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
DT
Surprisingly good but a bit pricey, perhaps?Bought ( by me) as a lightweight alternative to crampons for hillwalking / backpacking on easy ground or when small areas of ice are expected. Advantages:
- Half the weight, approx. , of the very lightest cramponsand can be carried in a coat pocket. This means there's little fuss in doning / doffing so that, actually, you're more likely to use them on marginal terrain.
- Can be used with ski poles an alternative mode for winter walking. Only do this if you're sure it's appropriate. If in any doubt stick to the model of mountaineering orthodoxy, to wit, ice axe and crampons when on any white, sloping ground.
- No front points to either trip over or catch on your trousers / gaiters. Don't discount this. Front pointing crampons on steep ground can be dangerous in inexperienced hands (feet?)
- More likely to ball-up with snow than crampons with anti-balling plates.
- No front points mean any steepenings need to be tackled in a splay-footed, duck-walk style. This ain't necessarily a bad thing but it's a skill best practiced rather than assumed. Optionally, kick steps.
- Practice putting them on and the find the best way to fit them on your boots.
- They seem robust but I'm wouldn'texpect them to last if abused on rocky ground over a prolonged period, or if ill-fitted to your boots.
Csaba
These things worth their weight in gold, if I could, I would give them 6 stars easily. Went to a rocky climb with 500m positive altitude difference and even if I didn't expect any snow, I've put these into my backpack for safety. After climbing around 250m the first patches of snow appeared and in 50 more meters there was frozen snow everywhere on the slippery rocks. I've just put these onto my 3 season boots and went on as nothing happened, leaving the rest of the group far behind, some of them struggling with winter boots to keep up. The best part? Even with my 90+kgs plus 10kgs in the backpack there were no signs of any usage on them, even if I had to make several steps on bare rock. They are much easier to put on as other similar products and the design and materials used guarantee a good durability. Even if they seem expensive, I would strongly advise you to stop looking for alternatives and buy these, these are the real deal!
MT
Absolutely Amazing! I bought these on a bit of a whim, liked the idea of them but had no idea if I'd really use them as intended. Had a few days away in France and my wife and I hiked up to see a frozen waterfall. Decided to slip them on so I could climb up for a better look - WOW - what grip and security they give. Wasn't quite as easy to put on as the video suggests but then again I've only done it twice. I'll be getting my wife a pair for sure, they really transformed the hike, I've been so used to just getting on with it and the odd slip, all the way back I was just amazed it the extra security.
John
Tried these out in urban conditions over the last three days of severe weather. On ice and compacted snow they work great. On soft snow and slush there was no balling or retention of snow or slush. When wearing ordinary shoes rather than boots (they fit both) I could feel the contact areas through the sole when walking on pavement which had no snow coverage, although not uncomfortable, unaware of the mini spikes when snow and ice underfoot. A great product with both hill and urban applications, although not suitable for technical climbing.
Tony
I have owned a pair of medium size micro spikes for about 10 years. I use them for hiking in snow and ice in Snowdonia and the Alps. One section of elastomer has just split and so I just bought another set. Due to age (78), that is increasing difficulty in reaching my boots to fit the micro spikes during a hike, I ordered a large size, hoping they would be easier to fit. But they aren't. Because I am very keen to wear the spikes on ice etc, I have to adapt: either get hiking partner to help fit, or fit them to the boots before wearing the boots. The new design looks better than the old, and it has a built in tab at the heel to help pulling on. I always carry them on winter walks. Top class accessory.
Keith
I am an experienced mountain walker in all weathers and decided my kit list should include Kahtoola Microspikes for that intermediate situation where crampons are not really needed and take longer to fit. Your price was competitive and delivery very quick - thank you. But I was even more impressed when realising I had chosen the wrong size I found your return and exchange procedure equally quick and easy. The exchanged spikes arrived a mere four days after I posted the originals and there was no additional charge. Thank you again for a first class service - I will be using Facewest again.
Sean
I purchased two pairs, one for me and one for my wife as we live in the Lake District and walk the fells in all seasons. The original idea was to have them for the snow and ice when crampons would be overkill. We had them in our rucksacks the other day when there was no snow or ice, however we were tackling a steep ascent and descent on wet grass. From experience we know that this type of terrain underfoot can easily leave you on your backside so we put our microspikes on. They were fantastic. They transformed our boots from family saloons into Landrovers. I can't recommend them highly enough. They will stay in our rucksacks all year round now that we realise their potential on wet surfaces as believe it or not, we sometimes get rain in the Lake District!
Mandie
Fantastic. Usd on snow, compressed snow, ice and black ice. Absolutely fantastic. Well made and stay on my boots perfectly. Wish I'd bought them sooner.
Steven
Brilliant product, they do exactly what they're meant to, great service from Facewest too.
Ann
Have always been dithery in snow/ice conditions. A friend recommended them for a trip to Iceland. Absolutely wonderful - gave me confidence and independence. Well worth the money - an essential item.