Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction

2025-10-22T20:00:00

On a self-supported Everest Three Passes trek with my brother, I packed the Kahtoola MICROspikes® Ghost for one day of glacier crossing. A snowstorm left knee-deep drifts, extending their use to multiple days. At 3.4 oz per foot, these lightweight spikes provided reliable traction on snow, ice, and rock. Pros: Fit my Salomon Quest 4D GTX boots (women's 7.5) with no slippage and stayed secure on La Sportiva Cyklon trail runners (women's 9). Minimal wear after days of use, easy to slip on with gloves, and the stow bag added convenience. Cons: None. Performed as intended. Verdict: Ultralight, durable traction for alpine conditions.

Philip O.

2025-10-17T20:00:00

I received a pair of Kahtoola MicroSpikes Ghost in exchange for this review. I tested size XL spikes and wear a size 13 hiking boot. Fortunately, snow fell this week on Mt. San Jacinto, providing an opportunity to test the spikes on crusty snow, refrozen slush, ice, dirt, and rocks. The spikes fit very snugly and hold in place quite well. My test hike was about 4 miles with moderate elevation gains (1,100' over 2 miles). I had to adjust the spikes once during the hike as the spikes on one shoe slipped toward the side beyond the boot sole (see photo). One quick adjustment to properly orient the spikes and no further issues. Throughout the hike, the bite was excellent. I felt no slippage between sole and spikes. Confidence in the spikes was quickly built and sustained. The spikes were not as steady on dry, angled rocks as good soles, but that is to be expected. Otherwise, I was pleased with the performance of the spikes on dry rock and dirt. Because over half of the hike was dry, the spikes transferred some pressure through the boot soles. For a longer hike in similar conditions, I would have removed the spikes periodically to address the pressure, but for my hike, the pressure was noticeable but wholly tolerable. Based on this one outing, I would rate the spikes 5 out of 5.

Scott C.

2025-10-17T20:00:00

Last year I was trail running / hiking with my wife in typical variable early winter season Colorado conditions - sometimes it's dry, sometimes it's pure ice, sometimes it's packed snow, sometimes it's slush... all on the same route. I let my wife wear my Micro spikes and I took the Exo spikes. I was thinking the Micro were too aggressive and heavy on my trail runners and I also wanted to make sure my hiking partner was sure footed. The Exo spikes worked well in most situations but when it gets really muddy or snowy they're not the right tool. I said to my wife "I wish the Micro spikes and Exo spikes would just have a baby!" And well, that's what the Ghost feels like to me. They are super lightweight as advertised and the stretchy harness system isn't noticeable at all on trail shoes. I was testing these in pretty dry conditions and I was worried it was going to be super uncomfortable, but as I started running I didn't notice them at all - and it was kinda fun having the extra traction on dry conditions. I did get into some mud and slop. I had just missed the early snow we had. I've tested them on a few more runs and they look like they've barely been used, so durable too. Also I wanted to see if they would stand up to being chewed on by a dog or wild animal but couldn't find any to cooperate so I tested it myself. :) (see pic) They went on really easy and off too. I carried them in my running vest and didn't notice them at all. These are going to be my new faves and number one in the traction department. Yes for trail running but hiking and everything else too. Highly recommend. I did receive these to test in exchange for a review and I'm also supposed to add in any shortcomings but really, I can't find any.

Marc G.

2025-10-15T20:00:00

I love my new Microspike ghost. Use them quite a few times hiking here in Hawaii and couldn't be more impressed with the traction that gives me. Highly recommend these.

John T.

2025-10-13T20:00:00

These new spikes are amazing. We got an early season snowstorm over the weekend and it gave me a perfect chance to try them out on the local trail network. I run year round to stay in shape for my job and these are my new go-to traction device for snowy runs. I have the size medium Microspikes Ghost on a pair of 9.5 mens Topo MTN Racer 3 and they fit perfectly. The toe box area of the harness has been redesigned and it's much more comfortable than my EXOspikes. When I was running on packed snow, I legitimately forgot there was anything attached to my shoe. The spikes being able to articulate to the terrain is a clever idea that provided me with a great deal of confidence. I was able to carry as much speed as I would on a tacky trail. I had no issue running as if it were a typical summer day. The redesigned harness seems to make them more packable too. I can easily fit them in my running pack. Keep in mind that the spikes are very aggressive and be mindful of the surfaces you're planning to use them on. If your run/hike is on mixed snow and bare ground, the EXOspikes might be a better option. The Microspikes Ghost are incredible on new snow, packed snow, ice, and anything they can bite into. They can feel weird on rock, concrete, or other very hard surfaces. Bottom line, these are the most comfortable most confidence inspiring traction device I've ever used.

Jordan

2023-01-11T11:15:31

Great for icy conditions on hard packed snow and icy conditions. The cleats hold really well. Big improvement over Yaktraks. Easy to put on and take off.

Perry A.

2022-07-27T08:54:09

Lightweight and good grip on the packed snow!

DONALD G.

2021-04-14T08:05:09

Perfect item

CARL Y.

2021-04-08T08:43:16

Best of the ice spikes.

GARY K.

2021-03-30T08:40:44

Good product, replaced a pair used often for 5+ years.

THOMAS O.

2021-03-23T08:38:00

Bought cheap ones. Lesson learned. These are great.

ROBERT S.

2021-03-23T08:33:45

Great product! Easy on and stays put. Grips into snow and ice for secure feel on the flat to extreme inclines and descents. I feel totally confident in questionable winter conditions when hiking in these microspikes by Kahtoola. Sizing chart is excellent for fit of the type of shoe or boot you are purchasing these for. Highly recommend!

ELIZABETH Y.

2021-03-02T09:23:43

These Microspikes are perfect! They fit as described on my hiking boots. Seem to be great quality and worked well on a recent icey hike. The back order did not take too long and they kept informed of the status of my order including an offer to cancel. You won't be disappointed.

Bonnie H.

2021-02-25T17:02:46

I've used both Chainsen and the older version of Kahtoola (which actually were made by Chainsen) microspikes over the years and these are the best so far. The front of the boot on the older versions would often slip off the toe of your boot especially when going downhill. It would get noticeably worse as they got older and stretched. It also appears they have done a better job of reinforcing where the chain hooks into the rubber which is good since after several years and a number of zip ties later, I've ended up just buying a new pair. Hopefully they've solved this problem for good now.

BRYAN H.

2021-02-19T11:59:38

MicroSpikes worked great on our snowy hike in Maryland. Up and down hills and along a sloped trail. Easy on and off. Love the free pouch, keeps my backpack dry and protected from the spikes.

MARK H.

2021-02-18T13:02:37

After buying cheaper microspikes, we decided to buy the Kahtoola ones since they were recommended by outdoorgearlab. The quality is clearly much better and the spikes stay put without moving around.

WOO L.

2021-02-18T11:07:55

Wouldn’t go out on icy sidewalks without them.

CAROLYN H.

2021-02-12T10:02:37

These are the best for hiking in snow. Easy to put on, they stay put, and will last forever. Worth the price!

Lori L.

2021-02-08T08:19:22

Awesome, great price and exactly what I wanted/was looking for! Happy Trails!

BRIANNA H.

2021-02-07T13:44:43

Great product that makes winter hiking a breeze! I wear a size 8-8.5 in hiking boots and 9 in snow boots and got a medium. A small likely would have fit too, but the medium fits over all of my boots so I'm glad I chose that size. Service was GREAT! I ordered on a Thursday evening, it shipped Friday, and arrived on Sunday.

Mary O.

2021-01-09T14:10:10

These are the best spikes! Nothing else compares.

MARYSUE G.

2021-01-03T09:16:11

So far they have been great. I’ve only needed them 3 times so far this winter but I walk with confidence in the ice.

BETTYJO C.

2020-12-30T13:51:25

Excellent for ice/slick conditions

JASON R.

2020-12-27T02:45:46

Love these spikes. Fits well over my snow boat. Grips the ice. This winter in Vermont is safe! Thank you!

DIAN P.

2020-12-25T06:58:38

Work very well. You need about an inch or more of snow, ice, or mud. Great traction. Make sure you get the right size for your boot. I have two kinds of boots. Lot of insulation. Less insulation. Same size. Different microspike needs.

Gerald B.

2020-12-20T11:06:34

They provide more traction than many other brands, and they stay on. Friends and I have lost traction devices (at least 3)when the snow gets deep and we were postholing, then suddenly realize we only have one traction device on. Went back over my tracks, but as soon as others walked in my footsteps, the missing one was probably buried. I have never had a micro spike come off accidentally.

MARK S.

2020-01-05T17:25:24

There isn't much new to write regarding the Kahtoola microspikes. 1.) They are expensive. 2.) They work better than anything else available for outdoor sports in snowy/icy environments. 3.) If you live in Colorado, you know well 2 brands: Subaru & Kahtoola!

robert m.

2020-01-02T07:48:05

Great spikes! Could be improved with the addition of a velcro strap to span the top of the foot.

Daniel D.

2020-01-01T08:43:42

They work great. No slipping on the icy driveway.

Deborah S.

2019-12-31T11:46:52

Good traction on icy trails.

Krishna R.