Kahtoola MicroSpikes Traction System

Walking on ice is so easy now
March 13, 2012

This winter Vermont received a lot less snow than usual. In addition, temperatures were much warmer than normal. Since it still drops below freezing most nights, perfect conditions existed for extensive ice slicks on all hiking trails. My YakTrax Pro's could not hold up to heavy use. They fell apart after my fourth outing. They are also not durable enough for hiking over uneven terrain with lots of snags. Most important, YakTrax's do not provide a sure grip on thick ice over uneven surfaces. After reading reviews and watching what was worn by the serious hikers, I purchased a pair of MicroSpikes. I can't say enough about the stability and grip these provide, even on serious ice. I used to crab around on all fours just to get around the edges of smooth ice flows on steep trails. Now I confidently walk upright straight across the ice. MicroSpikes are easy on and off. They have never slipped off my boots or showed wear. Just be sure you remove them before walking on hardwood floors! If you are dealing with serious ice, MicroSpikes are the best solution.

Great traction on ice/snow
February 12, 2012

Have been using Kahtoola Microspikes for 3-4 winters now - running and hiking mountain trails several times/week. My spikes have worn down to nubbins, so time to replace with a new pair, and no hesitation whatsoever on what to buy ... same thing! Great traction on glare ice as well as packed/slippery snow. These enable one to run year-round on mtn trails, and we easily justify the cost as being cheaper than a trip to the orthopod's office for an xray/cast... and MUCH cheaper than being out of commission for weeks/months/or permanently from an injury!!

Worth the $!
February 09, 2012

My hiking friends RAVED about these, but I thought they were too expensive. When a friend slipped & broke her wrist while wearing another brand of traction shoe covers, I decided to invest in a pair of Kahtoolas for a Pikes Peak hike. I didn't think I'd need them, but I took them along "just in case", as it was supposed to snow. We hiked up on a gorgeous fall day, spent the night @ Barr Camp & woke up to a FOOT of snow, that was falling FAST!! We hiked down in a full-blown WINTER blizzard!! These were AMAZING in the snow & then the slush #no slippage# & then the mud #as we descended, it got warmer#. They're so easy to take along! I always hook them onto my pack with a caribiner, just in case, in the fall/winter/spring in Colorado! I used them on the icy trail up to the Palmer Lake Reseriors & didn't slip once! I ordered a set for each of my family members! If you don't want to fall, you want a pair of these!! I wear size 11 women's shoes & the mediums fit on my hiking boots, tennis shoes, & winter boots. I ordered my hubby a size Large for his 10.5 shoes, for shoveling the driveway & steep hill where we live. I have NO regrets on this purchase!! Altrec.com had the best price, by far, & fast #& free!# delivery!!

Microspikes
February 07, 2012

Just purchased these microspikes after my friend highly recommended them. We hike our local ski mountain, from base to top of gondola, and this product really grips the hard-pack and icy ski slopes. I have used other brands to hike up the mountain and have had difficulty getting adequate traction on the steep inclines. Not with these. No problem climbing the steeps! They are a big hit in our town...the local ski stores cannot keep all the sizes in stock. Another friend borrowed them and she loved them also. She is going to purchase them soon. These micospikes are great! I haven't come across any cons regarding this product, only pros!

ice fishing
January 31, 2012

great for ice fishing and any slippery surface!!!! size is true to boot size, but if your wearing moon boots get the XL's. I would buy again because the cheep ones dont last and do not provide the grip needed or as they claim. These will be the only spikes I will buy from now on!!!

Perfect for winter/spring like conditions
January 29, 2012

Got these to replace a pair of stabilicers that were not working out for me. Used them 2x now on icy conditions. Great grip on ice, stay on boots, easy to put on and off. Nice to have when crampons are too much and barebooting is not a good choice either.

Best decision
January 28, 2012

The microSpikes traction system was the best decision I made in regards to hiking. They make hiking in the winter time when the trails are icy and snowpack more enjoyable. The microSpikes provide great grip on the ice, yet they are light weight and easy to put on and off.

excellent!!!
January 27, 2012

It's lightweight, and very easy for put-on/take-off. I tried it on my Vasque boots and Merrell trailing shoes, both worked well. This system is perfect with icy trail without too much steepness. I tried it on the trail at Mt. Baldy, which has a fairly challenge route, both for distance and steepness. The performance was great, no fall-off, no slippery. Strongly recommend for this item.

MicroSpikes
January 23, 2012

THese are by far the best ice traction system out there. I have tried many of their predecessors and these out do them all. THe yaktrax were the best thing going until I tried these.

MicroSpikes
January 13, 2012

I was a winter hiker in New Hampshire for 30 years. Now that I hike in Georgia in the winter I needed something less agressive and these work great. I had tried the Yaktracs and was not impressed with their quality.

You need this on ice
January 07, 2012

To date, there is little snow but plenty of ice on the trails in the New England White Mountains. Ice patches can extend 30 feet and more, where slipping could mean an unwanted quick decent. The MicroSpikes take the worry out and provide reasonably sure footing. They are surprising comfortable even when climbing on rock. I understand, however, that frequent travel on non-ice surfaces cause the spikes to wear, requiring that they be resharpened. No winter hiking for me withhout these spikes!

Great for hiking; ok for running
January 06, 2012

I bought these MicroSpikes to replace YakTrax, which I have used for years and was always disappointed that they did not grab well on ice and seemed to wear out before the season was through. I ran five miles on the MicroSpikes this morning and was most impressed by their traction on very icy portions of the trail, but they seemed a bit of overkill when much of the trail was hard-packed snow or frozen mud. They seem much better built and it seems that they will last longer than YakTrax. I've also purchased a pair of IceTrekkers, and they seem to be just the ticket for running - a bit less of a profile than the MicroSpikes, but seem very grabby on ice, i.e., a better choice for running. The MicroSpikes will be great for hiking.

Kahtoola MicroSpikes
January 04, 2012

I ordered the Kahtoola MicroSpikes they are a great product I am going to order a nother pair they fit my shoes great I feel really comfortable wearing. Altrec is a great place to shop

Must have for winter
November 04, 2011

I am very impressed with these, they really helped me from sliding over the icy surface, I used them to walk my dog in the past winter and felt great and secure without fear of falling on slippery pavement.

April 13, 2011

My husband and I have been going to Mt. Baldy every weekend past two years and MicroSpikes is one thing that we always take with us since it snowed on the mountain. Whether we are hiking into 10" deep fresh snow or icy trail, the MicroSpikes worked so effectively: They are so easy to slip on and off, very light in weight, and much safer to manage (vs crampons). Every step you take you physically feel how those spikes gripping into the snow and ice making the steps stable and non-slippery. We took a mountaineering class few weeks back and one of the instructors was also wearing the red MicroSpikes just like mine and we both agreed that this was one of the most valuable pieces of equipments during the winter hike.

MicroSpikes - Meduim
March 30, 2011

So far so good. I'm happy to say that they stay more secure than expected. They provide great grip and durability and are also relatively easy to get on and off. The build quality of the metal spikes and chains are much better than the Yaktrax XTR, which failed on me during a moderate climb. The only issue I have found is the snow build up underneath while using in sticky conditions, which requires you to stop once and a while and stomp if off.

could not be happier
March 18, 2011

I purchased these to help hike front range mountains in Boulder Colorado. The snow at higher elevations gets packed into ice that stays on the trail for a LONG time. I could not be happier with them, they made the 45 degree ice near the summit a piece of cake. I was hiking with my brother in law and he was having a very hard time without traction aids. I would watch him struggle to find traction to go for 20 feet or so and then I would easily walk up to his location. On the way down we each took one and just lead with that foot. I purchased a medium even though I wear a size 10 and they fit very well. I can put them on and take them off quickly standing but they always feel secure while hiking. I would recommend buying on the smaller side of the size chart.

Seems Well Made
March 04, 2011

Haven't had the chance to try them on real ice and packed snow yet. They look and feel much more sturdy than other products (Yaktrax) I've used in the past. I order a medium and they fit my size 10.5W Asolo boots just fine.

Love those Microspikes
March 02, 2011

This was my first winter of doing trail racing and it happened to be the snowiest winter in about 15 years. Early on, I tried Yaktracs but they were a problem. They kept slipping around on my shoe, forcing me to stop in the middle of the race and re-adjust them. Finally, in an exceptionally tough race through snow about 6 inches deep with a crust of ice, one of the Yatracs fell apart. I tried the Microspikes in my next race - a half marathon on course that was basically a sheet of compressed ice. They worked amazingly well. I had great traction on the ice and didn't have to stop once to adjust them.

When walking the dogs ...
February 24, 2011

The micro spikes really come in handy this winter. I walked my dogs a couple of times by snow and ice. After I fell everytime, because my pooches dragged my in all kinds of directions, I decided to spend some money on these spikes. Last winter I already discovered them, but the price kind of made me hold off on it. Now I am very happy that I got them. They are easy to use, very durablable. Yes, they are pricey, but they are worth it and by bones.

Excellent!
February 22, 2011

Used for the first time at a frozzzzen Lodgepole campground in the Sequoias. Camped for the weekend and the Mircospikes were prefect for walking the icey ground. Easy to put on over my larger winter boots, secure and no slipage. The metal chains and triangular spikes look and feel strong and appear to be good quality. I'll rate Quality & Duribility higher after I've used them over a season or two and they prove themself... So far outatanding!

MicroSpikes
February 13, 2011

These are great, easy on and off with no straps to slip while walking. Would recommend to any who hikes in the ice and snow. I own some other product and they slip and slide on my feet while walking.

These are AMAZING!
February 08, 2011

These MicroSpikes live up to every word in the product description. I have used them on my daily walk around the neighborhood and hiking in snow and ice. It is so fantastic to know that you will not slip, no matter how slick the ice or how steep the incline. Absolutely amazing. Everyone should have a pair. Very durable. Fit perfectly. Awesome performance.

I love them!
February 04, 2011

These Kahtoolas are fantastic! Far superior to all the other ice grippers that I have used (I've had them all). You can hike with confidence - you are NOT going to slip with these babies. Just stretch them onto your boots and they won't slip off. This is the last traction system that I will have to buy.

MICROSPIKES
February 03, 2011

I had the second opportunity to try my new spikes today on a short hike in northern Idaho. The trail was a mixture of bare dirt in places and in others ice from snow that had melted and frozen over the trail. You either leapfrogged side-to-side where there was ice or walked straight ahead on it. With the Kahtoola spikes I was able to walk anywhere on the trail, saving energy and feeling confident my traction wasn't at risk when I was on ice. The spikes are big and provide great traction. I have a pair of cheaper ice grippers I've used on trails and for slippery sidewalks/streets, but they are no match for these.The Kahtoolas provide a confident grip on ice and the wrap-over design on your boot provides assurance they won't slip off. I wear them on hiking boots and ordered accordingly. My boot is a 9.5 and men's mediums work fine. Quality of construction appears fine and the cleats are marked to identify the front from back.

Great buy
January 30, 2011

Excellent cleat and very easy to put on. Held very well and very comfortable. This was the best price I found and arrived in the time given on the website. I would pruchase again.

Traction Plus
January 24, 2011

Microspikes work! I have tried many different traction devices over the years - microspikes are the most sure footed easiest to use devices on the market that I've found for winter hiking and walking on ice. They grip as well as any crampons I have used in a lifetime of mountaineering are lightweight and slip on and off very easily. Perfect for icy conditions.

All That I Hoped For
January 21, 2011

I bought these for beaten in trails with little to no exposure. When I put them on I noticed my speed increase. They will get you to where need to use crampons or snowshoes but in no way to the replace the latter on exposed trails or steep slopes. They will be added to my winter arsenal of traction devices. I can see carrying them along with snowshoes and crampons on some trips.

January 19, 2011

Great purchase, easy to use great for all ages. Used for winter hiking as well as icy roads.

I did not slip while snowblowing my driveway!
January 17, 2011

Bought this product soon after the blizzard of 2010, as NJ was expected to get more snow soon. In lastest snow storm I did not slip on my icy driveway whle pushing a 70 lbs Toro snow blower. The XL size fits properly over my insulated rubber boots as well as my hiking shoes. So far so good.

MicroSpikes Traction System
January 17, 2011

Always one of the best options for better traction in winter weather. I use this on ice - snow - anything with no issues.

Just in time
January 16, 2011

I had seen these on several photos of friends that were hiking on the snow. Well, I saw enough and knew I had to have them. I ordered them just after Christmas and had them in less than a week. On New Years Day , I hiked a well known mountain in N.H. The trails were packed snow and the rocks were ice covered. I hiked about 1 mile before I decided to put the spikes on. Wow, what a difference. No slipping and sliding, just walking with confidence.I won't leave home without them,they will be in my pack from now on !!

Sound purchase
January 16, 2011

So easy to put on and take off you tend to use them more. Crampons are a pain but microspikes are not a replacement. You should have both.

Punctured the soles of new backpacking boots.
January 15, 2011

When I first saw these, I thought it was great product, the reviews were great for this item. I tried them on, made sure I installed them correctly, they fit perfectly, tested them outside during a snow storm, they worked very well, despite sometimes feeling the like the spikes were shifting around and my balance would be thrown off. What I loved from them, the fit was great and secure. They would not slip off and seem very well built, no cheap manufacturing. They had great traction on snow and ice, but were kind of wobbly feeling. I loved them right away since the traction was great.. However once I got home, and took them off, I went to clean the bottom of boots and I was shocked to see that they were a set of what appeared to be puncture wounds where the Microspikes plates were located. I was upset that a brand new pair of expensive backpacking boots were nearly ruined. Thankfully they puncture marks weren't very large or deep. No doubt, if I kept using these any longer, I would had ruined my boots within a short amount of time. I have some theories on why this happened. I might get flamed or called crazy but I think the design of these are flawed: 1. There isn't any decent load distribution support for the spikes, (such as a bigger plate) the spike plates are very small and this can create pressure points on the sole of any boot. 2. Since there isn't a load distribution plate for the spikes, they are prone to rolling over and possibly inverting, which can create punctures or wear on the sole. This can happen when going over rougher areas under the snow, varying terrain, such as exposed rock with snow, sheet or black ice area, or snow under very hard ice, and using them on very long hikes/walks. 3. There's only 2 spikes on the heel area, which kind of makes the balance wobbly and these are very likely to shift. 4. These seem like they'll work better on flatter soles, then ones with deeper or aggressive treading or lugs which are usually found on some backpacking boots. If your boots have aggressive or deep lugs, these would most likely end up causing pressure points on the sole due to the lack of a bigger, more stable plate for the spikes to distribute the weight. (A system using hinged one piece plate ring design would had been much better. ) Maybe mine was defective, but I wouldn't wear them again since I don't want to keep putting holes in my boots, so I am going to return them.

January 10, 2011

Product was shipped quickly. Item is very good quality. Would recommend to anyone.

Kahtoola vs. YakTrax
January 04, 2011

My friend and I literally bought our ice traction systems within a few days of each other for a snow hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He bought the new YakTrax XTR's (the ones with the spikes, not the coils) and after reading reviews I bought the Kahtoola's. The Yaktrax were broken within the first 2.5 miles (one foot) and that was after adjusting them 4 or 5 times because they kept slipping off. After another 3 miles the OTHER Yaktrax broke!! The Kahtoola's worked like a champ. Never had to adjust them and after 12 miles of walking in ice and knee deep snow they still look brand new. Needless to say my buddy was very angry. Thank goodness we hadn't encountered any exposed rock on our hike. We would have literally had to have one of us hike over the ice and throw the Kahtoola's back to the other so they could get through. Anything Yaktrax makes is junk, this is obvious from the reviews they get. These Kahtoola's are the real deal! The Kahtoola's will build snow if you walk though a stream and back into snow but once they dry out they're fine.

January 02, 2011

GREAT PRODUCT! VERY EASY TO PUT ON (SIZE 10 BOOT AND ORDER A MED.) THEY ARE EASY TO PACK, LIGHT AND ARE GREAT WHEN YOUR HIKING AND CONDITIONS ARE ICE OVER.

MicroSpikes are mighty good
December 30, 2010

As luck would have it, we had snow two days after I purchased the MicroSpikes. They fit perfectly and I didn't slip once, even on the steep incline of my driveway. Quality material--Good stuff.

December 14, 2010

I use these microspikes to run on ice and snow covered roads. They provide great traction especially on ice. Wet snow will build up on the bottom of the shoe sometimes. Works better on dry snow or snow that has been compacted down. I did have a problem with one off the links breaking, but Kahtoola fixed it with no charge, even though it was a couple months out of warranty. Overall, I would highly recommend these , and I would buy them again.

Very good design and grip.
December 11, 2010

Used these 4 times now and impressions are very favorable. Have used on hikes in the Rocky Mountains of between 6 and 10 miles on mostly packed snow trails with occasional rocky sections. Grip has been very good and construction appears very solid and durable. Had previously worn through 3 pairs of Yaktrax Pro's and the MicroSpikes design has eliminated the fatal design flaw of the Yaktrax in that no part of the rubber binding construction is underfoot, only the steel chains and spikes, so should be much more durable. Also the MicroSpikes are considerably easier to put on than the Yaktrax. One small thing I would change would be to put an additional pair of spikes towards the rear of the heel. There is currently only one pair of spikes under the heel and these are placed fairly well forward - when descending a slope the rear of the heel is typically the part of the foot hitting first. Saying that I have not noticed a problem with grip when descending yet so it is probably a pretty minor complaint.