Gear

Traction aids (brodder)

Traction aids fitted under a boot.

Spike metalwork under the boot for ice and hard snow — from the lightest spike straps to rigid crampons. What suits which kind of terrain.

Traction aids (also called piggsåler, mikro-spikes or anti-skli) are metal spikes or chains fitted under the boot to give grip on ice and hard snow. On Norwegian winter trips where the road or path is iced over, traction aids can be the difference between a comfortable outing and a dangerous one.

For steeper mountain trips you need crampons (stigjern) — a more extensive set of mountaineering kit that is outside the scope of this article.

Three levels

Light spike straps (Yaktrax, Snowline Spikes, Stabilicers Lite):

  • Weight: 200–400 g per pair
  • Price: 200–500 kr
  • Spikes: small metal spikes (2–6 mm) or coiled wire
  • Use: road, path, easy terrain, winter running
  • Do not work on steep terrain or hard mountain ice

Mid-weight traction aids (Kahtoola Microspikes, Hillsound Trail Crampon):

  • Weight: 400–600 g per pair
  • Price: 500–1,000 kr
  • Spikes: 8–12 mm metal spikes on a stainless-steel chain
  • Use: hard-packed path, easy mountain ground, winter trips
  • Work in most Norwegian winter trip conditions

Heavy traction aids / light crampons (Petzl Leopard, Black Diamond Contact, Grivel G10):

  • Weight: 500–900 g per pair
  • Price: 1,500–3,000 kr
  • Spikes: 18–25 mm metal spikes on a rigid or semi-rigid frame
  • Use: steep mountains, glaze ice, climbing
  • Require stiffer boots to work at their best

For an ordinary Norwegian winter trip, mid-weight traction aids (the Microspikes style) are the standard choice. Light spike straps are for road use and easy terrain. Heavy crampons are for mountaineering.

Which boots work

Light spike straps: fit any footwear, including trainers and light mountain boots.

Mid-weight traction aids: fit mountain boots (fjellsko), winter boots and light ski-touring boots. They are fitted by adjusting the length of the chain.

Heavy crampons: need boots with a welt or a dedicated crampon binding. Ordinary mountain boots do not always work — check before buying.

When do you need them?

  • Slippery road or pavement: light spike straps
  • Path in light snow/ice: light or mid-weight
  • Hard path, drifting snow, steep ascents/descents: mid-weight
  • Glaze ice on paths, traverses: mid-weight to heavy
  • Steep mountains, climbing: heavy crampons

In a typical Norwegian winter it is often one set of mid-weight traction aids that you bring along — packs light, takes up little space, saves many situations.

Packing

In a small fabric bag in the rucksack — packs like a sock (200–400 cm³ total).

In the car or at home: clean before storage, otherwise the spikes and chain will rust over the summer.

Maintenance

Rinse in fresh water after each use — the sea, road salt or dirt corrodes the chain over time.

Dry thoroughly before storage — the spikes rust quickly in damp.

File blunt spikes with a metal file if it becomes necessary — some models have replaceable spikes.

Check the rubber band for cracks each season — it dries out in the sun and wears with use.

Boots → · Winter clothing →

Text: Snuitide (2026).