I used these for my John Muir Trail hike in May when the trail was easily 90% covered in snow. They worked exactly as expected for microspikes.

The buyer should be aware that these are not true crampons. These work great for morning snow that hasn't melted. They are not going to dig in the same way full crampons will to slushier snow. And because they don't have the horizontal blades will not punch into hard snow as easily on ascents,

That being said, I pushed these microspikes hard and they rose to the occasion. I went up snow-covered 45-50 degree inclines with a 30lb pack with confidence because they performed so well. A good balance of anterior, posterior, and lateral spikes which provides for solid footing on frozen snow. The top velcro strap does a good job of holding the spikes in place. The benefits are that these are a lighter and less space-occupying alternatives over full crampons that I was able to keep in my pockets when I was boulder hopping or doing stream crossings. They have been trailed tested and so far have been quite durable. I would recommend the product to people who are needing quality microspikes based upon their outdoor habits.

My Kahtoola's broke this season right before a run (strap broke). Sadly they were out of warranty and my size wasn't available to ship for two weeks. There was no way I could wait two weeks so after a bunch of research I bought a pair of these Hillsound spikes. After using them for hundreds of miles on icy snowy rocky muddy trails this is my take on them...

Pro Hillsound:
1. Slightly longer spikes
2. More spikes
3. Toe clip in the front keeps spikes in place (no toe jam)
4. Velcro strap keeps spikes in place and prevents losing them in deep snow ( i hate if when that happens!)

Con Hillsounds:
1. Slightly heavier than the Kahtoolas

Honestly both Hillsounds and Kahtoolas are amazing traction devices but I am kind of glad my Kahtoolas broke :-)

I've never used this type of product before, but after using them hiking for three days in and around Rocky National Park they are a must have to enhance your hiking experience in packed snow, recently fallen snow and ledges with drop offs. For heavier snow fall without pack snowshoes will be a better option.

I am delighted my brother recommended these for me! I love to walk and hike in all seasons, but since I fractured and dislocated my ankle in November 2019, I have been fearful of walking in icy conditions. My brother lent me his for a February hike in the White Mountains, and I felt so much more confident that I bought my own pair! Since then, I have used them several times, sometimes just a few steps to the mailbox, since they are so easy to slip on to any pair of shoes. They stretch easily to fit my bulkiest, warmest boots, but I have also put them on a pair of house slippers for that walk to the mailbox. They are very well made - I expect to use them for many years to come.

Have used 2 times so far. Once was admittedly a bad application -- more snow than ice, which you need snowshoes for. Great traction regardless.

The second was for a steep ascent hike (i.e. switchbacks the whole way) that was very muddy. I didn't use them on the way up, but I think they were crucial to safety going back down. It's far easier to slip on mud on declines. Never slipped once in these, and they held up fine over rocks (I know you ideally don't want to use them on rocks, but they seem to be strong enough to stand up to my ~200 lbs doing this).

I have been rinsing them off after use and haven't noticed any rusting, etc.

Having seen some people complain of the chain links coming apart, I'd suggest you pre-emptively keep a zip-tie in your kit. I have not had an issue yet, but if I do, I'll just see how the warranty / customer service experience is.

They do come un-adjusted after a mile or so, but this is easy to fix. I was able to keep re-orienting them until they stayed on properly -- I think it's a matter of technique in getting them on, but not too bad.