Tripod Leg Spikes & Rubber Feet

Switching out your tripod feet is an excellent way to adapt your video or camera tripod to different shooting conditions. Whether you select tripod rubber feet, tripod spiked feet, or other specialized options, there is a choice for nearly every situation and shooting surface.

Advantages of Rubber Feet

Tripod rubber feet are strong, all-around performers, although they really excel on hard surfaces such as flooring, concrete, and rock faces. Use rubber feet on these surfaces to prevent slipping. Rubber foot pads come in many different shapes, including cylindrical, conical, and so-called "mushroom feet." These shapes provide crucial stability and vibration absorption.

When to Use Spiked Feet

Tripod spiked feet work best on soft surfaces. If you're shooting outside, you can use ground spikes to firmly place your tripod in grass, dirt, ice, and snow. Sports photographers and landscape photographers use spiked feet in the field to achieve the best results. You can also use metal spikes indoors if you're shooting on thick carpet.

Specialized Tripod Feet

While spiked and rubber tripod feet are the most common options, there are other more specialized tripod feet available. Suction cups can help you achieve strong stability on slippery or icy surfaces. You can find suction cup feet that come with retractable spikes, as well, to increase your staying power. This combination gives you the best of both worlds, as you can use spikes on soft surfaces or suction cups on smooth surfaces. Another versatile option, all-weather tripod feet, provides stability on sand, snow, and a variety of other irregular surfaces. Clawed shoes are ideal for surfaces like ice shelves and jagged rock faces.