Media
Apologies for the poor audio at the start of this video. It improves after 6 seconds.
Full Description
Kahtoola Microspikes have been updated with an improved lightweight Elastomer harness that is supple to -30°C allowing you to use them with confidence in the harshest of winter conditions. To increase strength and durability the eyelets have now been reinforced with a harder plastic material, this prevents the chain links from ripping through the harness. At the front of the harness is a new toe bail to hold the spikes even more securely, also allowing for you to get them on and off a lot quicker.
MicroSpikes are lightweight pavement and trail crampons ideal for snowed up paths and pavements. They form the bridge between lighter pavement crampons and lightweight walking crampons which are designed for mountain use, but shouldn't be used as an alternative to full crampons. They will fit onto almost any shoe or boot in seconds to give you extra traction on ice and hard-packed snow. The traction is achieved by chains and small spikes held firmly in place under the foot by a rubber upper rand.
The Kahtoola MicroSpikes have proven especially popular with fell runners who want a light, compact crampon which will attach securely to a running shoe to allow them to pass icy sections.
Kahtoola Microspikes Features:
- Lightweight elastomer harness
- Reinforced eyelets
- Intergrated toe bail
- Heel tab for easy on/off
- Quad cleat on heel
- Hardened 9.5mm stainless steel spikes at the toe, midsole and heel
- Fit in seconds
- Comes with carry bag
| Size | Weight |
|---|---|
| Small | 312g |
| Medium | 340g |
| Large | 368g |
| XL | 397g |
Size Guide
Kahtoola MicroSpikes Size Guide
Hiking Boots:
| Small | Medium | Large | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 4 - 7 | 7 - 10 | 10 - 13 | 13+ |
| EU | 36 - 40 | 40 - 44 | 44 - 48 | 48+ |
Insulated Boots:
| Small | Medium | Large | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 4 - 6 | 6 - 8 | 9 - 12 | 12+ |
| EU | 36 - 39 | 39 - 42 | 42 - 44 | 44+ |
Please note: because of the elasticated design of the Microspikes there is some flexibility in sizing at the lower end of the sizes, e.g. a size 10 shoe could wear a large without a problem.
Reviews
4.9/5 Stars out of 50 Reviewx
Chris Archer
I bought these Kahtoola MicroSpikes for getting around in the icy weather, and I have had plenty of opportunity to test them recently. The MicroSpikes work unbelievably well. I can walk confidently over polished ice that walking boots and cars cannot grip on. They also grip well and feel ok on non-icy bits of road and pavement. The design and build quality are excellent, with only the durable steel chain and spikes coming in contact with the floor. The rubber seems strong as well, so I expect these to last for many years. My boots are size 10, which is around the border of Medium to Large, so I chose Large. This was definitely the right decision - they are easy to put on and take off, they stay firmly in place when on, and they don't bend the toe of the boot up, which I imagine the Mediums might.
Tom
Truly liberating amazing piece of kit! No longer are my forays across snowy fells restricted to the need for heavy boots and crampons. Winter can be the best time to go running in the hills if you can suffer the cold. The Microspikes provide excellent grip where icy. I would however strongly advise anyone that is planning to cover steep ground to invest in a lightweight ice axe and not rely on spikes alone.
Charles Macrorie
Just returned from an exhilarating 5 days fell walking in the lakes doing a number of peaks over 800m. We encountered frozen and melting ice, hardpackedand soft snow, gravel and boggy patches. The microspikes were invaluable. They provided secure footings on frozen grass slopes and icy paths where longer crampons were not practical and held well on steep snow when traversing side on. I have leather walking boots which they fitted well, the microspikes were quick and easy to put on, but they didtend to acumulate damp over the front of the boot if used for long periods.
Neil Beaumont
An incredible piece of kit. I use them for running on Ilkley Moor in conditions I could not safely run in without them. They are very quick to fit and remove and light enough to carry in case I need them. They provide excellent grip and have never slipped off.
Janet Bentham
These were purchased after reading the reviews on this site. As the boots our group wear are walking /hiking boots rather than mountain boots. We purchased two pairs to try them out and used them on test runs around Kentmere and Grasmere and I have to say they performed superbly. The main reason for buying was a trip to Ben Nevis this week. The zigzags on the final ascent were quite treacherous and the microspikes proved invaluable on both the ascent and the decent. The only concern before buying these were reviews on another site that claimed they didn't grip well in fresh snow, I am happy to say that this wasn't the case at all.
Edward Dunlop
Camping in the Lake District this Easter proved a chilly experience at night but brilliant during the day with little wind and superb visibility. There were patches of snow at all levels but complete covering above 2000 feet. For much of the time I didn't need any attachments to my boots but on Scafell Pike used Yaktrax -they were better than nothing but came off once and clearly didn't have the grip of crampons or the Kahtoola Microspikes that a surprising number of people were wearing. Surprising since I hadn't come across them before. Hikers demonstrated how easy they were to use compared to crampons ââ "šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ securely fitting to the boots in seconds. And how effective they were both for walking and running. I decided I wouldn't risk missing out on snow walks in the future due to being under-equipped. The Microspikes arrived in just a couple of days with excellent service from Facewest. Very much looking forward to using them!
Dave B
These Microspikes are brilliant. Much better than other spring like designs as the spikes really do grip into the ice. Ideal for carrying in your pack when on summer alpine hikes that may involve crossing some spring snow that's still about, without the need for full crampons. Not really suitable for full on winter walking but just right for carrying 'just in case' on summer hikes. They are a bit of a faff to put on until you have the knack, but you soon get used to that. But the best think is how they are adaptable to wear over different kinds of shoes & boots. (Including my work shoes once! Although if you are planning on doing that don't get them in red - unless you want everyone to know how you are walking normally whilst they are on their backsides ! )
Josh
Why oh why didn't I buy these 10 years ago?! They're a well made product that is easy to get on and off your walking boots and makes such a big difference when they're on. They work great on snow and ice - as you would expect - but are an absolute wonder on steep, wet, slippery and muddy grass and loose ground. They're relatively light and I keep them permanently in my rucksack. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Graham
I am an occasional hill walker in my late 50's. I am a keen triathlete and therefore reasonably fit. The Kahtoola Microspikes are brilliant! Just slip them on over your walking boots. I walked up Pen Y Fan on a cold January day. Up a frozen stream, across soft snow, hard pack snow, icy stretches, rocks and ordinary paths. They gripped brilliantly all the way, other walkers were having a real struggle staying on their feet. When I got back to the regular road I slipped them off, bagged them up, and carried on as usual. Highly recommended. Minus points - they seem a little expensive, but my brother has had his for years so I think they will last well.
Lynne
I bought the Kahtoola Microspikes for my husband - I have used a pair for a couple of years & found them brilliant on icy terrain. The updated Quad spikes are even better having 4 spikes now on the heel. He has used them a few times in the Lakes & once on an icy track in Scotland. They give excellent traction on compacted snow, ice, wet rock, or any slippery surface where full crampons are not required. They are not a replacement for crampons but they are excellent for quite steep terrain & for more gentle slopes and tracks/paths, they are definitely worth having; they take up little room or weight in your pack & are very easy to put on & take off - well worth it for the increased stability they provide. Very friendly & helpful, well informed staff at Facewest too, a pleasure to deal with.