With good traction for comfortable walking in dry conditions to deep snow, these are highly versatile

Ice grips with spikes can use the irregular surface of concrete pavements and tarmac to give you a better grip in such conditions but you would still need to take extra care and the spikes would wear out. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, many people compare apples to bananas when looking at traction devices. Yaktrax and Kahtoola both have a wide selection of styles, each meant for a different purpose.

Comparing All Yaktrax and Kahtoola Traction Devices

Winner: Kahtoola MICROspikes ® – It’s a tight one since we are comparing the value of strength to durability. But, the win goes to Kahtoola for adventuring out in snow and ice. After a day out in the cold, I’m not that conscientious and would probably leave my cleats in a damp bag where they could rust. Seriously, I just want a beverage and a fire at that point. Layout of the Traction Spikes Over time, those traction devices have been adapted with smaller spikes for a variety of winter terrain. And the Kahtoola MICROspikes ® are a subset of crampons, with smaller spikes for challenging hiking or work conditions. Which is the best crampon for Traction When Trail Running In contrast, Kahtoola MICROspikes ® place their stainless steel spikes in a fixed 2×4 circular layout connected by stainless steel chains under the ball of the foot. This pattern gives an even grip in all directions, making it a superior choice for icy surfaces.

While we do not factor price into our testing process or scores, it is absolutely a factor in the decision-making process. We consider a high-value product to be one that expertly balances an excellent performance with a fair price. Gear that lasts and also doesn't break the bank is a win all around. The layout behind the heel provides even stability when your heel strikes the ground, which is very helpful for walking on ice or for winter hiking. In this comparison, the heel doesn’t seem to make much difference in overall traction. In the guide below, we’ll take you through the 9 best hiking microspikes available today. Armed with one of these options, you’ll be able to grip snowy and icy trails while appreciating the understated beauty of winter hiking. My Review Process You’ll also notice that the MICROspikes ® have a generous pull tab at the heel to make it easy to stretch the spike frame over your foot. The proprietary eyelet design where tough TPU inserts strengthen critical stress points allows the elastomer harness to be lighter and more durable.However, as we’ve shown, the comparison between Yaktrax Summit and Kahtoola MICROspikes ® is worth looking at for moderately challenging winter activities. Although we prefer the Kahtoola MICROspikes ®, both are excellent products to keep you safe during winter. Now, to compare Microspikes (traction devices, ice cleats, etc.) with Crampons... both Microspikes and Crampons are used to provide extra traction on snow and ice. The differences between them lie primarily in design.

The 1.2mm steel coils are protected against rusting and hand-wound to give you 360 degrees of traction on ice and snow. Winner: Kahtoola MICROspikes ® – While I love the custom fit of the Summit, especially if you have wider or narrower feet than the average, there are quite a few complaints that the cables break under heavy use. The thought of being in the middle of a long hike and losing your spikes seems risky. The Kahtoola MICROspikes ® uses a rubber frame called the elastomer harness that you slip over your boot’s toe and then pull up over your heel. This design is familiar in many traction devices and is effective for a versatile fit. The toe bail, the rubber over the top of your boots, is wide enough to provide a snug fit.After decades of hiking and mountaineering, I have developed a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of outdoor travel. I’m here to share that knowledge with you. Between the Yaktrax Summit and the Kahtoola Microspikes, we recommend the MICROspikes ®. In this case, it is a pretty tough call; you have two very high-quality products that are proven to work in moderately difficult winter environments. Think about what type of terrain you're going to put your microspikes through. An aggressive design is best for challenging trail conditions and winter hikes. A lighter setup for running shoes is best for city streets and crossing small sections of icy surfaces. Durability Crampons are burly, with two steel plates connected by a metal bar and large, aggressive spikes. Crampons provide excellent traction for snow and ice climbing on steep terrain (45 degrees and higher). Some Crampons work with hiking boots and running shoes, but many require mountaineering boots to attach to and are meant for technical terrain. That means you could find yourself propelled headfirst onto your running trail if you are moving along at a fast pace. You’ll notice the Run and the NANOspikes have a different traction system that doesn’t use spikes, making them better for running without snagging. Which traction devices are Best for Deep Snow?