A Guide to Footwear Traction Devices: Navigating Winter Safely
Quick answer: Use coil-style traction (like Yaktrax) or ice cleats for icy sidewalks and casual walking; microspikes for packed snow and ice on winter hiking trails; crampons with stiff boots for steep, icy mountaineering like Mt. Hood; and snowshoes when snow is deep and soft enough that you'd sink.
| Conditions | Best traction |
|---|---|
| Icy Portland sidewalks, dog walks, running | Coil traction or ice cleats |
| Winter hikes in the Gorge or Cascades | Microspikes |
| Climbing Mt. Hood or other glaciated peaks | Crampons |
| Deep snow in the Cascades, Central or Eastern Oregon | Snowshoes |
Winter in Oregon brings snow-covered Cascade peaks and icy trails in the Columbia River Gorge, and with that beauty comes slippery footing. Whether you're climbing Mt. Hood, exploring Silver Falls or navigating icy Portland sidewalks, the right traction device makes all the difference.
1. Microspikes
Best for: winter hiking on packed snow and ice.
Microspikes are a game-changer for winter hikers, perfect for icy trails at Multnomah Falls, Mirror Lake or the steep switchbacks of Dog Mountain. Small chains and spikes on a rubber harness stretch over your boots for excellent grip on packed snow and ice.
- Lightweight and packable, quick on and off
- Great for moderate inclines
- Make sure they fit snugly so they don't shift, and rinse them after use to prevent rust
- Henoty 19 Snow Spikes 19-spike traction for icy trails
- Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX Waterproof boot to pair with spikes
- Rossignol Altiridge Mid R-Shell Dry Waterproof women's boot
2. Crampons
Best for: mountaineering and steep ice.
Climbing Mt. Hood, the Three Sisters or other high peaks in winter? Crampons are a must. Their long, aggressive points bite into steep ice and hard snow, like the upper slopes of Hood.
- Strap-on, hybrid and step-in bindings match different boots
- Best on stiff mountaineering boots
- Practice walking in them at lower elevations, like around Timberline, before your climb, and keep the points sharp
- CAMP Alpina Ice Axe Pair crampons with an axe
- CAMP Crampon Spike Protectors Protect your pack and gear
- Mammut Haute Route Helmet Climbing helmet
3. Coil traction (Yaktrax style)
Best for: walking on icy streets, commuting and winter running.
Portland ice storms turn sidewalks into slip-and-slides. Coil devices use steel coils on a rubber frame to add grip without the bulk of spikes, great for walking to work, taking the dog out or running Forest Park. They're lightweight and work with running shoes and casual footwear. Avoid long stretches of bare pavement to make them last.
4. Ice cleats
Best for: casual walking and outdoor work.
Ice cleats use small metal studs for steady footing on icy driveways and paths, a reliable choice for shoveling, ski resort work or farm chores. Choose a pair that balances comfort and grip, and inspect the studs for wear.
5. Snowshoes
Best for: deep snow and backcountry travel.
Headed to Trillium Lake, Crater Lake or the Wallowas? Snowshoes spread your weight so you don't sink, and built-in crampons grip icy patches. Choose size by your weight and terrain, with more aggressive crampons for steep trails.
- Outbound Snowshoe Kit Starter kit with poles
- Crescent Moon W's Gold 13 Snowshoes Women's trail snowshoe
- Wilderness Technology Trekker Kids' Snowshoe For young snowshoers
- CAMP Backcountry 3.0 Poles Adjustable poles
Yaktrax, more microspikes and crampons are available in-store at our Grand Avenue shop in Portland, where staff can help match traction to your boots.
Winter traction FAQ
What's the difference between microspikes and crampons?
Microspikes have short spikes on chains for packed snow and icy trails. Crampons have long, rigid points for steep ice and mountaineering and work best on stiff boots.
Do I need microspikes for winter hiking in the Columbia River Gorge?
Often, yes. Gorge trails like Multnomah Falls and Dog Mountain can ice over in winter, and microspikes add a big margin of safety.
Can you walk on pavement with Yaktrax?
Briefly, but bare pavement wears coils quickly. Take them off for long dry stretches.
When do you need snowshoes instead of spikes?
When the snow is deep and soft enough that you sink past your ankles. Spikes are for packed snow and ice.
