Winter is a fantastic time to get outside and have a good time with friends and family. If you have ever gone trekking during the cold weather, you will understand why microspikes are so useful. 

These traction enhancers, which produce grip on ice and snow terrains, are a good investment. In a similar fashion, the finest microspikes for hiking increase the surface area of your feet as you walk. 

Then you won’t have to worry about sinking or being stuck. These microspikes provide you with stability on uneven terrain and prevent you from sliding and falling.

Another point to mention is that there is a broad selection of spikes available to complement your hiking gear. In order to prevent selecting the incorrect type of product, you should be extremely precise about what you want. 

Using this shopping guide, you can limit down your options by examining the top microspikes available on the market today. I’ll also include a review of every nitty-gritty aspect that you should be aware of when picking an excellent traction device.

What are Microspikes?

A traction device that is similar to crampons, Microspikes may be used to tackle challenging routes as well. They are made out of tiny spikes and chains, and they are worn over your hiking or trekking boots to provide additional grip in slippery conditions.

Microspikes are created using a concept similar to that of putting chains over tires to improve vehicle traction.

When you need them?

Microspikes are most effective when used on flat hiking paths that are covered with snow or frozen ice. You may use them when your boots are unable to offer the grip necessary to tread on certain surfaces since they give more grip than your boots do.

What are they made of?

Microspikes are often seen with the following characteristics:

  • Spikes made of heat-treated stainless steel are long-lasting and corrosion-resistant, and they bite fiercely into slippery terrain and ice patches.
  • The use of welded stainless steel chains in the snow provides additional traction while being highly flexible. They are also very easily transportable.

Best Microspikes for Hiking

If you are a true outdoor enthusiast, ice, snow, mud, and other inclement weather should never be an obstacle to your backcountry explorations. 

When equipped with the proper equipment, you may always follow your enthusiasm for the outdoors, even in the most challenging of conditions. 

Conditions such as damp, muddy, or uneven terrain can make it difficult to climb and descend effectively. These are the situations where the microspikes come in handy! 

Under such conditions, this gear provides the greatest amount of traction and stability. For a safe and injury-free hiking experience, these are an absolute must-have. 

We’ll look over seven of the best microspikes now available on the market and point out some of the important characteristics that distinguish them from the competition.

#01. Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra

During your winter hiking expeditions into the wilderness, you will almost certainly come across some ice routes. Moreover, the last thing you want to happen is to slide and fall, which is why having one of these winter traction devices is a good idea. 

When it comes to keeping your balance on slick roads, the Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra is one of the finest alternatives since it provides excellent grip and stability.

Because of the 18 stainless steel spikes that are fastened below you, winter paths will seem like a snowless summer walk in the park. 

And, because the elastomer harness ensures a snug fit, you won’t have to worry about anything else after a pleasant day spent outside in the fresh air. It also comes with a handy travel case as well as a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee. 

So it’s not going anywhere, and you can take it with you wherever you go.

#02. Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction

Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction

In all honesty, you can’t go wrong with a classic design. The Kahtoola MICROspikes do the functions that they are intended to perform. According to more than 1,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this is the case as well.

I’m generally suspicious of items that have a large number of positive reviews. However, when you read the written evaluations, it’s clear that this is a group of winter hikers who are truly pleased with their purchase.

In terms of product characteristics, the length of the 12 stainless steel spikes is .375 inches. They are robust and well-constructed for use on ice, compacted snow, and wintry mix surfaces.

Many reviewers stated that the Kahtoola MICROspikes lasted far longer than other brands they had previously used or tested. That’s a good thing because no one likes having to replace a product so soon after purchasing it.

The Kahtoola MICROspikes are extremely long-lasting. And to make things even better, they are simple to put on and take off. They handle snowy terrain with ease as if it were no big issue. They are available in two colors: black and red.

When it comes to sizing, you want them to be as snug as possible. If you are in-between sizes, go for the smaller of the two. This is a unisex product that may be used by both men and women.

#03. Crampons Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes

Crampons Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes

Hiking spikes by Cimkiz are specifically designed to provide you with an exceptional degree of grip and support while on your journeys. If you are looking for additional stability for your shoes when hiking, then these traction steel spikes by Cimkiz are what you need.

Each pair is equipped with 19 stainless steel spikes and a strong chain system. These spikes are ideal for providing you with a good grip on a wide variety of terrain while keeping you safe and injury-free.

Because it is constructed of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), you may expect dependable performance at temperatures as low as -49°F without the risk of damage, overstretching, freezing, or completely snapping during your adventures.

In addition, even if you are not going on hiking, it is important to note that this device is suitable for a variety of activities such as fishing, hunting, jogging, and when you need to walk securely on ice or frozen roads, mud, or wet terrain.

There are two distinct colors to choose from black and orange, and three different sizes to choose from medium, large, and X-large. This product is ideal for both children and adults, and it is ideal for the elderly.

#04. Yaktrax Ascent Heavy Duty Traction Cleats

Yaktrax Ascent Heavy Duty Traction Cleats

For more than two decades, Yaktrax has been in the business of enabling people like you and me to enjoy the outdoors throughout the winter months. They have at least a dozen Yaktrax traction devices in their possession.

Personally, I think it’s a little excessive to have so many distinct designs, but they do serve a variety of consumers, including walkers, runners, hikers, climbers, and skiers.

The Yaktrax Ascent is a great option for serious hikers. Whether on largely flat or steep terrain, this is a mid-range traction device that gives just the perfect amount of grip.

The Yaktrax Ascent features more and longer spikes than the Kahtoola MICROspikes, which makes it a better choice for climbing. Each one contains 16 stainless steel spikes that range in length from.375 to.5 inches and are spaced evenly throughout the surface.

These traction cleats are both durable and aggressive in their design. They will not allow you to fall on ice or snow under any circumstances. As an added advantage, a three-point heel design prevents snow from accumulating.

With flexible bindings that make it simple to slip them onto your hiking boots, the Yaktrax Ascent cleats are an excellent choice for mountaineering or trekking. They also maintain a good amount of stability.

#05. Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction

Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction

When going through heavy snow in Colorado or ice fishing in Michigan, having something extra on the underside of your boots may be quite beneficial. 

Because of their low profile, these microspikes are an excellent choice for hiking tracks when the snow has changed to ice, but you still want to get out and enjoy the fresh air. 

Mountaineering enthusiasts will admire the lightweight design, which ranges in weight from 7.2 ounces to 9 ounces depending on the size you choose.

In addition, they come with a one-year warranty, so you can take them on a camping trip without worrying. 

Even though they’re primarily intended for trail running, they’re a fantastic alternative for anybody seeking a little additional protection on the trails without having to carry around a lot of additional weight. 

Therefore, put them on your trail boots and get out there as soon as possible.

What are the Different Types of Microspikes Constructions that are Available?

When it comes to frame structures, there are three primary types to consider. The spike harness is available in three different configurations: totally flexible, semi-flexible, and stiff. 

Because a completely flexible frame is the most effective choice for walking, this is the option that all microspikes are designed to include as a standard. Additionally, a hinged bar that links the front and backplates is typically included as well.

When combined with the hinged bar, these plates and plates are excellent for reducing snow accumulation underneath your boot. 

This snow accumulation throws off your usual stride, and it is a useful technique to normalize your movements on difficult terrain. In addition, they are effective for traditional climbing methods as well.

A Semi-Rigid Frame

A semi-rigid frame is a combination of the two alternatives, which is popular because of its adaptability. You can make adjustments with an adjustable bar, allowing you to choose how stiff or flexible the gadget is to meet your needs. 

Then there’s the fact that the stiffest frames provide the best accuracy. Because they are quite snug against your boot, they provide excellent support and mobility when climbing. Walking, on the other hand, is not such a fantastic option. 

The essential factors for the item’s function are the item’s construction. Moreover, fit, and traction, which are essential concerns in the microspikes community.

However, we would want to begin by emphasizing how simple it is to put them on and take them off of your body.

The traction of your spikes is one feature of which we won’t have to remind you of the significance. It goes without saying that you’ll want something that gives you the extra traction you’ll require to move around. 

If you’re only trying to make it to the bus stop on a particularly stormy day, you probably don’t need spikes that are as forceful as they are. In addition to the spikes and the traction, you need to think about the construction of the product. 

Your microspikes should be durable enough to last you at least a few winters.

An essential thing to remember is to adjust the stiffness of the microspikes to the stiffness of your footwear. If your boots are bending, you should avoid using a strong traction device. 

Aggressive Spikes

Another thing to think about when choosing your microspikes is how and where you want to utilize them on your adventure. 

If you purchase forceful spikes, keep in mind that they will wear out fast on cement, pavement, and other hard-to-reach man-made surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. 

That brings us to our second point of consideration, which is where you intend to put them to use. 

If you’re only want to make sure you’ll stay upright on extremely slippery evenings if there’s a chance of black ice in the area, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on extreme traction. 

Simple equipment or chains can help you move with confidence and grace even when you’re lifting lesser weights.

If you’re crossing a frozen pond or stream, you’ll want something that will keep your feet firmly planted on the cold surface under your feet. 

These designs will be heavier and clunkier. However, they are unquestionably worth the unpleasant danger of tripping and slipping that comes with them. 

It’s better to keep your buttocks off the ground and your eyes on the road ahead, as this is both uncomfortable and hazardous.

Final Words

After much consideration, I chose the Kahtoola MICROspikes as my gear of choice. It’s impossible to go wrong with the original, as I mentioned in my write-up, and I’ve been rather pleased with them thus far.

Despite the fact that the Kahtoola EXOspikes were designed to be used for both hiking and running on snow and ice, it was clear that I would never use them when I went for a run in the winter.

I run so early in the morning (far before sunlight) that I’m more concerned about slipping on black ice than anything else. I’m not sure whether spikes will be able to save me. On icy days, I like to stay indoors as much as possible.

It was difficult to choose between the Yaktrax Ascent and the Kahtoola MICROspikes. However, in the end, I decided that the Yaktrax Ascent might be a little too much for me.

If you do decide to purchase microspikes, please let me know the ones you choose and how you like them. Winter trails await you on the icy slopes this season!