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Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
$59.00
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
This light, versatile traction system from Kahtoola is designed for use with any common footwear from trail running shoes to hiking boots to snow boots.
- Ideal for winter walking, hiking, trail running, adventure racing, non-technical mountaineering and even snow shoveling
- Constructed of high-quality stainless steel, strategically placed spikes and flex-chain combine to dig into the ground and grip any terrain
- Tough elastomer shoe harness ensures a snug, responsive fit and secures easily
- Compact size takes up little space in pack, car or emergency kit
Sizing is as follows:
Weight specification based on size Medium.
Imported.
Item 774966
Related Items:
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System Specs
Specification | Description |
| Weight | 12.5 ounces |
| Material | Elastomer/stainless steel |
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Easy to put on and adjust (16)
- Great grip (15)
- Lightweight (14)
- Comfortable (12)
- Versatile (12)
Cons
Best Uses
- Mixed routes (10)
- Alpine routes (7)
- Heavy snow (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (9), Casual adventurer (7)
Reviewed by 18 customers
Sort by
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Extreme Conditions
- Hiking in snowice
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
I am thrilled to see that REI is carrying these, I consider these essential winter, spring and late fall gear. Everyone I hike with either has them or I recommend they get them. Everyone I know that has tried them went out and bought a pair. They go on quickly and stay on all day long. They provide excellent traction on ice and hard snow without all the fuss of crampons. If I am out in hiking in snow/ice I will either have these on or I will have on snowshoes. Most hikes in the White Mountains you can get away with these and not even need to carry crampons. I found these better than ANY other traction device on the market. You won't regret this purchase.
- Gift:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by White Mountain Pete
Microspikes
(17 of 17 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Put On And Adjust
- Great Grip
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Alpine Routes
- Heavy Snow
- Mixed Routes
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
Used a pair for the first time for a trip up to the Enchantments via Asgard Pass. I didn't use them while going up but once in the Enchantments they were awesome, no slipping on the ice, I ended up leaving them on my boots the entire time up there and coming down. Combine these with trekking poles coming down Asgard Pass and I couldn't have been more stable. The upper third of the pass was snow covered with wind scoured snow - I didn't slip once. They also helped with the loose dirt on the pass.
Two thumbs up.
- Gift:
- No
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Don't come off
- Easy To Put On And Adjust
- Unsurpassed traction
- Very durable
Cons
Best Uses
- icy trails
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
I tried Yak Trax but they would never stay on and were harder to stretch to put on.
I heard about these and ordered them immediately last spring (REI didn't carry them). These will handle any icy trail conditions I have ever run across. They work flawlessly at least on hiking trail grades even if the ice is as slick as a hockey rink.
I always carry these if snow/ice is a possibility and if I'm walking on snow/ice it's either these if not snowshoes. With a pair of trekking poles especially there isn't a trail condition they won't handle.
Not a replacement for crampons if you are going up a very steep hard icy slope (usually off a trail anyway) but for all trails I have been on, they do the job great. If you are a trail hiker these are all you should ever need.
They can be put on/off in seconds and stay on. I have no problems with them slipping.
I am a size 11 shoe/boot. I will say the medium seems to be a better fit, especially on trail shoes. I first bought the large. There was a little extra chain hanging so I got the medium. For full out boots large would probably be right, and will work on the trail shoes but have some extra chain play below (doesn't affect them coming on/off).
Bottom line, get em you won't regret it. Throw the YakTrak in the waste basket or just use them around the house when icy.
Don't be like the many fools I see slipping and sliding in running shoes on icy trails. These will go over just about any shoe/boot.
With these you can basically run up and down such trails with ease.
I also sometimes leave these on if the trail is just slippery in general even after getting off the snow/ice (roots, mud etc).
- Gift:
- No
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Easy To Put On And Adjust
- Great Grip
- Versatile
Cons
- Uncomfortable
Best Uses
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
Got these last year[...]. I had tried the Yaktraks. Lasted less than three months. I got the Yaktraks at REI and never got around to returning them.[...]I commute on foot and mass transit. On a slow day I will do about three miles in hills, sidewalks, etc. Steep hills where owners don't believe in shoveling snow. These work really well in the elements. The longest slip/slide last winter was about four inches with the Microspikes. One of the worst winters on record in my area.On the downside... They are treacherous on smooth surfaces. By smooth, I mean the concrete floor in the basement and tile floors in general. I shudder to think of what these would do to a wood floor. The front 'ring' can take a bit if fiddling to get right. Can pinch toes if not right. The spikes can flip up if installed wrong. Obviously uncomfortable if this happens with thin soles.Works very well with the Baltero 400s I got last year at REI. On sale :^).
- Gift:
- No
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Easy To Put On And Adjust
- Great Grip
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Mixed Routes
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
The microspikes are one the better buys that I have made for hiking. They make hiking in mud, slush, shallow and/or packed snow and ice easy, especially on down slopes. I used to worry about going back down a icy or snowy trail but the microspikes almost tempt you to run down. Also use them to walk to work when there is snow or ice on the sidewalks or roadsides. They do not slip off the boot
- Gift:
- No
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Put On And Adjust
- Great Grip
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Balls up in snowdirt mix
Best Uses
- Snowy trails
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
Bought these Nov '08 and used them for the first time on a mixed snow/dirt trail on Pikes Peak at around 9K feet. I used them on TNF Chilkats and they went on easily and stayed on. They felt very stable and added a lot of confidence when going up and down steep sections of the Mt Esther trail.
There was only a few inches of snow on the ground, and where I was in mixed dirt and snow the spikes balled up quickly under the heel and midfoot. I was easily able to knock the buildup off, but it would build up to a 1"+ block within a few minutes. This was especially bad when I was in dirt, snow and dried grass. However, in pure snow there was no buildup and the spikes worked beautifully. I was even able to run parts of the trail with no problems.
I agree with the other reviewer on how these could be dangerous on hard surfaces, but since they are easy to remove this should not be a problem.
I haven't used them on my trail shoes (I've used homemade screw shoes the past two seasons), but am looking forward to it and expect good results.
- Gift:
- No
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Easy To Put On And Adjust
- Great Grip
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Heavy Snow
- icy trails
- Mixed Routes
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
These things are awesome, hands down. After encountering some wet ice in the San Gabriels and hitting the deck more than I'd like to admit, I went looking for something to keep me on my feet. I wasn't looking to invest in full crampons, and the other lightweight traction products didn't look durable enough for extended hikes in the mountains. The MicroSpikes are lightweight, easy to put on and take off in a hurry, and have held up to lots of use and abuse.
These things really excel in packed snow and ice. While other people are doing the granny-shuffle down an icy trail trying (and failing) not to bite it, I can literally run run past them and not worry about it. You can feel the teeth biting in with each step, and it's quite comforting. In hard packed snow, its almost as easy as walking on pavement. They don't do a whole lot in deep powder or slushy conditions, but that's not really what they were designed for.
As far as durability, I've worn mine for two snow seasons now, and they're holding up nicely. I've put many miles on them in snow and ice, plus a few on dirt/rock, and the teeth are only slightly dulled. I had some reservations about where the metal chains hook into the rubbery top bits, but those areas still look as new as the day I bought them.
I highly recommend this product to anyone who will be doing ANYTHING in snow or ice. They have paid for themselves many times over in time and pain saved going up and down the hills.
- Gift:
- No
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Put On And Adjust
- Great Grip
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Alpine Routes
- Mixed Routes
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
I wore a set when I did a last minute trip to the Grand Canyon in January '09 and they were great. Although the trails down and up to Bright Angel Camp are easy and nontechnical I needed these. My pack was about 35 pounds and I weigh 190 pounds and these spikes had no problem with grip hiking down or up the icy top 1/3 of the trail. They were also easy to walk with when the trail had no snow in some sections. I have also climbed around (not up) some waterfalls in nevada wearing my set and it was like walking on pavement.
- Gift:
- No
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Put On And Adjust
- Great Grip
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Alpine Routes
- Mixed Routes
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
I just got back from Zion where i rented these. I will say they are absolutely incredible for secure traction. I was able to travel up lots of iced over steep canyon slopes and trails that would have been treacherous without them. It takes about 10 secs (total)to put these on and they fit well over day hiking boots. I'm a size 8.5 Lowa and I used the medium size (no loseness). I highly recommend these!!!!
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy To Put On And Adjust
- Great Grip
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Mixed Routes
Comments about Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System:
I have lusted after these since they first came out. They seemed like a much more robust design than YakTrax (even the YakTrax Pro). After falling hard several times on a slick, snowpacked trail, I finally broke down and got a pair. They work even better than I expected: super easy to put on and take off; very stable, secure fit; highly-effective traction; great for mixed routes where you transition from packed snow to ice to dirt to mud, etc. Highly recommended.
- Gift:
- No
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System Related Items
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