How to Fit Microspikes to Your Hiking Boots and Running Shoes

In winter and early spring, Rocky Mountain National Park transforms into a landscape of packed snow, hidden ice, and slick shaded trails. Even the easiest routes—Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Lily Lake, Cub Lake, Deer Mountain—can turn icy overnight. That’s why microspikes are one of the most essential pieces of safety gear for hiking in Estes Park from November through April.

But not all microspikes fit the same, and the footwear you pair them with matters. A set that feels perfect on a sturdy hiking boot can feel sloppy or unstable on a flexible running shoe.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about fitting microspikes properly, choosing the right size, and hiking safely on winter trails.

What Microspikes Actually Do

Microspikes are traction devices that slip over your footwear, giving you metal bite points for grip on ice, packed snow, and slick shoulders of the trail. They’re not crampons, and they’re not snowshoes—they’re a lightweight middle ground designed for everyday winter terrain.

In RMNP, we use them constantly for:

• Packed snow on popular trails

• Hidden ice under shallow powder

• North-facing slopes that never melt

• Early-morning and late-day temperature swings

• Shoulder-season freeze–thaw cycles

They’re simple, safe, and incredibly effective… but they only work if they fit correctly.

Microspikes Fit Differently on Boots vs. Running Shoes

The biggest mistake hikers make is assuming one pair of microspikes fits all footwear equally. Footwear has different shapes, stiffness, and volume—and that changes how microspikes behave.

Think of it this way:
Your boot supports the microspike. Your microspike supports your traction.

If the foundation is wrong, everything else suffers.

How to Fit Microspikes on Hiking Boots

Hiking boots—especially mid or high-rise models—are the most stable base for microspikes. They provide rigid support, a thicker outsole, and deeper heel cups for anchoring the rubber harness.

What Proper Fit Looks Like

• The rubber harness sits evenly around the entire boot

• The heel strap locks securely below the ankle

• The metal chains sit flat under the sole

• No twisting or gapping along the edges

• No overstretching of the rubber harness

Signs Your Fit Is Too Small

• Harness is extremely hard to pull over the toe

• Chains ride up the side of the boot

• Spikes pull toward the arch instead of staying centered

Signs Your Fit Is Too Large

• Heel pops out of the harness when flexing

• Chains sag under the arch

• The toe cup slides off on steep uphill sections

Best Footwear Pairings

• Hiking boots

• Standard mid-height hiking boots

• Stiff-soled backpacking boots

These provide the most secure, comfortable, and predictable traction.

How to Fit Microspikes on Trail Running Shoes

Trail runners and low-top hikers are extremely popular now—and fantastic for fair-weather trips. But in winter conditions, they’re trickier because of softer outsoles and more flexible uppers.

Microspikes can absolutely work with running shoes, but the fit requires more attention.

What Proper Fit Looks Like

• The rubber harness is snug but not overstretched

• The heel loop sits below the collar, not riding up

• Chains stay centered, especially under the forefoot

• No flapping or shifting when jogging or quick-stepping

Common Issues with Running Shoes

• Flex point instability: shoes bend more, causing microspikes to shift

• Heel slippage: low collars don’t hold the harness as securely

• Side movement: stretchy mesh uppers can allow microspikes to drift

How to Improve Fit with Running Shoes

• Choose one size smaller microspikes if you’re between sizes

• Pair with stiffer trail runners, not soft road runners

• Tighten your shoe laces more than usual

• Practice putting them on and walking in them before hitting the trail

For long winter hikes, boots are still the better option—but trail runners with well-fitted microspikes perform surprisingly well on packed trails like Dream Lake, Alberta Falls, or the Bear Lake corridor.

How to Choose the Right Size (Not Just the One on the Box)

Microspikes are sized by shoe length, but real-world fit depends on:

• Shoe volume

• Boot stiffness

• Toe-box height

• Lacing pattern

• Brand differences

This is why trying them on with your specific footwear matters.

General Sizing Tips

• If you wear bulky winter boots → size up

• If you wear low-volume trail runners → size down

• If you’re borderline → choose the size that feels tighter

• If the harness bunches or twists → switch sizes

A correct fit should require a little effort to pull over the toe—but never a fight. Bring a carabiner or some paradors to tighten the Microspikes if you have a weird foot sizing.

How to Put Them On Correctly (Step-by-Step)

1. Sit or kneel for stability

2. Place the toe cage over the front of your boot

3. Pull the harness up and over the heel

4. Check that the heel loop sits low and centered

5. Make sure all chains and spikes lie flat

6. Walk a few steps on flat ground

7. Re-adjust if any portion shifts

If they don’t feel secure in the parking lot, they definitely won’t feel secure on the trail.

When to Use Microspikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

You should bring microspikes anytime you're hiking between November and April, but especially when:

• The trail is packed from heavy foot traffic

• Snowfall is light, but temperatures are cold

• You're hiking before sunrise or after 3 PM

• You see ice beneath hard-packed snow

• You’re traversing short hills or shaded slopes

Even “easy” trails become dangerous when icy.

When NOT to Use Microspikes

They are not ideal for:

• Deep, unconsolidated snow (use snowshoes)

• Climbing steep icy slopes (use mountaineering crampons)

• Bare rock (premature wear)

• Loose gravel or dry trail

Think of them as your traction tool for packed winter trails and hidden ice, not all conditions.

Microspikes Are Mandatory Gear in RMNP Winters

Properly fitted microspikes turn winter hiking from risky to enjoyable. Whether you prefer a supportive hiking boot or a flexible running shoe, the key is choosing the right size, getting a secure fit, and practicing with them before hitting the snow.

If you ever want a guided hike where you can learn how to use them safely—and explore the best winter trails in RMNP—Estes Park Tour Guides is always ready to lead the way.