Login | January 12, 2026
Microspikes for safe winter hiking
PETE GLADDEN
Pete’s World
Published: January 12, 2026
I’ve been doing a good bit of hiking this winter season.
And for some reason I’ve seen a lot of people this year utilizing micro spikes - ice cleats.
Now though I haven’t used mine just yet, they’re hanging in the gear room just waiting for the day when my favorite trail becomes dangerously frozen over.
Indeed, trails that are otherwise a piece of cake, well, they can suddenly transition into complete nightmares in the winter when they get frozen over with jagged, crusty snow and/or patches of black ice.
This is when having gear like micro spikes and crampons can make your winter hiking endeavors that much more enjoyable and considerably safer.
But, there’s a caveat to their use.
Make sure you don't overdo it when it comes to the traction device you buy, because too big of a spike can sometimes be just as bad as no spikes at all.
So let’s take a look at what’s currently available, what devices work best where, as well as what brand of traction devices would be warranted for your trail hiking here in northeast Ohio.
Now when you really dig into the whole traction device discussion you’ll soon discover that micro spikes gradationally morph into crampons as the hiking conditions get more and more vertical as well as more and more dangerous.
So let’s first zero in on the differences between these types of traction devices.
Micro spikes are typically made up of chains and spikes (with anywhere from 4 to 10 spikes/binding) strung between a stretchy frame, and they’re usually compatible with most varieties of hiking footwear such that you can transfer them from one boot to another with relatively zero fit issues.
What’s more, they can be easily removed during a hiking outing thereby allowing you to use them when conditions dictate.
Crampons on the other hand are absolute overkill on the hiking trails we have here in northeast Ohio.
Their spikes are typically 2 cm or more in length and there’s roughly 10 to 12 spikes per crampon, all of which is usually mounted on a rigid frame.
So with the crampon’s spikes being much longer than the micro spikes you can better negotiate hills and mountains that are at a 10- to 15-degree angle or more.
Thus, they’re absolutely critical when you’re traveling on steep slopes of hard-packed snow/ice/rock.
Thus, micro spikes are the way to go for hiking here in Ohio.
But as I said earlier there are numerous varieties of micro spikes, and finding the proper variety for your type of hiking is the best way to insure that you have a safe outing.
Now micro spikes are just like any other piece of outdoor gear - you can get more expensive brands or you can get cheaper brands. What’s the difference?
Typically the cheaper brands are flimsier, thereby making them more apt to come off your boots in dicy situations.
The better brands are sturdier and hold tighter to the boots, especially when you put a lot of torque (twisting motions) on them.
Then there’s the application with which you’ll be using your spikes.
The super light ones with shorter spikes are better suited for trail running and flat hiking while the heavier ones with longer spikes and stiffer bindings are better suited for general hiking on rolling and hilly terrain.
Below are some recommendations.
Trail running on mixed terrain
You’re going to want spikes that are light, more flexible, and above all more comfortable. A great brand to look at in this category is Kahtoola with its EXOspikes and MICROspikes Ghost models.
Flat hiking terrain
Locally we’re talking about trails like bike & hike tarmac trails and various cinder trails. Good micro spike choices for flat surfaces are brands such as Yaktrax Walk and ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip. These models have smaller spikes like the running spikes but they’re designed for general hiking.
Hilly hiking terrain
Now we’re talking about longer, beefier and grippier spikes with tighter bindings that will stay in place as you’re traveling up and downhill for hours on end on rocky, icy, rooted trails. And the best bet for long hikes on mixed, hilly terrain are the micro spikes made by Kahtoola - the Kahtoola MICROspikes are super durable with slightly longer spikes and a bombproof binding system.
So when the trail conditions are about to discourage you from taking your winter hikes, those are precisely the times when you…go to the spikes!