Summary
The Kahtoola MICROspikes Pocket Traction system slips onto your running or hiking boots to give you extra traction for safe moving in winter environments. Ice, packed snow, wet rocks, concrete and scree will be easier and safer to tread on with Kahtoolah MICROspikes.
The MICROspikes are handy enough to fit into your pocket or a small bag. If you need to walk through a snow-covered driveway or icy pavement, you can whip them out and slip them on. They stay securely in place using a built-in toe bar and flexible elastomer.
If you enjoy snow adventures or if you want to keep running outdoors even during winter, Kahtoola MICROspikes will help keep you on track. Winter doesn’t have to stop you—or slow you down.
For those who don’t want full-on crampons, but still need better winter traction, the Kahtoola MICROspikes system is a good alternative.
MICROspikes come in sizes for men, women and children.
Product Snapshot
Amazon Price: $49.99 to 59.99, depending on size
Amazon Ranking: 
Sample Customer Reviews
Some quotes from the many reviews of the Kahtoola MICROspikes on Amazon:
“Used these on a recent trip to the Mt. Whitney area (yes there was still some snow crossings on the West side and up top). These spikes are easy to get on and off and they work great for traction.”
“Easy to put on and take off, easy to transport, and far less likely to dislodge than other cleats I have tried, these immediately and forever have ended the series of humiliating pratfalls I had been taking on the way from my car to my back door, on thrice-a-day dog walks, and on at least two serious treks through terrible weather over very slick and unforgiving surfaces in the deep rural countryside.”
“I loved the assurance that these MICROspikes gave us on snow/ice covered trails! They grip quickly and easily and allow you to proceed on your way with little to no trouble at all.”
Features
Kahtoola MICROspikes are slip on cleats that can be used with running shoes or boots for better traction on ice, snow, wet rocks and scree. The tough, stainless steel spikes are 3/8” inches—and can dig into most surfaces hardened by winter conditions.
A built-in toe bar and elastomer harness secures the MICROspikes system onto your shoe—requiring no additional straps or buckles. Simply stretch them over your shoe when you need extra grip power to walk over icy streets and other hard, slippery surfaces.
Because MICROspikes do not have bulky straps, they are small enough to fit into a bag, purse or pocket.
Elastomer used can remain flexible up to -76 degrees Fahrenheit.
The MICROspikes come in black or red, and are available in various sizes to fit adults and children:
Extra Large, Men 14+
Large, Men 10.5 – 14
Medium, Women 8.5, Men 7 – 10.5
Small, Youth 4 – 5.7, Women 5.5 – 8.5
Medium, Women 8.5+ Men 7 – 10.5
Small Youth 4- 5.7, Women 5.5 – 8.5
Extra Small
Small size weighs 11.4 ounces, while Extra Large size weighs 15.6 ounces.
Kahtoola provides a 100 percent, one-year guarantee for their MICROspikes.
Tips for Using the Kahtoola MICROspikes
Kahtoola MICROspikes are very effective for winter trails, snowed-in roads and icy driveways. When it isn’t winter, I have even used these to tread on loose gravel.
Do note that, while providing good traction, Kahtoola MICROspikes are not a replacement for crampons—particularly if going up steep, frozen slopes.
However, I think MICROspikes should be standard issue if you have to live through winter months. Keep them in you bag or anywhere easily accessible so you can put them over your boots and walk the dog or navigate an icy driveway during snow season—safe from slips and falls.
Sizing can be tricky, but it’s best to err on the small size. If you’re wearing them over insulated snow boots, you may have to go up one size. Over running shoes, stick to your actual shoe size on the Kahtoola size chart.
Although this may seem obvious, keep these cleats off your tiles and wooden floors—they can do serious damage with their 3/8” inch stainless steel spikes. These are definitely not for walking indoors! Make sure to remind your kids about this if you’re getting them their own MICROspikes.
Pricing
If you are looking to buy online, a great place to start is Amazon.com. I find that Amazon pretty much always has the lowest price — either buying directly from them or through their “Other Buying Options” – where they list prices from other sellers around the web.
Amazon Best: $49.99 to 59.99, depending on size
Kahtoola Direct: $59.95
Assessment
Much improved traction for snow and icy conditions delivered, as promised.
I slip them on with not much fuss or effort. When snugly placed over my shoes I have no problems keeping the MICROspikes securely on, even while running. They never feel loose nor do they have to be adjusted mid-run.
I can’t take too much treadmill running indoors, so I’m grateful these Kahtoola’s keep me on track for outdoor runs even during winter. If you need to do anything outdoors during snow season—from shoveling snow off your driveway to walking the dog, and even trail running—this is a good traction product to have.
Pros
Easy to put on and easy to take off. These MICROspikes are snug and secure. They stay in place even when running snowy trails.
Better traction is indeed provided for deep snow, icy trails, wet rocks, scree and ice solid driveways and streets. You could walk your dog across a hockey field on these and tread safely and comfortably. Kahtoola MICROspikes provide grip and security you need to prevent falls and slips, which tend to happen in snowy or icy conditions.
I’d say this should be standard issue safety gear for people who live in places that snow.
Cons
There’s really not much to complain about with the Kahtoola MICROspikes. Maybe they’re a bit pricey, which was why I hesitated buying it at first. But after using it on icy trail runs and for general outdoor winter use, I don’t think it’s a waste of money.
One little improvement though… Perhaps Kahtoola can make the markings of FRONT and BACK more prominent as some people, such as myself, don’t have the sharpest eyes.
Overall however, I have no serious cons to note for this product.
Alternatives
The Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats are a less expensive alternative, priced at around $29.00 versus the MICROspikes at about $50.00. Just looking at them, you will see that these Yaktrax cleats are bulkier. They also look more tedious to put on. I have never tried them myself, but a few friends have told me they prefer the MICROspikes over these—citing better traction on the Kahtoolas.
Another Yaktrax product that looks less bulky than the Pro Traction Cleats is the Yaktra Pro Ice Grips for Shoe: MD, which will cost you $24.95. The Pro Ice Grips are relatively new in the market and I’m guessing the product was released in reaction to the MICROspikes. It’s also uses a slip-on elastomer, but with an added velcro strap. I also have not tried these grips myself, but since it’s almost half the price of the Kahtoolas, it might be worth checking out.
Conclusion
Kahtoola MICROspikes will let you walk and run on any terrain any time of the year—particularly on ice, wet rock and snow. They are a good alternative to full-on crampons which you will only really need on steep, ice-covered mountain slopes. MICROspikes are just right for everyday use—walking icy streets and driveways, running winter trails or even treading rocky areas. These are much less tedious to put on than serious crampons, but provide great traction and stability for most typical winter outdoor activities. The elastomer makes it easy to slip on and off, but fits securely even during active use. I run on these cleats over my trainers and have no need to readjust, as they do stay in place. This is worth keeping handy among your winter gear.