Best Microspikes for Hiking: A Complete Guide

Hiking on icy and snowy trails can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t have the right gear.

Microspikes are one of the essential hiking tools that can help you maintain your balance and prevent slipping on icy or snowy terrain. These devices have small spikes that grip the surface and provide excellent traction, making them a must-have for any hiker who ventures out in cold weather.

We’ve put together a list of the best microspikes for winter hiking to keep you safe and comfortable on your next winter hike.

Our team has researched the best microspikes and crampons on hiking boots on the market and then tested the top-rated microspikes on different terrains to bring you the most reliable options.   And are happy to recommend the ones we own.

Here you’ll find the best snow spikes for hiking that provide excellent traction, durability, and ease of use. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, we’ve got you covered.

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The best hiking crampons overall 

We love these robust and reliable Kahtoola microspikes. These are the ones that I regularly use.  

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Why buy these Kahtoola microspikes? 

These microspikes from Kahtoola offer a secure fit and easy to put on and take off. They offer great traction so I feel safe not slipping and are constructed from heat treated, rust-proof stainless steel so they haven’t bent at all after multiple uses.

>> See these Kahtoola micro spikes here 

Demonstration of me putting on the Kahtoola Microspikes – you can see how easy they are to out on (and easier to take off)

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Best hiking microspikes comparison table 

This helpful table should help you compare all kinds of shoe spikes for hiking, so you can quickly see the best features of each product featured in this guide. 

If you are reading this on a mobile device, you might need to swipe to scroll across. 

Name	Image	Key Features	Rating (/10)	Price
Kahtoola MICROspikes		Great traction, corrosion-proof, secure toe bail	10	CHECK NOW
Yaktrax Ascent		Strong aluminum, heavy-duty webbing, carry bag	9.9	CHECK NOW
Grivel G20 Plus		Secure fit, reduces fatigue, ideal for icy descents	9.8	CHECK NOW
EnergeticSky		Carry pouch, even weight spread, strong silicone cover	9.4	CHECK NOW
Yaktrax Traverse		Lightweight, multi-purpose, come with carry bag	9.6	CHECK NOW
Uelfbaby		18-month warranty, great value, durable stretch bindings	9.3	CHECK NOW
Unigear		Heat treated steel, double chains, natural stride	9.5	CHECK NOW
Hillsound Trail Ultra		Leading brand, 4 sizes, 2-year warranty	9.7	CHECK NOW

The Best Microspikes for Hiking Options 

Best hiking crampon overall: Kahtoola MICROspikes 

We highly recommend the Kahtoola MICROspikes for anyone planning to hike in icy or snowy conditions. We can state with confidence that these are the best spikes for hiking, because we own and love them.

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Pros 

• The 12 heat-treated stainless-steel corrosion-resistant spikes per foot offer optimal traction that aggressively bites into icy terrain. 
• The elastomer harness is strong yet lightweight, constructed from a durable TPE for a secure fit that remains stretchy in cold temperatures, down to -22°F (-30°C). 
• The welded stainless steel chains provide grip and prevent snow buildup, while remaining flexible and highly packable. 

Cons 

• The sizing chart can be confusing, so make sure to double-check your shoe size before purchasing. 

I use the Kahtoola MICROspikes all the time and am constantly impressed with their performance. The spikes provide excellent traction on both icy and snowy terrain, and the elastomer harness keeps them securely attached to my boots. We also appreciate the welded stainless-steel chains, which prevents snow buildup and made them easy to pack when not in use. 

Thye also come with a carry bag that easily fits into a small day pack and is helpful for storing them after you take them off and they are still wet. 

One thing to note is that the sizing chart can be confusing, so make sure to double-check your shoe size before purchasing. 

In conclusion, if you’re planning to hike in icy or snowy conditions, we highly recommend the Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction for Winter Trail Hiking & Ice Mountaineering Red Large. They offer superior traction, a secure fit, and durable construction that will last for many winter adventures to come. 

>> Click here to view or buy Kahtoola microspikes on Amazon

>> Click here to view or buy Kahtoola microspikes on REI

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Yaktrax Ascent Microspikes

If you’re planning on hiking in wintry terrain, these Yaktrax microspikes are a great investment for secure footing on steeps and traverses. They are designed for even the most challenging terrains, including glaciers as well as regular snow and ice.

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Pros 

• The 16 stainless steel spikes on each foot, ranging in length from 3/8-1/2 inches, provide aggressive traction on snow, ice, glaciers, and other wintry terrain. 
• The thick elastomer binding stretches to fit securely over most boots and shoes, making them easy to use and portable. 
• The durable stainless-steel undercarriage and heavy-duty rubber webbing are built to withstand rugged terrain, season after season. 

Cons 

• The toe spikes may take some getting used to for those who are not used to low angle front pointing. 
• The sizing seems to be a bit off, so check the size chart before purchasing. 

On our trial hikes using the Yaktrax Ascent Traction Spikes, we were impressed with how well they held up.  

There are 16 spikes to each foot, held together by a tough stainless-steel base and strong chains that provided excellent traction on the slippery terrain. A thick elastomer stretch binding also gets over the boot or shoe, which ensured that these hiking boot spikes stay firmly in place and made them easy to put on and take off. 

The toe spikes took some getting used to at first, but they ultimately proved to be helpful for low angle front pointing. The carrying bag that comes with the spikes is also a nice touch for easy storage and transport. 

Overall, we would highly recommend the Yaktrax Ascent Traction Spikes for anyone planning on hiking in wintry terrain. They are durable, easy to use, and provide excellent traction on snow and ice. 

>> Click here to see these Yaktrak Ascent microspikes

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Grivel G20 Plus Crampon

If you’re looking for a high-performance crampon suitable for hiking on steep trails, you should definitely consider the Grivel G20 Plus Crampon. If your hiking routes are very demanding, this might well be the best crampon for you.

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Pros 

• The steel construction of the G20 Plus Crampon makes it strong and durable, able to withstand the wear and tear of heavy use. 
• The single front point design gave us precision when kicking into the ice or rock, which allowed for a more secure grip. 
• The Grivel G20 Plus Crampon is CE EN 893 and UIAA 153 certified, ensuring that it meets the highest safety standards. 

Cons 

• The weight of the G20 Plus Crampon may be a bit heavy for some hikers, weighing in at 845g (29.8 oz). 
• The one-size-fits-all design may not be comfortable for all users, especially those with larger or smaller feet. 
• The front part of the crampon accumulates snow when used on wet snow during approach. 

We tested out the Grivel G20 Plus Crampon on a steep, icy trail, and we were impressed with its performance.  

These lightweight crampons connect to your footwear via toe and heel bails, plus an ankle strap adds extra security. A down-turn on the front point even helps to reduce fatigue in the calf muscles.  

The steel construction of the crampon made it feel solid and reliable, even when we were kicking into the ice with force. The single front point design allowed us to be more precise with our kicks, which gave us a better grip on the ice. 

However, we did notice that the weight of the G20 Plus Crampon was a bit heavy, which may be a concern for hikers who are looking to minimize the weight of their gear. Additionally, the one-size-fits-all design may not be comfortable for all users, especially those with larger or smaller feet. 

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Grivel G20 Plus Crampon to anyone who is looking for a high-performance crampon for ice climbing, mixed climbing, or dry tooling. Despite its weight and one-size-fits-all design, these are reliable and safe crampons for winter hiking in steep, icy conditions. 

>> Click here to find out more about the Grivel G20 Plus on Amazon

>> Click here to find out more about the Grivel G20 Plus on REI

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EnergeticSky Microspikes

If you’re looking for a reliable and durable pair of microspikes for hiking, then the EnergeticSky Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons is a great option. Designed for a variety of terrains, these microspikes for boots are great for walking on icy and snowy surfaces. 

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Pros 

• The stainless steel spikes provide excellent traction on a variety of icy surfaces, ensuring equal distribution of weight for long-lasting comfort and durability. 
• The silicone cover is highly elastic and won’t tear or snap, providing full-sole coverage with cleats on heel and forefoot to maintain traction through your normal stride. 
• These microspikes are easy to wear and carry, fitting easily and securely over your own shoes or boots and folding small enough to keep in a pack or in your car. 

Cons 

• The crampon link uses welding chain and more stronger stainless steel chain, but it can still rust over time. 
• The aggressive cleats and treads can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. 

We tested these microspikes on a few winter hikes and found them to be incredibly effective at providing traction on icy and snowy terrain.  There are 19 durable stainless-steel spikes for each foot, and these have been placed for even weight distribution. The spikes held up well and provided excellent grip. 

A strong, stretchy silicone cover ensures they fit firmly to your hiking boots.  Three sizes are available, and we also appreciated how easy they were to put on and take off, making them a convenient addition to our hiking gear.  These lightweight winter hiking crampons come with a pouch for carrying, which I always appreciate having. 

However, we did notice some rusting on the chain link after a few uses, and the cleats and treads can be a bit uncomfortable if worn for extended periods of time.  

Overall, we would recommend the EnergeticSky Upgraded Version of Walk Traction Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use pair of microspikes for winter hiking. 

>> Click here to discover these EnergeticSky microspikes

>> Click here to discover these EnergeticSky microspikes on Desertcart

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Yaktrax Traverse Microspikes

If you want to walk securely on snow and ice, then you should definitely consider purchasing Yaktrax Traverse Heavy-Duty Traction Spikes.  They are some of the best hiking spikes on the market.

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Pros 

• Multi-purpose microspikes that are low-profile and comfortable to wear on any terrain. 
• The elastomer binding stretches easily to fit over most men’s and women’s boots and shoes. 
• They weigh just 0.62 lbs.

Cons 

• They can be hard to put on and take off. 
• They spikes not as strong as some and wear down quickly with frequent use. 

We tried Yaktrax Traverse Heavy-Duty Traction Spikes on a hike on a snowy trail, and they provided excellent traction and stability. The spikes are made of stainless steel, which makes them durable and resistant to wear and tear.  

These are heavy duty microspikes but the spikes are low-profile, so they are comfortable to wear on any terrain. Each of the 13 stainless steel spikes is 1/4 of an inch long. We were able to walk securely on ice and snow, and the spikes did not slip or slide. 

They attach to your hiking boots by means of the tough elastomer binding. We found them a little more cumbersome to put on than the other microspikes we tried. 

There are three sizes to choose from and each pair comes with a carry bag 

Overall, we highly recommend Yaktrax Traverse Heavy-Duty Traction Spikes for anyone who wants to walk securely on snow and ice. They are comfortable and provide excellent traction and stability. 

>> Click here to check out the Yaktrax Traverse

>> Click here to check out the Yaktrax Traverse on Desertcart

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Uelfbaby Microspikes

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable pair of crampons to help you hike on snow and ice, the Uelfbaby Crampons might be the right choice for you.  This very affordable pair of hiking boot crampons offer good grip and include an 18 month warranty for your peace of mind.

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Pros 

• The 19 stainless steel spikes provide excellent traction on various terrains. 
• The steel chain prevents the crampons from moving side-to-side, keeping you safe and injury-free. 
• The high-strength steel spike-and-chain system ensures a tight hold on your shoe, even at cold temperatures. 
• Good quality for the price.

Cons 

• The spikes might not fit all types of shoes, so check this before buying. 
• The elastic harness might be too tight for some users. 

We tried out the Uelfbaby Crampons during a winter hike and we were impressed by their performance. The spikes dug into the snow and ice, providing excellent traction and stability. They can be used on wet, slippery mud or grass. The steel chain prevented the microspikes from moving, which made us feel safe and confident. 

Highly elastic rubber bindings are thicker than those found on other products, and these can also cope with temperatures as low as -45℉. 

The high-strength steel spike-and-chain system also ensured a tight hold on our shoes, even in cold temperatures. We appreciated the ergonomic plate system, which added spike stability and made the crampons more comfortable to wear. 

The only downside we noticed was that the elastic harness was a bit too tight for our liking. 

Overall, we think the Uelfbaby Crampons are a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable pair of crampons for winter hikes. 

This product is perhaps the ideal budget pair of microspikes for snow, ice and slippery ground. 

>> Click here to see these Uelfbaby microspikes on Amazon

>> Click here to see these Uelfbaby microspikes on Galleon

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Unigear Traction Microspikes

If you’re looking for reliable microspikes for hiking, Unigear Traction Cleats should definitely be on your list. 

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Pros 

• The elastomer band is stretchy, anti-abrasion, and anti-tearing, ensuring a secure fit on different types of footwear. 
• The heavy-duty crampons are equipped with heat-treated stainless steel cleats that provide excellent traction on ice and snow. 
• The 18 spikes per foot, with 12 spikes at the forefoot and 6 spikes at the heel, offer balance enhancement and secure downhill traction. 

Cons 

• The spikes are 1/2″ long, which may feel too long for some hikers. 
• The straps sometimes loosen up during long hikes and need to be readjusted. 

We were impressed with the performance of the Unigear Traction Cleats on our trial winter hikes.  

There are 18 spikes to each foot, which made downhill hiking much easier. They vary in length to ensure a great grip encourage a natural gait whilst maintaining good traction. The spikes may feel too long for some hikers, especially those who prefer a more minimalist approach, but we felt that the spikes were long enough to dig into the snow and ice without feeling too bulky. The stainless steel has been heat treated to add strength and anti-corrosive properties. 

The elastomer band was stretchy and easy to fit onto our boots, ensuring a secure fit throughout the hike. One thing we noticed was that the straps loosened up during long hikes, so we had to readjust them a few times. 

Among all the best ice spikes for hiking, these are also one of the more lightweight options. Overall, we highly recommend the Unigear Traction Cleats for anyone looking for reliable microspikes for hiking. With their balance enhancement feature, heat-treated stainless steel cleats, and stretchy elastomer band, they’re a great investment for anyone who loves winter hiking. 

>> Click here to view these Unigear microspikes Amazon

>> Click here to view these Unigear microspikes on Unigear Shop

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Hillsound Trail Ultra Microspikes

We highly recommend the Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra for hikers and trail runners who want to tackle snowy and icy trails with confidence. 

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Pros 

• The Trail Crampon Ultra is compatible with various types of footwear, including running shoes, hiking shoes, and winter boots, making it a versatile option for different activities. 
• The combination of 18 carbon steel 13mm and 15mm spikes and a hinged front plate system provides excellent traction and flexibility for secure strides on steep uphill and downhill trails covered in snow and ice. 
• The front features 12 spikes at 13mm while the back plate features 3 longer 15mm spikes, providing dependable traction going downhill. 

Cons 

• The elastomer harness may not fit all types of footwear securely. We didn’t have any issues with this, but it could happen. 
• The spikes may wear down faster than expected with frequent use. 
• The X-Small size may not fit all users. 

We tried out the Hillsound Trail Crampons Ultra on several winter hikes and were impressed with their performance. The spikes provided excellent traction on packed snow and black ice. The double links to the side chains provide extra strength and the hinged front plate system allowed for secure strides on steep uphill and downhill trails.  

The carry bag included with the product was also a convenient addition for storage before and after our adventure. 

While the elastomer harness may not fit all types of footwear securely, we found that it worked well with our hiking boots. We did notice some wear on the spikes after multiple uses, but this is to be expected with any traction device.  

These are a solid choice than come in four size options, though the X-Small size may not fit all users, so be sure to check the sizing chart before purchasing. 

Overall, the Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra is a reliable and versatile option for those looking to tackle snowy and icy trails. We highly recommend it for hikers and trail runners of all levels. 

>> Click here to check out these Hillsound microspikes

>> Click here to check out these Hillsound microspikes on Moosejaw

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Finding the Best Microspikes for Hiking: Buying Guide

When looking for microspikes for hiking, there are a few key features to consider to ensure that you get the right product for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your purchase: 

Traction

One of the most important things to consider when buying microspikes is the level of traction they offer.

Look for spikes that are made of durable materials and that are designed to grip a variety of surfaces, including ice, snow, and wet rocks. The number and placement of the spikes can also impact the level of traction, so consider your intended use when choosing a product. 

Fit

Another important factor to consider is the fit of the microspikes. You want to choose a product that fits securely over your hiking boots or shoes, without slipping or sliding around. Look for models that offer adjustable straps or other features that allow you to customize the fit to your needs. 

Durability

Microspikes are designed to be used in tough outdoor conditions, so it’s important to choose a product that is built to last.

Look for models that are made of high-quality materials and that are designed to withstand wear and tear over time. You may also want to consider products that come with a warranty or other guarantees to ensure that you are getting a durable and reliable product. 

Weight 

Finally, consider the weight of the microspikes when making your purchase. You want to choose a product that is lightweight and easy to carry, without sacrificing durability or traction.

Look for models that are made of lightweight materials and that are designed to be compact and easy to pack away when not in use. 

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Choosing the best hiking spikes for boots – Frequently Asked Questions 

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Which are the best winter shoe spikes for you? 

We hope this guide has helped you determine which removable spikes for shoes are ideally suited to your outdoor activities. The best crampons for hiking boots will allow you to hike with confidence, even in the most challenging and chilly conditions.  

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Happy winter hiking!   

Do you have any recommendations for the best crampons for hiking boots?  I’d love to hear them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

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About the Author  

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