A microspike is a device designed to improve traction on ice and snow. These are small devices that attach to shoes’ soles and help users walk on the ice faster. You can also use microspikes on the rocky surfaces to get a grip on the ground. These devices also protect the shoes from lousy weather elements keeping your shoes in excellent condition. Stability is a big problem while walking on ice and snow. Microspikes feature spikes that penetrate through the ice to offer excellent stability.
If you are in search for the best microspikes for hiking, you have come to the right place. I have reviewed 7 best microspikes for hiking in the market to help you make a wise buying decision. Please read my review and choose the microspikes that best suits your needs and desires.
We are going to review following Best Microspikes for hiking in this article.
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Quick Gear Recommendation
Below is a list of our favourite hiking gear that you check quickly if in hurry. Scroll down to read the rest of the article.
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- Best Shorts: Tru-spec Men’s 24-7 Series Tactical Shorts
- Best Jackets For Cold Weather: The North Face Men’s Insulated Jacket
- Best Gloves: Mountain Made 2.0 Genesis Gloves
- Best Shoes For Flat Feet: Salomon Men’s Quest Hiking Boots
- Best Boots Under 100: Keen Men’s Targhee Ii Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
- Best Insoles: Timberland Pro Men’s Anti-fatigue Insole
- Best Boots For Overpronation: Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Hiking Boot
- Best Boots Under 50: Sanearde Men’s Hiking Boots Insulated Hiker
- Best Compact Binoculars: Carson 3d Series Hd Waterproof Binoculars
- Best Knife: Opinel Stainless Steel Folding Knives
- Best First Aid Kit: First Aid Only 299 Piece
- Best Fanny Pack: Osprey Talon 6 Men’s Lumbar Hiking Pack
- Best Dog Backpack Carrier: Petami Pet Carrier Backpack For Dogs
- Best Microspikes: Kahtoola Microspikes Footwear Traction
But first, lets get to important factors you need to look at when buying microspikes for hiking:
Choosing the Best Microspikes for Hiking
If you are an outdoor fan who likes to climb during the winter, you know that the microspikes are an essential part of your trekking equipment. Microspikes provide security, stability, and comfort when hiking or walking on the complex surfaces such as those filled with ice or snow.
Therefore, buying the best microspikes for your unique needs should be your top priority. Before ordering microspikes, ensure that you have checked the following features in the product.
Proper Fitting
Choose the right size that suits the footwear without causing discomfort. The belt or chain should not vibrate during walking.
Material
Microspikes come in a variety of materials. It will help if you chose a microspike based on your needs. If you need microspikes for jogging, choose one that is comfortable that has full support.
Durability
You will give the pressure of your entire body in the microspikes. So, choose a durable one to avoid breaking down the braces.
Comfortable
With quality materials in microspikes, you also need to ensure comfort. If you are going to use microspikes in different conditions, the comfortable product is essential.
Review of the Best Microspikes for Hiking
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for Walking
Yaktrax makes slip-on traction devices for running and walking shoes. It is a superb choice for a winter day when you are likely to encounter ice and easily pack with you if you need them. They slip on over regular shoes or boots to provide extra traction on icy surfaces. The makers made the traction surface from steel coils around natural rubber, rather than spiked cleats. The Yaktrax Pro improves on the original Yaktrax Walker design by having a Velcro strap across the top to prevent losing a slip-on while walking.
The makers also made the harness, holding the coils to the shoe’s bottom with heavy-duty rubber. The harness comes in four available sizes, but the harness is elastic enough so you can fit onto the boot with ease. The adjustable strap means even with all the gloves and protective layers you wear, you can adjust accordingly to ensure a secure fit.
Pros
- Steel coils to keep you stable
- Attractive design with adjustable straps
- Great traction
- Comfortable
- Great for winter hiking
- The sturdy grip on ice and snow
Cons
- Only available in four sizes
Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction
The Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System is one of the best microspikes for hiking in the market. It is especially useful when traveling on ice. However, you can use it to add traction in snow or loose soil. Using microspikes makes it flexible and easier to use when transitioning from areas that need microspikes to places that do not need microspikes. You can put on when you hike and keep them until you reach your destination.
The makers made these microspikes with stainless steel, a material renowned for strength and weather resistance. Unlike regular steel, stainless steel is rust-resistant and more resistant to abrasion or dents. By doing so, they will be in good shape when you need them; regardless of how much you have used them. The upper part, made of a durable elastomer harness, maintains its flexibility well into the negative temperature range.
These microspikes provide confident performance for safe outdoor adventures, and 12 stainless steel spikes dig into ice and snow. A TPE elastomer band remains to stretch down to -30 degree F. The reinforced TPU eyelets prevent tearing at the points of connection and allow the elastomeric band to be lighter and powerful. Simultaneously, the integrated TPU toe bail keeps the toe from pushing through the front of the elastomer harness.
Pros
- Stainless steel components
- Weather-resistant elastomer band
- Fits most shoe types
- 3/8-inch microspikes
- Great traction
- Lightweight
Cons
- Rubber tears easily
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
Kahtoola microspikes have a simple design. You can stretch and slip a flexible rubber ring on the foot and your shoe’s heel to secure them. They have a series of chain that runs under the shoe, with a series of 3/8 inch spikes.
The good thing about the microspikes is that they are nice and lightweight, fold-able, and easily fit into your hydration pack when you do not have to wear it. They will even fit into a pocket. To be careful, it may be a good idea to put these microspikes in a small bag to prevent tearing any other gear in your pack. These chain-linked spikes are safe to use on ice, snow, wet rocks, and pretty much any slippery surface and are all-in-ones that fit comfortably in your pocket.
These microspikes are easy to put on and take off and are not safe to wear on the inside – especially on a beautiful wood floor. The users widely praise the traction quality of these spikes and are better than many competitors’ products.
They are comfortable and will last you through plenty of uses and winter. Even if you find they wear through, Kahtoola offers a one-year-long guarantee on their products.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Durable
- Good value for the money
- Great traction
- High quality
Cons
- Awkward on hard surfaces
Unigear Traction Cleats
Hiking requires a durable and practical microspike design. The Unigear Traction Cleats Ice Snow Grips is one of the best choice for hiking because it combines durable materials and efficient design. It comes with 18 spikes per foot, 12 spikes at the forefoot, and 6 spikes at the heel. Each wide heel plate with 3 spikes is for safe downhill traction, and each spike is 1/2” long.
The makers made the spikes from heat-treated stainless steel for perfect durability and corrosion resistance. Full coverage with cleats on the heel and forefoot is to maintain traction through your natural step and pursuing your passion for the outdoors. They are easy to put on and take off with safe and adjustable straps.
The spikes are spread across the foot in a way that improves your balance. Extra spikes in the front make it possible to maintain a firm grip as you climb inclines even if you cannot put your heel at every step. Harness thermoplastic keeps them in place so that every step is stable.
Pros
- 18 stainless steel spikes
- Temperature-resistant thermoplastic harness
- Full stride coverage
- Wide heel plates for downhill climbs
- Lightweight
- Full-sole coverage
Cons
- Not designed for steep and side-hill mountain hiking
Uelfbaby Traction Cleats System
The Uelfbaby Microspikes Footwear made from Thermo Plastic Elastomer or TPE is a worthy buy. Thermo Plastic undergoes routine testing for the elasticity and works accordingly. It properly fits under the toe area of the footwear and grasps it safely. Hiking on angles, terrain, icy roads, icy driveways, icy boulders, muddy paths, or even grasslands will be much more comfortable with these on.
These microspikes create reliable traction and secure footing. They do not twist and bend and sit tight on your feet. You can choose between 13 or 19 spike versions to match the conditions you will use them in. These are a superb choice for active adults and children and the elderly to make moving around safer.
The rubber top widens and easily fits your shoes. You can quickly put on or take off. These are safe to use and stay stubbornly in place in any inclines and keep you safe. Weighing just 12.6oz, you can take them anywhere. There are three size options to find the best fit for your shoes. On top of this, if they do not fit, you will get a refund.
Pros
- Thick rubber
- Strong spikes
- Good value for money
- Easy to wear
- Portable
- Good grip
Cons
- Not durable
Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction Device
It is probably the most comfortable microspike you will get for your money. It features a stylish design and a brilliant performance. The Trail crampons feature an ergonomic plate system to improve your stability. They are straightforward to use, even in wet and cold conditions. It comes with 11 spikes strategically placed for the best support. It divides the front plate into two parts connected by hinges, which increases flexibility.
The makers made the spikes with stainless steel and the harness with elastomer. The elastomer harness fits a variety of footwear while the strap ensures a secure fit. These traction devices are easy to put on and take off. All spikes are 2/3 long, giving you a good grip on any surface. These lightweight and durable microspikes are suitable for use in multiple terrains. They are not only perfect for running shoes, but they also work well for hiking and trail running shoes. The total weight is 16.3oz, so they will not be a problem when packing the backpack. These spikes built to last comes with a leading two-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Spikes do not break easily
- Easy to get on and off
- 2-year warranty
- Adjustable straps
- Hinged plate
Cons
- They start to stretch after a couple of years.
Ravifun Crampons Ice Cleats
The Ravifun Crampons ice cleats are a unisex selection with 18 teeth ice crampons to bite through the ice and offer better traction. The cleat comes with an excellent chain and spike system for excellent traction on all forms of ice. They grip on to your shoes using a hard plastic tape and elastic rubber. You will never worry about them getting out even when hiking the most challenging mountains.
They diminish the risk of slips and falls when walking on ice, snow, mud, and wet grass, or other poor conditions. Over-foot straps can maintain and secure the ice cleats on footwear. These are easy and quick to ensure the optimal fit, so do not let the icy conditions slow you down again.
Overall, these are small-sized cleats that you can easily carry anywhere you go. They can put them in a small storage bag and even pockets. They are also versatile and suitable for outdoor walking, climbing, hiking, and ice fishing.
Pros
- Suitable for all seasons
- Easy to slip on
- Long cleats ensure excellent traction
- Simple to use
- 18 durable stainless steel spikes
- Lightweight
Cons
- A little uncomfortable on hard ice
Verdict
I recommend Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats. The Yaktrax Walking Traction Cleats for walking on snow and ice is the best option if you are looking to walk through the slippery areas at a regular pace and want more support. Instead of spikes, these microspikes use a coil system that comprises several stainless steel coils wrapped around the elastomer harness system. The result is a lightweight and low-profile support system easy to walk on, even on hard surfaces.
These microspikes for hiking are by far the best microspikes for hiking on the market based on features, customer reviews, and quality. These sturdily made microspikes strapping will offer enhanced traction on ice. The microspike is an excellent way to walk on the ice with ease and without damage to your shoes. Make sure you get one today and get ready for the winter.