Bottom Line
The Black Diamond Access Spikes deliver excellent traction, a secure fit, and all-day comfort, making them the top-performing ice cleats in our guide to the best traction devices. On our test hikes through variable, early winter conditions in Colorado, they consistently impressed with their stability and reliable harness that never slipped or created pressure points.
Their biggest strengths are their hiking-focused performance and ease of use. They bite confidently into packed snow and moderate ice. Plus, the enclosed toe box keeps your foot locked in place, and the included stuff sack adds real convenience for packing.
Their main downsides are tied to versatility. They feel awkward on long stretches of dry ground, and they’re not built for technical mountaineering or mixed rock and ice travel. Still, for hikers who stick to snowy trails, they offer strong overall value – lightweight, secure, and dependable without being too costly.
How We Tested
We tested these cleats during early winter hikes in the Colorado Front Range when alpine lakes were just starting to freeze and the ground was full of mixed winter conditions. We slogged through slush, crust, ice and thin coverage to assess every aspect of their design.
Quick Specs
Black Diamond Access Spike
Best Ice Cleats Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.8/5.0
Price: $90
Weight: 8.9 oz.
Type: Micro Spikes
Best Use: Non-technical winter hiking
Pros
- Traction
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Lightweight
- Included stuff sack
Cons
- Not as heavy-duty as others
- Overkill for casual use
Traction
The Black Diamond Access Spikes provide excellent traction for all day hikes in a variety of conditions and surfaces. The fourteen, well-spaced, 8 mm stainless steel spikes offer secure grip on packed snow and ice and even help paddle through softer, looser snow.
The Access Spikes feel at home on the trail whether it’s flat, rolling, or moderately steep mountain terrain. The three spikes mounted at the very front of the toe bite into inclines, giving you a little extra purchase on ascents.
These strengths make the Access Spikes an excellent choice for hikers tackling typical winter routes, but they’re not designed for more extreme objectives. Their traction and harness aren’t built for technical scrambling, high-consequence mountaineering, or extended rock-and-ice terrain. They also feel slightly awkward on long stretches of bare ground. The spikes really need some ice or snow to dig into for smooth, efficient walking.
Fit
The Access Spikes use a tried-and-true harness design among top ice cleat manufacturers – and for good reason. The full-coverage elastomer wraps up and over the top of the foot, creating a snug, uniform hug that stays comfortable all day long. In our testing on long winter hikes, the Access Spikes never slipped, loosened, or caused pressure points. They simply locked in and stayed put, even on uneven and steep terrain.
One of the biggest failure points we see with other cleats is the toe area. It’s often too tight, which causes discomfort. Or it’s too loose, which allows the shoe to drift and compromises traction. We appreciate Black Diamond’s almost fully enclosed toe box that cups the front of your shoe securely. It prevents your toe from sliding forward and eliminates the risk of poking through the harness on descents.
Overall, the Access Spikes are built for all-day, worry-free comfort and stability. Their dependable fit is one of the standout reasons they work so well for long winter adventures.
Ease of Use/Versatility
Although the Access Spikes aren’t ideal for everyday use, they offer excellent hiking-focused versatility. They’re also refreshingly simple to use. The toe and heel are clearly defined, which cuts down on fumbling when you’re gearing up in the cold, and the dual pull tabs make it easy to stretch the harness into place without pinching your fingers. Once on, they feel secure and ready for action.
The Access Spikes do most things well — but not everything. They deliver dependable traction for the full spectrum of winter hiking as long as there’s at least some snow or ice underfoot. On dry concrete or bare pavement, though, the spikes feel awkward and slightly unstable, which makes them less suited for casual, around-town errands. These are purpose-built tools for hikers who spend their winters on real trails, not city sidewalks. In their recommended context, they perform exactly as you’d hope.
Weight/Packability
At just 9.3 ounces for the pair, plus an included stuff sack, the Black Diamond Access Spikes give the competition a real run for their money. Dedicated ultralight backpackers may still find them a touch heavy for long-distance trips, but they land comfortably within lightweight territory and strike an excellent balance between low weight and aggressive, confidence-inspiring traction. At roughly 4.4 extra ounces per foot, they add very little bulk to your stride.
The included stuff sack is a welcome addition, especially since ice cleats have a bad habit of snagging or tangling with other gear when tossed loosely into a pack. With the sack keeping everything contained, the Access Spikes compress down to roughly the size of a baseball — easy to stash, easy to grab, and far tidier than other competitors.
Durability
Several users have noted reduced longevity in the Access Spikes compared to the Kahtoola MICROspikes, probably due to their lightweight design. But so far, we haven’t had any issues.
The elastomer harness retains its stretchiness without cracking even in subfreezing temperatures. The hardened stainless steel spikes and chains should have no problem holding up to years of normal use. The stitching is also solid, and the chain attachment points are reinforced with hard plastic.
As long as you treat them with a reasonable amount of care, the Access Spikes should last for a good while.
Should You Buy the Black Diamond Access Spike?
The Black Diamond Access Spikes are an excellent match for hikers who don’t let winter get in the way of crushing miles. These spikes power through most winter terrain – whether it’s packed snow, rolling terrain, or moderately steep mountain routes. They shine when there’s at least some ice or snow underfoot, offering reliable traction, all-day comfort, and a secure fit.
They’re not ideal for technical mountaineering, mixed rock-and-ice travel, or everyday use around town. The spikes simply aren’t serious enough for high-consequence objectives and are awkward and overkill for slushy sidewalks.
In terms of value, the Access Spikes hit a sweet spot for hikers who want high performance without unnecessary weight or complexity. They offer excellent traction, a standout fit, and convenient packability at a reasonable price point. They may not be the most durable model on the market, but typical winter hikers can’t go wrong with the Access Spikes.
What Other Traction Devices Should You Consider?
Be sure to check out our full winter traction guide for options across the entire traction spectrum.
Kahtoola MICROspikes Review: A longtime favorite, the Kahtoola MICROspikes invented the tried and true design the Access Spike now uses. The main difference with the Kahtoola is increased durability and traction in a slightly heavier package.
Black Diamond Distance Spike Review: The Distance Spike features the same level of aggressive traction while being much more running focused. The harness is lighter, more comfortable, and a touch more secure on trail runs. The downside is decreased durability due to the lighter materials.
Kahtoola EXOspikes Review: The EXOspikes represent an excellent middle ground between casual traction and hiking traction. They’re light enough to run in yet surprisingly grippy on steep terrain. They also maintain a low profile that doesn’t feel overly awkward when transitioning to dry surfaces.
