YakTrax Walker Traction Device

Product Information

The base Yaktrax, Walk or Pro, and Kahtoola MICROspikes ® are two different traction devices that offer many differences for people who need to walk on snow or ice. The price, weight, durability, grip, and longevity differ considerably between the two products. With good traction for comfortable walking in dry conditions to deep snow, these are highly versatile 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 Kahtoola MICROspikes ® win for durability and ease of maintenance which we believe are critical for the casual user of snow traction devices. For most winter hiking conditions, the MICROspikes ® will serve you well since they are so versatile.

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? There’s a few obvious features to each product that might make it preferable to the other. For example, Yaktrax are much more affordable and work better for road running in slushy conditions whereas Microspikes would dig into the tarmac and slow you down. However, Yaktrax break more easily and don’t stay on the foot quite as well as Microspikes. Microspikes are much more sturdy and durable, they stay on your feet better and the spikes definitely cut deeper into the ice to provide better traction, but they come with a heftier price tag and aren’t suitable for running in. A ladies casual shoe and a men’s working boot may share the same EU footwear size and yet have quite different footprint circumferences. After a day out in the cold, I’m not that conscientious and would probably leave my cleats in a damp bag where they could rust. Seriously, I just want a beverage and a fire at that point. Layout of the Traction SpikesIn contrast, the strong elastomer harness of the Kahtoola MICROspikes ® is incredibly durable and will last for many seasons of winter hiking and adventure. The Cost of Each 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. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, many people compare apples to bananas when looking at traction devices. Yaktrax and Kahtoola both have a wide selection of styles, each meant for a different purpose.

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. To compile this review, we looked at the top options on the market, recording key specifications about each model. We then selected the top products for hands-on testing, which included trail running, wood splitting, shoveling, and walking on sheet ice. We made notes and recorded our findings every step of the way, getting to know each product intimately. We trekked through deep snow and walked across icy parking lots to score each product's traction. We put each product on and took them off countless times, both with bare hands and gloved hands, to score ease of use. We pulled and pushed the products around our shoes to see how securely they fit once donned. After all this testing was complete, we scored each product on how well it performed across a wide range of activities, and we searched for signs of wear and tear. 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. Generally speaking, microspikes are best for generating additional traction on ice and snow. They slip on easily and offer a way to grip trails and road surfaces with gentle pitches. 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.For steeper terrain, we did mention that the Yaktrax would give superior grip and are the better choice. However, if you plan to do a lot of non-technical mountain terrain hiking, I’d suggest moving up another level to Kahtoola Hiking Crampons for just a few dollars more. They have a longer 3/4 inch spike and are designed to flex with your movement over rough trails. Comparing All Yaktrax and Kahtoola Traction Devices Winner: Yaktrax Summit – coming in at 1/4 pound lighter is a pretty significant difference. The Spike Material However, microspikes also have limits. Even the most aggressive microspikes will have trouble holding onto slopes steeper than about 25 degrees. 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.