Our Recommendation Yaktrax vs MICROspikes 2. The Black Diamond Distance Spikes are among the best microspikes for hiking because they are durable, lightweight, and provide great traction. Yaktrax vs. Microspikes (Whats the Best Winner:In this case, it depends upon how you play! No ads. Conversely, if you are wearing lightweight running shoes and at the bottom of the size range, you should go down a size for a snug fit. They have a strap that can be worn over the top of the foot to keep the crampon in place even when trudging through super deep snow. Comparison. Seriously, I just want a beverage and a fire at that point. We put each product on and took them off countless times, both with bare hands and gloved hands, to score ease of use. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. None of the companies above make microspikes for kids. Durability Microspikes are also seen as more durable than Yaktrax are. Our only gripe is that they are uncomfortable for winter running, but that's a niche use that won't apply to everyone. The 0.29-inch spikes have three levels of traction on icy trails. Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Traction Cleats are built to last with aircraft-grade steel cables, case-hardened steel alloy Diamond Beads, Zinc coated steel grommets, and durable rubber sling bands. The spikes bite into snow and ice with ease. These work very well on shallow snow or thin ice over firm surfaces like pavement. They are super light for a crampon-type grip, and they pack up small for easy stuffing into a pocket. However, Yaktrax break more easily and dont stay on the foot quite as well as Microspikes. If you are looking for lightweight microspikes for hiking, the Black Diamond Distance Spikes are some of the best! We also share reviews of camping and hiking gear based on our lifetime of experiences. These work very well on shallow snow or thin ice over firm surfaces like pavement. This concludes our guide to the best microspikes and winter traction devices for hiking, running, and backpacking. These are a specialty product that winter runners will cherish, but other users should check out different options. That doesnt mean stainless steel spikes are not durable. They work on most footwear. They use the patented Boa Closure System that is used in many high-performance gear. Microspikes with chains use sharp metal chains to provide traction. The difference comes in how you personally use your traction devices and what you want in fit and durability. Features Case-hardened steel alloy "beads" are strung on steel aircraft cable to offer hundreds of biting edges for exceptional grip in all directions underfoot Again, the Kahtoola and Yaktrax models outperform the rest of the competition when it comes to durability. The Kahtoola MICROspikes are a time-tested traction machine in deep snow. Winner: Kahtoola MICROspikes since $20 bucks is worth saving! Youll find tips for your adventures, for camping and for hiking to help you. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing. If you are looking for the most grip and biggest spikes in a lighter weight that is designed for trail running, this is the best choice. Snow grips are essential for adding security on slippery winter surfaces. The Yaktrax Ascent is virtually identical to the Kahtoola Microspikes but offers additional spikes in the toe area for extra grip on steep terrain. First is if you are carrying the spikes in your backpack, a lighter traction device is always better. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. These are best used in deep snow, on thick ice, and where the surface underneath the snow or ice is soft, like hiking trails and dirt roads. The Yaktrax spikes for trail running have six spikes up front that are 3mm in length. All the Kahtoola models feature excellent security of fit. Stainless steel is considered to be stronger than steel alloy. In this case, it is a pretty tough call; you have two very high-quality products that are proven to work in moderately difficult winter environments. After all this testing was complete, we scored each product on how well it performed across a wide range of activities, and we searched for signs of wear and tear. The heel tabs make it easy to put on or take off the microspikes. Yaktrax are lightweight grips made from elastic rubber and steel coils that you pull on and fasten tight over your boots or best trail running shoes when moving upright on packed snow and ice. Usually, when you are winter hiking, you will need multiple forms of traction, depending on the terrain you are hiking. However, as weve shown, the comparison between Yaktrax Summit and Kahtoola MICROspikes is worth looking at for moderately challenging winter activities. However, if you plan to do a lot of non-technical mountain terrain hiking, Id suggest moving up another level to Kahtoola Hiking Crampons for just a few dollars more. The Kahtoola EXOspikes are some of the best microspikes for hiking because they are lightweight, durable, and provide great traction. They are also made of heat-treated stainless steel to provide the ultimate durability and wear resistance. They have a longer 3/4 inch spike and are designed to flex with your movement over rough trails. He rarely leaves home in the wintertime without a good pair of grips. Shop All Previous (24) Diamond Grip Traction Device $54.99 (14) Pro Traction Device $34.99 (14) Walk Traction Device $24.99 (3) Chains Traction Device $39.99 (4) Spikes Traction Device $29.99 1 2 3 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. If you tend to navigate many different surfaces and conditions, owning more than one pair of snow grips is recommended. Advnture is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Yaktrax vs. Microspikes Flexible plate for mobility and stability, Heavier than other microspikes because of the large spikes. Yaktrax vs Microspikes Our mission is to help you plan your own adventures and create memories beyond your imagination! They also have integrated toe bales that help keep the microspikes in place, so you dont have to fix them while hiking. This metric measures how well each pair of grips can handle a variety of conditions and also how well each grip can fit across different shoe types, from sleek running shoes to heavy-duty winter boots. Microspikes with teeth use a small number of points to provide traction. Avoid the walk and pro versions from yatkrax. 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. Microspikes sizing is straightforward. It includes everything you need to know, including the best microspikes for hiking on the market! Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Cleats come in five sizes to fit most shoe and boot sizes. As such, traction is the most important factor in choosing and assessing these products. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Which is Better For You Yaktrax or Microspikes? Theyre best for walking on cleared pavement where you may occasionally encounter slick surfaces. Once the storm is over, and the streets dry out, or when you enter a building and don't want to damage the floor, it's important that your traction devices pack into a small and light package that you can easily stash in a pocket or a compartment in a vehicle. These work very well on shallow snow or thin ice over firm surfaces like pavement. 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. All of the options in our review feature some kind of rubbery, elastic body that is stretched over the sole of the user's shoe or boot. For grip in the back, these spikes have steel coils that allow your shoe to flex nicely. The stainless steel points are strong and will easily last multiple winters. This guide goes over everything you need to know to find the best microspikes for hiking! WebHome | Yaktrax Shop by Category Best Sellers Weather any terrain, shop our best selling traction devices and more. As the cables tighten, they adjust the pull on both the front and side of the Summits. Grips These spikes will work in temperatures as cold as -41F. Best Microspikes and Snow Grips The base-level Yaktrax, with a series of heavy-duty coils on your sole, is intended for walking out to get your mail. The 8mm spikes provide excellent traction and stability for icy trails. Yaktrax Traverse Heavy-Duty Traction Spikes for Walking on Snow and Ice (1 Pair) Visit the Yaktrax Store 86 ratings -29% $3580 Was: $50.70 FREE Returns Style: Large Large Medium X-large Xx-large About this item Pair of heavy-duty, yet lightweight, traction Cleats fit over shoes and boots for everyday safety on ice and snow That means you could find yourself propelled headfirst onto your running trail if you are moving along at a fast pace. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, many people compare apples to bananas when looking at traction devices. However, if you are ice fishing or hiking into your hunting spot where youll be sitting most of the day, a little extra weight is not a big deal. The Yaktrax Diamond Grip didnt grip as well as the others but still provided improved traction. Cleat grips feature a handful of small metal studs that add the least amount of traction out of the three styles, but they are also the easiest to walk with and are great for thinly covered firm surfaces, like a thin layer of snow over pavement. The idea behind it is that you turn the knob at the heel to pull the cables tight. A burly pair of snow grips like the Kahtoola MICROspikes can make all the difference when you have to navigate gnarly terrain. We had no problem with either of these brands during our testing period, and we don't expect to see any problems for many winters. They would be my second choice. WebHome | Yaktrax Shop by Category Best Sellers Weather any terrain, shop our best selling traction devices and more. So dependable. Copyright 2023 Walking The Parks | Brad and Ladona Stork, Boa Closure System, stainless steel cable with tightner, Elastomer Harness with integrated toe bail and raised heel tab.