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There are many varieties of winter traction devices on the market, and seemingly just as many names for them.<\/strong> Whether you call them microspikes, ice cleats, trail crampons, or something else, these winter accessories will help to keep you firmly planted all season long. <\/p>\n Some utilize low-profile metal coils, some hardened steel studs, and others still function like less aggressive ice climbing crampons. If you’re looking to safely walk the icy city streets or trail run through the frozen backcountry, there’s a traction device that matches your needs.<\/p>\n To develop this list, we have tested a massive pile of options from brands including Yaktrax, Black Diamond, Kahtoola, and Hillsound for two consecutive winters now. From the grizzled chill of a Wyoming winter to the first snows to lay on the North Cascades, we suited up in these traction spikes all over to set off into the wilds across multiple seasons, aiming to pin down precisely what makes them tick. Our seasoned experts include wilderness guides and thru-hikers who don’t stop moving once the first snow falls.<\/p>\n After extensive field research involving hiking, running, and slip-sliding over all kinds of terrain, we’ve identified the top traction devices of 2024. There are spikes that are best suited to a quick jaunt out to the mailbox, and traction that’ll keep up with the worst iced-over trails. Safe to say, these traction devices will help you keep the rubber side down this winter.<\/p>\n For additional help narrowing down your search, check out our buyer’s guide<\/strong><\/a>, FAQ<\/strong><\/a>, and comparison chart<\/strong><\/a>. Or, simply look ahead to the spikes you’re searching for. <\/p>\n Editor’s Note: We updated our Winter Traction Devices guide on January 30, 2024, to add the Snowline Chainsen Ultras \u2014 a traction device with extra bite for steep terrain.<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVersatile<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSecure fit<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDurable cleats don't wear down<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGrippy on various surfaces<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot the most packable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Kahtoola is one of the leaders in the traction device game<\/strong><\/a>, and the brand makes a host of various models. The EXOspikes<\/strong><\/a> ($65) are designed for hiking and train running, and though they worked great for those purposes, we found them to be equally effective in town. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Outfitted with twelve quarter-inch integrated spikes per foot, the EXOspikes provide reliable grip across the entire underfoot area. Each spike is made from hardwearing tungsten carbide \u2014 the same stuff that’s used on the tips of many well-regarded trekking poles<\/strong><\/a>. After several walks, runs, and jogs on rocky snow-covered hillsides, the traction on our EXOspikes remains fully intact.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n During testing, reliable traction was our primary concern. On icy and hard-packed snow, the EXOspikes excelled. We felt confident on everything from slick crosswalks to treacherous exposed switchbacks. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n On soft surfaces like deep fresh snow, these spikes felt a little less secure than other options on this list, probably because the spikes are thin with minimal surface area. Still, if you stick to the ice and hardpack, the EXOspikes are golden. They provide crampon-like bite but are low profile and lightweight. They’re a great choice for runners. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n The thin elastic rubber harness keeps the spikes in place with minimal shifting or slippage. Even in freezing conditions, the harness remained pliable enough to put on and take off with ease. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Though the EXOspikes<\/strong><\/a> aren’t performance-oriented, we found them to be the perfect middle ground for folks who only want to own one pair of microspikes. They’re techy enough for runs and rugged terrain, but they’re also durable enough for everyday in-town use. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGood value<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTraction system covers the entire underfoot area<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLow profile<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot ideal for technical terrain<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Yaktrax is a well-known and well-regarded maker of traction devices. Take a close look at footprints on any snow-covered sidewalk and you’ll likely see the X-shaped prints from a pair of Yaktrax. The brand’s classic steel coil traction system has been popular for decades \u2014 and rightfully so. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Yaktrax Pro<\/a><\/strong> ($35) is a slightly upgraded version of the brand’s basic Walkers model<\/strong><\/a>, and we feel it provides the best bang for your buck. With steel coil-wrapped rubber laid out across the underside of the foot and a Velcro strap across the top of the foot, the Pro maintains a reliable grip on icy city streets and hard-packed snow-covered trails. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Compared to the tiny tungsten carbide spikes of our best overall pick, the Yaktrax Pro takes a more surface area-based approach to traction. The X-pattern of steel coils works well for all kinds of gaits and walking strides \u2014 there aren’t any unaddressed slick zones on the Pro. We also appreciate that the steel coils and X-pattern don’t become easily clogged with snow, mud, or ice.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n If you’re seeking a traction device for everyday walks on graded surfaces, the Yaktrax Pro<\/a><\/strong> is an excellent affordable option. If you plan to run and hike on steep, rocky, or technical terrain, these won’t provide the durability or rugged traction you’re searching for. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUltralight<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPackable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStuff sack included<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOnly provides traction in the forefoot area<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Most traction devices aren’t very packable. For backpackers and other light and fast travelers, the Blitz Spikes<\/strong> <\/a>($50) from Black Diamond are a pared-down alternative that easily fits into a backpack brain or jacket pocket.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Unlike most of the other devices on this list, the Blitz spikes only provide traction in the forefoot area. Six stainless steel mini-crampon-style spikes are arranged in a triangular pattern between the arch of the foot and the toes. The spikes are connected to the rubber heel strap with a thin-yet-rugged steel chain. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Ultimately, the benefits and drawbacks of these spikes are the same: they’re fully minimalist. If you’re a heel striker walking around on slippery sidewalks, you’ll want a different pair with complete underfoot traction. Meanwhile, if you’re an ultralight backpacker and you only plan to wear spikes on the occasional snowy section of trail, the Blitz Spikes are the perfect product.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The simplified harness involves an elastic rubber heel loop and a thin strap that wraps over the toe. Though the Blitz spikes stayed on our feet during many miles of icy uphill travel, we noticed more slippage in these than we did with more robust harness systems. Again, these are no-frills. If traction is your sole concern, we recommend you go with something more substantial like the Kahtoola EXOspikes<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n All in all, we feel that the Blitz Spikes<\/strong><\/a> perfectly fill the minimalist niche. If you’re a sure-footed and fast-moving outdoors person seeking a little more traction without weighing yourself down, these are well worth the $50.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Winter Traction Devices of 2024<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Winter Traction Devices\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tKahtoola EXOspikes\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7.3 oz. (medium)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTwelve tungsten carbide spikes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLightweight elastic rubber with reinforced eyelets<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalking, hiking, and running on a variety of surfaces<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tAustin Beck-Doss<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$65 at REI<\/a>$61 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Winter Traction Devices\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYaktrax Pro Traction\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6.4 oz. (medium)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tX-pattern of steel coils over rubber harness<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRubber with velcro strap<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWalking, running, and hiking on moderate terrain<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/9a761998-3800-4e81-ae18-47634cea0023.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tAustin Beck-Doss<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$18 at Amazon<\/a>Check Price at Cabela's<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Ultralight Winter Traction Devices\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBlack Diamond Blitz Spike\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout 3.2 oz. (medium)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSix 8 mm stainless steel spikes in the forefoot area<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRubber heel webbing loop and thin toe strap<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUltralight backpacking, light and fast technical winter travel<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/unnamed-file-2.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tAustin Beck-Doss<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$35 at Black Diamond Equipment<\/a>check price at amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Winter Traction Devices for Technical Hiking\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHillsound Trail Crampon\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 lb. (medium)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t11 17 mm carbon steel spikes per crampon<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBurly over-foot harness with Velcro strap<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking on steep terrain<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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