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For many years, I have been running with Kahtoola. I started with their Micro-Spikes, and then the Nano-Spikes and added in a pair of the Ultra-light mid-height INSTAGaiters about 5 years ago. As an avid long distance trail runner, a good pair of trail gaiters is a must. While I have loved everything about the mid-height gaiters, I wanted to give the Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Low Ultra-Light Gaiter a try for those hot trail runs. They turned out to be as awesome as I expected.
Kahtoola INSTAGaiters Low Ultra-Light Gaiter: Something Very Different
If you have worn trail running gaiters in the past, I am guessing they were flimsy, spandex cones with no shape and no way of securing them on your shoe. Even with a little hook on your laces, those spandex gaiters will slide up your heal and render themselves useless. The Kahtoola INSTAGaiter Low Ultra-Light Gaiter is different than any trail gaiters you have worn before. Kahtoola designed them with every remedy that made you dislike trail running gaiters in the past.
They have a drawstring top to adjust the tightness around your ankle. The zipper on the side allows you to don the gaiter without taking your show off. A durable plastic strap goes under your foot to allows these gaiters to be adjusted to the perfect size. I have worn the INSTAGaiters with many different types of shoes, including road running shoes, and I have never felt the strap underfoot. They go on easily by sticking your heal in the gaiter and zipping up the zipper. There is a small hook to slip on your shoelace to prevent the front from sliding up. Because of the strap underneath and the drawstring top, nothing can permeate the durable, stretch fabric. My runs go longer without having to empty my shoes of sand, pebbles and pine litter.
Durable And Ultra-Light!
The Kahtoola INSTAGaiter Low Ultra-Light gaiters weigh in at a tiny 1 ounce each. That’s about the weight of a standard envelope! You can barely feel them on your shoes. They withstand sticks, rough terrain, snags and rocks. I can’t believe how long my original pair of mid-heights have lasted and I’m excited to have the low-height gaiters added to my running arsenal.
If I had to explain the material with just words, I would call it an ultra-light windbreaker with a slight stretch. It is made of 86% stretch woven nylon and 14% polyurethane blend. The stretch component allows these gaiters to be worn on a variety of shoe sizes. I have size 10.5 (women’s) running shoes and the small/medium size fits neatly. I also bought a pair of the large/x-large that work well on my larger hiking shoes and on my husband’s size 13 running shoes.
DWR Coated
Kahtoola markets the INSTAGaiter as a gaiter for dry weather, however, I have to share my experience. I have worn these gaiters for over 5 years and they are my go-to for running in the rain, snow and whatever Michigan weather can launch at me. They shed snow and water perfectly. Although your toes may get wet, everywhere the gaiter covers will stay dry. I thought this was feature that would wear off after all the miles I have put on my original pair but they are still repelling water like they are brand new.
Features of the Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Low Ultra-Light Gaiter
- Weight (pair): (S/M) 2.0 oz / 56 g, (L/XL) 2.2 oz / 62 g
- Height: 4.5 in / 11.4 cm
- Fabric: 86% stretch woven nylon / 14% polyurethane blend with water-resistant finish
- DuraLink® instep strap with 1000-mile warranty
- 3D Performance Fit for more coverage and better fit
- Side zipper closure for comfort and easy on/off
Simply Put: These are Perfect.
I guess you can tell from my rave review that I kind of like the Kahtoola products. The INSTAGaiter Ultra-Light Low Gaiters are no exception. What you will get for the super reasonable price of $39.95 is a long lasting pair of gaiters that repel water, keep out all the pebbles and grit, and breathe to keep your foot cool. It is hands down the best pair of running gaiters I have ever owned and I highly recommend them. For more info or to get a pair for yourself check out www.kahtoola.com or www.amazon.com.