5 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: Richard, Sheffield   (27-4-2012)

I purchased these MicroSpikes for myself and my partner so that we could go running along the trails in British Columbia when taking a day off from snowboarding this season.

Very easy to put on and remove, they are ideal for running on compact snowy winter trails that would otherwise be very difficult to run on consistently and provide confidence when on icy sections.

When running in deep fresh powder, the MicroSpike had a tendency to 'roll' around my foot slightly despite the snug fitting, however they aren't really required for those conditions and when running on compact snow they were fantastic.

5 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: ROBIN JACKSON, GUISBOROUGH   (21-2-2012)

Having read about these in Trail magazine and compared them to the alternatives available one can not help but be impressed and would recommend them to anyone who is involved in the outdoors in winter. We undertook a walk up WHERNSIDE (one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks) recently without the Microspikes where conditions were decidedly icy, in fact bordering on dangerous. Only our skill and experience got us up and down without a mishap; we look forward to the opportunity to repeat the walk, in similar conditions with the spikes.

The walk where they really excelled was just recently up GREAT SHUNNER FELL, near Hawes in North Yorkshire. The spikes had arrived in the week so we were looking forward to put them to the test. Turning into the lane just at the start of our walk we were immediately confronted by wall to wall hard packed ice, which without the spikes would have led to an abandonment. Within seconds-they fit so easily- the spikes were on and the transformation was immediate; stunning in fact, we were able to make progress up to the point where weather conditions (deep snow and low cloud) forced us to retreat. Again on the descent, even though the ice was thawing slightly the spikes proved invaluable. we won't hesitate to recommend them, and FaceWest, to anyone.

5 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: Tim Clarkson, Darlington   (13-2-2012)

I bought the Kahtoola's after encountering thick ice on the slabbed path up Whernside. The ice made the path dangerously unusable but full crampons would have been over-kill. I have just used them on an ascent of Great Shunner Fell, where repeat freeze / thaw action had left most of the steep track covered in sheet ice. It took barely 30 seconds to stretch the Kahtoola's over my boots - so much quicker and simpler than a full set of crampons. After a few hesitant steps I was confidently walking up the track with total confidence. The descent was just as easy. I never saw a soul all day. Without the Kahtoola's the track would have been un-walkable and the day would have been consigned to the pub - doh!

5 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: Richard Logan, Colne   (12-2-2012)

These micro spikes are brilliant for walking on icy trails. So much better with these on in conditions typical of the lower hills in winter in northern England. No good on deep snow, but they are not designed for that type of use.
Service from Facewest was excellent.

4 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: G. Verwoert, Mittersill   (10-1-2012)

Easy to put on spikes which give great traction on slippery surfaces. There has to be quite a bit of snow or ice for me to use them, because I find it uncomfortable to walk on them when there is not much to sink into (for example on asphalt with just a thin layer of snow and ice). However, when there's more then lots of snow and ice, there is no alternative really.

Just one (small) drawback: you really don't want to step on your dogs paws/toes when wearing these Microspikes. They will probably puncture them! Good advice: keep your dog away from your Microspikes fitted feet!

5 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: Chris Kinsey, Normanton   (8-12-2011)

I was looking for spikes or mini crampons for winter hiking and having trawled through many on-line forums and reviews one product stood out above the rest, Kahtoola MicroSpikes. There are other similar products out there and I must admit I almost opted for one of those, but KMS was the only product with constantly excellent reviews, in fact, I didn't find one negative comment about KMS.

The super-tough elastomer fits securely both on my running shoes and hiking boots. There really is no need for additional straps or buckles as featured on similar products, making KMS easy to put on and take off (30 sec). I'm a UK size 9 shoe which is approximately between the size medium and large so to ensure a very secure fit I chose the medium. The 3/8 inch hardened stainless steel spikes are attached to the elastomer by tough stainless steel chains and really do dig into the ice. Not really suitable for soft snow, KMS work best on compact snow and ice be it on a mountain trail or urban pavement. I have no hesitation in marking KMS 10 out of 10. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed. These things really do work!

5 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: Mark Jenneson, tideswell   (7-12-2011)

Brilliant. If you want to run all winter, particularly in the hills these are essential. Small and light enough to keep in the pack and quick to fit. On a failed attempt at a winter Tranter round last year these made running down a snow covered CMD a doddle.

Also very useful around town when the pavement snow turns to ice.

5 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: Adrian Reeves, Huntly   (12-4-2011)

Bought two pairs of these one for my wife and one for me. I’ve got to say these are the best, we do a lot of forest track walking and walk along compacted roads that have been driven down hence very icy! but with this bit of kit we walk and now enjoy our walks. We have met many people and have told them about them and even gave them a test on some very slippery ice and they said they would buy them. Facewest are the best and provided a first class service and we highly recommend. Fast delivery and great coms. Thanks

5 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: James Smith, Loughborough   (14-2-2011)

These are amazing - for anyone wanting to run is snow / icy conditions you have to have a set of these. I have tried them with Nike Pegasus Trail and Mizuna Wave Harroirs and they were just as good with either.

5 Kahtoola MicroSpikes Review

Reviewer: rod carne, burnham-on-sea   (6-1-2011)

Absolutely brilliant! As a blind hill walker snow and ice have always terrified me! But this year with the Micro spikes, no problem at all. 10 miles over the Quantock Hills and whilst my partner is slipping and sliding and falling over. I'm steady as a rock!