Thanks! Honestly, I’ve only wished I had spikes on sidewalks 2-3 times on my life (covid might change things since I can’t go to the gym and need to move outside). I need them for upcoming hikes (may/may not need scenarios) and was hoping they’d be a middle range so I’ll just focus on hiking.

I considered the Hillsound FreeSteps6 because they seemed most similar to Kahtoolas microspikes, but I want the velcro and Hillsound is cheaper and seems great!

Both would certainly work for icy sidewalks, but they’d be very overkill. Additionally, depending on how much you walk on the sidewalks, you’ll blunt the spikes quicker and need to re-sharpen.

If your budget allows it, I’d get some YakTraxx or similar just for icy sidewalks. You’ll keep the spikes in better conditions and the YakTraxx type slip-on quicker, easier, and take up less space by the door. Frankly, that’s their best use, too vs. a backcountry situation. Fewer than $20 on Amazon.

Limited use of the classic Microspikes when I borrowed them. Yes, the Hillsound provide support. Otherwise, I’d be on my ass. 🙂 Thes Ultras really aren’t meant for off-trail, mountaineering type activities (Whites in the Winter; Glacier travel in BC). THat’s why I have strap-on crampons.

As an aside, I find the well-graded and well-used trails to be the worse for ice vs off-trail in many ways. Bear Peak up the Fern Canyon Trail in my old haunt of Boulder is a prime example. A luge run in the winter. With spikes, manageable.