Any 'BIGFOOTS' here use Kahtoola XL Microspikes?

[phydeux]

I've got size 14 feet and was looking into getting the Kahtoolas to use in the local monutains. Not for stuff that would require full crampons, but for simpler, milder terrain where you wouldn't want to slip on icy stuff. Kathoola sells an extra large size (14-16), but not sure if those would be better than the large (11-14). No stores in my area carry Kahtoolas (REI, Sport Chalet, etc). Anyone have experience with the XL size, or anyone use a pair on boots that are between Kathoola's advertised sizes (example: putting either a large or medium set of Kahtoolas on a size 11 boot)?

BTW: Can't find crampons that fit size 14 boots, either. Tried a few pairs that said '14' on the box, but they didn't work. It pretty much limits what I can do anymore in the winter.

[Dave G]

I "only" have size 13 feet, but I have run into issues with crampons fitting certain boots. For my Grivel G12's I bought the long extender bars. For the Stubai aluminum crampons, I elongated the rear hole about 3/16". I used a milling machine, but if you have a Dremel tool and some patience, you can do it that way. Just don't get the steel too hot and compromise the heat treat.

Don't know too much about the Microspikes. They seem pretty light duty, but I have friends that use them for very mild trail hiking and like them.

[Norris]

BTW: Can't find crampons that fit size 14 boots, either. Tried a few pairs that said '14' on the box, but they didn't work. It pretty much limits what I can do anymore in the winter.

I have big feet too and almost always have to buy the extender bars (kind of a rip-off). But what kind of boots are you trying to fit the crampons to? Is it just a length issue, or a width issue, or something else? Some boots just won't take crampons because of the way the soles are designed. In my experience, such boots tend to have very wide soles with rounded edges like tires. Traditional vibram soles with a narrower profile and sharp 90 degree edges will not have this problem.

[Kevin]

I have some microspikes, and they're terrific for certain conditions. They don't replace crampons on the steeps, however.

REI does carry them, although you may have to order them online and have them either shipped to you or the nearest REI store. I don't think they carry the XL, but if the large didn't fit your 14's at least you'd know and could return them.

[HikeUp]

I have the Red Large Kahtoola Microspikes (advertised as Men's size 10.5-14) and they are a very tight fit on my size 12 hiking boots. I can't imagine them being easy to put on a size 14 boot without it actually buckling the boot. One thing I don't know yet is if they stretch over time, becoming easier to put on after more and more uses.

Edit to add: website says "Sizes are approximate based on running or hiking shoes." So it is no surprise they fit tight on my boots.

[phydeux]

BTW: Can't find crampons that fit size 14 boots, either. Tried a few pairs that said '14' on the box, but they didn't work. It pretty much limits what I can do anymore in the winter.

I have big feet too and almost always have to buy the extender bars (kind of a rip-off). But what kind of boots are you trying to fit the crampons to? Is it just a length issue, or a width issue, or something else? Some boots just won't take crampons because of the way the soles are designed. In my experience, such boots tend to have very wide soles with rounded edges like tires. Traditional vibram soles with a narrower profile and sharp 90 degree edges will not have this problem.

Having big feet sucks. I'm using either Hi-Tec Altitude IV boots or Montrail Cerro boots (both size 14). Both have flexible soles, and I figured the Microspikes would work OK on packed snow and short icy sections on the trails or low angled slopes I hike on these days; anything more technical and I'll abort the trip.

The crampons I have are Simond pneumatic crampons (made in West Germany!) that I bought in the UK in 1993. They'll fit on just about any size boot (length or width) as long as its got a rigid sole (used to wear them on plastic boots when I did a lot of high, cold climbing that required plastic boots and crampons). Both the Hi-Tec and Montrail boots have flexible soles and won't take the Simond crampons, and every crampon I've tried in the local stores won't hold onto either one. I've also tried the Kahtoola crampons and they won't fit either.

[zippetydude]

Hi Phydeux. I just got the microspikes and I love 'em. I just went to the peak on Saturday, and everyone in the group had them and felt the same. They're great traction (though I agree that they don't replace crampons), easy on and off, light, and perfect for about 90% of what we do in the local mountains.

I used to use Kahtoola Aluminum trailrunning crampons, but these are better, probably just as light, and easier to put on. They take about 10 seconds to put on, which is real nice when it's cold and icy and you don't want to stop and let your body cool down while you're strapping something to your boot. I'd recommend them if you can get an XL.

z

[phydeux]

Update. Couldn't find XL microspikes anywhere (retail outlets of online stores) so I called up and ordered them direct from Kahtoola in Flagstaff, AZ (their weborder site was down). Got them today and they fit my size 14 boots nicely. Walked around in the backyard for 15 minutes in the fading light and no problems with them. These are gonna work great !

FYI: Apparently Kahtoola's retailers don't want to stock the XL size (not enough sales volume), but Kahtoola sells lots of them by mail/online. If you need 'em, they've got 'em

FYI #2: According to the guys at Kahtoola the Arizona Snow Bowl opened mid-December for skiing and has about 3 ft of base (New Years Day). Might be a good spring to do a snow climb of Mt. Humphreys (with microspikes, of course!).