that resist rust and corrosion – materials like tungsten carbide and stainless steel usually do well.
Easy-to-Use Design
Another factor you should be thinking about when it comes to ice fishing cleats is how easy they are to use. Will it take a ton of effort to get them on and strap them up? Would you break into a sweat as you try to take them off?
The best ice fishing cleats/spikes have a very easy-to-use adjustable design with minimal straps and buckles to fiddle with. This is essential because your finger dexterity and movements may suffer a bit in freezing cold weather.
Versatility in All Winter Conditions
Of course, your ice fishing cleats/spikes should perform well on the ice. That’s the main purpose you’ll be using them for. But what if you like other winter sports and activities where you need cleats/spikes (hiking, snowshoeing, etc.)? In the best-case scenario, you’d be able to use those same cleats for those other activities as well.
Believe it or not, there are ice fishing cleats/spikes versatile enough to be used for a wide variety of activities and sports outside of ice fishing. Those are the ones you should be on the lookout for.
Lightweight and Low Profile
If you’ve ever gone shopping for ice fishing cleats/spikes, you may be fully aware that some of them are clunky and heavy. That’s not what you want for your ice fishing trip. Big, heavy cleats can make it harder for you to walk around and could even cause you to trip and fall over your own feet. This defeats the purpose of wearing cleats in the first place.
So, as you’re making your choice, favor cleats that are both lightweight and have a slim profile that won’t make you feel unsteady on your feet.
Fair Price
The best ice fishing cleats and spikes don’t have to cost a fortune, but they should be priced at a fair level based on the item’s construction and features. The goal is to find a set that delivers on all of the above but doesn’t dig a hole in your wallet. There are options out there that meet this criterion.
These are the main things that you should look out for as you’re shopping for ice fishing cleats. Keep in mind that even the best ice fishing cleats may not meet every single one of these criteria, but many of them come close.
The Best Ice Fishing Cleats/Spikes
By now, you’ve got a better idea of what a good ice fishing cleat should be. Now, are you ready to get into our top ice fishing cleat picks? Keep reading as we reveal some of the best ice fishing cleats and spikes, you’ll find online or in-store. We’ll cover their main strengths, weaknesses, and more.
Wirezoll Ice Cleats – Best
SHere’s another great ice cleat for your next ice fishing adventure – Wirezoll Ice Cleats. They have a unisex design with a strong grip and a snug fit. With these cleats, you can ice fish without fear of injury.
Strengths
Now that you’ve got a good overview of what these cleats have to offer, it’s time to look closer at the features and strengths that make them stand out:
- Choose from 24 or 32 teeth per cleat. The base model has 24 teeth, but you can upgrade to 32 teeth for even more grip. The teeth are made of stainless steel and are set in a multi-directional orientation to balance weight distribution for added stability.
- Winterized harness. The harness that attaches the chain and spikes to the shoe is made of silicone. This material is highly durable and elastic and will not snap, even in extremely low temperatures. It also remains flexible in frigid conditions with temps as low as -70°.
- Spikes that cover the entire sole of your shoe or boot. You won’t have to change your stride to maintain traction.
- Specifically suited to slippery ice, snow, or any wet surface.
- Featherweight design that doesn’t add much width to your shoes. What’s more, they can easily be stored and transported in their convenient carrying bag.
- Available in various colors.
Weaknesses
Want to know what the weaknesses of these cleats are? Keep reading to find out:
- Some people have experienced their cleats breaking.
- Some have had trouble with the sizing, finding it difficult to find the right fit.
- The sizing options are relatively limited – no small size.
Size Availability
Most people will be able to find the right size in these cleats, but because there is no small size, those with small feet might be disappointed. Here are the sizes you can get these cleats in:
- Medium
- Large
- X-Large
- Xlarge
Notice that there is an x-large and an xlarge, which can be a little confusing. Be sure to use the included size chart from the manufacturer to ensure you get the right size.
ICETRAX V3 Tungsten Crampons Ice Cleats– Best All-Around
ICETRAX V3 Tungsten Crampons Ice Cleats are known for delivering the security you need on the ice at a surprisingly affordable price. They feature a rubber harness that goes over your shoe and lays snugly against it. Specifically manufactured for ice fishing, trail running, winter walks, and more, these cleats are extremely versatile.
Strengths
The strengths of these seemingly simple ice cleats are the reason they are at the top of our list. They include:
- 9 tungsten carbide spikes. They are super strong and durable, giving you reliable grip and traction as you maneuver the ice.
- Stretchy TPU rubber that expands and stretches as needed to fit your shoes or boots. With a secure fit, you won’t have to worry about your spikes slipping or sagging as you walk. They also have a heel with toe pullers to help you get them on and off.
- Snow traction treads to add to the non-slip function of the cleats.
- Design allows for you to add an optional Velcro strap.
- Unisex design, which ensures that they work for both men and women. They also work for teens, adults, and seniors.
- High customer rankings on Amazon.
Weaknesses
With all of the strengths associated with these cleats, you may wonder if there could be any weaknesses. There are a few:
- One reviewer said that the spikes don’t offer enough traction on the ice.
- A few reviewers said that the cleats didn’t last.
- They only come in one color.
Keep in mind that negative reviews on these cleats are few and far between. They have a near-perfect rating on Amazon with a ton of 5-star reviews.
Sizes Available
These cleats come in 2 different sizes to ensure a good fit against your shoes or boots. Here they are:
- S/M (Men: 5-9/ Women: 6.5-10.5)
- L/XL (Men: 9.5-13/ Women: 11+)
You may think that since there are only two sizes, you may not be able to find the right size, but don’t worry. These cleats are very stretchy, so you shouldn’t have any problems.
EnergeticSky Ice Cleats Crampons – Best for Aggressive Design
Are you looking for some cleats with exceptional durability and a rugged look? Check out these cleats by EnergeticSky. They are built tough to handle anything the cold weather can throw at them while keeping you safe at every hole.
Strengths
Why did this pair of cleats make it onto our list? You’ll soon find out. Here are the strengths that make these spikes great:
- 19 spikes per foot. Each spike is made of stainless steel and provides amazing traction on all types of ice and other types of terrain. They are multi-directional to give the most grip possible, regardless of your stride.
- Harness made of silicone that retains its shape and quality in exceptionally low temperatures.
- An adjustable strap that enables you to quickly and easily get the spikes on and off as you please.
- Design that works for just about everyone in the family, including both adults and teenagers. You can also use them whether you’re a female or male.
- Versatility in fit. They work for all foot and shoe shapes (low profile, mid profile, and high profile).
- Incredibly lightweight, which means that storage and transport are easy. It also means that they don’t add a ton of bulkiness to your shoes or boots.
- Can be used for a variety of activities and sports outside of ice fishing, though they were made specifically for ice fishing. That includes hunting, hiking, and more.
Weaknesses
Every product comes with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The weaknesses of these cleats include:
- The cleats only come in three different sizes, which means that not everyone will be able to find their perfect size.
- These cleats only come in two colors – black and orange.
Sizes available
As mentioned above, these cleats do not come in very many sizes – they only come in medium, large, and extra-large. That means that if your feet are on the smaller side, they may not work for you.
Crampon Ice Cleats/Snow Grips – Best for Personalization
If you’re into a little personalization with color, these Crampon Ice Cleats/Snow Grips may be the perfect option for you. But the fun colors are far from the only thing that makes these cleats one of the best. The manufacturers of these cleats thought of everything, and you’ll learn more below as we explore the strengths:
Strengths
These ice fishing cleats provide a myriad of benefits for ice fishers. Let’s explore them below:
- Lightweight yet strong stainless steel spikes that will not degrade prematurely or after just a few wears. You can use them daily without them wearing out.
- Adjustable straps to ensure that you can tailor your fit to your specific shoes or boots. This also ensures stability while wearing the cleats.
- Strong and weather-resistant thermoplastic elastomer harness that further enhances the quality of the product.
- Durable joints made to last. The joints that hold the chains to the harness are reinforced and strong. The chains used to attach the spikes to your shoe are also reinforced for longevity.
- Design that’s perfect for ice fishing, hiking, jogging, climbing mountains, and more. So, if you’re into a variety of activities, you’ll be glad you chose these cleats.
- Six different color options: black, blue, grey, orange, red, and teal.
- Loyal customer following. Customers absolutely love their cleats, rating them very highly. It is very hard to find negative reviews on these cleats.
Weaknesses
All of that understood, there are still some negatives you should know about before spending your money on these:
- Some complain that the cleats aren’t as durable as they hoped.
- A few people stated that the cleats broke or that their shoe popped out of them.
- Not many size options.
The vast majority of people are in love with their spikes, citing things such as easy transport, great grip, and surprising versatility.
Sizes Available
These cleats are available in just three sizes: medium, large, and extra-large.
Korkers Ice Walker Cleats – Best with Carbide Spikes
If you’ve done any ice fishing cleat shopping in the past, chances are you’ve heard of Korkers. The brand has been around for 60 years and has generated a loyal fan base. And these Korker Ice Walker Spikes are representative of the seniority of this company.
Strengths
Korkers Ice Walker cleats are very different from some of the other options on our list, and it’s all because of their cool features and capabilities. Here are the strengths:
- 22 Carbide push-through steel spikes for your safety. The push-through functionality refers to the fact that these spikes are driven into the ice with every step you take according to the amount of weight that’s applied. This technology ensures maximum grip and stability.
- BOA-FIT system that features cables and dials to tighten the spikes onto any shoes or boots you’ll be wearing. This pair of cleats wraps around your shoe from every angle to ensure a form fit that doesn’t budge as you’re walking. The cables are made of 49-strand steel, which is really strong.
- Very minimalist option for ice fishers who won’t be wearing extremely bulky boots on their ice fishing trip. They are also very lightweight and can easily be taken with you in a small bag.
- Easy to put on and take off. To tighten the cleats onto your shoe, you’ll twist the dial on the top portion of the cleat.
- Two color options to choose from.
Weaknesses
Yes, these cleats are some of the best you’ll find online or in-store, but they still do have some weaknesses you should know about before buying them. These weaknesses include:
- You can only use them for low to mid-volume shoes – this includes running shoes and some boots. But if you are going to be wearing extremely thick boots, these cleats will simply not work for them.
- There isn’t as much sizing variety as one would like.
- One person stated that the cleats don’t grip the ice effectively and even get clogged with ice over time. Though, others did not mention this.
- The price is on the higher side, which could prohibit some from giving these cleats a try.
- A couple of people cited durability issues.
Size Availability
These cleats come in three different sizes – small, medium, and large. Unless your feet are extremely large or small, you shouldn’t have an issue finding your size.
Which Cleats Should You Choose?
We’ve gone over several ice fishing cleats and shared a lot of information about each of them. If you’re feeling a little lost at this point, we understand. To make it easier to find out which cleats are best for you, we’d like to present all the important information in the below table. It should make your decision much easier.
| Cleat Name | Strengths | Weaknesses | Available Sizes | Intended Users |
| ICETRAX V3 Tungsten Crampons Ice Cleats | 9 tungsten carbide spikes, TPU rubber for secure fit, snow traction treads, optional Velcro strap capabilities, unisex design, high rankings | Some reports of spikes not having enough traction, cleats not lasting, limited sizes | S/M, L/XL | Anyone who wants a good all-around cleat at a great price. |
| EnergeticSky Ice Cleats Crampons | 19 stainless steel spikes, silicone harness for durability, adjustable strap for easy on/off, versatile fit for all foot shapes, lightweight and compact for transport, suitable for various activities | Limited sizes available, only two color options | Medium, Large, Extra Large | Anyone who wants a super aggressive option. |
| Crampon Ice Cleats/Snow Grips | Lightweight stainless steel spikes, adjustable straps, weather-resistant thermoplastic elastomer harness, durable joints, versatile design, multiple color options, positive customer reviews | Some complaints of cleats coming off or breaking during use, not many size options | Medium, Large, Extra Large | Anyone who wants brightly colored spikes without a loss in functionality. |
| Korkers Ice Walker | 22 carbide steel spikes for maximum grip, BOA-FIT system for secure fit, minimalist design, easy to put on/take off, multiple color options | Limited compatibility with thick boots, limited sizing options, some users report ineffectiveness on ice and durability issues, higher price point | Small, Medium, Large | Anyone who likes Korkers products, prefers carbide over steel spikes, and plans on wearing mid to low-profile boots. |
| Wirezoll Ice Cleats | Choice of 24 or 32 stainless steel teeth, winterized silicone harness, full sole coverage for traction, suitable for various surfaces, lightweight design, available in various colors | Reports of cleats breaking, sizing difficulties for some users, limited size options | Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large | Anyone who wants the option of having extra spikes on their cleats. |
The truth is that no matter which spikes you choose, you’re sure to be happy with their functionality and features. We’re only featuring the absolute best cleats on our list.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – what to look for in a good ice fishing cleat and our top picks. We hope that you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you gear up for your next ice fishing day!
