These gripes aside, the Microspikes put it all together better than most, which is what earns them our top billing for the 2023-2024 season. We’ve found it pretty easy to stomp off, but it’s nevertheless an annoyance and fairly common in sloppy conditions. And despite the moderately wide chains connecting the spikes, soft and wet snow still has a tendency to ball up underfoot. Further, the spikes are so sharp that running can be a little scary, especially if you’re prone to clipping your inside heel with the other foot on occasion (we tend to do this on longer runs when we’re tired). First and foremost, the crampon-like build is best used in the backcountry and is overkill for around-town wear. That said, there are a few compromises with the Kahtoola’s more aggressive design. And despite a fairly middling weight of just under 12 ounces per pair, the Microspikes pack away quite small and easily disappear into a daypack. Grip is fantastic while hiking and trail running-we were even able to cross a huge log coated in wet ice below a waterfall with full confidence. The 12 stainless steel spikes are moderately deep, burly enough to withstand regular use and abuse, and offer standout traction on steep and icy terrain. What we don’t: Sharp spikes are overkill for use around town soft and wet snow tends to cake up.įor many hikers, the best winter traction devices balance reliable grip, toughness, and compressibility for stuffing away in a pack, and Kahtoola’s Microspikes check all those boxes emphatically. What we like: Tough, packable, and standout traction on steep and icy terrain. Traction: 12 stainless steel spikes (0.38 in.) Best Non-Technical Crampon for Alpine Use: Hillsound Trail Crampon Proīest Overall Winter Traction Device 1.Versatile Design for City and Trail: Yaktrax Diamond Grip.Best Traction Device for Winter Running: Kahtoola Nanospikes. Best Budget Traction Device: Yaktrax Walk.Best Overall Traction Device: Kahtoola Microspikes.For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. From ubiquitous and everyday-friendly Yaktrax to technical, crampon-like offerings for more demanding backcountry pursuits, we break down the top traction devices of the 2023-2024 season. Traction designs range from deep spikes to lower-profile coils and studs, each of which has its strong suits for certain types of terrain and activities. Winter traction devices go by a variety of names-including microspikes, snow grips, ice cleats, and more-but the goal is the same: to provide reliable and consistent grip on snowy and icy surfaces.
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