The Greatest Winter Traction Units of 2023

There are many varieties of winter traction devices on the market. Some utilize low-profile metal coils and others function like less aggressive ice climbing crampons. Whether you’re looking to safely walk the icy city streets or trail run through the frozen backcountry, there’s a traction device that matches your needs.

To develop this list, we tested a massive pile of options from brands including Yaktrax, Black Diamond, Kahoola, and Hillsound. After extensive field research involving hiking, running, and slip-sliding over all kinds of terrain, we’ve identified the top traction devices of 2023.

For additional help narrowing down your search, check out our buyer’s guide, FAQ, and comparison chart. Or, simply jump ahead to the category you’re looking for.

The Best Winter Traction Devices of 2023

Winter Traction Device Comparison Table

Why You Should Trust Us

The bulk of our winter traction device testing was conducted by Austin Beck-Doss during an exceptionally snowy Wyoming winter. Several times per week, Austin trekked up the side of a steep canyon through icy trail conditions. In town, Austin ran errands by foot, traversing sidewalks and streets that closely resembled ice rinks. The testing process had real implications — Austin was seeking the best devices to meet his actual day-to-day needs and avoid falling on his butt.

While testing, we paid careful attention to traction, fit, comfort, and versatility. We determined durability over multiple wears on various surfaces. Every pair of microspikes was assessed on their ability to grip snow, ice, and mud. We ran, hiked, and post-holed to find the best of the best.

As new traction devices hit the market, we’ll be sure to test a pair to see if they make the cut.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Winter Traction Devices

What Are Traction Devices and How Do They Work?

Most footwear isn’t designed for ice and snow-covered surfaces. Standard rubber-soled boots and shoes are no match for frosted sidewalks and frozen trails. In the cold climates of the northern United States and elsewhere, snow often covers the ground from November to May.

Winter traction devices — also known as ice cleats or microspikes — attach directly to a shoe or boot to bite onto slick surfaces and improve grip. Designs and intended applications vary, but all traction devices are meant to prevent slippage and improve safety.

Some traction devices on this list utilize a pattern of steel coils, while others have cleats or spikes. Every traction device utilizes some kind of harness to snugly attach to a boot or shoe. Traction devices are generally compatible with all kinds of footwear. Ultimately, any traction device is better than nothing, but some work better than others for certain applications.

Types of Traction: Coils vs. Studs vs Spikes

Traction devices rely on a variety of materials and designs to improve grip. The ubiquitous Yaktrax Pro Traction has a series of steel coils that run in an X-shaped pattern from toe to heel. While coils are a reliable option for non-technical everyday use, they aren’t as aggressive or biting as metal studs or spikes.

Studs — or cleats — are small metal points typically no thicker than the tip of a pen. These points are usually made from ultra-hard carbon steel compounds called carbide. They work exactly like football cleats, stabbing into the ice with every step. Studs are the preferred traction solution for runners, as they are lower profile and shallower than spikes. On this list, the Korkers Ice Runner utilizes replaceable steel carbide studs to great effect.

Teeth-shaped crampon-style spikes tend to be more aggressive than coils or studs. Steel spikes dig deep into the snow, ice, mud, and dirt. For steep technical hiking, spikes are the most secure choice. On this list, the Hillsound Trail Crampons are rugged spikes for serious winter hikes. They won’t work for climbing vertical terrain, but they’re great for trekking in the mountains.

Other Traction System Factors: Length and Number of Spikes/Studs

Traction devices with spikes aren’t automatically “better” than those with studs or coils. No matter which traction system you go with, consider the length, distribution, and total number of studs, spikes, or coils.

If pure traction is your priority, look for a device with coils, studs, or spikes across the entire underfoot area. Some styles, like the Black Diamond Blitz, only have spikes in the forefoot. While this minimalist design improves packability, it increases the potential of a slip and fall. Typically, 10-12 evenly distributed studs or spikes will provide the best grip and performance for winter walks and hikes. As for coils, the Yaktrax Pro features coils that stretch across the whole foot.

As for length, longer spikes and studs are more aggressive, which is helpful on steep and rough terrain. The most rugged traction devices have long spikes and a lot of them. Hillsound’s Trail Crampons have long 5/8″ spikes that did deep into snow and ice. Long spikes can be a nuisance for runners, as they tend to disrupt the user’s natural stride. For general use, the Kahtoola EXOspikes have shallow studs, which are sufficient for most users.

Casual In-Town Use vs. Hiking-Specific Traction Devices

In snowy cities like Duluth and Syracuse, a single step out the front door might require walking on ice or snow. If you need a traction device for everyday commutes to the grocery store or library, we recommend a pair with a less-aggressive non-performance-oriented tread pattern. The Yaktrax Pro is a tried-and-true low-profile option that you can hardly feel when it’s strapped on your shoes. It’s perfect for flat surfaces, and it won’t break the bank.

If you live in a hilly area and require something with a bit more bite, the Icetrekkers Diamond Grip is a great middle ground. Its free-spinning steel beads are more aggressive than the basic Yaktrax coils, but they’re still relatively lightweight and unobtrusive. For occasional short hikes on unpaved trails, these ICEtrekkers are fully capable.

The next step up is the hiking category. Traction devices like the Hillsound Trail Crampon have many long, sharp spikes that dig into the ground underfoot like an ice axe. Aggressive hiking designs are best suited for semi-steep unmaintained trails. Longer spikes tend to be heavier, and they do impact your natural gait, but they’re absolutely essential on slick, high-consequence terrain.

Harnesses

Traction devices use harnesses to remain firmly fixed to the user’s foot. Typically, harnesses are made from rubber or a rubber-plastic compound, which has elastic qualities and holds up to abuse. With that said, some harnesses are more durable than others, and they tend to be the first component to fall apart. A good well-fitted harness keeps the underfoot traction system from sliding around.

On this list, the Hillsound Train Crampons have a durable harness that is both secure and lightweight. It’s easy to put on and take off with its sizable pull tab, and the eyelets that hold the traction system are thick and reinforced. On the other end of the spectrum, the ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip has a semi-thin standard rubber harness that feels less durable.

While most harnesses simply stretch around the outside of a shoe’s sole, some are more advanced. The Korkers Ice Runner uses a BOA adjustment system to fully sandwich the foot between two contoured plates. The resulting fit is exceptionally secure — which is exactly what runners need.

Weight

Some traction devices weigh as little as 4 ounces per pair, while some of the beefier hiking styles can weigh as much as 12 ounces. Naturally, minimalist options like the Black Diamond Blitz Spikes weigh very little, and the aggressive Hillsound Trail Crampons are relatively hefty.

As weight increases, so do durability and overall grip. More spikes and thicker harnesses improve performance, but the ounces do add up. For everyday comfort, it’s nice to stick to lighter options. On this list, Kahtoola’s EXOspikes weigh just 7.3 ounces per pair — an excellent middle ground of weight and all-around performance.

Packability

Packability is a concern for outdoorsy folks who will need to carry their microspikes when they’re not in use. Backpackers should check out Black Diamond’s minimal Blitz Spikes — which pack down to the size of an apple and weigh less than an iPhone.

Rugged models like the Hillsound Trail Crampons aren’t very packable, but that’s the price you pay for long spikes and a heavy-duty harness.

Sizing

Every brand of traction devices will offer a size guide that will help you identify the right fit. In our experience, these guides are accurate. If you’re seeking a precise fit for running or technical hiking, look for a model with a customizable harness such as the Korkers Ice Runner.

Temperature Ratings

In extremely cold temperatures, rubber traction device harnesses can become brittle and snap. All of the recommendations on this list are built to handle freezing temperatures, and most users will not encounter an issue.

However, If you plan to use your microspikes in the artic tundra, for example, it’s worth checking the temperature rating. On this list, the Kahtoola EXOspikes are rated to -22 degrees Fahrenheit and the Yaktrax Pro can withstand temps down to -41.

Traction Devices vs. Crampons and Snowshoes

Winter traction devices are different from crampons and snowshoes. Crampons are designed for technical climbing, and snowshoes are designed for preventing post-holing when walking on accumulated snow. The traction devices on this list offer neither of those benefits.

If you’re seeking gear for technical ascents, look for a pair of bonified crampons. If you need a wider platform for staying afloat in soft snow, check out our favorite snowshoes of 2023.

FAQ