The Best Winter Traction Devices of 2023

On slippery snow and ice-covered surfaces, standard rubber-soled footwear just doesn't cut it. Winter traction devices — also known as ice cleats and microspikes — attach directly to your shoes and significantly improve grip.

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.

KAHtoola is one of the leaders in the traction device game, and the brand makes a host of various models. The EXOspikes ($63) are designed for hiking and train running, and though they worked great for those purposes, we found them to be equally effective in town.

Outfitted with twelve quarter-inch integrated spikes per foot, the EXOspikes provide reliable grip across the entire underfoot area. Each spike is made from hardwearing tungsten carbide — the same stuff that's used on the tips of many well-regarded trekking poles. After several walks, runs, and jogs on rocky snow-covered hillsides, the traction on our EXOspikes remains fully intact.

During testing, reliable traction was our primary concern. On icy and hard-packed snow, the EXOspikes excelled. We felt confident on everything from slick crosswalks to treacherous exposed switchbacks.

On soft surfaces like deep fresh snow, these spikes felt a little less secure than other options on this list, probably because the spikes are thin with minimal surface area. Still, if you stick to the ice and hardpack, the EXOspikes are golden. They provide crampon-like bite but are low profile and lightweight. They’re a great choice for runners.

The thin elastic rubber harness keeps the spikes in place with minimal shifting or slippage. Even in freezing conditions, the harness remained pliable enough to put on and take off with ease.

Though the EXOspikes aren't performance-oriented, we found them to be the perfect middle ground for folks who only want to own one pair of microspikes. They’re techy enough for runs and rugged terrain, but they’re also durable enough for everyday in-town use.

Yaktrax is a well-known and well-regarded maker of traction devices. Take a close look at footprints on any snow-covered sidewalk and you’ll likely see the X-shaped prints from a pair of Yaktrax. The brand's classic steel coil traction system has been popular for decades — and rightfully so.

The Yaktrax Pro ($35) is a slightly upgraded version of the brand's basic Walkers model, and we feel it provides the best bang for your buck. With steel coil-wrapped rubber laid out across the underside of the foot and a Velcro strap across the top of the foot, the Pro maintains a reliable grip on icy city streets and hard-packed snow-covered trails.

Compared to the tiny tungsten carbide spikes of our best overall pick, the Yaktrax Pro takes a more surface area-based approach to traction. The X-pattern of steel coils works well for all kinds of gaits and walking strides — there aren't any unaddressed slick zones on the Pro. We also appreciate that the steel coils and X-pattern don't become easily clogged with snow, mud, or ice.

If you’re seeking a traction device for everyday walks on graded surfaces, the Yaktrax Pro is an excellent affordable option. If you plan to run and hike on steep, rocky, or technical terrain, these won't provide the durability or rugged traction you’re searching for.

Most traction devices aren't very packable. For backpackers and other light and fast travelers, the Blitz Spikes ($50) from Black Diamond are a pared-down alternative that easily fits into a backpack brain or jacket pocket.

Unlike most of the other devices on this list, the Blitz spikes only provide traction in the forefoot area. Six stainless steel mini-crampon-style spikes are arranged in a triangular pattern between the arch of the foot and the toes. The spikes are connected to the rubber heel strap with a thin-yet-rugged steel chain.

Ultimately, the benefits and drawbacks of these spikes are the same: they’re fully minimalist. If you’re a heel striker walking around on slippery sidewalks, you’ll want a different pair with complete underfoot traction. Meanwhile, if you’re an ultralight backpacker and you only plan to wear spikes on the occasional snowy section of trail, the Blitz Spikes are the perfect product.

The simplified harness involves an elastic rubber heel loop and a thin strap that wraps over the toe. Though the Blitz spikes stayed on our feet during many miles of icy uphill travel, we noticed more slippage in these than we did with more robust harness systems. Again, these are no-frills. If traction is your sole concern, we recommend you go with something more substantial like the KAHtoola EXOspikes.

All in all, we feel that the Blitz Spikes perfectly fill the minimalist niche. If you’re a sure-footed and fast-moving outdoors person seeking a little more traction without weighing yourself down, these are well worth the $50.

Compared to most of the traction devices on this list, the Hillsound Trail Crampons ($80) are heavy-duty. These steel spikes aren't built for short strolls on the city streets. Instead, they’re best for steep winter hikes where reliable grip is essential.

At 1 lb. per, these hiking crampons are significantly heavier than most traction devices. You can feel them on your feet while hiking, and they’re a nuisance to carry around in your pack. A little extra weight is an expected tradeoff for tough all-terrain bite.

Despite the name, the Trail Crampons are not designed for vertical terrain or alpine climbing. They’re a nice middle ground between basic microspikes and true alpine crampons. Still, there is nothing "micro" about these spikes. At 2/3″ long, these carbon steel points are aggressive enough to cut into ice-covered trails and snowy third-class terrain.

The harness system is perhaps the most secure and durable that we’ve tested. Thick rubber straps lock in around the top of the foot, and a durable Velcro strap helps prevent slippage. We’ve been out on a few rough and rocky trails with the Trail Crampons, and there is still no evidence of wear.

For many dedicated runners, the treadmill just doesn't cut it. Even when the trails and sidewalks are frozen solid, some folks can resist the call of the outdoors. If you enjoy outdoor running in every season, the Korkers Ice Runner ($70) is the ideal winter traction device.

Compared to the rubber strap harnesses of most other options, Korkers uses a sandwich-style system that cradles the heel and hugs the forefoot to eliminate slippage. The snug fit comes in handy — especially while running.

Unlike the elastic rubber harnesses found on most traction devices, these utilize an adjustable BOA fit system. The singular dial allows precise fit customization.

Eleven steel carbide studs per foot provide traction, and each can be popped out and replaced if/when it wears out. Though we like the longevity benefit of the replaceable studs, we did find that they occasionally pop out on hard-paved surfaces.

These microspikes really are running-specific. High-volume shoes and boots won't fit into the Ice Runner harness. Also, they tend to work best on ice and hard-packed moderate trails. The studs aren't long enough to offer much traction in deep snow or mud.

These innovative traction devices from Yaktrax are a departure from the brand's typical steel coil traction system. The highly versatile ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip ($55) sports free-spinning steel spikes strung on loops of cable in the forefoot and heel. We’ve used the Diamond Grips on casual walks to the post office and while post-holing up a steep snow-covered hillside. In both cases, we were impressed with its grippy performance.

The simple harness system involves thin strips of rubber, which is a concern for long-term longevity. Some users have experienced breakage of the harness or steel cable breaking, though that hasn't happened to us during initial testing.

It took us a few tries to figure out how to properly put on the Diamond Grip. Once the steel loops were finally centered underfoot, they stayed in place and didn't slip. We do wish the Diamond Grip had an additional over-foot Velcro strap for a more precise fit.

Ultimately, these are great all-around traction devices. They are relatively light and packable and perform decently well when it's time to venture beyond the sidewalk.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Gr ip 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Prices vary, but winter traction devices are quite affordable. For a simple pair for in-town use, expect to pay between $20 and $50. For a more capable hiking pair, you’ll be looking at $40 to $75. On this list, the Yaktrax Pro ($35) offers outstanding value.

When not in use, keep your microspikes clean, dry, and above freezing. If they’ve become caked in mud, give them a quick rinse before storing them away. An entryway shoe cubby is the perfect storage spot.

Some icy surfaces are naturally gripper than others, but in any case, traction devices are a great idea. Many people go without microspikes for their whole lives without issue, but wearing a pair certainly decreases the risk of injury. Often, once a person wears a pair for the first time, they realize the immense benefits and never go back.

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