The binding systems hold the crampons and the boots together. There are almost as many systems as there are crampons.

The system you select must be compatible with the boots you plan to wear.

If you wear your crampons for anything more than short traverses over snow or ice, you really need boots with substantial stiffness in the sole and thick leather or plastic uppers for support.

For step-in crampons, your boots must have prominent welts and attachment grooves in toes and heels.

It is important to familiarize yourself with basic kinds of binding systems in order for you to make a better choice when you buy crampons.

Step-in bindings are now very popular as they are easier to put on. Requires boots with pronounced heel and toe welts.

Step-in bindings are divided into two main types: buckle-type step in system and curved-wire toe bail system.

Buckle-type step in system is the most secure among all the binding systems because it avoids torsional twisting.

Curved-wire toe bail system greatly reduces the cange of a crampon being twisted or knocked when off a route.

The most basic is a one- or two-piece neoprene strap with a buckle-fastening. Characterised by a flexible front strap and a step-in type heel clip.

This hybrid binding is easy to put on and secure even on ice-caked boots and less likely to pop off if incorrectly mounted. Requires boots with a distinct rear welt.

O-ring System has an O-ring that links the two straps from the toe-section of the boot to the straps at the heel-part. This makes fitting less tedious.

It is very important that the crampon articulates at the same point as your boot bends.

It is vital that the toe sections of crampons using the single- or double-strapping system are threaded correctly. If this is not done, there is a chance that the front of the crampon could be forced off to one side or other of the toe.