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10 Best Snowshoes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MSR Lightning Ascent Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes with Paragon Bindings, 30 Inch Pair, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Traction
Heel Lift
Bindings

Most important from
136 reviews

Traction
Delivers exceptional grip on everything from deep powder to icy slopes, making steep ascents feel more secure and manageable.
Heel Lift
The heel lift feature significantly reduces calf fatigue and improves posture during long uphill climbs, enhancing endurance.
Bindings
Bindings are straightforward to use even with gloves on, and once secured, they stay firmly in place throughout the hike.
Size
Lightweight and easy to strap on and off, accommodating different boot sizes comfortably for extended mountain hikes.

The MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are designed for serious backcountry and mountaineering use, making them a solid choice if you frequently tackle rugged, steep terrain. At 30 inches long and weighing just under 5 pounds per pair, they offer a good balance of size and lightness, helping with maneuverability and reducing fatigue during long hikes. Their frame is made from alloy steel, which provides strong, durable support without being overly heavy.

These snowshoes excel in traction thanks to the 360-degree traction frames and sharp steel crampons, giving you reliable grip on icy or uneven surfaces, especially when crossing slopes. The Paragon bindings comfortably wrap around your boots with a one-piece strap, avoiding tight pressure points while ensuring your feet stay secure. Another useful feature is the Ergo Televator heel lift, which you can flip up to ease uphill climbing and reduce calf strain on steep ascents.

They support a maximum user weight of 280 pounds and fit most men's shoe sizes from 4.5 to 15, covering a wide range of users. While they may be more technical and pricey than casual or beginner snowshoers need, and their 30-inch length is better suited for deep snow and aggressive terrain rather than casual trail walking, these snowshoes provide excellent traction, comfort, and climbing assistance for mountaineering or tough backcountry trips.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Traction
Heel Lift
Bindings

Most important from
136 reviews

Traction
Delivers exceptional grip on everything from deep powder to icy slopes, making steep ascents feel more secure and manageable.
Heel Lift
The heel lift feature significantly reduces calf fatigue and improves posture during long uphill climbs, enhancing endurance.
Bindings
Bindings are straightforward to use even with gloves on, and once secured, they stay firmly in place throughout the hike.
Size
Lightweight and easy to strap on and off, accommodating different boot sizes comfortably for extended mountain hikes.
#2

G2 25 Inches Red Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth, Set with Trekking Poles, Tote Bag, Special EVA Padded Ratchet Binding, Heel Lift, Toe Box

Rating
10.0
Size
Bindings
Traction

Most important from
903 reviews

Size
Perfect fit for deeper powder, especially for someone around 200 lbs.
Bindings
Super easy to walk in, lightweight, and the bindings with toe box are great.
Traction
Ice crampons worked great in crusty icy conditions, making off-trail adventures safe and enjoyable.

The G2 25 Inches Red Light Weight Snowshoes are designed for men, women, and youth, making them suitable for a broad range of users. They come as a set with trekking poles and a tote bag, which is convenient for storage and transport. The snowshoes feature an HDPE deck, which is both high-quality and lightweight, helping users conserve energy while walking in the snow. These snowshoes also include upgraded aluminum crampons, providing a solid grip on icy surfaces to enhance safety.

The inclusion of EVA-padded ratchet bindings ensures a snug and warm fit, while the heel lift and flex pivot bar offer comfort and ease during uphill hikes. The quick ratchet binding system is particularly user-friendly, even in cold conditions where dexterity may be limited. However, the maximum weight recommendation is 150 pounds, which may not be suitable for heavier users. Additionally, the frame material is a combination of plastic and aluminum which provides some durability but may not be as robust as other all-metal options.

With a size of 25 inches, they are ideal for individuals up to 200 pounds. The snowshoes have received positive feedback with a 4.5-star rating from 806 reviews. These snowshoes are a good option for most recreational users looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use product, but might not be the best fit for those needing to support more weight or looking for the highest durability.

Rating
10.0
Size
Bindings
Traction

Most important from
903 reviews

Size
Perfect fit for deeper powder, especially for someone around 200 lbs.
Bindings
Super easy to walk in, lightweight, and the bindings with toe box are great.
Traction
Ice crampons worked great in crusty icy conditions, making off-trail adventures safe and enjoyable.
#3

Tubbs Snowshoes Mountaineer W, Purple, 25 (X19010010125W)

Rating
9.1
Size
Frame Material
Bindings

Most important from
114 reviews

Size
The construction is great, with a good grab on steep inclines, and they are well-suited for deep snow if you choose the right length for your weight.
Frame Material
These snowshoes are extremely well made and lightweight, providing excellent stability and mobility during snowshoeing.
Bindings
It's very simple to adjust these snowshoes for a proper fit, making them easy to get on and off.
Traction
The Tubbs Mountaineer snowshoes offer excellent flotation, are lightweight, and provide superior grip, especially on climbs.

The Tubbs Snowshoes Mountaineer W in Purple (25 size) offer a well-rounded solution for snowshoeing enthusiasts. These snowshoes come with a Pro-Step Frame and Soft-Tec Decking, which contribute to their durability and ability to handle rugged terrain. The frame is made from aluminum, making it lightweight yet sturdy, important for long snowshoeing adventures. Their traction system includes Anaconda Toe Crampon and Python Heel Crampon, ensuring a secure grip on icy surfaces, which is crucial for maintaining stability and safety in challenging conditions.

The ActiveFit 2.0 Binding provides a snug fit, and the EZ Heel Buckle makes it easy to secure the snowshoes quickly. Additionally, the ActiveLift 19° Heel Lift feature helps reduce calf strain on steep ascents, making climbing more comfortable. Weighing just 1 pound each, they are quite lightweight, which means they won’t weigh you down during extended use. One downside might be the size and weight capacity; these snowshoes are sized at 25 inches and support up to 91 kilograms, which may not be suitable for all users, especially those looking for a more versatile size range or higher weight capacity.

With a solid customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 106 reviews, many users appreciate the performance and build quality of these snowshoes. They are specifically designed for women, which is something to consider if you are looking for gender-specific gear. If you are someone who enjoys snowshoeing in varying terrains and requires reliable traction and comfort for longer hikes, the Tubbs Snowshoes Mountaineer W could be a great choice.

Rating
9.1
Size
Frame Material
Bindings

Most important from
114 reviews

Size
The construction is great, with a good grab on steep inclines, and they are well-suited for deep snow if you choose the right length for your weight.
Frame Material
These snowshoes are extremely well made and lightweight, providing excellent stability and mobility during snowshoeing.
Bindings
It's very simple to adjust these snowshoes for a proper fit, making them easy to get on and off.
Traction
The Tubbs Mountaineer snowshoes offer excellent flotation, are lightweight, and provide superior grip, especially on climbs.

Buying Guide for the Best Snowshoes

Choosing the right snowshoes is essential for enjoying your winter adventures. Snowshoes help you walk on snow by distributing your weight over a larger area, preventing you from sinking too deep. When selecting snowshoes, consider where and how you plan to use them, as well as your weight and the type of terrain you'll be navigating. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
SizeThe size of snowshoes is crucial because it affects how well they float on the snow. Snowshoes come in different lengths and widths, typically measured in inches. Larger snowshoes provide better flotation in deep, powdery snow, while smaller ones are more maneuverable and better suited for packed trails or icy conditions. To choose the right size, consider your weight (including any gear you'll be carrying) and the type of snow you'll be walking on. Heavier individuals or those carrying heavy packs should opt for larger snowshoes, while lighter individuals or those on packed trails can go with smaller sizes.
Frame MaterialThe frame material of snowshoes affects their durability, weight, and performance. Common materials include aluminum, plastic, and composite. Aluminum frames are lightweight and durable, making them a popular choice for most users. Plastic frames are often more affordable and can be very durable, but they may be heavier. Composite frames offer a balance of durability and weight, often providing excellent performance in various conditions. Choose a frame material based on your priorities: if you need lightweight and durable snowshoes for long treks, aluminum or composite might be best; if you're looking for a budget-friendly option, plastic could be suitable.
BindingsBindings are the part of the snowshoe that secures your foot to the frame. They are important for comfort and stability. There are different types of bindings, including strap bindings, ratchet bindings, and BOA systems. Strap bindings are versatile and can fit a wide range of boot sizes, but they may take longer to adjust. Ratchet bindings are quicker to adjust and provide a secure fit, but they may not be as versatile. BOA systems use a dial to tighten the binding, offering quick and precise adjustments, but they can be more expensive. Choose bindings that are easy to use and comfortable for your intended activity level and duration.
TractionTraction is provided by the crampons or cleats on the bottom of the snowshoes, which help you grip icy or uneven terrain. Good traction is essential for safety and stability, especially on steep or icy trails. Snowshoes with aggressive crampons are ideal for mountainous or icy conditions, while those with less aggressive traction are suitable for flat or rolling terrain. Consider the type of terrain you'll be navigating: if you plan to hike in mountainous or icy areas, opt for snowshoes with more aggressive traction; for flat or gently rolling terrain, less aggressive traction will suffice.
Heel LiftHeel lifts, also known as climbing bars, are features that can be flipped up under your heels to reduce calf strain on steep ascents. This spec is important for those who plan to hike in hilly or mountainous terrain, as it can make climbing more comfortable and less tiring. Heel lifts are typically measured in degrees, with higher degrees providing more lift. If you plan to do a lot of uphill hiking, look for snowshoes with heel lifts to make your climbs easier and more comfortable.

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