The price, weight, durability, grip, and longevity differ considerably between the two products. The Black Diamond Access Spikes have an elastomer harness to keep the microspikes in place, so you dont have to worry about adjusting them as you hike. The Yaktrax spikes for trail running have six spikes up front that are 3mm in length. That said, the large spikes make them uncomfortable and awkward to use on firm surfaces like concrete with just a dusting of snow. Instead of spikes, Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip has steel aircraft cables with case-hardened steel alloy beads that provide excellent grip on icy trails. Carbon Steel is stronger and more durable than stainless steel. 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. Consumer Reports Yaktrax Let us know! If you are looking for lightweight NANOspikes, the Kahtoola EXOspikes are some of the best microspikes for hiking! Our only gripe is that they are uncomfortable for winter running, but that's a niche use that won't apply to everyone. A little further down, Ill compare all the Yaktrax and Kahtoola models for each winter condition. Technical vs. These will perform best on dirt trails and in shallow snow, but likely aren't the best bet for super heavy use. They simply dig down deeper into snow and ice which prevents you from sliding and gives you the traction you need to push off and keep your momentum on the uphill. It features zinc-plated steel coils wrapped around rubber under the foot, and the coils dig into snow, ice, and even dirt and rock. The Yaktrax Walk was one of the first snow grips on the market, and its design has changed very little over the years. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. The Unigear Traction Cleats are an affordable alternative for deep snow and soft surface grip. The Yaktrax Summit and the Kahtoola MICROspikes are designed for hiking, working and walking in some of the most challenging winter conditions. There are heel tabs to help put the microspikes on and take them off. If you want good traction but a little more versatility, the Distance Spikes are a good choice. In contrast, the spikes in the Kahtoola MICROspikes are made of stainless steel, which we all know resists rust and corrosion. The Unigear Traction Cleats provide excellent grip in deep snow and on thick ice and they do it for a low price. Got feedback? Okay, so now you know the best option for most hikers. 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. Okay, lets compare the most popular spikes for hiking. I suspect the most significant factor in that cost difference is the Boa Closure System because there arent many other significant variances. For walking, hiking and trekking in deeper packed snow and ice, and terrain where you might have to cross rocky sections, Microspikes are definitely more tenacious. We also share reviews of camping and hiking gear based on our lifetime of experiences. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Other options in this category (that we have not tested but are popular on our site): Hillsound Trail Crampons Similar to MICROspikes but with a top strap. I just got a pair that fits my shoe size. WooHoo! They are also good if you are planning to spend most of your time road running or hiking on relatively flat trails. Yaktrax Versatile Design for City and Trail: Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Best Non-Technical Crampon for Alpine Use: Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro Best Overall Winter Traction Device 1. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Yaktrax We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. They are relatively easy to put on, requiring the user to stretch the rubber body around their boot or shoe. Crampons attach by straps, a step-in system, or a hybrid. They are built upon the same concept to provide traction while hiking or walking on ice and snow. Similarities Between Yaktrax and Microspikes, Differences Between Yaktrax and Microspikes. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. If you tend to navigate many different surfaces and conditions, owning more than one pair of snow grips is recommended. Since spikes take the full force of your body weight, you can reasonably expect to see the steel models wear down over time, especially the crampon-style grips. Microspikes The Kahtoola MICROspikes are crampon-style snow grips that provide excellent traction for deep snow and thick ice. The Kahtoola NANOspikes and Black Diamond Distance Spikes are also notable here, though the NANOspikes feature a slightly stiffer rubber sole, which provides a secure fit and traction when walking, but doesn't pack down as small as the other rubber cleat grips. So dependable. The Black Diamond Access Spikes are similar to the Black Diamond Distance Spikes but have different harnesses. Traction: 12 stainless steel spikes (0.38 in.) Grips They are easy to use, durable, and provide traction on icy trails. If you click through and make a purchase, my blog may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. They are very effective on steep icy inclines or declines. These work very well on shallow snow or thin ice over firm surfaces like pavement. They have recently come out with a traverse and ascent version that is similar to the chainsen light, and a discontinued microspike with Ive found that Yaktrax Diamond Grips work well on mixed surfaces of rock, gravel, dirt, and pavement. Here we compare both in great detail to help you make the best choice for how you play in winter. Most brands will note the breaking-point temperature for the elastics on the microspikes, which is helpful to know. Since this style is most at home in deep snow and on dirt and other soft surfaces, proper use will elongate the lifespans of these products. Best Microspikes and Snow Grips A burly pair of snow grips like the Kahtoola MICROspikes can make all the difference when you have to navigate gnarly terrain. For durability and strength, they are made of case-hardened steel alloy and strung on steel aircraft-grade cable. So youd think that was a clear winner. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. These spikes will work in temperatures as cold as -41F. After a day out in the cold, Im not that conscientious and would probably leave my cleats in a damp bag where they could rust. So youll see many traction devices listed for sale as ice cleats. Lets deep dive into Yaktrax vs MICROspikes now! WebMicrospikes are more expensive than Yaktrax, and many people feel that they are of higher quality as well. Traction devices are generally called crampons when they have spikes instead of chains or coils in the sole. I suspect the most significant factor in that cost difference is the Boa Closure System because there arent many other significant variances. They are constructed of stretchy rubber harnesses, lightweight chains, and steel spikes on the bottom that provide mind-blowing traction. At a glance, there appears to be little difference between Yaktrax and MICROspikes, but if we take a deeper dive, some significant differences will impact your choice. In contrast, the strong elastomer harness of the Kahtoola MICROspikes is incredibly durable and will last for many seasons of winter hiking and adventure. The spikes are also heat-treated for additional durability and wear resistance. If you are new to microspikes, these questions and answers should help you better understand everything you need to know. For grip in the back, these spikes have steel coils that allow your shoe to flex nicely. The Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip minimizes the amount of snow buildup with their self-clearing design, which enhances traction as you hike. These have the best grip on icy and snowy surfaces. The thought of being in the middle of a long hike and losing your spikes seems risky. Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Cleats come in five sizes to fit most shoe and boot sizes. This guide goes over everything you need to know to find the best microspikes for hiking! Sign up for my newsletter to receive exclusive content, including travel tips, adventure guides, giveaway alerts, blog updates, and more! We like the traction it provides with its 8-millimeter spikes, which are small enough to be convenient for various conditions but sharp enough to provide bite on loose surfaces. We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, Today's best Yaktrax Run Ice Traction Device deals, Today's best Yaktrax Summit Traction Device deals, Today's best Kahtoola Microspikes Footwear Traction deals, Today's best Kahtoola Exospikes Footwear Traction deals, Today's best Kahtoola Nanospikes Footwear Traction deals, With snow and ice on the way to our trails and running routes, you might be looking for extra traction so the cold weather doesnt slow you down, Yaktrax and Microspikes are both brands of traction footwear that slip on over your footwear to help keep you upright and moving fast on icy surfaces and to dig in to power you forward on snowy uphills, If youre walking, hiking or running on thinner packed snow, slush, or variable terrain where you might be crossing sections of pavement, then Yaktrax are the way to go, 4 science-backed benefits of evening exercise. Microspikes are some of the best traction devices for hiking in the winter when the trail has packed snow and ice. They have recently come out with a traverse and ascent version that is similar to the chainsen light, and a discontinued microspike with They also have a point layout that places three spikes right below the toes, which can sometimes get caught when stepping up stairs or stepping over roots on a hike. This design is familiar in many traction devices and is effective for a versatile fit. The bottom of the microspikes will have the most use, so making sure they are durable is crucial. I like the brand, and these spikes look okay. Strap into your when you encounter snow or ice. We put each product on and took them off countless times, both with bare hands and gloved hands, to score ease of use. Winner: Yaktrax Summit coming in at 1/4 pound lighter is a pretty significant difference. The toe cover has minimal stretch and does not fit over wider shoes. The Yaktrax Summit runs about $20 more than the Kahtoola MICROspikes . I agree that the diamond grips do work well though. It features zinc-plated steel coils wrapped around rubber under the foot, and the coils dig into snow, ice, and even dirt and rock. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They are super light for a crampon-type grip, and they pack up small for easy stuffing into a pocket. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. The ICETRAX V3 is fast and easy to put on. Yaktrax Shackleton Rothera Hooded Down Jacket review: a premium puffer that lives up to its name and price tag, Man spotted stamping frantically on car roof to flush out curious bear, Ergobaby Omni 360 Cotton review: an excellent soft structured carrier for newborns and up. The Yaktrax Walk was one of the first snow grips on the market, and its design has changed very little over the years. The MICROspikes are hands down the best snow grip option out there for users who live in harsh winter climates. They are very inexpensive so its easy to have extra pairs for guests too. The traction devices attach to most footwear options you normally wear in the Winter. Most of the best microspikes for hiking in this blog have heat-treated metal, which helps the spikes last longer.