Whether you’re looking to explore your local snowy trails or hike into Acadia National Park, snowshoes are always the answer. As technology continues to evolve, it can be overwhelming to choose the best pair for you.
We have done the homework for you and narrowed the field down using several trusted online sources.
Best Overall
MSR Lightning Ascent
Lightning Ascent snowshoes represent the pinnacle of ultralight and aggressive all-terrain performance and now feature advanced Paragon™ binding, according to the manufacturer. Designed to wrap securely around your boot without pressure points, the binding’s mesh strap ensures maximum foot control with truly uncompromised comfort. In technical terrain, the snowshoes’ 360 Traction™ Frames provide unrivaled grip—especially on traverses. Ballistic-grade decking offers long-lasting durability, and the Ergo Televator heel lifts back you up when climbing the steeps.
- Unrivaled Traction: 360° Traction frames deliver edge-to-edge grip, and durable steel DTX crampons provide serious bite in challenging conditions—delivering unmatched traction in technical terrain.
- Paragon™ Binding: Comfortable, freeze-resistant mesh strap wraps securely around a wide range of boots for ultimate security, while toe stops offer fast, precise foot alignment.
- All-Condition Adaptability: Add-on Modular Flotation tails allow you the maneuverability of a smaller, primary snowshoe with the added, on-demand flotation of optional, 5-inch (13-cm) tails.
- Uphill Efficiency: Ergo™ Televators reduce fatigue and increase traction on the steeps with an ergonomic design that engages with a flick of a pole grip.
RunnerUp
Atlas Helium Trail
The Helium-TRAIL makes snow-filled excursions all the more enjoyable! The flexible composite frame coupled with tempered steel traction rails create a lightweight, yet rugged snowshoe package.
- Helium Deck: The deck of the all-new Helium series provides the foundation making these the lightest composite snowshoes available. The unique louver sheds snow to keep them lightweight, while also creating traction.
- Wrapp™ Trail Binding: Comfortable and easy-to-use, the Wrapp™ Trail men’s and women’s bindings are easy to enter and exit while cradling the foot securely.
- Helium TRAIL Crampon: The minimalist design of the Helium TRAIL Crampon gives snowshoers the needed grip for excursions down less-extreme trails. The forefoot alignment of the tempered steel tangs provides stability, and ribbing allows the crampon to shed snow more effectively.
Budget Friendly
Chinook Trekker
Trekker Series snowshoes provide great traction and comfort on packed snow and moderate terrains. Great for enjoying long winter months hiking through trails and forest.
- Heel straps with quick-release buckles: that keep foothold secure
- UV resistant polyethylene decking and bindings: are flexible up to – 40°F (- 40°C)
- The lightweight and strong aluminum frame: features an ergonomic design to ensure comfortable and easy walks
- Easy-to-use dual freeze-resistant ratchet bindings: that are easy to adjust and give a secure fit even with gloves on
- Heavy-Duty Aluminum crampons: rotate freely to bite into snow and let the tails drop to shed snow; heel crampons provide traction for heading down mild slopes
- Includes carry bag
Best for Beginners
Tubbs Xplore Kit
The best way to start snowshoeing! The Xplore’s minimalist design has everything you need and nothing you don’t. It brings a classic aesthetic and shape that is approachable by all levels of snowshoers at an excellent price. The lightweight tubular Fit-Step™ frame with an innovative, upturned tail provides biomechanical benefits, reducing the muscular-skeletal impact on hip, knee and ankle joints. The QuickPull™ binding holds your foot securely with an intuitive forefoot strap that cinches and unlocks easily. Control Wings™ for added support aid in heel alignment. With plenty of traction from the carbon steel Recreational toe and heel crampons, the Xplore is ready to get you out and on snow this winter.
Available in men’s and women’s kits which include the following:
One pair of men’s or women’s Xplore snowshoes
One pair 2-piece adjustable snowshoe poles
One pair of men’s or women’s gaiters
- FIT – STEP™ FRAME: The innovative, upturned tail of the aluminum Fit-Step™ frame provides biomechanical benefits, reducing the musculoskeletal impact on hip, knee, and ankle joints by 10%.
- ROTATING TOE CORD ARTICULATION SYSTEM: The Rotating Toe Cord design enables the tail of the snowshoe to drop, shedding snow off the tail. When weighted, the teeth on the toe traction underfoot bite deeply into the snow.
- QUICKPULL™ BINDING: An intuitive forefoot strap on the QuickPull™ binding cinches easily and unlocks with one buckle push. The pivoting toe stop allows for speedy adjustments, and Control Wings™ keep your heel aligned.
- RECREATIONAL CRAMPONS: Our Recreational series of carbon steel toe and heel crampons feature front and rear braking teeth for secure uphill, downhill, and sidehill grip on packed snow conditions.
