| What they are | Chain spikes over your shoes |
| Best for | Icy & packed-snow trails |
| Vs | Crampons (steep snow/ice) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Microspikes are lightweight traction devices — elastic harnesses with small chain-mounted spikes — that slip over shoes or boots for grip on packed snow and icy trails. Far lighter and less aggressive than crampons, they’re ideal for winter hiking and trail running on rolling terrain, but not for steep snow or ice climbing.
When to use them
Icy or packed-snow trails while hiking or trail running. For steep snow and ice you need crampons — see crampons vs microspikes.
Frequently asked questions
What are microspikes?
Microspikes are a traction aid made of an elastic harness studded with short metal spikes on chains, which you stretch over your shoes or boots. They bite into icy and packed-snow trails for secure walking, and pack down small and light when not in use.
Microspikes vs crampons?
Microspikes have short chain spikes for traction on flat-to-rolling icy trails and fit any footwear; crampons have long, aggressive points and a rigid frame for steep snow and ice climbing and need stiff boots. Microspikes are for walking; crampons are for climbing.
Do microspikes fit any shoe?
Largely yes — because they use a stretchy elastomer harness, microspikes fit a wide range of trail shoes, hiking boots, and even running shoes, sized by your shoe size. That versatility is part of their appeal for winter hikers and trail runners.
Sources
- Winter traction — American Hiking Society