>Most popular trails are going to be so packed down that snowshoes become pointless unless you hit them right after snowfall. I use micro spikes for like 90% of my winter hiking

Totally agree. Our snowshoes rarely leave our basement. Our micro spikes are far more useful and far more fun. They are also handy for walking on an icy driveway.

I don't care for snowshoeing. It's basically trudging. This is what we have for micro spikes.