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I fell in love with my Kahtoola Ghost spikes as soon as I put them on—in fact, as I was putting them on. Here’s why, and how they’ve held up in the rough-and-rocky Catskill Mountains over the last year.
Last year, Kahtoola sent me a pair of Ghost MICROspikes. I immediately and thoroughly enjoyed using them. They’re very light, of course; and they’re enough lighter that you can feel the difference easily.
But I was also surprised that they were also much easier to put on and take off than previous spikes I’ve used. This makes a huge difference in usability, and it’s the detail I’d want a mountain hiker to take away.
A few years ago, I switched from my Hillsounds to Kahtoola’s regular MICROspikes because I found I had a slight preference for them. They were a good deal less fussy to put on than the Hillsounds, a little lighter. (I still store the Hillsounds as a set of trusty spares.)
The newer Ghost MICROspikes are even easier to switch in and out of, again and again. This is great for shoulder season, when you regularly come across patches of ice, then bare rock, then more ice, and so on. You don’t want to wear down your spikes on rock but, on ice, you need the spikes for grip and safety.
Disclosure: Kahtoola provided the MICROspikes Ghost reviewed here.
What are MICROspikes Ghost?
The Ghost design is Kahtoola’s lighter alternative to its regular spikes. Both stretch over your footwear and put 12 stainless steel spikes beneath each foot. The main construction change is underneath: the Ghost uses a flexible plastic framework where the regular model uses steel chains.
That plastic is thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU. The Ghost design also combines a firmer toe section with a stretchier heel, and its riveted spikes can move independently. Kahtoola says that movement helps with uneven ground and reduces snow buildup; that’s a design claim rather than something I’ve measured scientifically. (“Reduces” is one of those marketing words that might mean “reduces by 0.0000001%”.)
Ghost vs. Regular MICROspikes
These are Kahtoola’s published specifications, checked October 17, 2026. Note: weights are per pair, not per foot.
The Specs…
| Specification | MICROspikes Ghost | Regular MICROspikes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. listed price | $109.95 | $89.95 |
| Spikes per foot | 12 | 12 |
| Spike length | 9 mm / 0.36 in | 10.4 mm / 0.41 in |
| Spike material | Heat-treated 400-series stainless steel | Heat-treated 400-series stainless steel |
| Underfoot connections | TPU framework | Welded stainless steel chains |
| Harness | TPE and TPR | TPE, with TPR reinforced eyelets and toe bail |
| Sizes | XS–XL | XS–XXL |
| Packed dimensions | 4.5 × 4 × 2 in / 11.5 × 10 × 5 cm | 5 × 3 × 2 in / 13 × 8 × 5 cm |
| Published packed volume | 36 in³ / 575 cm³ | 30 in³ / 520 cm³ |
| Storage bag | Ripstop nylon tote | Tote sack |
| Current limited warranty | 4 years | 4 years* |
TPE means thermoplastic elastomer; TPR means thermoplastic rubber. Regular MICROspikes purchased before August 1, 2025 have a two-year limited warranty.
Source: Kahtoola MICROspikes Ghost and regular MICROspikes.
Weight by Size
| Size | Ghost | Regular MICROspikes | Ghost weight reduction* |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 179 g / 6.4 oz | 285 g / see note | 37% |
| S | 184 g / 6.5 oz | 312 g / 11 oz | 41% |
| M | 192 g / 6.8 oz | 338 g / 11.9 oz | 43% |
| L | 200 g / 7.1 oz | 372 g / 13.1 oz | 46% |
| XL | 208 g / 7.4 oz | 382 g / 13.5 oz | 46% |
| XXL | Not offered | 422 g / 14.9 oz | — |
*Calculated from Kahtoola’s gram figures, rounded to the nearest percentage point. Matching size labels do not guarantee the same footwear fit.
XS note: Kahtoola’s regular MICROspikes specifications list 285 g alongside 10.5 oz, while its comparison panel gives 10.1 oz. Those figures don’t agree: 285 g converts to approximately 10.1 oz.
A medium pair saves 146 g, approximately 5.2 oz. That explains the advertised 43% reduction, although the percentage varies by size. The Ghost spikes costs $20 more at the prices listed above. But prices are highly variable per seller and over time. Check around.
The packed measurements are worth checking, too. Despite weighing less, the Ghost has a slightly larger published packed volume. However, in practice, I found the packed size to be noticeably less than either my Hillsounds or my regular Kahtoola spikes.
What Changes Besides Weight?
The regular model’s spikes are 1.4 mm longer. That’s a physical difference worth knowing, but it doesn’t establish how much more grip either model will provide on a particular trail. I wouldn’t turn these specifications into a claim that their traction is either identical or substantially different.
Sizing also needs attention. Kahtoola’s Ghost chart is for trail-running and hiking shoes; regular MICROspikes have separate guidance for hiking footwear and insulated boots. Check the chart for your actual footwear rather than assuming your existing spike size will transfer.
My Recommendation
I really liked using the Ghost last season. The lower weight was welcome, and taking them on and off felt substantially easier than other spikes I’ve used.
For me, that ease of use is a big part of their appeal.
If you’re comparing the two models, the Ghosts offer a large weight reduction for an additional $20. The regular version costs less, has longer spikes, and offers a broader size range.
My experience with the Kahtoola Ghost gives me plenty of reason to recommend it, especially if low weight and easy on/off are high on your list of likes.
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