I remember the first time I ventured out on a winter hike, the crisp mountain air, the untouched snow glistening in the morning sun, and the sheer tranquillity of the trail. It was an experience I cherished, but it also came with a challenge I hadn’t fully anticipated – slippery, icy terrain that could turn a serene hike into a treacherous adventure.
That’s when I realized the importance of having the right gear, and in particular, the best Microspikes for hiking.
As someone passionate about hiking year-round, I’ve tested various types of traction devices to keep me steady on icy trails. It’s not just about staying safe; it’s about enhancing the overall hiking experience. After much trial and error, I’ve decided to share my journey to find the perfect Microspikes to accompany me on my hiking expeditions.
12 Best Microspikes for Hiking In 2024
The perfect pair can mean the difference between confidently conquering that incline or taking one step forward and two steps back.
1. Hillsound Trail Crampons
These micro spikes fit nice and securely as they will provide the traction you need for your hiking activities on icy terrains. They feature durable corrosion-resistant stainless-steel spikes that spread across the heel and the forefoot.
The spikes of these trail crampons will dig in deep to give you an amazing grip whether you are ascending or descending the trail. The side chains are double-linked to make them stronger and give you excellent side-to-side stability.
They come with a tough elastomer harness that fits over any pair of footwear and their Velcro straps ensure that they are firm even while you are doing rigorous hiking activities. These spikes are super comfy and you can use them for extended periods.
What I Like:
- Good traction on various surfaces
- Prevents slipping and falling
- Easy to put on and secure on foot
- Well-built and durable
- Comes with a protective bag
- Works well in snow and ice
- Provides stability on steep inclines
- Sheds ice accumulation easily
- A great alternative to snowshoes
What I Don’t Like:
- May not stay in place on certain shoe types
- Concerns about longer spikes causing snow-balling
2. Uelfbaby Crampons
These microspikes are made from a stretchy elastomer harness that fits well over most footwear out there. They are quite easy to slip onto your shoes and they will stay in position to give you stability.
There are thirteen spikes on the base that help you dig nicely into icy terrains. They also feature durable chain links that hold you steady from any side-to-side movements so that you don’t go off balance.
These Uelfbaby crampons are great for short bursts which means that if you are looking for everyday hiking microspikes, you should not hesitate to buy these crampons. They will provide you with the traction you need.
What I Like:
- Provides good traction on ice and snow
- Fit securely on boots
- Lightweight and easy to put on and take off
- Affordable
- Well-made and durable
What I Don’t Like:
- May not work well in wet, slushy snow
- May cause discomfort on soft-toed shoes
- May have some play on the bottom of the foot
- Sizing may not be accurate for all types of boots
3. Yaktrax Pro Micro Spikes
These Yaktrax microspikes work with a unique design instead of the popular spikes. They make use of coiled stainless steel around their rubber frames to deliver 360-degree traction in different weather conditions.
The lack of spikes in this unit does not compromise their grip. They do an incredible job of keeping you on your feet no matter how slippery the ice is. They are easy to slip on and they feature an adjustable strap to ensure you have a tight fit.
They feature a stainless steel and rubber combination that makes them quite durable and they can last for up to five winters or more. The rubber has been tested to be freeze-resistant so no matter how cold it gets; it will always survive.
What I Like:
- Provides traction on icy surfaces
- Easily slips over shoes without damaging them
- Can be easily removed when going indoors
- Makes walking and hiking in winter safer
- Great replacement for snowshoes on hard-packed trails
- Easier for kids to manage than traditional snowshoes
What I Don’t Like:
- May not hold as well as screw-in cleats
- Some reports of breaking after limited use
- Rubber may shift and require adjustment
- Coils may hit ankles while walking
- May not be durable and may need to be replaced frequently
- May not work well on slushy snow
4. EnergeticSky Ice Spikes
These EnergerticSky Ice spikes also come with a unique design as they feature a silicone frame with chain links that lead to a silicone pad on the toes and heels. Each pad features multiple stainless-steel spikes to give you excellent traction in ice and snow.
The spikes and pads have been designed in such a way that your weight is distributed evenly to give you excellent balance. The silicone frame comes in stretchy which means that these spikes will be quite easy to put on. With this stretchy fit, snapping or tearing is almost impossible.
The stainless-steel spikes and chain links are very durable and corrosion-resistant. They are a solid pair of microspikes that will help you through any terrain no matter how icy or uneven it is.
What I Like:
- Helps eliminate loss of footing
- Provides stability on slopes and inclines
- Easy to fit on shoes
- Good quality rubber and spikes
- Excellent customer service
- Provides stability for elderly individuals
What I Don’t Like:
- Velcro straps not included in the package
- Cleats may be too big for certain shoe sizes
- May require removing chain links for proper fit
- Snug fit when putting on
- Received two left versions in the bag
5. Ravifun Micro Spikes
These units come with an original micro spike design with an elastic rubber band at the top that leads to stainless steel links and high-quality stainless-steel crampons. They are an excellent pair of microspikes that you will love to have.
These crampons come with eighteen teeth spread between the toe and heel to give you an amazing grip in icy conditions. Their teeth are quite long which means they are suitable for hiking on steeper trails.
The rubber frame of these spikes will slide over any footwear. Once they are in place, their Velcro strap ensures that you have a snug fit as you can tighten them. These straps ensure that the spikes do not move around.
What I Like:
- Prevents slipping on snow, slush, and mud
- Easy to put on and take off
- Provides a good grip on ice and snow
- Durable
- Stays on hiking boots
- Comes with a top strap for added security
- Relatively lightweight
- Works on various types of footwear
- Good value for the price
What I Don’t Like:
- Clumps of compacted snow can get stuck in the spikes
- The velcro straps may not fit well for some users
- The claws can get stuck to the other shoe
- The chain mesh is not very robust
6. OuterStar Micro Spikes
These micro spikes make use of rubber frames, steel chains, and stainless steel to ensure that you stay on your feet. The chains come with side-to-side stability while the spikes are there for you to dig into steeper trails.
These spikes are easy to slide on and take off. Once you wear them, they are comfortable and they can hold their position excellently. They offer you great traction on ice and you don’t have to spend unnecessary time readjusting.
What I Like:
What I Don’t Like:
7. Unigear Traction Cleats
These Unigear cleats come with eighteen long spikes that feature twelve on the front foot and six on the heel to help you deliver excellent traction on different icy hikes. They are a great pair of spikes to use on the trail.
These spikes come in great for a grip on snow and ice. They also feature a Thermoplastic Elastomer band that connects to durable stainless-steel cleats. These cleats come in to resist corrosion and the band is necessary for ease in slipping on and off.
What I Like:
What I Don’t Like:
8. Kahtoola Micro Spikes
These Kahtoola units feature twelve spikes that dig into icy trails and are great for hiking and trail running. They are made of stainless-steel spikes, a TPU frame, and a welded chain. The chain links are designed to prevent ice or snow build-up.
The spikes come in tough, durable, and capable of resisting corrosion. The chain links connect well to the reinforced eyelets on the frame to achieve maximum durability. The TPU frame is stretchy making them easy to slip on and off.
The TPU frame stays tight on your feet and they don’t need any extra adjustments. So, they will come in handy to provide you with great stability. The added toe-bail feature of these spikes ensures that your shoes do not slide out of the front.
What I Like:
What I Don’t Like:
9. Stabil Icers Walk Traction Cleats
These cleats offer the best microspikes that you can use for your winter hiking adventures. The spikes come in to cover the sole and forefront of the shoes to deliver solid traction as you go hiking over icy terrains.
The microspikes are designed to function in different directions which means that the level of traction you have with these spikes is top-notch. They come with 24 microspikes to help you guarantee excellent traction and grip abilities.
What I Like:
- Provides secure walking on ice
- Durable rubber material
- Good fit for larger shoe sizes
- Well-designed with bumpers to protect surfaces
- Good value for the price
- Superior to other brands like YakTrax
- Excellent traction on various surfaces
- Easy to put on and take off
- Great for walking on snow and ice
- Helps prevent slips and falls
- Confidence booster for winter walking
What I Don’t Like:
- The size chart may not be accurate
- Not recommended for walking on wood surfaces
- Leaves cleat impressions on wood
10. Black Diamond Access Spikes
These Black Diamond Access Spikes are all about giving you ultimate traction as you go hiking on icy terrains. They come with fourteen stainless-steel spikes that are about 8mm in length. These spikes help to deliver great traction across unstable terrains.
Everything about these spikes speaks of their durability. They will stand the tough tests of time and uneven terrain with you. They also come with an elastomer harness that helps the spikes adapt to any footwear of your choice.
They also come with eyelets that have been designed with dual-density elastomers. There is also a front spike that has been carefully designed for optimal toe engagement. Not to forget their heel webbing loop that makes it easy to slip these spikes on and off.
What I Like:
What I Don’t Like:
11. Kahtoola Nano Spikes
These microspikes are ideal for hikers who want an ultralight fit for hiking on snow or ice. They come in perfect for trail running, backpacking, or hiking on terrains that are packed with ice or snow.
These spikes come with a design that features a 10 spike per foot with embedded tungsten carbide tips that ensure that they grip well on icy surfaces. They feature a lightweight aluminium anchor that ensures that the spikes are held in place.
The anchor comes in surrounded by a TPU cleat for maximum traction and shock absorption. The dual-compound TPU offers wear resistance and flexibility that ensure that snow does not build up. The TPU inserts reinforce the key stress points.
What I Like:
What I Don’t Like:
12. Yaktrax Diamond Grip
The traction in these microspikes is supplied by their multiple beads. These Yaktrax spikes are fitted with many diamond grip beads to ensure that you have multi-directional traction on multiple surfaces.
Aircraft-grade steel is used in making these spikes and they are joined to footwear by a rubberized binding. This rubberized binding remains secure and elastic even in sub-zero temperatures. They make these spikes easy to put on and take off.
The beads of these Yaktrax units swivel independently to ensure that snow or ice does not build up as you go about hiking. This makes these spikes ideal for transitioning between surfaces.
What I Like:
What I Don’t Like:
When Should I Use Microspikes While Hiking?
They feature a system of metal spikes or chains that bite into the ground, preventing slips and falls. Here are some situations where you should consider using Microspikes:
1. Icy Trails
When hiking on trails that are covered in ice or hard-packed snow, Microspikes can provide the extra traction needed to prevent accidents. Icy trails are common during the winter months and in higher elevations.
2. Slippery Rocks and Stream Crossings
Microspikes are invaluable when navigating slippery rocks, especially near streams, waterfalls, or in areas where water has frozen and created a layer of ice on the rocks.
3. Steep Inclines and Descents
On steep inclines or descents, Microspikes offer stability and confidence. They can prevent you from sliding down icy slopes or losing your footing when going uphill.
4. Muddy Trails
In addition to ice and snow, Microspikes can also provide traction on muddy trails. They can dig into the soft ground and give you a better grip.
5. Mixed Terrain
When hiking in conditions where the trail alternates between snow, ice, and regular terrain, Microspikes are a great choice. They are easy to put on and take off, making them convenient for mixed conditions.
6. Winter Backpacking
If you’re planning a winter backpacking trip, Microspikes are a must. They can make your load-bearing hikes safer and more enjoyable.
7. Safety First
Ultimately, you should use Microspikes when your safety is at risk. If the trail is treacherous due to icy or slippery conditions, don’t take unnecessary risks. Microspikes can help prevent injuries.
Are Microspikes Compatible with All Types of Hiking Boots?
Microspikes are typically designed to be versatile and can fit various types of hiking boots. They feature an elastic harness that stretches over the sole of the boot and a series of metal chains or spikes that provide traction.
This design allows Microspikes to be compatible with a wide range of hiking boots, including most low-cut and mid-cut models.
How Do I Maintain and Extend the Lifespan of Microspikes?
To ensure that your Microspikes continue to perform at their best and have a long lifespan, proper maintenance is essential.
1. Cleaning Your Microspikes
One of the most crucial aspects of Microspike maintenance is keeping them clean. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse After Use: After your hike, thoroughly rinse your Microspikes to remove dirt, mud, and debris. Use a hose or tap water to clean them.
- Remove Stuck-on Debris: If you have stubborn dirt or ice on your Microspikes, use a brush or a soft cloth to gently scrub it away. Avoid abrasive materials that could damage the spikes.
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure that your Microspikes are completely dry before storing them. Moisture can lead to rust, so hang them up or place them in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
2. Storage
Proper storage is essential for preserving the condition of your Microspikes:
- Use a Bag or Case: Consider using a dedicated bag or case to store your Microspikes. This protects them from external elements and prevents damage to other gear in your backpack.
- Keep Them Separate: Store Microspikes separately from other gear to prevent tangling or potential damage to your hiking boots or clothing.
3. Inspect for Wear and Tear
Regularly inspect your Microspikes for signs of wear and tear:
- Check the Elastics: Ensure that the elastic harness is in good condition. If it shows signs of stretching or damage, it may be time to replace it. Most manufacturers offer replacement harnesses.
- Inspect the Spikes: Examine the condition of the metal spikes or chains. Look for any signs of damage, such as bent or broken spikes. If you notice significant wear, consider replacing your Microspikes.
4. Replace Worn Components
When specific components of your Microspikes show signs of wear, don’t hesitate to replace them:
- Spikes: Many Microspike models allow you to replace individual spikes or chains. Check with the manufacturer for replacement parts.
- Elastics: If the elastics become too stretched or damaged, it’s a good idea to replace them. Properly fitting elastics are crucial for a secure and comfortable fit.
5. Avoid Misuse
To extend the lifespan of your Microspikes, use them for their intended purpose and avoid misuse:
- Don’t Walk on Smooth Pavement: Walking on smooth pavement or indoor surfaces can prematurely wear down the spikes. Remove your Microspikes when transitioning to such terrain.
- Choose Appropriate Terrain: Use Microspikes on icy, snowy, or muddy terrain, but avoid using them on rocky, abrasive surfaces. This will prevent unnecessary damage to the spikes.
Conclusion
For me, the Uelfbaby Crampons stood out as the best Microspikes for hiking. Their exceptional grip on icy trails, comfortable fit over my hiking boots, and durable construction made them a game-changer on my adventures. These Microspikes not only helped prevent slips and falls but also boosted my confidence when tackling steep or slippery terrain.
But remember, the “best” Microspikes can vary from person to person, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Before making a decision, consider the type of terrain you’ll encounter, the fit over your hiking boots, and the ease of putting them on and taking them off. Additionally, always factor in your budget, as quality Microspikes are an investment in your safety and comfort.
So, as you gear up for your next winter hike or icy trail adventure, do your research, read reviews, and consider the factors that matter most to you. Ultimately, the best Microspikes for your hiking escapades will not only keep you safe but also elevate your outdoor experience to new heights.
