Nothing truly says winter like a snowy hike on a pair of snowshoes. How else do we earn cocoa and cookies next to the fire, right? However, there are hundreds of snowshoes options on the market in a variety of widths, lengths, materials, and designs. How do you know which one is best for you?
We took our two decades of winter adventures and days of research to bring you the good, the great, and the noteworthy in the world of snowshoes. In this list are budget, beginner, and expert snowshoe options, as well as several kits for the whole setup. Check out our list of features to look for, how to size snowshoes, and, most importantly, which snowshoes are worth your hard-earned dollars.
The best snowshoes
MSR Lightning Ascent Snow Shoes
- Supports up to 220lbs
- 8in wide x 25in long
- Available in 22in, 25in, and 30in lengths
- 360° Traction Frames provide superb grip
- Steel crampons
- Webbed strap binding
- Ergonomic heel lift bar
- Fits men’s shoe sizes 4.5-15
MSR is known in the outdoor adventure world as the industry standard for high-quality equipment. It’s no wonder that their snowshoes hit the highest mark, too. At just over four pounds, the MSR Lightning Ascent Snow Shoes are one of the lightest mountaineering-designed models on the market. Decking made from lightweight yet durable polyurethane provides ample support over snowy terrain, while the strong steel crampons directly under the foot provide superb grip on slick surfaces. Ridged edges around the front and sides of the snowshoes provide extra traction.
However, two features really allow these snowshoes to stand out. First, the minimalist Paragon bindings. These one-piece thick mesh straps contour around boots for secure use and zero pressure points. In an almost glove-like fashion, the TPU mesh conforms to nearly any boot for comfort, control, and easy use. These bindings are durable enough for extreme cold and can be changed and maintained out on the trail easily. The second of our favorite features is the easy-to-engage heel lift bar. An Ergonomic Televator, as MSR calls it, allows your foot to fall at a level angle by raising your heel point as you hike uphill. This saves you energy, which will keep you hiking for longer.
See MSR Lightning Ascent Snow Shoes on REI
See MSR Lightning Ascent Snow Shoes on Amazon
WildHorn Outfitters Sawtooth Snow Shoes
- Available in 21in and 27in lengths and two colors
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Three ratchet bindings with auto-locking heel
- Sawtooth teeth
These snowshoes — available in both silver with bright blue accents or metallic purple — include adjustable ski bindings to let you share with friends, or fit any of your snow boots. Toe, mid-foot, and heel ratchet bindings with heavy-duty spring-loaded clips allow you to size up or down with ease. Grippy, slip-resistant textured pads help to keep your boots secure as you step into these snowshoes, while resilient metal crampons and sawtooth ridges keep you sturdy on icy and snowy paths. Having trouble uphill? Flip up the heel lift riser with the flick of a finger and instantly save your energy.
The lightweight aluminum frame eliminates the need to drag heavy snowshoes along. Instead, the aluminum allows you to hike with ease without impeding your footsteps. These are great for snowy hikes, but be careful in super deep, fluffy snow. WildHorn advises that their 21-inch option is optimized for snowshoers between 80-160lbs, while their 27-inch option is optimized for those between 165-235lbs.
See WildHorn Outfitters Sawtooth Snow Shoes on Amazon
See WildHorn Outfitters Sawtooth Snow Shoes on WildHorn Outfitters
MSR Evo Trail Hiking Snow Shoes
- 8in wide x 22in long
- Easy to use, anti-freezing binding straps
- Traction rails and brake bar molded into decking
- Carbon steel crampons
A classic snowshoe made for snow hikers, the MSR Evo Trail Hiking Snow Shoes are made for a variety of snow conditions. Steel traction rails with heavy-duty gripping teeth and carbon steel crampons help you hike up any hill and cross any icy slope, while the steel brake bars ensure you won’t ski back down! Both the traction rails and the brake bars are molded into the snowshoe decking for durability.
Freeze-resistant straps across the toes, bridges, and heels can be easily adjusted, even while wearing gloves. This binding also allows you to adjust to a wide variety of shoe sizes and stay secure. You can also purchase six-inch tails to attach to the back for additional flotation. If you plan to hike longer distances or backpack in the snow, the Evo Trail Hiking Snowshoes are a great piece of extreme cold weather gear.
See MSR Evo Trail Hiking Snow Shoes on REI
See MSR Evo Trail Hiking Snow Shoes on Amazon
OUTBOUND Snowshoe Kit
- 9in wide x 36in long
- Includes snowshoes, adjustable poles, and a storage bag
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Light but durable decking
- Double ratchet bindings and heel strap
- Collapsible poles include snow baskets
This may very well be the best deal we’ve seen for outdoor gear. For half the price of most other snowshoes, this kit from Outbound includes lightweight aluminum snowshoes, adjustable trekking poles, and a storage bag. The snowshoes, while nearly 12 inches longer than the standard snowshoe length, are perfect for deep snow with their high-density polyurethane decking that evenly distributes your weight as you walk.
By distributing weight, the Outbound snowshoe allows you to float on top of snow more easily. The rounded aluminum frame edges also help with keeping you upright, while the metal crampons beneath the balls and heels of your feet will keep you from sliding downhill on packed, icy trails. A triangular heel riser assists you on the uphill. Be aware, however, that these snowshoes are not designed for steep slopes or mountaineering adventures; only the crampons serve as traction, rather than teeth around the outside edges.
The adjustable trekking/ski poles include rubber hand grips, wrist straps, an anti-shock absorber, and snow baskets. Careful, though, as the rubber ends of these poles may slip when planted in the ice. When you’re back home, dry your snowshoes and trekking poles to eliminate rust before placing them in the included storage bag.
See OUTBOUND Snowshoe Kit on Amazon
See OUTBOUND Snowshoe Kit on Walmart
MSR Revo Ascent Backcountry & Mountaineering Snow Shoes
- 8in wide x 25in long (Available in 22” length)
- Supports up to 220lbs
- Fits men’s shoe sizes 6-14
- Paragon web bindings
- Perimeter traction teeth
- Steel crampon bar
- Heavy-duty heel lift bar
- Reinforced nose for kick-stepping
Looking for rugged snowshoes for a wintry summit attempt? Good thing you found the MSR Revo Ascent Backcountry & Mountaineering Snow Shoes. This premium choice is certainly not cheap, but neither is it meant for beginners. These snowshoes are an investment for those looking to hike further, climb higher, and stay safer on snowy slopes. While a standard height and length of a snowshoe, what sets the Revo Ascents apart is the nose, traction, and bindings designs.
The injection-molded ExoTract deck includes edge-to-edge traction teeth and underfoot bars to give you the utmost traction. Steel crampons at the balls of your feet give you foot control and security as you cross slick terrain. The TPU-molded webbed binding design easily envelops any size snow boot for comfort, eliminated pressure points, and weather-resistant ease of use.
Just like the previous MSR models, the Ergo Televator heel riser bars allow you to easily engage slope-side assistance. For the extreme snowshoe adventurer, MSR included a reinforced nose on this super-duty snowshoe for kick-stepping (kicking steps into the snow to climb up a steep hill) that won’t break off, chip away, or bend as you climb. The Revo Ascents support up to 220lbs but weigh under five pounds per pair. If you’re looking to step up your snowshoe game, look no further.
See SR Revo Ascent Backcountry Mountaineering Snow Shoes on Amazon
See SR Revo Ascent Backcountry Mountaineering Snow Shoes on REI
See SR Revo Ascent Backcountry Mountaineering Snow Shoes on Backcountry
Goplus Snow Shoes For Men & Women
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Ratchet bindings and buckled heel strap
- Serrated crampon teeth on balls, bridges, and heels of your feet
- Storage bag included
A great beginner snowshoe setup. The Goplus Snow Shoes For Men & Women are lightweight, thoughtfully-designed unisex snowshoes. At a reasonable price, they will not only provide the flotation you need with an aluminum frame and plastic decking, but they will also support traction over icy patches with serrated crampon teeth along the balls, bridges, and heels of your feet.
The ratchet bindings are easy to step into, adjust, and lock down on your boots. Slide the heel strap on snugly for foot control, while the heel lift bar helps you step uphill with strength, not fatigue. When your hike finishes, simply pop the release buckles on your bindings, wipe off the snow, and store your snowshoes in the included storage bag until your next snowy adventure.
While these may not be the most durable snowshoes on our list, they will be great for first-timers, casual snowshoers, or those looking for a new pair on a budget. On rainy days, equip yourself with a reliable pair of waterproof boots from our list.
See Goplus Snow Shoes at Walmart
See Goplus Snow Shoes on Amazon
Winterial Lightweight Shasta Snow Shoes
- 8in wide x 24.5in long
- Poles folded: 26in, fully extended: 53in
- Aluminum frame
- Aluminum traction teeth
- Anti-shock trekking poles with snow baskets
- Included storage bag
- Supports up to 200lbs
Another great snowshoeing kit, this time from Winterial. This lightweight aluminum frame floats over snow, while the aluminum teeth under the balls and heels of your feet grip onto packed down snow and icy cover. The ratcheting binding design keeps your heels free for easy walking, but without compromising the security of the snowshoes on your feet. The freeze-resistant plastic decking, along with the aluminum frame, aid in keeping you above the snow’s surface without dragging you down with unnecessary weight.
Need a little help up and down slopes? No problem. The anti-shock trekking poles include removable snow baskets to help push you up that last hill or aid you on the descent. They are fully extendable up to 53 inches and thus suit any height. Rated to 200lbs, these Winterial Lightweight Shasta Snow Shoes may not be the most extreme mountaineering snowshoes, but they are a great choice for anyone looking to try snowshoeing or needing an extra pair. For more must-have items for winter sports enthusiasts, check out these top snowboards, too.
See Winterial Lightweight Shasta Snow Shoes on Amazon
See Winterial Lightweight Shasta Snow Shoes on Walmart
Yukon Charlies Advanced Snow Shoe
- 9in wide x 30in long
- Supports up to 250lbs
- Forged steel crampons
- Fast Fit binding system
- Great for beginners to experts
Yukon is in the name, so you know these snowshoes are meant for serious snow. Yukon Charlies Advanced Snow Shoe used ultra-strong aluminum to produce a sturdy, dependable frame that still allows you to move your feet easily. A snow motion axle system shifts with up to 30° of torsional rigidity as you move to help you step through deep snow, or trekking across ridgelines. The long design aids with floatation through deep and fluffy snow.
Since it’s rated up to 250lbs, this snowshoe set can carry loaded-down backpackers and casual weekend hikers alike. A Fast Fit binding system allows you to slip your foot into the snowshoe, quickly cinch down the two bindings and heel straps, and get hiking fast. Taking them off at the end of your trek is just as easy. Pop the buckles up (even with ski gloves) and step out. Forged steel crampons underfoot aid in your ascents and descents as they grab at packed trails and keep you from slipping on icy surfaces.
See Yukon Charlies Advanced Snow Shoe on Amazon
See Yukon Charlies Advanced Snow Shoe on REI
Ito Rocky Sawtooth Snow Shoes
- 8in wide x 25in long
- Supports up to 220lbs
- Durable aluminum frame
- Two sets of reinforced aluminum crampons on the heels
- Polyethelene decks
- Floating pivot system
- Includes adjustable trekking poles & carrying case
The Ito Rocky Sawtooth Snow Shoes are another great snowshoe kit option with great traction. This kit includes sturdy aluminum-framed snowshoes, adjustable trekking poles, snowbaskets, and a carry case.
While these snowshoes err on the heavy side at 7.7lbs, their traction makes up for the extra weight. There are reinforced aluminum crampons under the ball of your feet, providing a sturdy sawtooth for the icy area, multi-directional teeth under the bridges of your feet, and more brakes underneath your heels. All of these traction aids will keep you on your feet, even on slippery sidehills.
A durable aluminum frame holds a weather-proof polyethylene deck that will help you stay above the snow as you trek along. The easy-ratchet bindings are secured to a floating pivot system so you can move easily and securely. These snowshoes are a great option for those on a budget or those who live in icier areas. Make sure to also choose a reliable ski jacket to keep you warm.
See Ito Rocky Sawtooth Snow Shoes on Amazon
See Ito Rocky Sawtooth Snow Shoes on Walmart
Tubbs Xplore Snow Shoe
- 8.9in wide
- Available in 25in and 30in lengths
- Easy-cinch QuickPull Bindings
- Carbon steel crampons
- Rotating toe cord
This snowshoe may have one of the most unique bindings on our list, but it’s the ease of use that makes it one of our top picks. The QuickPull Binding cinches triangularly over the toe of your winter boots and can be easily released by pushing down on the side buckle. You can even adjust on the go — just lift your foot, thanks to the pivoting toe, and tighten as needed.
Carbon steel toe and heel crampons give you front and back braking teeth for security on sidehills, ascents, and descents. Our one major gripe with these snowshoes is that they do not feature heel risers for hill assistance. For the price, we believe uphill assistance should be included. However, for those who don’t plan to traverse up intense hills and want a reliable snowshoe for snowy strolls, the Tubbs Xplore Snow Shoe will do nicely.
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See Tubbs Xplore Snow Shoe on REI
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ALPS Adult All-Terrain Snow Shoe
- Available in 22in, 25in, 27in & 30in
- Options for users up to 250lbs
- Ratchet bindings and heel straps with easy-release buckles
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Decks are made with UV-resistant durable, lightweight polyethylene material
- Heavy-duty aluminum crampons
ALPS is a well-known outdoor gear company that has produced high-quality snowshoes for decades. Their ALPS Adult All-Terrain Snow Shoes are available in four lengths for a wide variety of snowshoeing enthusiasts, but each offers the same top-notch features.
ALPS utilizes a lightweight aluminum frame with UV-resistant, durable, and lightweight polyethylene decking for maximum flotation ability without excess and unnecessary weight. Ratchet bindings and heel straps with easy-release buckles make sliding in and out of these snowshoes extremely simple. The heavy-duty aluminum crampons keep you secure on packed snow and icy layers. Boot traction pads help to keep your feet even more secure. Includes a carrying case.
See ALPS Adult All-Terrain Snow Shoe on Amazon
See ALPS Adult All-Terrain Snow Shoe on Walmart
Features to look for in snowshoes
Materials
You want to make sure that the materials used in your snowshoes can hold weight well, handle extremely cold temperatures and ice, are waterproof, and are durable enough to last more than one outing. Plastics can work, but make sure that they are reinforced or thick enough to handle breaking through snow. Metals like aluminum can be handy and lightweight but may ice up or not float as well. Carbon steel is the premium material for crampons, but reinforced aluminum can also do well.
Flotation
This refers to the snowshoes’ ability to float on top of the snow, rather than sinking as your regular shoes would. Flotation can be provided by the shape, design, or width of the snowshoe. If you’re looking for snowshoes to hike along snowy but well-used trails, you may not need much flotation since the snow will be packed down. However, if you plan to break trail through a snowy field or use them for backcountry hikes with fewer people, you may need lots of flotation.
Traction
Your snowshoes should be able to grip icy, packed snow with ease. Look for snowshoes with teeth, ridges, or other grips on the bottom. Metal teeth will be the most effective traction if you plan to walk anywhere on ice or slick, packed snow. Maybe you just need enough traction to get up a slight incline? Look for plastic ridges that will grip thinner snow. However, for deep snow, traction may not be an issue.
Binding security
No one wants a binding strap to come loose mid-trek. Make sure that your bindings have a durable, secure buckle, ties, or latch. Metal buckles are preferable since they are the most weather-resistant and durable. There are also ratcheting cable systems to easily adjust with the twist of a knob.
However, what you truly need to look at is whether you want a floating binding (which pivot on the balls of your feet) or fixed bindings (which keep your foot on the length of the snowshoe). Floating bindings are easier to maneuver, while fixed bindings are more secure but less maneuverable.
Binding comfort
Snowshoes must be comfortable enough to wear. If you have foot pain with tight shoelaces, be careful with choosing appropriate bindings. There are simple options with two binding straps, thick straps, thin straps, and more. On the flip side, there can be complicated bindings meant to pair with extreme adventure boots. Make sure you find a binding that will pair comfortably with your hiking snow boots.
Heel lift
A heel lift will be important as you hike uphill. Heel risers, which pop up under your heel to assist you with going uphill, could make or break your snowy trek. They replicate a flat surface and redistribute your weight to make gripping onto the snow much easier.
Ease of use
Make sure you find a pair of snowshoes that won’t be too big, too wide, or too heavy for you. The goal is to find a pair of snowshoes that allows you to move easily over snow, rather than dragging you down. If you are shorter and have smaller feet, then narrower snowshoes may be better for you. If you are taller or have larger feet, then wider or longer snowshoes may be best to keep you upright on the snow. Most companies will include a sizing chart.
Snowshoe FAQ
Q: What are snowshoes?
Snowshoes are walking accessories that strap onto your boots to help you walk across snow. Snowshoes have been used for over-snow travel for more than 6,000 years, from Asia to Europe to the Americas. Early snowshoes were made with branches and stretched skins, while others were woven with twigs to help pack down snow as the travelers tramped along. Nowadays, our snowshoes are sleeker, more modern, and made with materials like plastic, metal, and webbing.
Q: How do I choose the proper size of my snowshoes?
The proper size will depend on your height, weight, and intended use. Most men’s snowshoes are 25 to 27 inches long and 9 to 10 inches wide; they are recommended for snowshoers up to 195lbs. Snowshowers up to 225lbs should look for snowshoes about 30 to 33 inches long and 10 inches wide. Most women’s snowshoes are 22 to 25 inches long and 7 to 8 inches wide; they are recommended for snowshoers up to 165lbs. Running snowshoes and kid’s snowshoes are shorter but depend on your size and weight, as well.
Q: What kind of footwear should I wear with my snowshoes?
Waterproof snow hiking boots are the best footwear for snowshoeing. You want your feet to be comfortable and warm without giving you blisters as you hike. Snow boots will work well if you don’t have hiking-specific boots, but make sure they are waterproof!
Q: Do snowshoes work in deep snow?
The short answer is, yes! Snowshoes were designed to transport you over snow that’s too deep to tromp through in just your boots. However, with extremely deep snow or very weak snow layers that like to collapse, snowshoes may not make travel much easier.
Nor is it true that longer, wider snowshoes will always make it easier to walk in deep snow. What if you aren’t tall enough or the snowshoes are too heavy to drag along with you? However, smaller snowshoes like running snowshoes won’t do much good on deep snow. Find the balance between comfort and size to stay afloat in a deep snowpack.
