13 Best Microspikes for Hiking

Winter is coming, and it’s time for hiking and winter trips. You would probably like to try mountain adventures if you love adventures, especially those on snowy mountains. However, it would be best if you took safety precautions so as not to ruin your trip. One of these precautions is to get the best microspikes for winter hiking to avoid slipping over ice or snow. Microspikes are a great addition to your travel bag. Once you get used to them, you’ll discover how important they’re, and you’ll never go on a winter trip without those. There’re a lot of microspikes in the market today. To make your job easier in choosing the best option, here are the best microspikes for backpacking.

Kahtoola EXOspikes Footwear Traction

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Coming in blue or black color, Kahtoola EXOspikes Footwear Traction is suitable for icy roads and snowy mountains. The design is perfectly made to shed snow quickly and provide the best traction over these terrains. It is a bit stretchy but not the most stretchable material ever.
The TPU traction matrix is designed in an open geometrical shape to provide traction and suit a wide range of shoes. Whereas the spikes are tungsten carbide offering three levels of traction. This item includes 12 spikes which are lightweight and easily resist abrasion. Not to forget that the microspikes have a raised heel tab to put on and off easily.

• What We Love:
  • With the open TPU matrix, the microspikes can shed snow quickly and provide a comfortable wear.
• Pros:
  • Easy to put on and off
  • Offer good traction
  • Comfortable wear
  • Suits many shoes
• Cons:
  • Not very sretchy
  • Not very durable

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STABILicers Walk Traction Cleat

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STABILicers Walk Traction Cleat offers one of the best microspikes for winter hiking. The spikes cover the soles and forefront of the shoes providing solid traction over icy roads. With 24 microspikes in each shoe, maximum traction and gripping are guaranteed.
Another significant feature about these microspikes is that they aren’t all molded in the same direction. Some of them are 90, and others are 180 degrees, thus, offering full 360-degree traction. The spikes along with the body can withstand up to -45 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, it is one of the best microspikes for backpacking in the lowest temperatures.

• What We Love:
  • The large number of spikes and wide coverage of the sole and forefront makes it a reliable product for the most snowy weather conditions.
• Pros:
  • 24 microspikes
  • 360-degrees traction
  • Raised heels to put on and off
• Cons:
  • Sizing isn’t accurate

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Yaktrax Traction Chains

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Yaktrax Traction Chains are different from other microspikes in that they are don’t include the spikes. Instead, they’re several chains that cover the whole shoe and provide traction over ice. The chain is square-shaped to better bite into the ice. Also, they are designed to form a ladder pattern to provide traction from heel to toe.
Those steel chains are welded into a rubber strap that provides suitable fitment on any shoes or boots. The rubber material is ideal for the lowest temperatures below zero. Overall, the chain design is also one of the best microspikes you can rely on for a snowy mountain hike.

• What We Love:
  • The square chain design provides very good traction while being very durable and never falling off.
• Pros:
  • Low profile design
  • Easy to put on
  • Very durable
• Cons:
  • May slip off

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Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction

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Women who want to keep their style even on a hiking trip will love Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction. The microspikes come in different colors to suit the best snowshoes for hiking. The design is a low-profile one that makes hiking more comfortable. As for the spikes, they aren’t microspikes but nano spikes, as the name tells. Despite being that small, they are really effective and well distributed all over the shoes.
Each pair has ten tungsten spikes. Whatever size you choose, you’ll receive the same number of spikes. Also, you receive your product with a 2-year warranty. However, the nano spikes aren’t replaceable.

• What We Love:
  • The nano design of the spikes is very functional and offers a low-profile design many people look for in the best microspikes for winter hiking.
• Pros:
  • Low-profile design
  • Nano spikes
  • 2-year warranty
  • Nice design
• Cons:
  • No replaceable spikes
  • More expensive than other models

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Wirezoll Crampons, Stainless Steel Ice Traction Cleats

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For an aggressive design that won’t fall apart after years of use, Wirezoll Crampons, Stainless Steel Ice Traction Cleats are one of the best microspikes for winter hiking over the most difficult snowy or icy surfaces. The cleats are very high-quality made of stainless steel that will never rust. It includes 24 spikes on each pair designed multi-directional and welded into the main silicon strap.
The strap is very lightweight and stretchy. It fits into different weather conditions offering flexible wear that would fit all men’s and women’s waterproof shoes. The product comes with a bag to store and carry the microspikes when traveling.

• What We Love:
  • Very durable option and one of the best microspikes for winter hiking on the most difficult terrains.
• Pros:
  • 24 microspikes
  • Durable construction
  • Lightweight
• Cons:
  • Straps are a bit short

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TENSPAL Crampons Traction Ice Cleats Grippers

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Here is a very budget-friendly option for the best microspikes for backpacking. With ten spikes distributed all over the shoe, TENSPAL Crampons Traction Ice Cleats Grippers provide good traction over snow. The construction is lightweight and flexible, allowing for folding into a small pocket or so. Thus, it is a handy option for traveling and backpacking.
As for their functionality, they are easy to put on any shoes. Since they’re made of flexible elastomer, they fit on many shoes. Moreover, you can use them on any terrain, sand, or grass. Thus, it’s a very versatile option.

• What We Love:
  • Very practical and one of the best microspikes offering versatile uses either than hiking on snow.
• Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Suitable for different terrains
  • Fits any shoes
• Cons:
  • Not suitable for very thick ice

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Hillsound Trail Crampon

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If you don’t mind paying much money to get the best microspikes, then Hillsound Trail Crampon is an option to go for. The spikes are carbon steel ones raising around 2/3 inches. This might be a problem for some people, but it still offers impressive traction over snow and ice.
One of the best features of these microspikes is the velcro strap that holds the spikes over the top of the foot. This guarantees the microspikes will never slip off. Hillsound Trail microspikes come in a carry bag to store in your main bag while traveling. Hence, they’re from the most functional and best microspikes for backpacking.

• What We Love:
  • The added velcro strap on the top is very handy when it comes to slipping surfaces.
• Pros:
  • 2-year warranty
  • Velcro strap to hold the spikes
  • Long-lasting
• Cons:
  • Spikes are taller than usual
  • Expensive

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Vdealen Crampons

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Vdealen Crampons are among the best microspikes for men, women, kids that will fit any shoe type, including men’s waterproof hiking shoes. The microspikes come with 19 teeth crampons to provide traction over thick ice. In addition, they’re anti-abrasion and will prevent slippery on any surface.
The 19 teeth are made of manganese connected with a steel chain for maximum durability. The band you’ll wear over your shoes is elastic to fit on a wide range of shoes. If you want to do any outdoor activities and expect the terrain to be slippery, Vdealen Crampons are suitable for any terrain.

• What We Love:
  • Reliable and versatile in terms of the large number of uses in addition to fitting all kinds of shoes.
• Pros:
  • Durable materials
  • Suitable for many terrains
  • Fits all shoes
• Cons:
  • Not suitable for soft snow

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Gelindo Crampons Ice Cleats Traction

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LONGLUOSI Ice Grips

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LONGLUOSI Ice Grips is a simple product offering elastic overshoes with ten microspikes scattered over the soles and toes. The products come with extra ten spikes in case any of these fell off. These spikes are suitable for different activities, including hiking and walking over snow.
The overshoe is made of durable elastic material to take the shape of any shoe. At the same time, it doesn’t cover the whole shoe maintaining its style. However, it won’t slip off as the material’s elasticity makes it hold firmly on the shoes.

• What We Love:
  • The design makes these microspikes look good on any kind of shoes even normal sneakers.
• Pros:
  • Easy to put on and off
  • Extra 10 spikes
  • Fits perfectly on the shoes
• Cons:
  • Microspikes may fall off

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Ceestyle 11 Spikes Crampons

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You can get one of the best microspikes for winter hiking at a low price that will serve you on every mountain trip. Ceestyle 11 Spikes Crampons are the ideal option for the most challenging weather conditions. Made of 201 stainless steel; these microspikes will ease walking on snow as much as possible. Also, the band material is rubber but not traditional rubber. It’s a cold-resistant one that withstands up to -45 degrees.
Similar to all the best microspikes, this one is also suitable for all sexes and ages. It’s available in three sizes and two colors to choose from. Best of all, it’s lightweight and easy to store inside the smallest pocket in your backpack.

• What We Love:
  • Very sturdy microspikes that won’t fall off and won’t let you slip off as well.
• Pros:
  • Easy to put on
  • Easy to store and carry
  • Low price
• Cons:
  • May twist around the shoes

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Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats

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Closing off the list with Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats. These are the best microspikes for backpacking for different reasons. They’ll hold on to your shoes whatever terrain you walk on. Also, they provide maximum traction to walk safely on snow and ice. The spikes revolve around a rubber wire covering the whole shoe to offer 360 degrees of traction.
The microspikes are available in 4 sizes. In addition, they come with a top strap to prevent the rubber band from slipping off your shoes. Finally, they’re lightweight and durable enough to last for years.

• What We Love:
  • For safety considerations, just get a pair of those microspikes for hiking and you’re ready for the next mountain trip.
• Pros:
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Good price
  • Covers the whole shoes
• Cons:
  • Don’t fit boots very well

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How To Choose The Best microspikes for hiking

Microspikes are very important if you live in cold weather conditions. They’re also functional for travelers and hikers who love to hike snowy mountains. Moreover, some microspikes offer good traction over wet grass and mud. Thus, they’re practical and can be used for different purposes. To get the best microspikes for backpacking or winter hiking, here are the top considerations.

Traction

The importance of microspikes is to provide traction over different terrains. Make sure your microspikes are functional, at least on ice. Best of all, get the microspikes that provide traction on different terrains.

Number of spikes

The more, the better; this is the rule. However, it isn’t only about the number but also how they’re distributed. High-quality microspikes have spikes scattered all over the shoe to distribute balance from toe to soles.

Durability

Since you will undoubtedly use your microspikes for walking on snow or ice, they should withstand this harsh weather. Also, they should be made of anti-rusting material. The connecting band should also resist low temperatures.

Fitment

The best microspikes are the ones that fit firmly on your shoes. They mustn’t be too loose or slip off your shoes. Also, they shouldn’t twist over to provide security.

Why should I use microspikes?

Microspikes are essential if you plan to go on a mountain trip in very cold weather conditions. These items will prevent slipping and provide traction over snow. So, they’re designed for security reasons.

What are the best microspikes for backpacking?

The best microspikes for backpacking are those providing traction over different terrains. Usually, you’ll walk on rugged landscapes rather than ice, so they should be versatile and durable enough to withstand different terrains.

Are their microspikes for men and women?

Typically, microspikes are unisex. You can use the same ones for men and women. However, there’re different styles and colors, so you still have the option to choose.