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With microspikes you can go everywhere.
Hiking through slush, snow or ice, your options are endless. Besides staying on your feet and not falling down, they also allow you to keep your speed up even in the most challenging conditions. But, what are the best microspikes for hiking? What to choose if you are only starting out and planning to buy your first microspikes?
Below we have listed 6 great options for you to check out.
Table of Contents
Best Microspikes for Hiking
Looking for crampons or microspikes for hiking?
In this list of the best hiking microspikes we have selected cleats with different types of teeth. They are all made for hiking. You just need to choose the ones that suit the trail conditions you want to combat. Since most microspikes pack small you can easily pack them in your hiking backpack, just in case.
1. EnergeticSky Walk Traction Ice Cleat Spikes (click for more details)
Shoe spikes for hiking with a silicone cover.
Overall, the best microspikes for hiking, our favorite.
Silicone is more elastic material compared to Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR), and that makes these microspikes more durable. Made out of high strength stainless steel, these spikes are abrasion resistant and long lasting. A useful carry bag is included in the package. Suitable for temperatures as low as -60F. These spikes will get you through icy roads, angled terrains, ice covered boulders, ice mud, etc.
NUMBER OF SPIKES: 19
BEST FOR: Winter trail running, hiking, ice fishing
2. MerryXD Crampons for Shoes (click for more details)
Hiking spikes for boots with extra thick cover.
The Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) cover is 5 mm thicker than ordinary rubber. The spikes are made out of heat-treated stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. The spikes are meant to be used in temperatures up to -49F, which will be more than enough for most users.
They are easy to put on and put off. And having adjustable velcro straps they fit various hiking shoes, boots, and mountaineering boots. The microspikes fold small and you can store them in the carry bag that is included in the package.
NUMBER OF SPIKES: 19
BEST FOR: Traveling, winter hiking, ice fishing
3. Hillsound Trail Crampons (click for more details)
Hillsound microspikes – another great option for hiking crampons.
These cleats feature 2/3 inch long spikes that are great for really icy roads. They also have an ergonomic plate system for weight distribution and fatigue reduction. Unlike many other cheaper alternatives, these you can easily use as a backup for your mountaineering crampons. When you feel tired and start tripping after a day on larger spikes, you will be happy to switch to the shorter spikes.
The quality of these ice grippers is secured with a two year warranty.
NUMBER OF SPIKES: 11
BEST FOR: Hiking
4. Ceestyle Ice Cleats for Hiking Shoes and Boots (click for more details)
Very simple, budget friendly hiking boot spikes.
These ice grippers are made out of cold resistant TPE rubber material that stands temperatures as low as -49F. They are available in black and orange colors. There are no chains and no velcro straps. Just slip them on and you are ready to go. They are lightweight and portable and you can pack them in the added carry bag.
Suitable for ice, snow and fit various kinds of hiking and casual shoes, and boots. Can be used as microspikes for running.
NUMBER OF SPIKES: 11
BEST FOR: Trail running, ice fishing
5. Unigear Traction Cleats for Climbing and Hiking (click for more details)
Lightweight hiking spikes with mixed size teeth.
These heavy duty stainless steel teeth come are two sizes 0.51” and 0.61”. They are mixed together to offer better grip on an uneven path. The welded curb chains withstand repeated torque and prevent breaking. Made to perform at low temperatures up to -49F, these microspikes offer a great grip for going up and down icy and snowy slopes.
The pair of these ice grippers feature adjustable velcro straps.
Comes with a carry pouch.
NUMBER OF SPIKES: 18
BEST FOR: Hiking, walking, mountain trekking
6. STABILicers Traction Cleat for Snow and Ice (click for more details)
Durable cleats with multi-directional traction plates.
Not always you need spikes to feel safe on the trail. These traction aids are just perfect if you think that actual spikes are a bit too much for your hiking conditions.
These full coverage cleats with heat treated steel plates offer 360 degree traction. And they don’t clump like the spiked cleats. They are super easy to put on and off. But make sure that you order the right size because they are not that much adjustable.
Great option for a day hike on a slushy trail for beginners.
NUMBER OF SPIKES: 24 plates
BEST FOR: Walking, hiking and everyday use
Photo by Davidson Free Media from Pexels
Crampons vs Microspikes
All of them have one main purpose.
They are made to make walking on difficult terrains easier.
You attach them to your boots or shoes, and it becomes easier for you to walk on ice, snow, mud, debris, etc. Most of them have spikes of some sort. But they aren’t all the same. Even though it may look so at first.
What are crampons? It’s a traction device. They usually have large spikes and they are attached to a sturdy base. These devices are excellent for mountain climbing and usually made for use with mountaineering boots. You may not be able to attach them to your walking shoes.
And then there are microspikes. These things have smaller spikes or plates. Usually they are not fixed on a metal base and therefore it is easier to walk with them on flat or angled surfaces. They are made to fit most hiking shoes and boots, and mostly they are very easy to put on.
However, there are also some products in the market that fall in-between these categories. They have larger spikes than average microspikes and they are made to use on hiking footwear. That’s why there are some cleats that are considered as crampons for hiking.
How to Find the Best Microspikes For Hiking For Yourself?
How to find the best snow spikes for hiking that suits your needs?
Let’s make this super simple.
Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.
1. Traction
Spikes are the most important part of cleats.
The more spikes there are, the greater the grip against the debris, snow and ice. The length of spikes also matters. Crampons that are made for climbing icy mountains have long and strong spikes. But you don’t need those for less challenging conditions. You don’t long spikes for walking on icy and mostly flat trails for example. Having plates instead of spikes is another option for better maintained trails or in no so harsh weather and conditions.
2. Adjustability
What are the hook and loop tape straps added for?
Many boot spikes have velcro type straps included in the package. They are not there just for the design. They can make your cleats fit different boots. Hiking shoes are usually smaller than hiking or winter boots although they may have the same foot size. The straps make sure that the spikes don’t fall off.
The cleats that are easy to slip on and off are less adjustable.
3. Chains or No Chains
Chains or rubber bands, which is better?
Rubber seems to be cheaper, but a chain system seems to be more durable. But are chains really better for everyone? It depends. Although most cleats have a thoughtful spike and band placement to distribute pressure among stronger points of your feet, mostly you will still be able to feel the chains through your hiking shoes if they have a thin sole. Whereas rubber may feel more comfortable. For slushy, muddy, snowy and also sturdy trails you are probably going to wear proper heavy duty boots. For that a pair of good chain cleats will work perfectly.
To sum it up, rubber is better for shoes, chains – boots.
4. Durability
What makes ice grippers durable?
Silicone is a bit more elastic material than rubber therefore it is more resistant to the pressure from twisting and pulling when walking. Did you notice that all the cleats in this list that feature chains have double link chains? It’s because singular chains just aren’t as strong. For durability, look for microspikes with double side chains.
What is your experience with microspikes and crampons? Do you use them on your hikes? What’s the best microspikes you have tried so far?
Featured photo by seyfi durmaz from Pexels
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