Microspikes grip packed snow and ice on a path, so they suit lower-level winter walks, not the winter summit. For most walkers the pair to buy is the Kahtoola MICROspikes.
Kahtoola prints the boot sizes each size fits, for hiking boots and for insulated boots.
For the summit in winter conditions, the Eryri National Park Authority, the public body that runs the park, says you need crampons or ice axes. None of the pairs below is a crampon.
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The three pairs, at a glance:
- Kahtoola MICROspikes, the default pair for a walking boot, sold in six sizes
- Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra, 18 spikes of 1.2 to 1.5 cm, the most of the three
- Hillsound Trail Crampon, 11 spikes of 1.7 cm, the longest of the three, on a steel plate system
| Your day out | What to carry |
|---|---|
| You want the default pair for a walking boot, with sizes published by boot size | Kahtoola MICROspikes |
| You want the most spikes under the foot | Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra |
| You want the longest spikes of the three, for snow, ice and mud | Hillsound Trail Crampon |
Kahtoola MICROspikes
You walk in ordinary walking boots and want the pair whose sizing and weights the maker prints in full
Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction 12 stainless steel spikes per foot, 10.4 mm longWelded stainless chains, elastomer harness, sizes XS to XXL Read the full specification on Amazon Kahtoola lists twelve heat-treated stainless steel spikes per foot, each 0.41 inch (10.4 mm) long, on welded stainless steel chains. The harness is thermoplastic elastomer, and the maker sells six sizes from XS to XXL.
The sizing is the reason this is the first pick. Kahtoola gives the boot sizes each size covers, for hiking boots and for insulated boots separately, in US and EU numbers.
Weight per pair runs from 10.5 oz in XS to 14.9 oz in XXL. The medium is 11.9 oz (338 g).
Kahtoola describes the grip as aimed at icy mountain trails.
Best for: a walker in ordinary boots who wants to order the right size first time.
Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra
You want the most spikes under the foot
Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra 18 stainless steel spikes, 1.2 to 1.5 cmDouble link stainless chains, 420 g, sizes XS to XL Read the full specification on Amazon Hillsound lists 18 stainless steel spikes of 1.2 to 1.5 cm, with three extended spikes on the heel. The chains are double link stainless steel, the harness is elastomer, and a strap runs across the foot.
The maker gives the weight as 420 g without the carry case. It lists the pair as fitting trail running shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots and insulated boots, in sizes XS to XL.
Best for: a walker who wants the most spikes under the foot of the three.
Hillsound Trail Crampon
You want the longest spikes of the three, for snow, ice and mud
Hillsound Trail Crampon 11 carbon steel spikes, 1.7 cmStainless chains, 462 g per pair, two-year limited warranty Read the full specification on Amazon Hillsound lists 11 heat-treated carbon steel spikes of 1.7 cm on a carbon steel plate system, joined by stainless steel chains. It sells the pair for hiking and backpacking on ice, snow and mud.
The pair weighs 462 g without the carry case, in sizes XS to XL. The maker’s page gives no boot size ranges, so match your boot to the size chart on the listing.
A two-year limited warranty is listed.
Best for: a walker who wants the longest spikes of the three.
What microspikes do and do not do
A microspike is an elastomer harness that fits over your boot, with spikes on short chains underneath. It bites into packed snow and ice on a path, where a boot sole alone slides.
Coil grips are sold for pavements; for a hill path, choose spikes.
For the summit in winter conditions, the Authority says you need crampons or ice axes and the skill to use them.
None of these three pairs is that equipment.
Spikes or stay low
Use this list on the morning, once you have read the conditions report.
- Packed snow or ice on a clear path, low down: microspikes are the right tool.
- Steep frozen ground, or a slope where a slip would not stop: stay low.
- Cloud down and no view of the path: turn back.
- You have never used crampons or an ice axe: keep to ground where microspikes are enough, and learn the rest properly before going higher.
Fitting them to a walking boot
Order by your boot size, not your shoe size.
Kahtoola sells XS to XXL and Hillsound XS to XL, so read the chart for the make you pick.
Pull the harness fully over the boot, and check that the chains sit under the sole and have not twisted before you walk.
Another piece of winter kit worth considering is a pair of walking poles.
We compile and explain public route and safety information. We guide nobody and sell nothing on the hill.
What to check before you set off, and which pair to buy
Read the Eryri National Park Authority’s ground conditions report the day before. It is published twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday.
The Authority’s page on the reports names crampons and ice axes among the winter equipment a day can need.
If the report describes packed snow and ice on the path, microspikes will help. If it describes hard, steep ground or calls for crampons and ice axes, keep to lower ground.
For the conditions themselves, read about Snowdon in winter, and for what goes on your feet under the spikes, boots or trainers.
The pair to buy is the Kahtoola MICROspikes in the size its chart gives for your boot. The Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra is the second choice if you want the most spikes under the foot.
