Traction cleats are necessary snowy/icy conditions where your feet might slip otherwise, but you're not in need of mountaineering crampons. These cleats (or hiking crampons, as they are sometimes called) typically fit over a wide range of footwear from minimalist running shoes to traditional leather boots. They don't weigh much, are easy to put on and take off, and store easily in a bag to keep the rest of your gear dry and free of muck.
Kahtoola Microspikes are consistently the highest rated traction cleats in our polls. Snowline is a well established Korean outdoor company but brand new to the US, and their Chainsen cleats are pretty sweet. Definitely worth checking out. The Chainsen Pro is slightly lighter than the Kahtoola Microspikes and more affordable. The Chainsen Light is three ounces lighter than the Microspikes, or about the same weight as the Nanospikes but Chainsen has much more substantial cleats. Check it out:
Kahtoola Nanospikes (8.0 oz in mens M)
DannyMilksYeah I was gonna say these look identical to the kahtoolas I own. But if it works it works. I'd buy them if I hadn't already purchased a pair of the microspikes.
Kahtoola Microspikes are consistently the highest rated traction cleats in our polls. Snowline is a well established Korean outdoor company but brand new to the US, and their Chainsen cleats are pretty sweet. Definitely worth checking out. The Chainsen Pro is slightly lighter than the Kahtoola Microspikes and more affordable. The Chainsen Light is three ounces lighter than the Microspikes, or about the same weight as the Nanospikes but Chainsen has much more substantial cleats. Check it out:
Kahtoola Nanospikes (8.0 oz in mens M)
Snowline Chainsen Pro (11.5 oz, in mens M)
Do you know where Kahtoola is made?