ProView – Kahtoola MICROspikes Ghost Review

Winter trails rarely offer consistent conditions, and traction can make or break the experience. On a snowy hike to Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, I tested the Kahtoola MICROspikes Ghost to see if they could provide reliable grip without the bulk.

I tested the MICROspikes Ghost on a winter hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, heading toward Mills Lake. Trail conditions were primarily packed snow with intermittent icy patches. Temperatures were cold enough to keep the snow mostly firm, but sections of ice were still exposed, especially in shaded areas.

I spend a lot of time hiking and trail running throughout the winter months and am always looking for gear that supports moving efficiently rather than slowing me down. Many traction devices I’ve used in the past felt heavy or overly aggressive for mixed conditions, especially when paired with lighter footwear. I was particularly interested in how the MICROspikes Ghost would perform during a hike and whether they would feel natural while moving.

My background includes growing up hiking and running, leading outdoor trips during college, racing mountain bikes competitively, and spending time ice climbing and mountaineering on the East Coast. I tend to gravitate toward gear that balances performance and simplicity, and I value products that integrate seamlessly into an existing system rather than requiring major adjustments.

Fit & Comfort

The MICROspikes Ghost fit securely and felt true to size. For reference, I wear a women’s size 7½ and tested a size Small, which felt spot-on. Once on, they were barely noticeable on my feet and moved naturally with my stride. I experienced no pressure points or discomfort, even over several miles. I do think these spikes would fit even more seamlessly over a winter boot, as my lightweight trail runners left small gaps that allowed snow to sneak in during deeper sections.

Look & Style

The design is clean, minimal, and modern. These don’t look bulky or overbuilt, which aligns well with their intended use for fast hiking and trail running.

Features

The low-profile spike layout provides solid traction without feeling cumbersome. They were extremely easy to take on and off, which was especially helpful when transitioning through rocky or wind-scoured sections of trail where spikes weren’t necessary.

Weight & Packability

This is where the MICROspikes Ghost really stand out. They are by far the lightest traction devices I’ve worn. When not in use, they pack down incredibly small. I was able to fit them into my limited-space running vest with no problem, which is a huge win for runners and fast movers.

Function & Performance

Traction was excellent on packed snow and light ice. The spikes inspired confidence without forcing me to alter my stride or slow down. Compared to traditional microspikes, these feel like a game-changer for winter trail running and fast hiking.

Durability & Construction

After testing, everything remained intact and secure. The materials feel thoughtfully constructed and well-designed, though long-term durability over extended rocky terrain will be the true test.

Areas for Improvement

Snow did occasionally get trapped between the spike cage, which led to colder feet over time. This was likely influenced by my footwear choice, trail runners in snowy winter conditions, rather than the spikes themselves. Paired with a more structured winter boot, I suspect this issue would be significantly reduced.

Friendliness to the Earth

Kahtoola is known for producing durable, long-lasting traction products designed to stay in use for many seasons. While the MICROspikes Ghost don’t heavily advertise recycled materials, their emphasis on quality construction and longevity helps reduce waste by limiting the need for frequent replacement.

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