Thought I would give a brief overview of these traction devices as tis the season

Kahtoola Microspikes are their top tier, hardcore traction devices- think mini crampons.  If there is a lot of ice to deal with, this is what I grab.  They have long aggressive teeth that really bite, good enough I've never thought anything of running full out when most folks are just trying to stand upright.

They are long lived, my last pair finally gave out after six winters and probably 2500-3000 miles.  I would give them a quick sharpen with file in the fall and were good to go all winter.  The rubber rands are what finally gave out.

Nanospikes in my opinion are what you want if you're traversing an urban area and not running.  I keep a pair in the pocket in my front door, if it's icy, I just slip them on.  They would do in a pinch for running, but don't have nearly the traction of the Microspikes.

Recently released, the Exospikes- they bridge the gap between Nano and Micro.  I've been using mine a lot this winter as it's been pretty mild and ice is intermittent.  This is where the Exospikes shine, still good grip on ice, but if you hit a mile of no ice, no big deal, just keep them on.  If you hit a stretch of heavily iced stuff, I exercise just a bit of caution as they are not as grippy as the Microspikes.  You could use Microspikes in these intermittent conditions, but you're overly wearing the big teeth and they simply aren't as comfortable off ice as the Exospikes with their shorter spikes.

So..

Microspikes- hard core ice

Exospikes- intermittent ice

Nanospikes- for around town

Also if you're on the cusp in-between sizes, go the next up.  They won't come off (have never had a pair come off!) and they'll be a little easier on/off.

Microspikes in action at last weeks trip to Casey Peak

I think it's been about 4 years since there's been enough winter precipitation here to need those.

The non-snow folks appreciate the visuals so we know what you’re talking about.  

I have some mid range tractions that is good for about anything except ice and really steep. I plan to get some Kahtoola microspikes. But for now I avoid the ice. Most of the time I bring traction but do use it.

Thanks Mike.  How do they feel wrapped around your shoe.  Looked at a pair and thought they would bother the foot (in a running shoe not boot) and may actually make your foot colder.  I have been “running” on icy patches but have been taking baby steps. If I got any it woukd be the nano spikes.

On my run this morning my DD told me about this tragic story and how the father wrote about it later to caution other hikers. After reading it I thought of this mt post. 

Stay safe out there everyone.

https://www.pcta.org/2021/doug-lahers-call-for-safety-in-memory-of-his-son-trevor-87656/?fbclid=IwAR3WtssSzLHcbwx-mlkAyX1st334YoeTeyvD3v0y4bDoJaCQKpZfaipnj1I