YakTrax Walker Traction Device

Product Information

The Kahtoola MICROspikes ® uses a rubber frame called the elastomer harness that you slip over your boot’s toe and then pull up over your heel. This design is familiar in many traction devices and is effective for a versatile fit. The toe bail, the rubber over the top of your boots, is wide enough to provide a snug fit. The footprint circumference in our Yaktrax® Size Chart is often more accurate than shoe size alone. Measure in a loop around the outside edge of shoe or boot, as shown, where the Yaktrax® naturally grip the outside edge of the footwear.

However, microspikes also have limits. Even the most aggressive microspikes will have trouble holding onto slopes steeper than about 25 degrees. Too large and there is a risk of the Yaktrax® falling off and being lost or acting as a trip hazard. If the Yaktrax® are too small, they could become over-stretched and develop weak points which snap. If the size of Yaktrax® is too large for the footwear, the coils could extend beyond of the shoe or boot. Footwear sizing is based on the inside fit of the shoe or boot to our feet. As Yaktrax® fit on the outside of the footwear, it is the actual footprint or circumference that is relevant when you choose the correct size. The base-level Yaktrax, with a series of heavy-duty coils on your sole, is intended for walking out to get your mail.

FAQs about Selecting a Traction Device

At a glance, there appears to be little difference between Yaktrax and MICROspikes ®, but if we take a deeper dive, some significant differences will impact your choice. Activity Use and Terrain

That means you could find yourself propelled headfirst onto your running trail if you are moving along at a fast pace. You’ll notice the Run and the NANOspikes have a different traction system that doesn’t use spikes, making them better for running without snagging. Which traction devices are Best for Deep Snow? The Summit uses carbon steel for its spikes, while MICROspikes ® are made of stainless steel. Carbon Steel is stronger and more durable than stainless steel. So you’d think that was a clear winner. However, carbon steel is more susceptible to rusting over time, making it critical that you dry your Summit spikes after each use if you want to get a long life out of them. In contrast, Kahtoola MICROspikes ® place their stainless steel spikes in a fixed 2×4 circular layout connected by stainless steel chains under the ball of the foot. This pattern gives an even grip in all directions, making it a superior choice for icy surfaces. Hiking in the winter is a beautiful and sublime experience. It can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared. Without the proper grip, you could slip, trip, and slide your way to injury. Microspikes are the perfect traction device to keep you upright and uninjured. Yaktrax Run and the really grippy Kahtoola NANOspikes are perfect for running on snow and ice-covered trails. The Summit and the MICROspikes ® are not the best for running as the longer spikes are more likely to snag in the ice.Over time, those traction devices have been adapted with smaller spikes for a variety of winter terrain. And the Kahtoola MICROspikes ® are a subset of crampons, with smaller spikes for challenging hiking or work conditions. Which is the best crampon for Traction When Trail Running

Winner: Kahtoola MICROspikes ® – While I love the custom fit of the Summit, especially if you have wider or narrower feet than the average, there are quite a few complaints that the cables break under heavy use. The thought of being in the middle of a long hike and losing your spikes seems risky.After decades of hiking and mountaineering, I have developed a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of outdoor travel. I’m here to share that knowledge with you.