Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction Device Review

Bottom Line

After weeks of running and hiking around Colorado’s front range with the Kahtoola EXOspikes, we’ve determined that they are best on ice, packed snow, and mixed surfaces on gentle to moderate terrain. For more aggressive winter traction devices, see our full guide to ice cleats.

The tungsten carbide studs, although not as aggressive as spikes, are made in a concave shape to attack ice from any angle and are slightly raised off the footbed to help in fresh powder. The low profile fit makes for secure, all-day comfort with minimal snag risk.

The cleats are easy to use with clear marking and a stretchy elastic harness that fits over a wide range of footwear. The construction is durable for the most part, but the slightly rigid bottom presents some longevity concerns. 

Overall, the EXOspikes are a well rounded traction device that’ll provide confident footing from town to trail. They’ll be less effective at higher and snowier elevations, but for hikers and trail runners on moderate terrain, they are a very affordable option.

How We Tested

It’s our number one priority to bring you trail-tested reviews that you can trust. We walked, hiked, and ran over 100 miles across varied terrain and elevations in the Rocky Mountains with these traction devices. We’ve also extracted quantifiable information from close analyses and comparison to remove as much opinion as possible.

Traction

The Kahtoola EXOspikes provide the best traction out of all the stud style traction devices. The raised 7.4mm studs dig further into packed snow to grip on the hard surfaces beneath and are made in concave shape to attack ice from every angle.

Most studded devices are specifically geared toward providing light traction on dry surfaces in the case of unexpected icy patches. The EXOspikes however can be taken a step further off the pavement to provide confident grip on snowy roads, slippery trails, and icy neighborhood runs. 
There are four studs on the heel and eight on the toe, each raised up on an individual platform to increase each’s overall size. The studs themselves grip pretty well on ice, but raising them up provides more grip on packed and slighter softer snow.

That being said, they’re still not as aggressive as true spikes, so we recommend limiting their use to gentle to moderate terrain. Caution should still be used on steep slopes with high consequences.

Fit

The EXOspikes are compatible with most casual footwear, but we found they work best on sneakers, trail runners, and light hiking boots. Regardless of the shoe, they provide a comfortable and secure fit for all day use.

After running and hiking on these cleats all day on snowy trails with patches of ice and rock, we rarely had to readjust them, and they never sagged or twisted. 

We especially like the EXOspikes for trail running. They stay secure even with the added stress on each stride and there are no chains or straps to hang down and snag roots and rocks.

Upon making it back to the car after a full day of wearing the EXOspikes, we didn’t have that nagging desire to finally liberate our feet from them.

Ease of Use

The EXOspikes feature a simple elastic design that is straightforward and easy to use. The front is clearly marked and the elastic is easy to stretch over the entire foot. You may need to do a little initial adjusting and the elastic can sometimes trap a finger or glove.

The studs provide versatile traction across a range of different surfaces. They’re best on slick surfaces with a little bit of give like packed snow and dirt. They provide very good traction on ice as well and even offer a bit more confidence on a light dusting of snow. 

We actually found them to grip best on ice while running – when we were focused on balance and striking each stride firmly against the ground. However, if you catch a patch of glossy ice off balance, they won’t save you as much as spikes will.

While the raised studs do penetrate snow better than some others, they won’t be of much use in more than an inch or two of the fresh stuff.

Weight & Packability

We love the EXOspikes for running because of their minimal weight and decent packability. Each individual cleat adds a barely noticeable 104 grams to either foot. This low profile, lightweight design allows you to run or hike all day without any significant foot fatigue caused by your traction devices. It also means less pack weight when not in use which everyone loves.

The EXOspikes come with a handy stuff sack that, when packed, takes up a little more space than the smallest cleats on our list. The plastic bottoms of the EXOspikes, although lightweight, don’t collapse down as small as other materials.

Durability

The uppers of EXOspikes are made with the same durable construction as their sibling, the MICROspikes. The harness is made from a thick, thermoplastic elastomer that retains its elasticity and durability even in subzero temperatures. We left them out overnight in temperatures down to -30ºF and only noticed a slight decrease in elasticity and no signs of cracking.

Although the studs are small, they will take years of hard use to wear down. The studs are made from a tungsten carbide which is 100 times more abrasion resistant than steel. The points that attach the top and bottom are reinforced and made with a single oval chain link that is easy to repair with some pliers if one comes loose.

The only point of concern is the Flexible TPU Traction Matrix which is made from a semi-rigid plastic that, if pinched in the same place repeatedly, will weaken over time.

The Kahtoola EXOspikes provide a lot of value for hiking, trail running, and walking on gentle to moderate terrain with ice or packed snow. They are durable, lightweight, comfortable, and more affordable than more high tech counterparts. They’re not the most aggressive ice cleats on our list but they will provide sufficient traction on most mellow terrain. Anyone seeking the durability or aggressive traction to follow them deep into the bush might want to look into burlier options. The EXOspikes are best suited for well-trodden trails.

What Other Traction Devices Should You Consider?

Check out our full guide to winter traction devices for more options specifically geared towards road and trail running.

Kahtoola NANOspikes Review: The NANOspikes are the least aggressive cleats from Kahtoola and the most affordable. They are great for running, but their minimal traction is best suited for gentle, semi-dry terrain.

Black Diamond Distance Spike Review: These spikes impressed us with their superior running performance. They are aggressive enough to tackle steep trails and the innovative construction makes them incredibly lightweight and comfortable. They are however on the pricey side.

YakTrax Diamond Grip Review: The Diamond Grips are an excellent buy for runners and mellow hikers on a budget. They aren’t the most durable option, but they shed snow extremely well and come at a very affordable price point.