Kahtoola EXOSpikes are designed for when you want to run (or walk) outdoors, but the trail is a combination of snow, ice, dirt, or pavement.
If you’re familiar with Kahtoola, you’ve probably heard of MICROSpikes (a name many other companies have coined, but which is, in fact, a trademarked product and now dangerously close to being a proprietary eponym). Think of EXOspikes as the little sibling of MICROSpikes – filling the gap of lightweight gear designed for walking on mixed terrain where long spikes won’t work or are uncomfortable (working with long spikes on pavement is no bueno).
These have been my go-to drag machines for everything from snowy local trails to frozen, crowded trails in the Canadian Rockies this winter. As a bridge between trusting the lugs in my shoes and the often aggressive MIRCOspikes, the EXOspikes did an excellent job of filling their role.
The lightweight traction system includes an elastomer harness, TPU matrix, and 12 tungsten carbide tips per foot that resist fading.
Here’s everything you need to know about Kahtoola EXOSpikes.
Good and bad
+ Diversity: Seamless transitions between snow, ice, dirt, and pavement
+ Fit: Snug elastomer harnesses keep the harness securely in place without pressure points
+ Profile: Low profile spikes do not change natural flow or recoil
+ Weight: Easy enough to carry “just in case”
– Deep Frost: 0.29-in / 0.74 cm spikes don’t need biting in loose or deep snow
– Donning: Elastomer harness can be stiff and difficult to stretch in very cold weather
– Ice Buildup: It can pack in wet, sticky snow under certain conditions
- Weight: 7.3 oz / 208 g (Medium Size)
- Spike Material: Tungsten Carbide
- Harness Material: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
- Matrix Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
- Reinforced eyelets and toe bail: Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR)
- Spike Length: 0.29 inches / 0.73 cm
- Number of Spikes: 12 per foot
- Packed Size (inside): 5.75 x 3 x 2 / 34.5³
- Packaged Size (cm): 15 x 8 x 5 / 600 cm³
- Shoe compatibility: Running shoes, hiking boots, insulated boots
- Colors: Black, Blue
- Guarantee: 4 years limited
- MSRP: $73.95
Evaluation Criteria
I’ve used the Kahtoola EXOSpikes a lot while running (and hiking, though mostly jogging) on snowy trails and in variable conditions in the Sierra Nevada of California and the Canadian Rockies. Lately, the weather and trail conditions have been mixed: snow (basically a ski rink), packed snow, cold slush, and the occasional hiking section. I have these spikes in a size specifically for trail runners (Men’s 12 Wide and 11.5 Wide), although I have to wear them in my regular shoes some days (but I don’t want to walk around someone’s place of business in them).
EXOspikes Photo Gallery
Good
Strength
Kahtoola EXOSpikes excel in mixed environments. If you’ve ever worn MICROSpikes on a trail transitioning from snow to bare rock or pavement, you know the painful sound and feeling of grinding your spikes (and the fear of them suddenly being uneven on top of your spikes).
Because EXOspikes use tungsten carbide tips (the same material that is probably in your walking poles) surrounded by aluminum treads (within a TPU matrix), designed for a durable and wear-resistant surface. You don’t have to stop and remove them every time the route exceeds 100 ft / 30 m. You keep walking (or running) on pavement, rocks, and dirt, and they take the abuse well.
I still don’t like the feel (or sound) of running on bare pavement with these (I don’t want to go outside), but I don’t mind the occasional stretch of pavement.
In addition to being tough, EXOspikes are invisible, and you won’t feel like something is sticking to the bottom of your shoe (as is the case with long spikes designed to walk on snow firmly).
Because the spikes are only 0.29 / 0.74 cm long, you don’t feel like you’re walking on a platform when going from snow/snow to pavement (or on snow/snow for that matter). Cleats dig into snow and slippery conditions but stay low enough that you won’t trip over your feet or snag roots (if you have some snow-covered root trails) on the trail.
The Harness
I TPE elastomer harness on the EXOspikes is designed in the same way as their heavy-duty siblings in the MICROspokes, which wrap snugly around the toe and heel of your shoe.
Once you have your shoes properly seated, they don’t move. I casually raced down the snowy slope and smashed the sides of the harness against the rocks and brush without the EXOspikes feeling in danger of coming off. That being said, make sure you have the right size for your shoes.
The harness is designed so that you place the toe first, then use the pull tab on the back to align the heel.
The Okay
Weight
At 7.3 oz / 208 g of medium, Kahtoola EXOSpikes occupy the middle ground between large running coils (which, in my experience, are not at all strong or reliable) and heavy MICROSpikes, which you don’t want to work with.
Although they are light enough to justify staying in your pocket for any hike you suspect strength to meet the snow, they are not the easiest option out there. However, given how much longer tungsten carbide tips last than steel coils or chains, a few extra ounces is a trade I’m more than happy with.
Also, due to the low profile spikes, they are compact and fold cleanly compared to MICROSpikes.
Putting Them In (Cold)
Like most elastomer-based traction devices, EXOspikes can little struggle to keep up in cold temperatures (or even warm temperatures).
Rubber harnesses are very hard at sub-freezing temperatures, so if you keep them in your car (or someone outside), be warned. Standing at the start of your run in the freezing cold with numb toes and pulling this over a big heel can be frustrating.
Honestly, I left them in my running shoes all winter to avoid wearing them over and over again. That said, my shoes are wide, and on the Large end of the EXOspikes size chart; perhaps having a shoe in the lower range of a given size chart would make this process a little less tedious.
Bad
Deep Snow Operations
The limitation of Kahtoola EXOSpikes is found in its design: they are not designed for deep or loose snow.
Because the spikes are only 0.29 in /0.74 cm, they are not large enough to break through inches of fresh powder to reach the snow below. If the trail is completely covered in wet or loose snow, the TPU matrix can cause some slippage. EXOspikes are specifically designed for mixed terrain and full snow (where they excel); if you’re post-holing or facing steep, deep snowpack, you need to step up to MICROSpikes or true crampons.
Basically, if you can run in a comfortable position, EXOspikes are your choice; if it’s hiking, you need something serious.
Other popular methods
The decision
The Kahtoola EXOSpikes aren’t trying to be an aggressive hiking crampon, but they’re not a flimsy, hiking-only coil either. Instead, they sit in the sweet spot for everyday winter hikes, trail runs, and any annoying partially snowy/snow-covered terrain where you’re not sure where you’ll be, but you want to be prepared for everything.
Although they will not replace long spikes for deep, mountainous snowpack (EXOspikes this is not the case a lightweight alternative when traversing snowy mountains), perfect for trail running, casual hiking, or exploring variable winter conditions.
If you want to be able to walk across snow and ice without fear of hitting the deck if you end up with a misplaced foot, EXOspikes are a great choice. Do you have questions, comments, or personal information about Kahtoola’s EXOSpikes? Leave a comment below or get in touch, and let me know!
Get your Kahtoola EXOSpikes here.