14 Best Microspikes For Hiking In 2023: Review & Buying Guide

If you are a hiker and often travel to the snowy area or muddy terrain then one gear you should not forget with you is microspikes. If you are planning to go hiking in snowy places then this becomes the essential and integrated gear to your checklist.

Microspikes are little studs or edgy spikes that you can attach to your boots. This gear adds more traction to your feet and holds you up and straight in a slippery, snowy, and muddy area.

Best Microspikes For Hiking

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It is sugged by many hikers that wearing microspikes while hiking lower your chances of slipping significantly. Creating additional traction these spikes give your firm and steady grip in any circumstances.

Most of these spikes are used in the snowy area for hiking, walking, or even trekking.

What are Microspikes?

Microspike is kind of a chain with tiny spikes that you wrap over your shoes to add more traction beneath your feet. Microspikes are made in a similar way to the chains that are put over shoes or boots to improve traction. In snowy areas, these spikes are mostly used to get a stable grip.

Benefits of Hiking Microspikes:

  • Microspikes give you a better grip in a snowy area.
  • These small pikes create more traction beneath your feet.
  • Mostly used in snowy regions, microspikes are used on snow for running, walking, and hiking. In any situation, if microspikes are attached to your shoes then you’re in a safe place.

Buying Guide to Purchase Good Microspikes for Hiking Shoes

With a lot of options on the internet, we often lead to bad products. We sometimes purchase all these gears without knowing the facts and usability. In this article, we have analyzed and discussed the facts that you must keep in your head while purchasing microspikes. Read the below-mentioned point while purchasing microspikes for your next hikes.

  • At least there should be 12 spikes per foot. So you can get maximum traction beneath your feet.
  • Check the quality of the spikes. A better and more durable quality of spikes can save you from sudden slip risk.
  • The spikes must be easy to remove gears. According to the surface, you can detach the spikes from your shoes.
  • Your microspikes should be lightweight. If you purchase a lightweight microspike pair then it is become easier to move on without too much extra load.

If you’re in a rush and want a glance at the best microspike for hiking boots on the market then Kahtoola EXO spikes Footwear Traction is the best option for you. Attached with 12 microspikes per inch, Kahtoola EXOspikes Footwear Traction is one of the best microspikes for winter hiking.

This lightweight and abrasion-resistant footwear brings you the best grip and traction beneath your feet which you must need if you’re traveling to a snowy area or even on flat terrain. Kahtoola EXOspikes Footwear is also a great choice in muddy areas.

Along with all the best qualities Kathoola offers 2 years of manufacturing warranty. So without a second thought, you can choose this best budget microspike for your next trip.

Best Microspikes for Hiking & Backpacking: Which One to Choose?

1. Kahtoola NANO Spikes Footwear Traction

Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction is lightweight, durable, and stretchable microspikes hiking shoe. You can use these microspikes shoes for running and walking on icy or frozen snow-covered city streets and sidewalks. With the best quality, Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear comes at a reasonable price too. So these hiking spike shoes will thanks your wallet too.

Talking about durability and wear resistance, KathoolaNanospikes Footwear Traction is lightweight-durable and cheap. The dual compound TPU also offers a soft outer component that helps with the snow area.

This microspike shoe is made of a durable TPE for a secure fit that remains stretchy in cold temperatures, down to -22°F (-30°C).

  • Weight: 0.56 Pounds
  • Studs per foot: 10 spikes
Kahtoola NANO Spikes Footwear Traction

2. Hillsound Trail Crampon – Ice Traction Device/Crampons

Hillsound Trail Crampon is one of the finest microspikes for your weekend hikes. In this microspike boot, you will get 11 carbon steel spikes(â…” inches) that are dispersed across a broad area. These strong spikes will add a lot of traction to your feet.

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If you’re always worried about the product quality then we must let you know that you will have long durability and 2 years of manufacturing warranty from Hillsound Trail Crampon.

Last year in post-summer we went for a hiking tour in the Lake Tahoe region, Due to heavy rain, the whole area became slippery and muddy. Thankfully we had put on Hillsound Trail Crampon so, we had a strong grip even in that muddy area. It got us saved from slipping accidents many times. We highly recommend these hiking microspikes boots for your next trip.

  • Weight: 0.99 Pounds
  • Studs per foot: 11 carbon steel spikes

Pros: These microspikes feature 11 spikes which are made of carbon steel.

Best Microspikes For Hiking_Hillsound Trail Crampon

3. Yaktrax Walk Traction Cleats for Walking on Snow and Ice (1 Pair)

Are you looking for a pair of lightweight yet stylish cleats for your boots? Then Yaktrax Walk Traction Cleats are the best ones. You can use these microspikes for walking and running on snow and ice. These are one of the best budget microspikes that you can get yourself from the market. So let’s check the features that you will get from these microspikes.

Made of 100% synthetic these cleats are flexible; so, in the cold area, they will remain stretchable and easy to wear. The steel coils work as a stud that is 1.2 mm thick resists abrasion and has a zinc coating to prevent rust. So, you can use these cleats for the long run.

These cleats come in five different sizes so, you will not have any problem if you have large or small feet. You can choose the right and best fit for your feet.

  • Weight: Depending upon the size
  • Studs per foot: 1.2mm thick rustproof ring

Pros: It features a 1.2 mm thick zinc coating ring that works as a stud.

Yaktrax Walk Traction Cleats

4. Unigear Traction Cleats Ice Snow Grips

Are you in search of a pair of microspikes for winter hiking that is light and tougher? Here you have the best option on the market. The main body of Unigear Traction cleats is made of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), which is stretchable.

This TPE elastomer makes these tough and durable and increases longevity. These cleats are made of Thermoplastic Elastomer so they will remain the same in high heat or even in deep snow.

What we love about the Unigear Traction cleats is there is a policy named 60 days 100% satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with the built quality or if you have any issues then you can immediately call their customer service. They will take care of your problem.

  • Weight: ‎0.41 Kilograms (package weight)
  • Studs per foot: 18 spikes per foot, with 12 spikes at the forefoot and 6 spikes at the heel.
Unigear Traction Cleats Ice Snow Grips

5. Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction

This is an all-in-one microspikes footwear. You can use these microspikes for winter hiking, backpacking, ice-trekking, ice fishing, and trail-running.

This microspike comes in small variants. You will get 12 heat-treated stainless-steel corrosion-resistant spikes per foot which give you great traction even in the muddy region.

These microspikes are made of a durable TPE for a secure fit that remains stretchy in cold temperatures, down to -22°F (-30°C). Eight spikes at the forefoot and 4 spikes at the heel bring optimal traction.

  • Weight: 7.2 – 9.0 oz
  • Studs per foot:  12
Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction

6. ICETrekkers Diamond Grip Traction Cleats

ICETrekkers Diamond Grip is one of the best trekking and climbing cleats that you can purchase at a reasonable price. These cleats are made of case-hardened steel alloy that is way tougher than normal material and strung on steel aircraft cable which also gives you stability in the slippery area.

Also, these are made of case-hardened steel alloy and strung on steel aircraft cable so, you do not need to worry about the quality of the product. The best thing about these cleats is their self-cleaning design that prevents snow and ice build-up in the cold region.

These cleats come in different size variations. You will get male and female variations too. So, you have the option to choose the right one according to your foot size.

Weight: ‎0.74 Pounds

ICETrekkers Diamond Grip Traction Cleats

7. Uelfbaby Crampons Upgraded 19 Spikes, Ice Snow

Uelfbaby is multi-usable cleats. Suitable for elderly people and children. You can use these microspikes during hiking, or trekking. Even in the ice and snowy situations.

These microspikes reduce the risk of injury when walking on ice, snow, mud, wet grass, or other unsafe surfaces. Its 19 stainless studs will create maximum traction to secure your journey.

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You will get 19 stainless cleats in this microspike chain. These 19 stainless steel spikes will give you great traction into various terrain. The steel chain can prevent moving side-to-side, and keep you safe and injury-free.

Excellent toughness and strength are the main quality of these cleats. The best part of the microspikes is at -40 degrees these microspikes will remain the same and let you get a tight grip in a snowy area.

  • Weight: 0.45 kg
  • Studs per foot: 19
Uelfbaby Crampons

8. Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra – Ice Traction Device

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra comes with 18 spikes. These are made of stainless steel. So, if you’re a daily hiker or go hiking quite often then you must go with Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra microspikes.

The body part is made of high-quality elastomer which does not shrink or become hard so it will give you traction even in extremely cold temperatures, Hillsound Trail Crampon microspikes’ foot frames are made of high-quality elastomer that ensures the tight grip from every angle and harness maintains its security and fits a range of shoe styles.

There is a velcro strap in these cleats to tighten the microspike to your boots.  This guarantees that this harness won’t slip out from your feet easily in conditions with deeper snow.

  • Weight: 14.9 Ounces
  • Studs per foot: 18
Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra

9. Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Traction

Yaktrax Diamond Grip is an all-surface traction microspike. Yaktrax diamond offers its patented beads design which is not a usual thing in microspike gear. But one of the best things you can get from these diamond-shaped beads. These beads work similarly to studs.

In the snowy region, muddy areas, and other terrain surfaces you will get super traction under your feet. The sling part is made of rubber which doesn’t get tighter in cold places. So it becomes easy to put on and put off.

One of the best things about these diamond-shaped beads is they can swivel independently so they will not let build up snow. Automatically it will clean the snow beneath the sole.

Yaktrax Diamond Grip comes in 5 different size variants so, as per the right fit, you can choose the perfect one. It is suggested to get a well-fit microspikes chain if you’re going to a snowy region.

  • Weight: ‎1 Pound
  • Studs per foot: diamond bead chain
Yaktrax Diamond Grip

10. Hillsound FlexSteps – Ice Traction Device

Hillsound FlexSteps – Ice Traction Device is One of the best unisex microspikes you will get on the market at a reasonable price. This microspike can be used in different terrain.

You will get 18 stainless studs that create extreme traction even in deep snow which results in a firm grip beneath your feet. The velcro straps for tightening the harness will give you more comfort in slippery conditions.

The main body part of this cleat is made of rubber. In the heavy cold, it will not get stiffer, so you will not have any problem putting this on and off. This microspike cleat is highly recommended if you have a tight budget.

The only drawback of this microspike cleat is it comes in only one color variant. But the price and lightweight features of the microspikes make them reasonable to everyone.

  • Weight: 12.3 Ounces
  • Studs per foot: 18 (1/4 inch)
Hillsound FlexSteps

11. Crampons Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips

Featuring 19 stainless spikes, Crampons Ice Cleats are one of the finest cleats you can avail on the market. You will stay safe and avoid injuries if you use these cleats in the snowy region. The robust chain system and stainless steel spikes on each foot offer good traction in a range of terrain and adverse weather situations.

Made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is 5mm thicker than regular rubber and has a strong performance at -45°C will give you a firm grip. So you can use it easily in condition. You will get an adjustable strap, which is simple to put on and take off. Ensures long-lasting comfort and durability, won’t tear or snap.

What we love the most about these cleats is they can be used by males and females both. We purchased a single pair long back and my wife and I both use this without any fitting hindrance.

Suitable for a variety of sports like hiking, mountaineering, and trekking. It will give you more comfort and safety in any region. These cleats are portable and lightweight and can be put into the carry bag included and will not take up much space. Another finest quality of this cleat is this is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is 5mm thicker than regular rubber and has a strong performance at -45°C.

  • Weight: ‎0.42 Kilograms (package weight)
  • Studs per foot: 19
Crampons Ice Cleats Traction

12. Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats

Are you seeking a pair of cleats for all purposes? The Yaktrax Pro Traction is a good option for you. This cleat does not come with normal studs but it comes with a stainless zinc coated coil that works as similar as studs.

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These coils beneath your feet create traction and help you get a 360-degree strong grip. The main frame or foot frame is made of rubber. It is easy to remove and put on so in snowy regions it becomes easier to wear.

The foot frame is made of Recycled Polyelastomer which remains in shape in high heat or cold. Also, these microspikes come with straps on the upper side so you will get a tight grip.

  • Weight: ‎0.42 Kilograms (package weight)
  • Studs per foot: 19
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats

13. EnergeticSky Upgraded Version of Walk Traction Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons

EnergeticSky Upgraded Version of Walk Traction Ice Cleat is an abrasion-resistant cleat. This cleat comes with 19 multi-directional enhanced stainless steel spikes. The welding chain becomes stronger, with robust spikes.

The high Strength Stainless still SPIKES provide excellent traction on a variety of icy surfaces. The placement of spikes creates an equal distribution of weight for long-lasting comfort and durability. So while you will be walking on the snow you will remain steady and firm.

The foot frame is made of Silicone, not the general TPR rubber, is highly elastic, and won’t tear or snap. It is tested to remain flexible to -60 degrees. On the ice, snow, and wet pavement, aggressive cleats and treads reduce the risk of slipping and falling. This is a unisex cleat. So it can be used by males and females both.

Made of silicone, EnergeticSky Upgraded Version of Walk Traction Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons is easy to put on. This cleat will give you flexibility, and lightweight traction that lasts all day. You can fold up these cleats and keep them in a small space. It does not require a lot of places. It is small enough to fit in a pack or the trunk of your car and fit over your shoes or boots simply and securely.

  • Weight: ‎depending upon the size.
  • Studs per foot: 19
EnergeticSky Upgraded Version of Walk Traction Ice cleats

14. Limit Crampons Ice Traction Cleats

Limit Crampons Ice Traction Cleats are one of the best microspikes for hiking on the market. You will get 18 metal studs in these cleats. These will ensure a tight grip in snowy areas. Available in various sizes, this can be used by males and females.

These cleats are so small that they can be carried in a small purse or your pockets as well. These durable and small cleats are a choice for daily hiking. The built quality is great; you can rely on these cleats even in a rough situation on rugged terrain for great traction.

This is a budget-friendly microspike for hiking. Compared to others this is way cheaper but offers great quality. If you’re on a tight budget then these cheap microspikes will help you in this case.

  • Weight: ‎0.41 Kilograms (package weight)
  • Studs per foot: 18
Limit Crampons Ice Traction Cleats

Wrapping Up

Many microspikes promise the best quality but when it comes to performance many of them do not last long. But, all the above-mentioned microspikes are the best microspikes on the market that you can get at a reasonable price. Microspikes are essential gear if you go hiking in packed snow and icy conditions or flat terrain. So choose one that will give you traction, comfort, and durability.

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FAQ: Microspikes for Hiking in Snow & Ice

1. Can you walk on rocks with Microspikes?

A: It is depending upon the rock’s shape if the rocks are blocky and angular then Microspikes will give you a better grip but when the shape of the rocks is rounded and the surface is slippery it might cause a hindrance to you.

2. Are microspikes the same as crampons?

A: No, Microspikes and Crampons are not the same things. Crampons have larger spikes than Microspikes.

3. Can you use microspikes on dirt?

A: Microspikes offer great traction to your feet in slippery conditions. If you’re walking through a muddy area or even in a dirt place it will add extra traction to your feet. So yes you can use Microspikes in the dirt.

4. Are microspikes good for ice?

A: Microspikes are great hiking gear that will give you excellent grips on a slippery icy surface. Most backpackers use microspikes when they travel to the snowy area.

5. Do you need spikes for snow hiking?

A: Certainly, you should have spikes if you’re traveling to a snowy area. As we already know that microspikes add greater traction to our feet during hiking in slippery areas.

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