CRAMPONS on Montrail Sabino Trail Mid GTX boots??

“Hi!
Im just wondering if its possible to put crampons on Montrail Sabino Trail Mid GTX hiking boots? I have a trip to the glaciars and would hate arriving there and not being able to do it because of soles being to soft.
How about strap on crampons? are they as safe? would i have to ask in advance if they have them?

Thanks! any help would be apreciated!”

“don't go cheap on crampons. expect to pay $150+. they will last forever and will be adjustable to any boot. also, use trekking poles (not "adjustable" ski poles) or a solid alpine stock with steel tip. don't bother with an ice ax unless you have trained to use it. better yet, train to use one then get a modern "shortie" less than <52cm in length. lastly, have fun!”

“They might not work with all crampons being a very lightweight, I'd consider buying the crampons from a store where the people know their products and making sure you get crampons that will work with your Sabino's - and make sure the crampons will be suitable for the terrain you will be hiking in.”

“You can wear strap-ons with running shoes, but it's not a real solid setup. These seem to be the best deal out there that are actually real crampons:

http://www.rei.com/product/798361/camp-usa-stalker-universal-crampons

It really depends on what glaciers you are talking about and how much you will be climbing. If conditions are good you could go a long way in your boots & crampons. I'd be more concerned about your feet being wet & cold.”

“Thanks!

The crampons are provided by the hiking company.

These would be glaciars in Switzerland near Oberwald and probably a lot of walking and climbing.

"I'd be more concerned about your feet being wet & cold.”

Do you mean because of this kind of boot? or just in general? and how can i avoid that?

What I've read in internet makes me inclined to think I need to get a pair of heavyweight hard sole boots, but than the breaking in might take a long while...
hmmm.....”

“In nice weather just walking across ice, your lightweight boots and instep crampons would be fine. Add some climbing and strap-on crampons are what you want. If it's wet out or the snow is deep and you are in it for several hours, your feet will be wet and they may get cold. The gore-tex liner won't save you because it's not enough boot to keep the snow out. If you can bail out before the conditions get bad, your boots and crampons would be great. If you are going with a hiking company, just do what they recommend because they know best.

Last summer I bought some Mammut Monolith boots and did 4 days climbing Mt. Rainier without breaking them in. My feet never felt better on a climb. Many of the new boots don't require break in.”

“You need better boots. Ones built for glacier travel.

Doug”