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Top 5 Traction Plates and Crampons in the United States for 2025: Expert-Tested Options to Keep Horses Safe on Snow and Ice — Which One Fits Your Discipline?

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Traction plates and crampons mount to horseshoes to increase surface contact and slip resistance in snow, ice, and steep terrain. Available in steel, aluminum, and modular designs, these systems provide temporary, seasonal, or permanent traction solutions tailored to different riding styles and climates. In United States, where winter conditions vary from packed snow to black ice and mixed trails, horse owners choose traction devices based on durability, corrosion resistance, ease of installation, hoof health, and the riding discipline. Trail riders and working equines often favor steel or borium options for maximum bite and wear resistance, competitive riders and turnout horses may prefer lighter aluminum or low-profile modular studs to reduce concussion, and many consumers now look for drill-in or quick-change systems that balance security with the ability to adapt to changing terrain. Availability through local farriers, compatibility with common horseshoe types, and proven field performance are major decision drivers in the American market for 2025.

Top Picks Summary

1. Best for EasyBoot traction

2. Best Nail-On Ice Studs

3. Best Eventing/Cross‑Country Studs

4. Best Borium Caulks for Ice

5. Best Drill-In Ice Studs

Top Picks Summary

  1. EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud Studs
  2. Mustad LiBero Ice Nails
  3. St. Croix Eventer Plus Studs
  4. Borium Blue Ice Caulks
  5. Grand Circuit Drill-Tek Ice Studs
1
BEST FOR EASYBOOT TRACTION

EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud Studs

EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud Studs
🏠 Local Product

EasyCare's EasyBoot Cloud Studs earn their place as a best-in-class traction solution for horses wearing boots, offering a low-cost, easy-to-install stud that improves grip on snow and ice without altering boot fit. Compared with metal crampons and permanent plate systems in this list, Cloud Studs provide a softer, more hoof-friendly option that reduces vibration and is financially attractive for riders who want temporary, removable traction for varied terrain.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • Cloud-soft traction

  • Quick snap-fit

  • Cloud-soft traction

  • Quick snap-fit

Review Summary

90%

"Users report the EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud Studs provide reliable, immediate traction and are easy to install in EasyBoot Cloud soles; some riders note occasional loosening over long-term heavy use but overall praise the improved footing and comfort. Installation and compatibility with specific boot models are the main caveats mentioned."

  • Boot-friendly bounce

  • Specifically designed to fit EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud traction system for seamless compatibility

  • Boot-friendly bounce

  • Specifically designed to fit EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud traction system for seamless compatibility

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Recreational Enjoyment

EasyCare's EasyBoot Cloud Studs earn their place as a best-in-class traction solution for horses wearing boots, offering a low-cost, easy-to-install stud that improves grip on snow and ice without altering boot fit. Compared with metal crampons and permanent plate systems in this list, Cloud Studs provide a softer, more hoof-friendly option that reduces vibration and is financially attractive for riders who want temporary, removable traction for varied terrain.

  • Cloud-soft traction

  • Quick snap-fit

  • Boot-friendly bounce

  • Specifically designed to fit EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud traction system for seamless compatibility

  • Screw-in, replaceable studs allow quick field changes without removing the boot

  • Cloud-soft traction

  • Quick snap-fit

  • Boot-friendly bounce

  • Specifically designed to fit EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud traction system for seamless compatibility

  • Screw-in, replaceable studs allow quick field changes without removing the boot

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$30-50 USD

2
BEST NAIL-ON ICE STUDS

Mustad LiBero Ice Nails

Mustad LiBero Ice Nails

Mustad LiBero Ice Nails stand out as a market leader for traditional hoof studs because their hardened, precision-forged design delivers consistent bite on packed ice and hard snow while minimizing hoof trauma. Technically superior in metallurgy to simple rubber or plastic studs, Mustad nails offer longer service life and are cost-effective over time versus disposable or frequently replaced traction plates, making them a top pick for riders who need durable, high-performance crampons.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Ice-piercing nails

  • Rust-fighting finish

  • Ice-piercing nails

  • Rust-fighting finish

Review Summary

87%

"Reviewers praise Mustad LiBero Ice Nails for solid, professional-grade grip and long wear on icy surfaces, with many farriers and riders trusting them for winter conditions; a few users caution that correct drilling/installation is required for best performance. They are commonly described as durable and effective once fitted properly."

  • Micro-profile stealth

  • Nail-on design compatible with standard horseshoes for traditional farrier installation

  • Micro-profile stealth

  • Nail-on design compatible with standard horseshoes for traditional farrier installation

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Mustad LiBero Ice Nails stand out as a market leader for traditional hoof studs because their hardened, precision-forged design delivers consistent bite on packed ice and hard snow while minimizing hoof trauma. Technically superior in metallurgy to simple rubber or plastic studs, Mustad nails offer longer service life and are cost-effective over time versus disposable or frequently replaced traction plates, making them a top pick for riders who need durable, high-performance crampons.

  • Ice-piercing nails

  • Rust-fighting finish

  • Micro-profile stealth

  • Nail-on design compatible with standard horseshoes for traditional farrier installation

  • Hardened steel construction penetrates compacted snow and ice for reliable bite

  • Ice-piercing nails

  • Rust-fighting finish

  • Micro-profile stealth

  • Nail-on design compatible with standard horseshoes for traditional farrier installation

  • Hardened steel construction penetrates compacted snow and ice for reliable bite

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$20-40 USD

3
BEST EVENTING/CROSS‑COUNTRY STUDS

St. Croix Eventer Plus Studs

St. Croix Eventer Plus Studs

St. Croix Eventer Plus Studs are positioned as a premium performance stud tailored for competitive and eventing riders who require aggressive, adjustable traction without heavy shoe modification. Compared with EasyCare's removable studs and Mustad's nails, the Eventer Plus balances strong bite and ease of tuning, delivering a mid-to-high-end financial proposition for those who want tunable performance rather than the lowest upfront cost.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Event-grade bite

  • Toolless adjustability

  • Event-grade bite

  • Toolless adjustability

Review Summary

92%

"St. Croix Eventer Plus Studs are widely regarded as high-quality, dependable studs that deliver excellent traction and retention in competitive and trail settings, with many buyers appreciating the premium fit and longevity. Some mention a higher price but feel the performance justifies the cost."

  • Lightweight punch

  • Aggressive conical/profiled tip engineered for maximum traction on cross-country terrain

  • Lightweight punch

  • Aggressive conical/profiled tip engineered for maximum traction on cross-country terrain

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

St. Croix Eventer Plus Studs are positioned as a premium performance stud tailored for competitive and eventing riders who require aggressive, adjustable traction without heavy shoe modification. Compared with EasyCare's removable studs and Mustad's nails, the Eventer Plus balances strong bite and ease of tuning, delivering a mid-to-high-end financial proposition for those who want tunable performance rather than the lowest upfront cost.

  • Event-grade bite

  • Toolless adjustability

  • Lightweight punch

  • Aggressive conical/profiled tip engineered for maximum traction on cross-country terrain

  • Fits Eventer Plus stud systems and many common shoe types for versatile use

  • Event-grade bite

  • Toolless adjustability

  • Lightweight punch

  • Aggressive conical/profiled tip engineered for maximum traction on cross-country terrain

  • Fits Eventer Plus stud systems and many common shoe types for versatile use

Order Now

$40-80 USD

4
BEST BORIUM CAULKS FOR ICE

Borium Blue Ice Caulks

Borium Blue Ice Caulks

Borium Blue Ice Caulks are engineered for extreme cold and slick surfaces, combining a borium-infused contact surface with compact, replaceable caulk geometry for maximum longevity and bite under icy conditions. Technically they offer a larger durable contact area than small screw-in studs, translating to fewer replacements and a favorable lifetime cost compared with cheaper temporary options—ideal for riders who prioritize long-term durability in severe winter climates.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Blue borium bite

  • Rock-crushing durability

  • Blue borium bite

  • Rock-crushing durability

Review Summary

85%

"Borium Blue Ice Caulks get consistent praise for outstanding grip on ice and snow and long-lasting wear on challenging surfaces; however, users note they can be noisy, abrasive to some arenas, and require occasional replacement as the caulk wears. Overall they are seen as one of the better options for icy traction."

  • Deep-penetration hold

  • Borium-infused caulks provide exceptional abrasion resistance and long-lasting grip on ice

  • Deep-penetration hold

  • Borium-infused caulks provide exceptional abrasion resistance and long-lasting grip on ice

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Borium Blue Ice Caulks are engineered for extreme cold and slick surfaces, combining a borium-infused contact surface with compact, replaceable caulk geometry for maximum longevity and bite under icy conditions. Technically they offer a larger durable contact area than small screw-in studs, translating to fewer replacements and a favorable lifetime cost compared with cheaper temporary options—ideal for riders who prioritize long-term durability in severe winter climates.

  • Blue borium bite

  • Rock-crushing durability

  • Deep-penetration hold

  • Borium-infused caulks provide exceptional abrasion resistance and long-lasting grip on ice

  • Can be specified welded or as screw-in options depending on shoe and farrier preference

  • Blue borium bite

  • Rock-crushing durability

  • Deep-penetration hold

  • Borium-infused caulks provide exceptional abrasion resistance and long-lasting grip on ice

  • Can be specified welded or as screw-in options depending on shoe and farrier preference

Order Now

$90-160 USD

5
BEST DRILL-IN ICE STUDS

Grand Circuit Drill-Tek Ice Studs

Grand Circuit Drill-Tek Ice Studs
🏠 Local Product

Grand Circuit Drill-Tek Ice Studs are a practical, budget-friendly option designed for easy installation with common drilling tools, making them attractive to farriers and owners who value upfront affordability and simplicity. While not as long-lived as Mustad or Borium metal solutions, Drill-Tek studs provide a low-cost entry to effective winter traction and are competitive for seasonal use, especially when compared to higher-priced permanent plate systems on this list.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Drill-fit precision

  • Slim profile grip

  • Drill-fit precision

  • Slim profile grip

Review Summary

81%

"Grand Circuit Drill-Tek Ice Studs are viewed as a good-value, effective stud option that improves traction noticeably and installs easily in drilled shoes or boots; reviewers sometimes report minor fit or corrosion issues over extended use but generally find them reliable for winter riding. They are often recommended for budget-conscious buyers who still want solid performance."

  • Race-track tenacity

  • Drill-in installation ensures a secure, low-profile fit directly into the shoe

  • Race-track tenacity

  • Drill-in installation ensures a secure, low-profile fit directly into the shoe

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

Grand Circuit Drill-Tek Ice Studs are a practical, budget-friendly option designed for easy installation with common drilling tools, making them attractive to farriers and owners who value upfront affordability and simplicity. While not as long-lived as Mustad or Borium metal solutions, Drill-Tek studs provide a low-cost entry to effective winter traction and are competitive for seasonal use, especially when compared to higher-priced permanent plate systems on this list.

  • Drill-fit precision

  • Slim profile grip

  • Race-track tenacity

  • Drill-in installation ensures a secure, low-profile fit directly into the shoe

  • Carbide or hardened tips maintain bite and durability on ice and packed snow

  • Drill-fit precision

  • Slim profile grip

  • Race-track tenacity

  • Drill-in installation ensures a secure, low-profile fit directly into the shoe

  • Carbide or hardened tips maintain bite and durability on ice and packed snow

Order Now

$35-65 USD

What Research and Practice Say About Traction Devices

A combination of veterinary studies, equine biomechanics research, and farrier practice informs safe, effective use of traction plates and crampons. Research emphasizes that appropriate traction reduces slip risk and fall-related injuries on icy ground, but that design, material, and placement influence hoof loading, gait mechanics, and wear. Proper selection and professional fitting are key to maximizing benefits while minimizing hoof or limb stress.

Slip reduction and safety: Field studies and veterinary reports indicate that added traction significantly lowers the incidence of slips and stumbles on icy surfaces, improving stability during turns and steep descents.

Hoof loading and gait: Biomechanical research shows that studs and crampons change ground-reaction forces; correctly sized and positioned studs help maintain natural gait patterns while poorly placed hardware can alter stride and increase concussion.

Material performance: Comparative testing demonstrates differences between steel, aluminum, and borium in wear rate and corrosion. Steel and borium typically offer greater bite and durability on abrasive ice, while aluminum reduces distal limb load due to lower weight.

Modular and drill-in systems: Clinical experience supports modular designs for quick field adjustment and drill-in studs for permanent, lower-profile solutions. Each system has trade-offs in maintenance, hoof wall integrity, and long-term wear.

Fitting and maintenance: Veterinary and farrier guidelines stress that expert fitting, regular inspection, and seasonal removal when traction is not needed are essential to prevent hoof damage and to retain the safety benefits.

In United States, well-chosen traction plates and crampons make winter riding and work safer and more predictable. This page highlights five widely used options for 2025: EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud Studs, Mustad LiBero Ice Nails, St. Croix Eventer Plus Studs, Borium Blue Ice Caulks, and Grand Circuit Drill-Tek Ice Studs. Each product suits different needs — from modular, quick-change systems to permanent drill-in solutions — and for many American riders the EasyCare EasyBoot Cloud Studs stand out as the best choice among the main products listed here because of their versatility, ease of fitting, and broad discipline compatibility. We hope you found what you were looking for; if you want to refine or expand your search, use the site search to compare materials, mounting types, or regional availability and get the traction solution that matches your horse and local conditions.

Discover More
  • Farrier Nails
  • Shoe Clips and Retainers
  • Traction Studs and Borium
  • Shoeing Hardware and Fasteners

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