Hiking Forums: Ben Smith - Viewing Profile - Hiking Forums

Those are the exact same crampons my hiking partner and I tried out for the first time today. They worked great for both of us. If you check out the pictures in my trip report, you'll see that the boot I wear is a relatively flexible low-top hiking boot, and I still had no issues. I do know that other people have reported a similar issue, and all I can guess without seeing photos is that it is either strapped wrong, or the metal bar is adjusted to the wrong length (both too short and too long would cause the heel to pull out).

First, look online to make sure you have the straps right. Then go over to a nearby snow back an try different settings on the metal bar. You should be able to bear all your weight on the front toe spikes without the heel pulling out.

One note I did run across when reading up on how to adjust them, is to also be sure your boot has a stiff mid-sole (i.e. if you push on the toe and heal the middle should not bend). Almost all hiking boots have a stiff mid-sole, but apparently some gear out there does not.

Here's how I have mine set-up: