Microspikes for hiking in the winter are an absolute essential. In this guide I’ll cover what they are, when to use them, and my top picks for families who want to enjoy the trails all year long.
I grew up in Las Vegas, so winter hiking wasn’t even on my radar. Cold, snowy trails just weren’t part of my world until I moved somewhere with real seasons. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it, it was cold and slipping on icy trails sounded more stressful than fun. But once I discovered the right gear, everything changed. Microspikes in particular made a huge difference. Suddenly, hiking in the winter wasn’t just possible, it was something I actually loved. They add safety, confidence, and open up a whole new season of adventures. Now I’d call them a must-have for anyone wanting to hike in the winter time.
In this post, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about microspikes for hiking. We’ll cover what microspikes are, when you should use them, and why they’re such a game-changer for winter trails. I’ll share the benefits of using them (especially if you’re hiking with kids), what to look for when choosing a pair, and my top recommendation (spoiler, my favorite microspikes for hiking are the Kahtoola Microspikes – not sponsored I just love them). I’ll also go over how to use them, care tips to make them last, and a few safety considerations to keep in mind. By the end, you’ll know exactly why microspikes are one of my winter hiking essentials.
What Are Microspikes?
Microspikes are a lightweight traction device with sharp spikes that slip over your hiking boots or trail runners to give you better grip on icy or packed down snowy trails. They’re made of a stretchy rubber harness that fits around your shoe, with small chains and spikes on the bottom that bite into ice so you don’t slip. Think of them as the winter hiking equivalent of putting snow tires on your car. They give you stability and grip when the ground gets slick.
Microspikes are different from crampons, which are bigger, heavier, and designed for mountaineering on glaciers or steep ice. They’re also more secure than Yaktrax or other traction “coils,” which are better for walking around your neighborhood.
For me and most hikes, microspikes hit that perfect middle ground: they’re durable, grippy, and still lightweight enough to toss in your pack “just in case.”
When to Use Microspikes for Hiking
Microspikes are intended to be used when trails are covered in packed down snow or icy patches. Think shady canyon trails, frozen waterfalls, or early spring mornings when the melt has frozen solid overnight. I use them often on popular trails where a lot of people have already hiked and compacted down the snow.
They’re especially great when hiking with kids because microspikes help prevent slips and tumbles and give you the confidence to keep exploring instead of turning back at the first patch of ice.
Benefits of Microspikes
- Traction you can trust: No more sliding around on ice.
- Confidence boost: You’ll feel way more comfortable taking kids on trails.
- Extend your hiking season: Trails you thought were “off limits” in winter suddenly become doable.
- Lightweight and compact: Easy to carry in your pack, so you’ll never regret bringing them.
How to Choose Microspikes
When you’re shopping for microspikes, here are a few things to look for:
- Fit: They should stretch snugly over your hiking boots (or trail runners if that’s your style) without the bottom chains feeling loose. If they’re loose, snow will get trapped inbetween the chains and your boot and it makes it uncomfortable and feel less stable to walk.
- Spike length: Shorter spikes are great for flat or moderate trails, while longer ones are better for steeper terrain.
- Durability: Stainless steel chains and spikes will hold up better over time.
- Ease of use: Some brands are easier to pull on your boot than others. However, you want to make sure that you’re getting a high quality rubber and not something that will stretch out overtime or snap.
My Number One Microspike Recommendation
If you are looking to buy a pair of microspikes, I highly recommend the Kahtoola MICROspikes – The gold standard. Durable, reliable, and easy to get on and off. I bought mine in 2019 and am still using the exact same pair in 2025. Although I do feel like the spikes are getting to be a tad dull so I might finally get a new pair this winter.
Budget brands exist and look very similar, but I’ve found they don’t last as long. I’ve even had a cheap pair where the spikes just stuck in the ice and got pulled out of the rubber webbing. In my opinion, it’s definitely worth investing in a pair that will hold up season after season.
How to Use Microspikes for Hiking
They’re simple, but here are a few quick tips:
- Slip the front over your toe.
- Stretch the rubber back over your heel.
- Make sure the chains and spikes are evenly placed.
Practice putting them on at home the first time so you’re not fumbling with frozen fingers on the trail. And always take them off before walking on bare rock or pavement—this saves your spikes and prevents slipping on surfaces they’re not designed for.
Microspikes for Kids
I was a little nervous to get microspikes for my kids because I was worried they might hurt themselves on the spikes, but my oldest has worn them on dozens of hikes and it’s never been an issue. In fact, they have helped him enjoy winter hiking so much more because he’s not slipping and sliding around. He also loves to feel like a big kid with his own pair of microspikes.
These are the microspikes I got for my son when he was 4 and he has used them for 2 winters now.
Care & Maintenance
If you want your microspikes to last you for many winters to come, you want to make sure and take care of them. After your hike, knock off any snow or mud and let your spikes dry before tossing them in your gear bin. If you hike in areas treated with road salt, rinse them off to prevent corrosion. I keep mine in a little mesh bag so they don’t poke holes in my pack.
Safety Notes
Microspikes make trails safer, but they’re not a magic fix. Avoid terrain that’s too steep, icy cliffs, or avalanche zones. Pairing spikes with trekking poles can add even more stability—something I swear by when hiking with kids.
Microspikes have completely changed the way I feel about winter hiking. Instead of feeling nervous on icy trails, I feel steady and confident taking my kids out year-round. They’ve turned winter hiking into something I truly enjoy, not just something I “get through.” If you’re ready to make snowy trails safer and more fun, I can’t recommend them enough. Investing in a good pair of microspikes will open up a whole new season of adventure for you and your family.
If you enjoyed this post about Microspikes for Hiking in the Winter, be sure to check out these posts:
