I purchased the free steps for wading in areas that were usually very treacherous. Although you still have to be careful , I can definitely feel a difference in navigating the runs. Highly recommend this product.

I've had one pair for many years, and it's been great. Footing is very secure with these, on ice and packed snow. So I ordered a second pair in a larger size to fit some warmer boots, but they turned out to be a little big for the sole. So if your shoe size is on the border between, say, L and XL, you may want to order both sizes.

You need to be sure the rubber upper is pulled all the way up onto the sides and back of your foot-wear, or else the cleats and chains may be loose. If you have deep lugs or heavily patterned soles, the chains may hang up and make it hard to get them properly tensioned. The rubber is very high quality and stretchy, but you may need real hand strength to stretch the cleats into position. Once in place, though, they are very secure.

Just finished 4 days of winter steelhead fishing. Free steps worked great on slippery rocks and fast currents. Easy to put on and take off. Like any other spiked footwear, snow did gather on the crampons but was easily removed with a foot stomp while walking. Highly recommended!

Not worn yet.

Used these crampons for the first time on a 2 hour winter hike with lots of snow. They worked well for most of the hike but towards the end, one of the chain links bent open and the chain fell loose. When I got home I was easily able to bend it back with pliers (it appears that the steel used is very soft). I have not used them since due to concern for durability. Would not buy again.