Review By Jen Rinaldi

With all the snow we have had this year, one thing became abundantly clear to me after falling hard while shoveling the driveway, and hiking the dog up the mountain behind our house: I needed more traction! In search of solutions, I acquired a hiking pole and went online to look at different traction options. I wanted something that would allow me to walk/run my dog through the ice and snow while still being able to walk comfortably on pavement and on trails. 

I made a stop at a local sporting goods store to scope out what options they had. Sadly, our local stores had nothing in my size and only had one brand. Resigned to doing my shopping online (something I would rather do locally if my size had been available), my first purchase was something cheap. My thinking was that because I wasn’t going long distances, a $17 no-name pair of ice cleats would probably be good enough to get me out in the snow with a little more footing. This first pair turned out to be more dangerous than helpful as they didn’t remain firmly in place on my boots, twisting as I walked, causing me to catch my feet even though I had purchased their smallest size. After nursing a bruised knee and rear, I asked the advice of some runners and climbers I know, and they all suggested Kahtoola’s, so I invested in a pair of Kahtoola NANOspikes. They retail at around $45.00 and will fit both boots and running shoes.

My dog is well-trained except when it comes to squirrels. He cannot help himself when they charge up trees! The NANOspikes by Kahtoola are made to be flexible and still have enough bite to keep me standing on the ice and snow even when all 67 pounds of him are pulling on me. I have gone on neighborhood walks as well as mountain hikes with these, adding a pole when I go up steep rocky trails. Now I feel confident walking through snow and on ice. I might however be investing in their next model up (ExoSpikes) for any long hikes, as the snow toward the top is often fluffy with a layer of ice below. Did I mention how the NANOspikes have made shoveling the driveway about ten times safer? When pushing a shovel or a snow blower, you have much better traction than with the rubber tread of most boots. Our driveway is on a steep hill, so I find these an essential ingredient for safe outdoor activities.

After speaking with Li Cui from Kahtoola’s, I realized the commitment that the company has to their products and the environment. He sent me a pair of pre-production NANOspikes that will be released in August of 2023, along with two different types of gaiters. After using them every day this week, I concluded that the improvements in the NANOspikes are worth it. They fit better on my boot, as the toe box is more secure, and the metal rivets that hold them together fit flush against the side of my shoe, allowing the webbing to conform tightly. Next to the tungsten carbide tips, they added a tread embedded in the soles, making these even better than my first pair. I have even used these with my zero shoes, adding the gaiters to cover the mesh to keep me dry when I run. A great combination!

Another nice thing about the NANOspikes is that they are easy to remove with one hand and are easily folded and placed back in the pouch that is included. Paired with one of their many gaiter styles, your feet will stay dry and your footing safe. Another key feature is that they do not make your feet feel strange even when you walk on pavement. Because of their flexibility, they bend with the foot. Flexibility is key.

As I mentioned, this company also makes a wide variety of gaiters that will keep the slush and snow out of your boots. Believe me when I say that there is nothing more uncomfortable than having cold wet feet when you reach the top of the mountain, knowing that you must climb down a couple of miles with frozen toes, an experience I have lived many times. 

Kahtoola is a native son too, as the company is based out of Flagstaff, and with all the talk about buying local, my decision was easy in choosing this company to purchase from. Add to that the company’s philosophy, their commitment to conservation and getting out into the wilderness, and a team that regularly uses their products with the goal of improving every generation. From foot traction to gaiters, it’s a slam dunk. They provide everything you need to get outside, even in the worst of weather. Design features in each of the products are rigorously tested to ensure that they live up to the exacting standards that outdoor activities require for safety and comfort. 

If you would like more information or to purchase a pair, please visit their website https://kahtoola.com/shop/