using two solutions – Kahtoola Microspikes, chained stainess steel spikes that locate on pretty much any boot or shoe using a stretch urethane harness that sits on the uppers and Yaktrax Pro, which use a similar stretch harness but add grip using 1.4mm

We have an innate talent for ordering spiky winter things a bit too late – not so much crampons, we have those, but lighter and simpler alternatives like Kahtoola Microspikes and tungsten-studded trail shoes from IceBug, which saw us through last

We're about to get another option on the winter traction front with the imminent arrival of US brand 43North's STABILicer ice cleats.As with mini-crampons like Kahtoola Microspikes, STABILicers can be used with pretty much any footwear

Just arrived for review is a pair of STABILicers Sport snow and ice traction devices from the States – essentially they're a slightly different alternative to mini-crampons like Kahtoola Micro-Spikes and Pogu Spikes.The Sports version

Winter BootsWinter BootsBefore we get into crampons and similar, the usefulness of stiff-soled winter boots tends to be forgotten. Yes, they make an ideal platform for crampon use, but the stiffened sole units, are actually versatile in their own right and can be used both to kic...

The number of easy to fit 'mini-crampons' on the market seems to be growing and one example we haven't tried yet, are Pogu Spikes from British company, Pogu.Visually similar to the established Kahtoola Microspikes – see our comparison of those

, that was pretty iffy in itself.And of course there are other areas – parts of William Cough for example or the path down the rocky promentory near Kinder Low – where the ice isn't avoidable. In these conditions, micro-crampons like Kahtoola Microspikes or Pogu

and Kahtoola micro crampons - as you'd guess, the cramponesque designs simply have more outright grip, but making any sort of call between the Pogus and the Microspikes.They're both very similar on paper and in the flesh, even down to the red, stretchy harness

Just arrived in time for winter, if it ever happens, is a pair of Pogu Spikes, neat mini-crampons developed in the Lake District and visually, it has to be said, initally very similar to the Kahtoola Microspikes.Like the Kahtoolas they use hardened

a once over with a new, permanentanti-microbial treatment also from Pittards. Microspike is bonded tothe leather and won't leak out or wear. Effectively it er, spikessmall micro things that cause smelly footwear and stops your bootssmelling