Winter Traction Devices: What's Best for You?
Staying upright in winter shouldn’t be a gamble and a fall can cause all kinds of problems. Whether you’re walking the dog, hiking icy trails, or heading above treeline, the right traction device makes all the difference. Here’s a simple breakdown of our four most common options — what they’re good at, where they fall short, and who they’re really for.
1. Yaktrax (Coils)
Best for: Everyday winter walking, errands, packed snow
Not ideal for: Steep terrain, glare ice, heavy loads
How they work:
Yaktrax use steel coils wrapped around rubber bands to create light, flexible traction. They’re comfortable, easy to slip on, and great for casual winter use.
Pros:
- Lightweight and very comfortable
- Affordable
- Great for packed snow and sidewalks
- Easy on/off
Cons:
- Coils don’t bite well into true ice
- Not durable enough for rugged hiking
- Can slip on wet indoor floors
Perfect for:
Dog walkers, commuters, anyone who wants simple winter stability that’s easy to put on and take off. They can be put on indoors before venturing out (but walk carefully they can be slippery on hard surfaces like tiles or wood).
2. Yaktrax Diamond Grip
Best for: Mixed conditions — packed snow, light ice, parking lots, transitional terrain
Not for: Steep trails or serious hiking
How they work:
Diamond Grip uses hardened steel studs arranged in a diamond pattern. They grip better than coils and handle changing surfaces (snow → ice → pavement) more smoothly.
Strengths:
- Better bite than coils
- More durable
- Good for people who walk on mixed winter surfaces
- Less likely to slip off than basic Walkers
Limitations:
- Still not aggressive enough for real trail ice
- Not designed for steep or uneven terrain
Perfect for:
Delivery drivers, parking lot walkers, people who want more security than coils but don’t need full spikes.
3. Kahtoola Microspikes
Best for: Hiking, icy trails, mixed terrain
Not ideal for: Pavement, indoor transitions, running
How they work:
Microspikes use chains and stainless-steel spikes underfoot to dig into ice and frozen ground. They’re the gold standard for winter hikers.
Pros:
- Excellent grip on ice
- Durable and reliable
- Great for hills, roots, and uneven terrain
- Easy to put on with gloves
Cons:
- Overkill for sidewalks
- Can feel awkward on pavement
- Not meant for running
Perfect for:
Hikers, hunters, and anyone spending real time on icy trails.
4. Hillsound Trail Crampons
Best for: Steeper terrain, heavier packs, serious winter hiking
Not ideal for: Casual walking, flat pavement
How they work:
Similar to Microspikes but with longer, more aggressive teeth and a sturdier frame. They bridge the gap between microspikes and full mountaineering crampons.
Pros:
- More aggressive bite than Microspikes
- Excellent for steep, icy climbs
- Very durable
- Secure harness system
Cons:
- Too aggressive for everyday use
- Heavier than Microspikes
- Not for indoor surfaces
Perfect for:
Winter hikers tackling steep trails, people carrying heavy packs, and anyone who wants maximum security without going to full crampons.
5. Full Ice Crampons (or other aggressive trail crampons)
Best for: Mountaineering, frozen waterfalls, high-angle ice, very icy trails, steep climbs
Not ideal for: Trails, sidewalks, or anything casual
How they work:
Full crampons use long, sharp steel points designed for technical climbing and mountaineering. They require a stiffer boot. These are serious tools — we don’t recommend them unless you’ve taken the time to understand how they work and practiced using them safely.
Pros:
- Unmatched grip on steep ice
- Essential for mountaineering
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- Dangerous on flat ground
- Harder to walk in a normal gait
- Require compatible boots
- Not for trails or everyday use
Perfect for:
Mountaineers, ice climbers, and anyone heading above treeline into true alpine conditions.
Bottom Line: What Should You Choose?
- Everyday winter walking: Yaktrax Walkers
- Icy trails and hills: Kahtoola Microspikes
- Steep, rugged winter hikes: Hillsound Trail Crampons
- Mountaineering or ice climbing: Full crampons