Crampons are made for different purposes - walking, mountaineering and ice climbing and need to be compatible with the boots they are fitted to so they work in harmony. Even relatively stiff boots can flex and the crampon has to be able to flex and twist to stay safely on the boot. Crampons have two components which define their use and hence their grade. The metal spiked base, which can be hinged (articulated) or rigid depending on model and the strapping or binding system which secures them to the boot. Click here for more info
