Microspikes are a type of traction device that you put over your shoes to get a better grip on ice and snow. They are worn like regular shoes, but they have small metal spikes on the bottom that dig into the ice to provide stability. So what are the best microspikes for hiking?
The best traction spikes for hiking can be used in any terrain, not just on snow and ice. They’re a must-have for a safe and injury-free hiking trip. We’ll go over the top nine microspikes on the market, along with a handy buying guide, and highlight some of the significant features that set them apart.
Our Top 9 Picks for Best Microspikes for Backpacking
Best Overall Microspikes for Hiking
1. Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction
What we Like: Exceptional traction, temperature-resistant, three different color options.
What we Don’t Like: Bit Pricy.
Kahtoola has kept its promise of quality since 1999, and if you want a pair of spikes for winter boots for a reasonable price.
These spikes use heat-treated spikes that are made from stainless steel for exceptional durability. Eight spikes at the front and four at the back collectively provide uniform and strong traction on stiff, icy terrains.
The harness has been made using thermoplastic elastomer material, which retains its stretch and comfort in extremely low temperatures. Also, the metal eyelets and the three chains winding the boots keep the traction boots strong in place.
The chains and spikes construction of MICROspikes traction shoes makes them heavy-duty and more suitable for all kinds of rough, rocky, and icy terrains. You need to wear shoes with thick, leathery soles to fit comfortably in these spikes.
These spikes are lighter in weight than the metal crampons that you would prefer for ice climbing, but this also makes them easy to carry around. You can also choose one of the three available colors!
Best for Trail Running
2. Kahtoola NANOspikes
What we Like: Look like regular boots, easy to put on and take off, smooth transition between dry and slippery surfaces.
What we Don’t Like: Not suitable for mountain climbing
If you are looking for traction for your trail runners or hiking shoes, Kahtoola NANO spikes have covered you. These road runners are not too bulky and do not have several metal spikes, so you can easily transition between dry and slippery surfaces on an ordinary day while going to work or school.
Each foot has ten spikes made from embedded tungsten and aluminum anchors for optimum shock absorption and maximum traction.
Like the heavier crampons for ice trekking and mountain climbing, this pair of cleats also features a strong plastic harness and eyelet design, providing a lightweight yet secure fit. Though you cannot rely on these for years of life or for tough, icy terrains, these tractions are a good investment for city walks to transition between different types of terrains.
The outer and the inner compounds, along with the insoles and the upward-facing spikes, all together offer compact and secure traction on icy surfaces.
Best Value for The Money
3. Hillsound Trail Crampon
What we Like: Strong and sturdy crampons, long heel spikes, front toe bar for traction, easy to carry.
What we don’t like: Not true to size
Hillsound Trail Tractions are another pair of great traction devices featuring 18 spikes made from carbon steel.
Longer heel spikes offer better traction during descent, which is very important since one tends to lose balance while descending. The side chains and the steel toe bar at the front protect your feet while keeping them stable while you ascend and descend extremely rocky slopes packed with impacted snow.
The stretchable rubber material makes them easy to wear and take off, which is very important when comparing these cleats with the beefier, heftier crampons.
Your Hillsound traction cleats will come with a durable, long-lasting drawstring bag, so you won’t have to damage your daily carry bags.
These snow cleats provide better fitting, traction, and stability over the thicker, heavier snow boots. Shoes with a mesh covering or soft leather insoles may not be able to fit snugly inside these cleats.
Best Ultralight Spikes
4. Kahtoola EXOspikes
What we Like: Long-lasting, durable, abrasion-resistant, ergonomic toe bail and harness design
What we Don’t Like: Not suitable for deep ice trekking and climbing
For the quality, build, and durability of Kahtoola spikes, but for a medium-terrain ice walk, Kahtoola EXOspikes is the way to go. These cleats are lightweight for medium-range terrain requirements so you can use them on all outdoor tracks but not on fluffy snow.
Twelve tungsten carbide spikes provide reliable traction and grip on icy and snowy tracks. The harness is lightweight and does not interfere with the comfort and secure fitting.
The raised heel tab makes putting on and taking these off super convenient. The toenail at the front keeps the toes protected and in place, while you descend a steep track laden with snow and rocks.
They are the perfect mid-use gripper for thick, icy paths and trails requiring extra grip. The EXOspikes are more comfortable to walk on than the MICROspikes, as they use stretchable and flexible rubber instead of thick and sturdy plastic. The open design explicitly helps shed snow and dirt between the spikes.
Best For Snow Walking
5. Yaktrax Diamond Traction
What we Like: Rubber and steel build, bulky and beefy, Easy transition between different surfaces.
What we Don’t Like: Do not usually last long
YAKTRAX Diamond grip traction cleats are the latest version of ice traction released by YAKTRAX to provide a better alternative for their ordinary spikes, which were ill-fitting, noisy, and offered weak grip on rough ground.
These diamond grip tractions are for you if you are looking for an easy-to-use and advanced traction for a reasonable price.
The diamond grip spikes provide good grip and traction on gravel, dirt, and ice, swivel, and get rid of everything that could get stuck. This means you can easily transition from surface to surface without having to take them off or put them on repeatedly.
These cleats use high-tensile strength rubber and steel coils for solid construction, which makes them tough but also hard to wear and take off. You can choose from their five available sizes depending on your preferred shoe size!
These cleats do not offer a long life, though!
Best For Budget
6. Unigear Traction Cleats
What we Like: Durable and strong, easy to wear and take off, 18 spikes offer exceptional ice grip, and stainless steel spikes are damage-resistant
What we Don’t Like: Not suitable on soft snow
Unigear Traction cleats are affordable, with excellent design and aesthetics, and heavy-duty ice cleats.
The harness band with securing chain attachments is made of durable and long-lasting elastomer, which is abrasion- and tear-resistant and provides a tight grip over the whole footwear.
Compared to its competitors, which feature around 12 spikes per foot, this pair of Unigear traction cleats features 18 spikes per foot and is also made from heat-treated stainless steel.
You can see that with these features, Unigear traction cleats could easily be your heavy-duty crampons for a tough ice trek.
Each spike is a half-inch long and is rust and damage-resistant. The heel pad is wider than the competitor models, which provides easy and secure fitting and better traction as well.
The velcro strap on the front is another feature that keeps the cleats secure and helps the cleats’ longevity, fitting, and traction.
The transition from slippery to a dry surface will be challenging, so you should avoid wearing these tractions on soft snow or dry pavements!
7. Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats
What we Like: High-quality build, lightweight rubber straps for a secure fit
What we Don’t Like: Do not offer superior traction as the MICROspikes.
YAKTRAX Pro Traction cleats are another variation of ice traction with spikes by a trusted maker of ice hiking and trekking gear. These cleats use a double rubber frame, stainless steel coils, and rubber straps for optimum traction.
This pair of traction cleats has been tested safe for keeping stretchable and comfortable at temperatures as low as -41 degrees. So, you don’t have to worry about the traction to contract and constrict your feet in severe cold while you ice trek or climb.
For a better fit, go for one size larger than you wear for your regular shoes. These spikes weigh half as compared to the YAKTRAX MICROspikes but use almost the same chains, spikes, and rubber and steel wire construction structure.
However, you cannot expect them to be tough and sturdy on rocky, icy, rough terrains, such as climbing mountains on tough ice.
How To Choose Microspikes For Hiking
The MICROspikes are an ingenious invention that will help you stay on your feet in the snow, ice, and mud. They are a great way to get out of the house and enjoy the winter without worrying about slipping or sliding on your shoes. When picking these traction devices, keep in mind the following factors.
Weather Conditions
The first thing you should consider while buying the best hiking MICROspikes is the terrain and climate conditions.
For example, if you are going for a hike in the snow, it would be wise to buy MICROspikes with spikes that can grip on ice and snow.
And if you are going for a walk in the desert, it would be wise to buy MICROspikes with more teeth on them as they can grip better on the sand and rocky surfaces.
Number of Spikes
The most significant aspect of cleats is the spikes. The better the grip against dirt, snow, and hail, the more spikes there are. Spike length is also essential.
Crampons with long and robust spikes are designed for climbing ice hills. However, you won’t require them in less challenging situations.
For example, you won’t need long spikes if you’re walking on ice and mainly level trails. Plates, rather than spikes, are another choice for effectively trails or less-aggressive conditions and weather.
Frame Construction
Your product’s frame should be made to make the action easier. It might be completely flexible, semi-rigid, or completely rigid. Because it is the greatest alternative for walking, all microspikes come with a highly customizable frame.
Crampons with flexible frames are also plentiful. The front and back plates are usually connected by a movable bar. It’s not only suitable for walking, but it’s also good for traditional climbing.
The flexible and stiff forms are combined in the semi-rigid frame. It’s the most popular option due to its effectiveness: you can walk while wearing crampons, but you can also climb more challenging terrain.
Some crampons have a movable bar so that you can select between flexible and semi-rigid crampons. Finally, sturdy frames provide the highest level of precision.
Material
The material is one of the most critical aspects you need to consider when buying them. There are five different types:
- Steel
Steel spikes are more durable than aluminum ones. However, they are heavier and have a higher chance of damaging the ground surface.
- Aluminum
Aluminum is lighter and less expensive, but it will bend if you step on a rock or tree root.
- Rubber
Rubber is a cheaper and more durable material. However, it will not be as warm and won’t traction on icy surfaces.
- Foam
Foam is a lighter and less durable material. However, it will be warmer and provide better traction on icy surfaces than rubber.
- Metal
Metal is the most expensive and lightest material. It provides the best traction on icy surfaces but will also be cold to wear in cold weather or when it snows because metal conducts heat away from your body quickly.
Size and Weight
MICROspikes are used for hiking purposes and are usually made of steel or aluminum. But before you buy a pair, you need to know what size and weight are best for your shoes.
For example, if you have large shoes, it is best to buy larger MICROspikes since your feet will be slipping off otherwise.
Durability
Durability is essential when you are buying hiking MICROspikes. The reason is that you might need to use the MICROspikes for a long time, and the durability of hiking MICROspikes can determine how long they will last.
In addition, durability is also important because if your MICROspikes are not good enough, they might break while using. Therefore, it’s better to buy the durable best-hiking MICROspikes so that you don’t have to replace them in the future.
Points
Points come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and quantities. They should, however, be positioned strategically under the sole to provide multidirectional traction.
Furthermore, proper alignment of the points is required for improved support. In terms of placement, horizontally positioned points are best for everyday walking, while steeply placed points are best for steep climbs.
FAQs
What is hiking MICROspikes?
Hiking MICROspikes is a traction device that can be strapped onto the bottom of shoes for use in icy and snowy conditions. They are very lightweight and easy to put on, making them an excellent choice for those who hike often.
Can you use MICROspikes on trail runners?
MICROspikes are designed to be used on hiking boots, but it is easy for people to try them on trail runners. Trail runners are typically made of lighter materials, and they don’t have the same traction as hiking boots. Trail running enthusiasts should not use MICROspikes unless they want to increase the weight of their shoes or need more traction on technical trails.
Exospikes vs. Microspikes Comparison
Exospikes are more effective than Microspikes for traction on ice and snow. They are also less expensive and come in different sizes, so they are more popular among mountaineers.
Exospikes are like spikes on your shoes that help you walk on ice or snow. They work by providing grip for your footwear to make it easier for you to walk on slippery surfaces. Exospikes come in different sizes and shapes, but the most popular ones have three spikes per foot.
As the name suggests, Microspikes have smaller spikes that provide better grip than exospikes. However, they cannot provide as much traction as exospikes because of their size and shape; this is why they’re less effective.
Microspikes vs. Crampons Comparison
Microspikes are an alternative to crampons for those who don’t want to hike in heavy snow with metal spikes strapped to their boots. Microspikes are lightweight and easy to put on and take off. They also allow you to walk on ice without slipping or sliding. you can use Microspikes as a substitute for crampons in most situations.
Crampons come with metal spikes that attach to the bottom of your boots, giving you better traction when hiking or climbing in snowy conditions. They provide a better grip than microspikes. We have written a comprehensive article on the Crampons vs. Microspikes comparison for an in-depth guide.
Conclusion
We hope that we were able to assist you in searching for the best winter hiking spikes. Keep in mind that, as we already stated, each product on our list has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. After extensive testing, every product’s description was prepared, so you don’t have to buy each one. It is also essential for you to do your research before making any decision.
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