Hi Nick,
I did see a couple guys with only hiking boots and trekking poles. I wouldn't have because there were some parts where the snow was a bit icy and finding grip was rather difficult. I used microspikes and trekking poles half way up the chute then I used an ice axe by digging it in front of me with every step (you want 2 points of contact at all times e.g. one foot and the ice axe). The easiest thing to do if you're not taking crampons is follow the footprints of the ones who have gone before you (a metaphor for life too haha). You might reach a point of no return half way up, I did, and you'll just have to continue up the chute because it's the only route you can take. Once you pass the cables, you basically have to continue up the chute.
