Gear Review: Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction
Value Rating: 7
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: Around Portland on the icy streets
Duration of Test: 2 hours over the course of 2 days.
Product Name: MICROspikes
Product Brand: Kahtoola
Best Use: Not breaking your hip or any other part of your body by slipping on ice.
Size: I believe they come in a full size run: XS, S, M, L, XL. I own the Large.
The Full Review:
I bought these for hiking on some icy and steep trails during the winter months and for general use. I was not expecting to use them in the city during Snowpocalypse. These Microspikes are literally the best. I’d heard of people slipping and falling on the ice in the city and definitely slipped a few times myself. After that, I figured I’d risk looking dorky for the sake of safety. And you know what? It paid off because not only did I not slip once on icy concrete in the city, but multiple people on the bus ride to work saw me wearing them and asked where I got them. Stylish AND practical.
The Good
Did exactly what they were designed to do. Packs down small and easily attachable to other gear with a carabiner. Fits as expected size run wise.
The Bad:
Rubber elastic has questionable durability. The price of $70 for a product that could only potentially last for 2 years isnt the best look. But hey I take care of my gear and use it too so we'll see in a year how they hold up.
The Bottom Line:
Everyone needs these. Some of the "less serious" ice walking devices might not give adequate traction like how these do. Packable and proper functionality makes them well worth the money as these make a HUUUUUUGE difference when walking on ice.
The Full Review:
I bought these for hiking on some icy and steep trails during the winter months and for general use. I was not expecting to use them in the city during Snowpocalypse. These Microspikes are literally the best. I’d heard of people slipping and falling on the ice in the city and definitely slipped a few times myself. After that, I figured I’d risk looking dorky for the sake of safety. And you know what? It paid off because not only did I not slip once on icy concrete in the city, but multiple people on the bus ride to work saw me wearing them and asked where I got them. Stylish AND practical.
The Good
Did exactly what they were designed to do. Packs down small and easily attachable to other gear with a carabiner. Fits as expected size run wise.
The Bad:
Rubber elastic has questionable durability. The price of $70 for a product that could only potentially last for 2 years isnt the best look. But hey I take care of my gear and use it too so we'll see in a year how they hold up.
The Bottom Line:
Everyone needs these. Some of the "less serious" ice walking devices might not give adequate traction like how these do. Packable and proper functionality makes them well worth the money as these make a HUUUUUUGE difference when walking on ice.