Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction

Brand: Kahtoola MICROspikes

MICROspikes are the reference point for chain traction: twelve stainless steel spikes about 10 mm long, welded to a flat stainless chain, all held by a moulded elastomer harness that stretches on without buckles or straps. They bite ice, packed snow, wet rock and frozen gravel, and the chain flexes with the sole instead of fighting it. Each pair ships in a small tote sack, which is the difference between carrying them and leaving them at home.

This is more cleat than a flat sidewalk needs, and that is the trade: total confidence on the glazed slope by the driveway, but spikes you must take off before any tiled lobby or wooden floor. Reasonably heavy compared with low profile grips, and clearly the priciest tier of pull on traction. Worth it if the same pair also goes on winter hikes and frozen park trails at the weekend.