Snowshoes or Microspikes? Which to use in Winter Hiking.

March 18, 2025

Snowshoes or Microspikes? The Pros and Cons of Each and When to Use One Over the Other

Winter hiking can offer some of the most peaceful, scenic, and rewarding experiences in the great outdoors. However, winter terrain often requires extra preparation, especially when it comes to footwear. Two popular tools that hikers often choose to navigate snowy or icy conditions are snowshoes and microspikes. Each of these tools has its unique set of advantages and is designed for different types of terrain. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both snowshoes and microspikes and help you determine when to use each to make your winter adventures safer and more enjoyable.

What Are Snowshoes?

Snowshoes are footwear designed to distribute your weight over a larger area, which helps prevent you from sinking too deeply into deep snow. They’re typically worn over your regular boots and have a larger surface area with a flat or slightly concave design that allows you to “float” on top of soft, deep snow.

Pros of Snowshoes

Great for Deep Snow: Snowshoes are the go-to gear for deep, fluffy snow. Their wide surface area helps to evenly distribute your weight, allowing you to walk on top of snow rather than sinking into it. If you're venturing into a backcountry trail or areas with several inches of fresh snow, snowshoes will prevent you from getting stuck and make the hike much more manageable.
Ideal for Off-Trail Hiking: Snowshoes are especially useful when you're venturing off-trail or into untouched snow. They provide better stability and balance in areas that haven’t been compacted by previous hikers.
Prevents Snow from Building Up on Shoes: Unlike regular boots or shoes, snowshoes prevent large amounts of snow from accumulating on the bottom, helping you avoid the extra weight and potential discomfort of carrying snow on your feet.
Versatile for Varied Terrain: Many snowshoes come equipped with crampons or traction features on the bottom that allow them to be used on uneven terrain, such as hills or icy patches.

Cons of Snowshoes

Bulky and Heavy: Snowshoes are larger and heavier than microspikes, which can make them cumbersome, especially on shorter or flatter trails where they aren’t absolutely necessary.
Not Ideal for Packed or Hard Snow: Snowshoes are designed for soft, deep snow. On hard-packed trails or icy terrain, they can feel unwieldy, and you may find yourself using more energy to navigate compared to using microspikes.
Limited to Snowy Conditions: Snowshoes are best suited for specific conditions, and they’re not effective in icy, rocky, or dry terrain. If the snow melts, you may need to switch to different footwear.

When to Use Snowshoes

Fresh, Deep Snow: If you’re trekking in fresh, deep snow (usually 6 inches or more), snowshoes will provide the support and flotation you need to avoid sinking into the snow.
Off-Trail Hiking: For backcountry hikes or areas without established trails, snowshoes can be invaluable as they help distribute your weight more evenly and reduce the likelihood of getting stuck in deep snow.
Rugged Terrain: If you're venturing through varied terrain with deep snow on hills or uneven ground, snowshoes offer better grip and stability compared to regular boots.

What Are Microspikes?

Microspikes are traction devices that are attached to your boots to improve grip on icy or hard-packed surfaces. They feature small spikes or crampons that dig into snow or ice, providing traction on slippery surfaces, preventing slips and falls.

Pros of Microspikes

Great for Ice and Hard-Packed Snow: Microspikes excel on icy, frozen trails or in areas where snow has been compacted by other hikers, making the ground hard and slippery. They give your boots extra traction, allowing you to safely walk on icy surfaces.
Lightweight and Compact: Microspikes are much lighter and more compact than snowshoes, making them easy to carry in your backpack for when you need them. They don’t take up much space and can easily be stored when you’re on packed trails that don’t require additional traction.
Effective on Steep, Icy Slopes: Microspikes are especially useful for tackling steep, icy slopes. Their spikes grip the ice and snow, helping you maintain stability as you ascend or descend hills.
Versatile: Microspikes are effective on a variety of surfaces, including icy paths, packed snow, and even rocky surfaces with thin layers of snow. They are also useful on icy sidewalks, roads, or any situation where traction is a concern.

Cons of Microspikes

Limited in Deep Snow: Microspikes don’t provide the flotation needed to walk easily through deep snow. In deep powder or soft snow, you may find yourself sinking, and the traction spikes can get buried in the snow.
Not Ideal for Off-Trail Hiking: While microspikes work great on packed or icy trails, they aren’t as effective for off-trail hiking in deep snow. If you’re walking through backcountry terrain with deep snow, microspikes won’t prevent you from sinking into the snow.
Not Suitable for Rock Scrambling: Microspikes provide traction on ice and snow, but they are not intended for rock scrambling or loose terrain. If you're hiking in areas with exposed rock or dirt, the spikes can become ineffective or cause you to lose your balance.

When to Use Microspikes

Icy or Frozen Trails: Microspikes are perfect when hiking on frozen trails, packed snow, or icy surfaces. If the ground is firm and slippery, microspikes give you extra traction, making your hike much safer.
Compact Snow: For areas with compact snow or hard-packed conditions, microspikes help you maintain grip and prevent slipping, offering better control on solid ground than snowshoes.
Steep, Icy Slopes: If your hike involves climbing or descending steep, icy sections, microspikes are essential for maintaining stability and safely navigating slippery terrain.

Snowshoes vs Microspikes: Which One Should You Use?

When deciding between snowshoes and microspikes, the key factor is the type of terrain you’ll be hiking on.

Choose Snowshoes When:

You’re hiking in deep, soft snow (typically 6 inches or more).
You’re off-trail or in remote backcountry areas.
You want to avoid sinking into snow and need better flotation.

Choose Microspikes When:

You’re hiking on icy, hard-packed snow or frozen trails.
You need extra traction on icy surfaces or steep, icy slopes.
You prefer a lighter, more compact option for easier portability.

Combining Both:

In some winter conditions, it’s useful to bring both snowshoes and microspikes. For example, if you're hiking a trail that starts with deep snow but transitions into icy or packed terrain, switching between the two can help ensure a safe and comfortable hike.

So which one to choose??

Both snowshoes and microspikes have their specific benefits and are designed to tackle different winter hiking challenges.

-Snowshoes are your best bet for deep, soft snow, providing flotation and stability on fresh powder.

-Microspikes, on the other hand, are essential for icy or hard-packed terrain, offering improved traction and safety on slippery surfaces.

Whether you opt for the flotation of snowshoes or the traction of microspikes, both options will help you navigate the winter wonderland with confidence. Happy hiking!

Olli

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