6 Best Microspikes for Hiking- 2023 Review by Physical Therapist
Curious about buying the best microspikes for hiking on the market? I’m not a fan of falling but I hate carrying lots of things hiking, so I’ve put together my list of the best ultralight microspikes for hiking to help you decide what is best for you.
To gain more traction on icy and snowy paths on your magical winter hikes (or even just a walk to your mailbox), a simple winter traction device called “microspikes” can save you from falling.
What are Microspikes?
- They slip on easily over your favorite shoes, trail running shoes or boots & basically act as ice grippers.
- Hiking spikes are lighter & more flexible than traditional crampons.
- They reduce risk of falls
If you want to do some early season hikes at high elevation these can really increase your chances of success.
Video Best Ultralight Microspikes for Hiking
In the past 18 years of physical therapy practice, I’ve seen too many patients with bad ankle sprains (and even worse) from falls on ice that were preventable with a pair of microspikes.
I also wished that I had them when I was hiking in the Austrian Alps in mid-June (also a nice GPS hiking watch would have helped). I had to turn around on a spectacular path because there were still snowy sections that required microspikes. Watch my video below of the ultralight microspikes (black diamond blitz) pair I got for the 2023 late fall Alps hiking season.
The best micropsikes on the market according to hikers who report they've had them for 10 + years. Kahtoolas are well-made and continue to be durable and prevent falls for years.
- Best for people who want serious traction on ice, snow and treacherous hiking trails in the winter.
- Easily slip over the top of your normal boots, running shoes or trail runner shoes.
✅Pros: Lightweight harness, Glove Friendly, Dynamic flex chain avoid snowballing
▶️12 spikes 3/8 inch length made of durable hardened stainless steel
🛑Cons: More expensive, but ideal for people who only want to buy once
These microspikes comes in black or red colors.
Best Microspikes for Hiking
I’ve included an in-depth review of various kinds of “microspikes” that help you safely stay active with your hiking and fitness goals in winter.
Read until the end, where you’ll find our interview with outdoor running coach Dave Taylor. He gives a free tutorial on how to make your own DIY microspikes.
These are the top-rated microspikes currently on the market in the USA and EU:
| Image | Product | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The best on the market, hikers report they've had them for 10 + years and they continue to work great.
| Check Current Price | |
 | At only 57 grams, this easy to slip on elastic toe and heel webbing gives you good purchase on snow and ice with a minimalist feel to stay light and fast.
| Check Current Price | |
 | Made for rough terrain and difficult winter conditions in the backcountry. With a velcro strap and ergonomic plate system they offer comfort and significant traction.
| Check Current Price | |
 | Instead of a metal spike, the Yaktrax employs a metal coil to help you grip on ice and packed snow. The system helps shed snowballs.
| Check Current Price | |
 | Performs like a hybrid between microspike and crampon offering excellent stability even hiking or running downhill in packed snow and ice and over rocks.
| Check Current Price | |
 | Less "spike" and more stud, these low profile traction devices help you get great traction but don't force you into an unnatural footfall.
| Check Current Price |
Best Microspikes for Hiking Comparison Chart
Hiking Spikes for Hiking Boots, Shoes or Trail Running Shoes
REI Microspikes, Amazon Microspikes, Amazon EU, Eastern Mountain Sports
Here’s a quick comparison of all the best microspikes I’ve reviewed in this article.
The aim of this article is to talk you through all the features and considerations that go into choosing the best winter traction devices. I’ve only included the products that I love and that have a proven reputation of being a sound investment for hiking.
Overall Best Microspikes
Best Traction Device
Kahtoola Microspikes
What do hikers think?
The best traction device on the market, hikers report they’ve had them for 10 + years and they continue to work great.
Best for people who want serious traction on ice, snow and treacherous hiking trails in the winter.
✅ Pros: Lightweight harness, Glove Friendly, Dynamic flex chain avoid snowballing
▶️ 12 spikes 3/8 inch length made of durable hardened stainless steel
🛑 Cons: More expensive, but ideal for people who only want to buy once
Best Microspikes Hiking
Black Diamond Distance
Spike Traction Device
What do hikers think?
These Black Diamond microspikes perform like a hybrid between microspike and crampon offering excellent stability even hiking or running downhill in packed snow and ice and over rocks.
Best for people who want to tackle some serious elevation gains in winter conditions.
✅ Pros: Lightweight harness, Glove Friendly, Dynamic flex chain avoid snowballing
▶️ 14 spikes .31 inch length made of heat treated stainless steel.
🛑 Cons: More expensive, but ideal for people who only want to buy once
Best Ultralight Microspikes
Black Diamond Blitz Spike
Traction Device
What do hikers think?
The best microspikes are often the lightest. At only 57 grams, this kahtoola microspikes traction system is easy to slip on elastic toe and heel webbing gives you good purchase on snow and ice with a minimalist feel to stay light and fast.
Best for people who like a fast pace and hate heavy footwear on icy roads, snowy single track and light scrambling.
✅ Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, durable stainless steel spikes.
▶️ 6 forefoot only spikes 1/3 inch.
🛑 Cons: No heel grips.
Best Running Microspikes
Kahtoola Nanospikes
What do hikers think?
Kahtoola microspikes review: These are less “spike” and more stud, these low profile traction devices help you get great traction but don’t force you into an unnatural footfall, think “running crampons”.
Best for people who like microspikes for running or get uncomfortable with larger spikes.
✅ Pros: Shock absorbing cleats around studs, Glove friendly, flexible plate, kahtoola microspikes sizing is easy and simple.
▶️ 10 spikes .21 inch length made of tungsten carbide.
🛑 Cons: Shortest spikes, not best hiking spikes, better for running.
Best Backpacking
Hillsound Trail Crampon
What do hikers think?
Hillsound trail crampons microspikes are made for rough terrain and difficult winter conditions in the backcountry. With a velcro strap and ergonomic plate system they offer comfort and significant traction with the stainless steel chains with spikes attached under your foot.
Best for people who want a really secure feel to get deep into icy and snowy trails and wear over boots.
✅ Pros: Velcro strap for great and easy fit around any boot, Glove friendly, ergonomic flexible bottom plate for excellent boot spikes
▶️ 11 spikes .66 inch length made of heat treated carbon steel.
🛑 Cons: Snow balling around longer spikes, not great for trail running shoes
Best Budget Microspikes
Yaktrax Pro
Microspikes vs Yaxtrax?
Instead of a metal spike, the Yaktrax employs a metal coil to help you grip on ice and packed snow. The system helps shed snowballs.
Best for people who hike to the mailbox or walk to the dog on slippery pavement or roads.
✅ Pros: Lightweight coil, inexpensive at $21-30 per per, great for paved roads and sidewalks
🛑 Cons: Least amount of traction of all reviewed
Expert Review & Tips to DIY Your Own Microspikes
From Outdoor Coach Dave Taylor of Fell Running Guide, on the safety & benefits of running and hiking outdoors on uneven terrain in winter and how to save money by making your own microspikes.
What is a Winter Traction Device?
”A winter traction device or spikes is a device that is usually attached to your normal footwear that will help give grip and make it possible to walk or run safely on icy surfaces. As an alternative I have adapted these running shoes specifically so that I can continue running when conditions are icy underfoot.”
Are microspikes just for runners?
“However, anyone could use them not just runners. For example, people who just wanted to feel a bit safer when walking in icy conditions. Non runners could do the same with a pair of walking boots, hiking boots or training shoes.”
Are the best ultralight microspikes the ones you buy or make?
“I made them myself for a couple of reasons. I already have some purpose made “micro spikes” but they aren’t particularly comfortable to run in so I wanted something better.”
“Secondly, I had a spare pair of running shoes that I could use for the DIY task.”
”You certainly don’t need to be particularly skilled to make your own pair, nor do you need any specialist tools, just a screwdriver.
Making your own is a lot cheaper than buying a ready-made pair!”
What are the benefits of being and moving Outdoors, even in bad conditions?
“Running outdoors in nature on a cold winter day can be wonderful. Fresh air, blue skies and sunshine whilst being away from the busy city is good for both physical and mental health.”
Not everyone has access to a gym and might not be able to justify the cost of membership if they are only going to visit a few times a year when the weather is bad. Gyms do have their place when the weather is really bad but a little bit of ice underfoot shouldn’t stop you from running outdoors!”
Check out Dave’s website to make your own DIY best microspikes.
Why we hike in the winter.
Tips & Considerations When Buying Microspikes
I was inspired to write this guide after a trip to Chamonix, France. Under Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, the town is lined with slate grey and mustard colored gorgeous apartments, hotels, bars and restaurants.
Slippery sidewalks connect the entire town because it’s built for pedestrians as parking is impossible, and most people walk and use the bus.
I wondered if there was a lot of business for physical therapists here because the walking areas were quite slippery, I almost fell 5 times in my ski boots just getting to the lifts.
The guy working at the ski rental shop introduced me to microspikes – such an elegant and simple solution. It reminds me of the “spikes” I used to wear running cross country in college, but easy on/easy off for hiking, or really any shoes.
Simple Gear to Avoid Falls and Move Faster on Ice & Snow
Ease of Use
You’ll likely be wearing gloves or mittens while using winter traction devices.
Being able to take them off and on easily will be appreciated as your terrain will likely vary on longer hikes and this means you’ll be taking them on and off periodically.
Similar to walking sticks, sometimes you need them, and sometimes you don’t.
Versatility
Do you want traction cleats for running, walking, hiking, or simply going to the mailbox without slipping?
Durability
The word on the hiking groups is that the coils tend to break easily. They don’t tend to collect snow as much, but if you’re an avid hiker you’ll likely be putting more pressure on the spikes and you should consider this in your buying decision.
Traction
More is not always better. Consider your distance and frequency goals and they types of surfaces you go over. If it’s a lot of slick pavement shorter spikes may be better vs windy dirt single track where longer spikes can dig in effectively. Similarly, if you are a fast hiker or runner, forefoot only spikes may be better.
Comfort
Ahh, the thing we all strive for – – happy feet. This is up to you to find your special sauce.
Other Ways to Stay Safe on Ice
You can use trekking poles or keep a solar charger for hiking on you in order to have additional support and safety.
Youtube Ultralight Microspikes
FAQ Best Microspikes
Ice Cleat vs Ice Gripper vs Microspike vs Micro Spike vs Snow Grip?
These are all terms for the same basic device that attaches to your shoe or boot and gives you the traction you need to walk or run safely. The intended surfaces include icy and packed snow trails or roads, but not vertical ice climbs.
Type of Device: Crampons vs Microspikes?
Heavy duty crampons and glacier trekking are beyond the scope of this article. For winter mountaineering that requires vertical climbs and more treacherous conditions, crampons are likely a better choice.
For those wanting safety on their walks, trail runs, or hiking in the backcountry, microspikes should fit your goals.
Proper Fit
Each recommended microspike snow grips has a full sizing guide listed on it’s product page.
How do I put microspikes on my shoes?
All of the ice traction devices we considered have a stretchy elastomer strap connected to metal spikes or coil underfoot to fit over your existing boots, shoes, or trail shoes.
If you’re looking to walk in deep snow, consider snowshoes.
Hiking in Winter
Thanks for reading about the best microspikes on the market! Make winter a gorgeous season of hiking and Nature!
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.
I hope you enjoyed this best microspikes buying guide!