Microspikes group test: which ones are for you?

So, what are microspikes?

Microspikes are metal spikes that can be fitted to flexible footwear, such as a running trainer, to provide traction on snow and ice. They have many applications through the winter months, from running on icy pavements to scaling snow covered mountains and everything in between, microspikes provide a valuable level of security when the going gets slippery. 

While all microspikes are designed with broadly the same thing in mind, there are a vast array of products out there that differ subtly in their design and intended application. The Run the Highlands team have put several sets through their paces over the last few winters to help you decide which might be best for you.

It is important to note that microspikes are not the same as crampons and they are not suitable for more challenging mountain routes, particularly where the ground is very steep. If you’d like to learn more about the pro’s and con’s of microspikes v’s crampons and how to use them both appropriately then join us for one of our Winter Skills for Runners weekends. We’ll try out both as well as covering all the info you need to run safely through the winter mountains. 

The lightweight, minimal design of the Explorer Lights is evident and you'll barely notice them on your shoe.

Grivel Explorer Light

Design:

The Grivel Explorer Light features relatively short hardened-steel spikes attached to two plates, joined by thin steel wire. They attach to the shoe with a stretchy, rubberised harness without a strap.

What do we think?:

The relatively low weight and short spikes make these microspikes pretty unobtrusive on the shoe. They’re perfect for the sort of runs where you are alternating between icy terrain and unfrozen surfaces. They grip ice well and are not particularly noticeable underfoot if you are wearing a relatively cushioned shoe.

The relatively low number of short spikes that are placed away from the ends of the shoe mean these don't shine on steep ground. When the ground becomes steep enough to require climbing on the balls of your feet, or descending with a heel strike they don’t feel particularly secure.

These are best for icy, rolling trails where you don’t want to be stopping to take spikes on and off. When the whole sole of the shoe is in contact with the ground they offer loads of grip, even on sheet ice, and their low weight means you’ll forget you’re wearing them. 

We loved these spikes for icy trail miles and more mellow mountain adventures. Their low weight was much appreciated but we have found that the weight saving results in a corresponding reduction in durability, with one pair breaking within a winter.

Kahtoola Microspikes 

Design:

Six stainless steel plates with relatively long spikes. These are spaced across the shoe, joined together with stainless steel chains and attached to the shoe by a rubberised, stretchy harness. 

What do we think?:

These stand out as the toughest, most durable and versatile spikes the team have tested. The distribution and size of the spikes offers good grip on a wide range of underfoot conditions. They feel secure on icy tracks and trails, hard snow and frozen mountain terrain. Like all microspikes there is a limit to the steepness on which you can still get a good grip - they soon feel insecure on gradients where you can’t comfortably keep your whole foot in contact with the ground.

We have tested these on many mountain runs in full winter conditions and they have never failed. In fact one of our team has been using the same pair for over five years and they are still going strong despite many icy mountain miles. The cost of this durability is that they are not the lightest model on the market but the extra grams are worth it for the security they afford.

There is a bit of a knack to getting them on and in the right position on the trainer but once they are fitted they feel very secure and don’t move about underneath your foot. They are comfortable to wear and can be left on for long days with no issue of rubbing on the top of the trainer. They come in six different sizes, we recommend that if you are between sizes then size down to get a more secure fit.  

These are a great option for long mountain days when you want to know you can rely on your spikes to cover the miles, stay put and offer security on a wide variety of ground.

The Kahtoolas numerous plates and chains can make them a little fiddly to fit, but once they're in place they perform flawlessly.

Yaktrax Pro

Design:

A stretchy rubber ‘net’ that wraps around the upper and sole of the shoe. The rubber underneath the shoe has a stainless steel wire coil wrapped around it.

What do we think?:

While technically not microspikes, Yaktrax Pros certainly have their place. They are a much lighter and cheaper option if you’re not planning on heading into the mountains, but sticking to lower level snowy trails.

They perform best on fresh or compacted snow, with the metal coils giving that little bit of extra grip to stop your trainers from slipping. When it comes to harder snow, ice and rock these are not good. The coiled metal is unable to bite into the harder surfaces, and instead of offering any traction, they become as slippery as the rubber sole of your trainer.

The rubber net of the Yaktrax Pros is only just big enough to hook over the heel and around the toes, whereas with the previous models mentioned the rubber harness comes quite far up the foot. A little extra security is given by a velcro strap over the top of the foot, but they’re not exactly confidence inspiring when the ground gets a little steeper, with the trainer starting to move around inside the net.

When it comes to durability, we can’t comment on how long a pair of these would last as we’ve only used them for short periods of time.

Would we take these on mountain runs? They’re unsuitable for mixed terrain or steeper ground, so definitely not. However, they are worth sticking in your running vest if you’re heading out on low level snowy trails and might need a little bit of extra grip.

Yaktax Pro's in action

Our Verdict:

Where durability and security on winter mountain terrain are concerned, the Kahtoola Microspikes are a clear winner of the spikes tested, and they’re where we’d point people looking to purchase their first pair. 

There are numerous other options on the market with designs that broadly echo those tested, they will have similar strengths and weaknesses based on their similarities to our samples. Stores such as Ellis Brigham stock a comprehensive range and are a great port of call when deciding on a pair for you. A top tip is to take your trainer along to a store and ask to check the fit before you buy as fit is key in ensuring your spikes perform as they should.