Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Gear Box - Kahtoola Microspikes

After much internal debate as to the need for another item to add to my gear collection, I finally purchased a pair of Kahtoola Microspikes. Yes, I know the trails are nearly snow free and spring is around the corner but I got a great price and free shipping so I couldn't pass on this deal.

Another thing that prompted me to make this purchase was the fall, and subsequent ankle break, of a friend during a training run on ice. My screw shoes have served me well on many runs this winter but the Kahtoolas offer a more aggressive grip that gives an added measure of safety when descending steep, ice-covered trails. I hope I don’t need these until next winter but it’s nice to know I’m good to go if Old Man Winter decides to hang around a little longer.

I can't make a first-hand recommendation but I've gotten several good reports from trail-runner friends that used the microspikes this winter. I'll do a complete product review after I actually get to run in them. Hopefully, not for a long while!

3 comments:

  1. Dan,

    Did you ever end up trying the Yaks? I assume they would not be quite as grippy as the microspikes but a bit better than the screws.

    I have used the Yaks and screws. I like the screws better for running but I like the Yaks because they can be removed on the trail if one hits open spots or has to run on the road for a bit.

    Of course they then could be put back on as conditions warrant. It seems the microspikes might be a bit heavier?

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  2. Kevin
    I never used the Yaks but I think they would work great on ice. Been just using screw shoes which are good on ice except when it's super cold and hard.

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  3. Yeah Dan! Join us! Having used both Yaks and Kahtoolas, I have to go with the later just from the standpoint of the greater grip, and I have found that on the trail, when there are patches of thawed, open trail, the kahtoolas don't compromise pace or footing. The weight is basically a non-factor, as I have found running in snow is rigorous enough. Plus my trail shoes are almost always heavier than road trainers, so it doesn't seem to make much of a difference on that front.

    Lastly, living in New England, we can hope it won't snow or become icy, but I have a feeling this year is a little more hardy than previous years :-).

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