#7 in Microspikes
Top pick in Microspikes
Kahtoola MICROspikes
The traction device winter hikers compare everything else to: twelve steel spikes on chains, a stretchy harness, and enough bite for icy trail and moderate slopes.
4.7 · 3,582 Amazon ratings
Prices change daily, so we link to the listing instead of printing one.
- Spikes
- 12 per foot, 0.41 in heat-treated stainless steel
- Chains
- Welded stainless steel
- Harness
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
The verdict
Is the Kahtoola MICROspikes worth it?
Yes, for most winter hikers. MICROspikes put twelve 0.41 inch stainless steel spikes on welded chains under a stretch harness, which grips icy trail, packed snow and moderate slopes. They are not crampons for steep ice, and they are more than you need for sidewalks, but for winter trail hiking they are the safest single pick.
That is why they top our microspikes ranking. The spike length sits in the middle of the range, long enough to hold on glazed rock and frozen switchbacks, short enough that walking on packed snow does not feel like stilts. They pull on over almost any hiking shoe or boot in a few seconds, even with gloves on.
They also cost the most of anything in that guide, and with no strap, the harness alone holds them on. Buyers occasionally report losing one in deep snow. Steel spikes also dull on rock and pavement, so take them off for long dry stretches.
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Specs
Kahtoola MICROspikes specs
From Fleet Feet's published specs.
What's good
What to know
What is the difference between Kahtoola MICROspikes and NANOspikes?
MICROspikes are for trails. NANOspikes are for roads. MICROspikes carry twelve steel spikes about 10 mm long on chains, enough to dig into ice and packed snow on a grade. NANOspikes carry ten short tungsten carbide studs on a flat sole plate, which grip flat ice but do not dig in.
Carbide wears far more slowly than steel on pavement, so NANOspikes suit winter running and icy commutes. On a sloped trail they give much less grip.
Are MICROspikes better than Yaktrax?
For hiking, yes. Yaktrax Diamond Grip uses steel beads on cables, which grip flat, hard-packed ground such as a driveway or a level path but give little on a slope. MICROspikes have real spikes that bite into ice on a grade. Yaktrax cost less and are fine for walking the dog. Take MICROspikes up a mountain.
What size MICROspikes should I get?
Size to the footwear you will wear them over, not your shoe size alone. Kahtoola publishes one chart for hiking shoes and boots and a second for insulated winter boots, which run bulkier. A men's 9 hiking shoe is a Medium on the first chart, but a men's 9 insulated boot is also Medium, sitting at the top of that range.
If you fall between sizes, or plan to use them over both shoes and winter boots, size for the bigger footwear.
Alternatives
What to buy instead of the Kahtoola MICROspikes
Questions
Kahtoola MICROspikes FAQ
Can you wear MICROspikes on pavement?
Briefly. Walking across a parking lot will not hurt them, but miles of pavement and bare rock dull steel spikes quickly. Take them off for long dry stretches, or use carbide-studded NANOspikes for roads.
Are MICROspikes the same as crampons?
No. MICROspikes have short spikes on chains for icy trails and moderate slopes. Crampons have longer, rigid points, often with front points, and attach with straps or bails for steep ice and mountaineering.
Do MICROspikes work in deep snow?
Not well. They grip packed snow and ice, but in deep, soft snow you sink and the spikes have nothing firm to bite. That is snowshoe territory. Wet snow can also ball up under the chains.
How long do Kahtoola MICROspikes last?
Buyers commonly report several winters of hiking use. The spikes dull before anything breaks, faster if you walk on rock. Kahtoola backs them with a 4-year warranty.
Words on this page
Sources
By Tom. Written from published specs, Amazon buyer reviews and AI-assisted research. We have not tested every product ourselves. Updated October 15, 2026.
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Kahtoola MICROspikes