Do I absolutely need to use mountaineering boots when using crampons?
Answer Question
Yes and No, for hiking moderately steep terrain you can use ordinary hiking boots with strap-on crampons. Strap-on crampons like the Black Diamonds Contact Strap Crampons or Grivel G-10 New-Classic Crampons.
That being said, if you're doing any sort of winter mountaineering, you'll want to be using a mountaineering boot to keep your feet warmer (a three season hiking boot just does not have enough insulation for winter hiking)
Certain crampons (i.e. fully automatic & fully rigid) will only fit on to mountaineering boots (or ski boots). If you're climbing or ice climbing then you will want to use a mountaineering boot w/ crampons.
What are the best Boots for Winter Hiking in the mountains?
What boots do you wear when snowshoeing?
Do you have any advice on the Best Crampons for winter hiking?
How do you carry Crampons on your backpack?
How can I get rid of smell in ski boots?