Yes, the steel spikes will absolutely scratch and gouge hardwood, tile, and laminate floors. Get in the habit of removing them at the door—they fold flat in seconds and fit in the included bag. Many people keep the bag hanging by their front door as a visual reminder. If you do walk inside accidentally, stay on rugs or carpet and remove them immediately to minimize damage.

Check the spike length every few weeks if you use them regularly. When the spikes wear down to less than 5mm (about the thickness of two quarters stacked), they're losing effectiveness. You'll also notice reduced traction—if you're slipping in conditions where you used to feel secure, that's a sign. Walking on concrete or asphalt wears them faster than snow and ice. If you use them daily on mixed surfaces, expect 1-2 winters of life. Occasional use on pure ice can last 3-4 years.

Yes, completely normal. The TPE rubber and silica gel materials have a distinct odor when new, similar to new tires or rubber mats. Leave them outside or in a garage for 24-48 hours and the smell dissipates significantly. Don't store them in an enclosed car on the first day—the smell can be overwhelming in a small space. After a few uses in cold air, you won't notice it anymore. The smell doesn't indicate any safety issue; it's just off-gassing from the manufacturing process.

If the velcro won't stay, you're likely not stretching the rubber portion tight enough before securing the straps. Here's the proper method: stretch the crampon over your boot until it feels snug all around, then pull the velcro strap VERY tight—tighter than seems comfortable—and press firmly to secure. The strap should feel almost too tight at first; it will relax slightly as you walk. Also check that you're not getting snow or ice buildup on the velcro itself, which prevents it from gripping. Some people find that wrapping the strap around twice gives extra security. If it's still loosening, the crampon might be too large for your boot size.

Aggressive boot treads help in snow and soft conditions, but they're nearly useless on actual ice—the rubber simply can't grip a slick frozen surface no matter how deep the lugs are. Think about it: your car has treaded tires, but you still need chains or winter tires on ice. The metal spikes literally penetrate the ice surface, which rubber cannot do. Even the best mountaineering boots with Vibram soles need crampons for icy terrain. Your treaded boots are great for the approach, but once you hit ice, you need metal touching the surface.

First, clean them thoroughly—rinse off any salt, dirt, or debris and let them dry completely. Storing them wet is asking for rust. Once dry, put them in the included bag and store in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme heat like attics or sheds that get over 100°F, as this can degrade the rubber. A basement, garage, or closet works perfectly. Don't store them compressed under heavy items—let the rubber maintain its shape. Some people spray the chains lightly with WD-40 or silicone spray before storage to prevent rust, though the stainless steel shouldn't rust much anyway. Check them at the start of next winter to make sure the rubber hasn't cracked.

These aren't designed for running—the chains and spikes create an unstable platform at running speeds, and you risk ankle injuries from the uneven distribution of weight. For winter running on icy paths, you want specialized running traction devices with smaller, more numerous studs that allow your foot to flex naturally. These crampons are built for deliberate walking and hiking where you're placing each foot carefully. If you try to jog in them, the chains can shift, spikes can catch on each other, and the whole system becomes a tripping hazard. Stick to walking pace, and look into trail running spikes if you want to maintain your running routine.