Traction
The best traction, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on February 14, 2021. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.


































In order to show you the most useful information, we have omitted some unreviewed products. View the complete product list »
Recent Traction Reviews

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

Kahtoola NANOspikes
Love em. I've worn these both hiking and running and they worked great. They are comfortable and the spikes are hardly noticeable. The only downside is they shift to the side, so be prepared to adjust them occasionally. Full review

Kahtoola MICROspikes
My wife and I spent a week in the Smokies at the Wilderness Hike Week event January 23-28. The area received several inches of rain then snow followed on the evening of the 23rd, then it was bitterly cold on the 24th. We led a hike up the Ramsay Cascades Trail on the 24th, which was very icy, especially near the cascades themselves. Others without spikes were having a lot of problem and one person slipped into the creek. Brenda and I had no problem at all. We had eight folks on that hike. We also… Full review

Kahtoola MICROspikes
I thru-hiked the PCT last year and bought the Kahtoola Microspikes in Lone Pine at a known gear shop. These were amazing. Be sure to buy the correct size. I learned at the gear shop that the cleats should not be loose. This means that they may be a tight fit, but things wear in over time. Also, they should last around four seasons. When putting them on start from the top of your shoe and pull/follow the bands on both sides with your hands to the back of the shoe. Do not allow the red band to be… Full review