Well, for one thing, you aren't limited to plastic boots. There are some excellent winter mountaineering boots out there that are all crampon compatible. The best thing to do is visit your local mountaineering shop and get advice from the experts there. You need to know that there are two types of crampons - those for snow walking and those for ice climbing. Ice climbing crampons are very different, and much more expensive and require rigid soled boots to stay attached. Snow walking crampons are usually "hinged" to allow a more natural gait while walking, although it is still a bit awkward. Most winter boots will have little "lips" on the soles that will help hold crampons in place, but snow walking crampons don't always require this lip. Best thing to do is buy your boots and crampons together so you are assured that they will work well together.

MNS