Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction for Winter Trail Hiking & Ice Mountaineering

Im a huge fan of YakTrax, but I bought these for those times in Michigan when the sidewalks are not just snowy, but icy. I pulled them out after an ice storm recently, and they worked like magic! Really the only way I could tell it was at all slick out was from the skid marks I could see on the thin layer of snow on top of the ice where other people had obviously slipped. The grip of the spikes is nothing short of incredible. My main complaint is that after only an hour and a half of wear, I wore through the chains on the back part of the product (where it fits over the heels of my hiking boots). Since the spikes are so amazing, Ill look into having the chains on this part of the product replaced, but I am disappointed that they wore through so quickly.

I have had these for about 3 years, and they are AWESOME. I live in Salt Lake City, and use these for winter hiking (more than I use my snowshoes). I feel more secure and stable hiking in these than I do in regular hiking boots on dry ground. You can hike up steep hills on a sheet of ice and with absolutely no slipping. They are also very easy to get on and off, and fit easily into a backpack. I will never use any other brand.

Very easy to pull onto boot as needed. Provided excellent traction for glacier travel and also on solid ice next to waterfalls.

I love them!!!

These are essential for hiking in foot packed trails including ice. They are awesome. Excellent for running or hiking. I always am asked by others in the trail where can I buy those?

Ive had these for several years and they are awesome when you need them. They are too aggressive for mild ice, but serious snow and ice they work great. Ive done some trail running in them, but they tend to hurt the bottoms of my feet when I do this. Ive had no problems with them staying on my boots/shoes. Great item to own if you like to get out for hikes in the winter. If you just need some traction around town Id go with Yak Tracks

My first experience with Microspikes was in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in early February. From the parking lot, which was a sheet of ice, to the Franconia Ridge, the Microspikes did not let me down. I was able to hike up the Falling Waters trail without incident. This trail is extremely steep at places and the icy rocks near several waterfalls can be very dangerous. Never once did I slip. I was actually amazed that they worked so well and there was no need for full crampons. If you read a few winter trail reports, youll see that Microspikes seem to be the de facto light traction device for the mountains of New Hampshire. Now, I know why. My only problem with the product was that I originally ordered the large size for my size 13 boots. Far too small. However, the x-large size fit perfectly without any movement on the boots or adjustments required while hiking.

I was a big fan of Yak Trax. I decided to try these when my Yaks finally broke. These are far, far grippier and far more rugged construction. They are more pricey as well, but worth every penny when you need or want to walk in icy conditions.

Im updating this review because I did another 10 miles this Saturday. It was very icy and I dealt with these migrating quite a bit on foot, and they fell off my boot several times. I ordered a medium and wear a mens 9.5 so the sizing should be right. After inspecting my gear when I got home, I noticed that one of the links failed. If I only got a season out of them I could deal with that, but they have to hold up better than 20 miles before failing on me.

Nice product, way over priced!