Review: Kahtoola NanoSpikes

Fall trail running can be as unpredictable as a night at the craps table in Vegas. You might encounter ice, mud, snow, or if you’re lucky, a dry trail. You can ask other runners through various forums about trail conditions, but each person’s perception of “good” is different. The best way I’ve found to minimize any concern about the trail is by using the NanoSpikes from Kahtoola. Built on a flexible but solid base, these ten micro-spikes dig into ice, packed snow, and even mud like Jesse Owens’s cleats in the ’36 Olympics. Once you can wrap your confidence in the NanoSpikes, you’ll stride with purpose from a dry to icy trails. $50; kahtoola.com.