Traction Devices

Recent Traction Device Reviews

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Excellent, well-made, stainless-steel spikes. On securely. Rubber stays flexible. Sure-footed everywhere. Do not pop off. On the boot Well, winter’s not done yet and you’re not the type to hide in your cabin. Even spring on the mountain trails is icy.  Top and bottom—Excellent design Buy the right thing—Kahtoola Micro Spikes. Fit back in the bag easily I tried others that seemed good, but they popped off and down I went. Never had a problem with these. A couple of weeks ago I hiked on a… Full review

Yaktrax Pro

Had worn them three times, and the rubber frame broke, coils came apart (broke). Not happy for $30. Easy to put on. Need to beef up rubber and coils. These would last one day on an icy construction site. That would be a huge market to go after. You should get more than three uses blowing snow on a small driveway. Full review

Yaktrax Pro

Piece of junk. Don’t waste your money.  Broke after less than two weeks of moderate use. Contacted the company twice with no response . Full review

Yaktrax Pro

Came highly recommended. Worn three times and they started coming apart. Rubber broke on both shoes. Grippers broke off from both shoes. Really disappointed as they came highly recommended. Not fit for purpose if they broke up on Day 3. Full review

Vargo V3 Pocket Cleats Titanium

Difficult to maintain position of cleats even after extensive adjustments. Extremely tough to adjust in freezing conditions. Work well when descending steep trails. Running on level ground or ascending pulls cleats too far forward. I bought these at the recommendation of a friend. Desired use was for trail running in late autumn/early winter along a trail starting at around 2000 feet, cresting at 10,000. Looking for a product that could be added to shoes above the snowline and removed when lower… Full review

Vargo V3 Pocket Cleats Titanium

Excellent traction for the weight. Once set up correctly, will stay in place. Mine in size Large weigh only 135 grams. More for running than hiking, because front loaded. Full review

Yaktrax Pro

Not worth the money. Fell apart right away. Called the company and they won't do anything. Never buy another product made by them. Full review

Kahtoola MICROspikes

ALL SEASONS. Keep exploring and protect yourself on snow, ice, wet leaves, steep bushwacking... You can look around and price shop. Or just go get the best. I love mine and bought them for the whole family. Noticed it's a mandatory piece of equipment for some on hill employees at some larger resort. I saw them clipped to packs and belts all over the resort. The quick, just in case, footing protection.   Full review

Snowline Chainsen Pro

I found myself crawling uphill on all fours through icy snow—not even trying to use the glass-slick trails—and headed right out to buy these. Absolutely love 'em. But who carries them? I got the last pair at Sierra, and I want some for my wife. Very good traction on hard ice and packed snow. Full review