Kahtoola Microspikes Review

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If it’s traction you are looking for during the winter, Kahtoola MICROspikes are worth a test drive. I’ve been testing out the MICROspikes this winter season for hiking on snow and ice when there’s not enough snow for snowshoes, but packed snow and ice is plentiful and it’s easy to lose your balance.

Overview

Kahtoola is somewhat new to the U.S. market making snowshoes, hiking crampons, and a winter traction system which I tested out called MICROspikes. They are different from other winter traction systems which many people know as Yaktrax. While Yaktrax uses a metal coils, Kahtoola use metal chains with spikes and are attached to a flexible rubber that connects to the tops and sides of your shoes.

One of the aspects that sets Kahtoola MICROspikes from other winter traction systems is that they fit a little looser on your shoes or boots. Since they are metal based, they don’t have an exact fit. While this seems like it could be a downside, I found no problems or loss of traction.

Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down

One advantage MICROspikes have over the competition is that they provide a solid metal spike that digs into ice and snow giving you supreme traction. Another advantage of using them is that they stay on your shoes and you don’t have to worry about them slipping off.

One downside of using Kahtoola MICROspikes is that they are heavier than other competitors on the market. This doesn’t mean of whole lot if you’re hiking, but while running they might be a little heavy for some.  Along with added weight, Kahtoola MICROspikes are also a little more bulky if you are carrying them if your pack or pocket when not using them.

Final Opinion

For the person that needs exceptional traction, Kahtoola MICROspikes are a great option. For the person that values weight and minimalism, I feel that there are other options like the Yaktrax running traction system would be a better option. For more info on the Kahtoola MICROspikes, visit www.kathoola.com or www.amazon.com/kahtoola.