Kahtoola Men's Footwear

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the difference between Kahtoola MICROspikes® and MICROspikes® Ghost?

  MICROspikes® are the time-tested chain-and-spike model with 12 heat-treated 400‑series stainless steel spikes and welded stainless chains for aggressive grip on ice and packed snow, while MICROspikes® Ghost is a chainless, TPU‑matrix design with articulating rivets that’s about 43% lighter and tuned for fastpacking and trail running. Ghost’s M pair weighs ~6.8 oz versus MICROspikes® M at ~11.9 oz, so choose Ghost for weight-sensitive, speed‑oriented use and classic MICROspikes® for maximum durability and noisy-ice bite.
• How should I size MICROspikes® and MICROspikes® Ghost for boots versus trail runners?

  Kahtoola uses a unisex XS–XXL (MICROspikes®) / XS–XL (Ghost) chart—XS ≈ men’s 6, S ≈ 7–8, M ≈ 9–10, L ≈ 11–12—so start with the chart and then account for footwear volume. Size up for high‑volume insulated or mountaineering boots and size down for low‑volume trail runners; confirm heel and toe security and use the raised heel tab on Ghost if you need extra retention.
• Are MICROspikes® and Ghost suitable for all winter terrain and technical climbing?

  They’re designed for icy, packed‑snow, and slick mountainous trails—not for deep powder, technical rock climbing, or alpine routes that require rigid crampons. Both are flexible, low‑profile traction systems (spike clearance ≈ 3/8–0.41 in) that excel on ice and packed snow but lack the stiffness and attachment systems needed for vertical ice or technical mountaineering.
• How packable and maintenance‑friendly are these traction devices for long trips or thru‑hikes?

  Both pack compactly into the included tote sack (roughly 5×3×2 in when stored), with MICROspikes® offering a rugged, low‑profile package and Ghost delivering significantly lower weight and bulk suited to thru‑hiking and fastpacking. Rinse off salt and sand after use, dry thoroughly, inspect spikes/chains or rivets for wear, and store dry to prolong life.