Best Snow Shoes in 2022

MSR is known in the outdoor adventure world as the industry standard of 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 snowshoes 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 for any type of hillside. However, there are two features that 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 to be used in 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.

Welcome to the modern-styled snowshoes you’ve been waiting to find. 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 grad heavy snowshoes along. Instead, the aluminum allows you to hike with ease without impeding your footsteps. These WildHorn Outfitters Sawtooth Snow Shoes 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 80-160 pounds, while their 27-inch option is optimized for snowshoers who weight between 165-235 pounds.

A classic snowshoe made for the snow hikers among us, the MSR Evo Trail Hiking Snow Shoes are made for a variety of snow conditions and hiking abilities. 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. While these snowshoes can be used from icy trails to deep snow slopes, you can purchase 6-inch tails to attach on the back for additional flotation or to carry more weight. If you plan to hike longer distances or even backpack in the snow, the Evo Trail Hiking Snowshoes are a great piece of extreme cold weather gear for you.

This may very well be the best deal we’ve seen for outdoor gear. For half the price of most of the other snowshoes on our list, 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 its high-density polyurethane decking that evenly distributes your weight as you walk. By distributing weight, the OUTBOUND Snow Shoe allows you to float on top of snow more easily, eliminating the tendency to fall to one side or the other in deep or layered snow. 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 so you have energy left over for that snowball fight. 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 to accommodate any snowshoer who may need an extra boost along the trail. Careful, though, as the rubber ends of these poles may slip when planted in the ice. When you’re back home and ready for hot cocoa around the fire, dry your snowshoes and trekking poles to eliminate rust before placing them in the included storage bag.

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 on the cheap end, but neither is it really meant for beginner snowshoers. These snowshoes are an investment for those looking to hike further, climb higher, and stay safer on the snowy slopes of the beautiful backcountry hiking world. 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, regardless of where you step. Steel crampons at the balls of your feet give you the utmost 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 we spoke about, the Ergo Televator heel riser bars allow you to easily engage slope-side assistance, keeping you from fatiguing more easily on the uphill journey. But 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 220 pounds but weigh under five pounds per pair. If you’re looking to step up your snowshoe game, look no further.

A great beginner snowshoe setup is just a few clicks away. 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 snug 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.

Another great snowshoeing kit comes to us from the snow enthusiasts at Winterial. This lightweight aluminum frame float 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 onto 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, so snowshoers of all heights can easily and effectively snowshoe to their heart’s delight. Rated to 200 pounds, 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 keep an extra pair on hand. For more must-have items for winter sports enthusiasts, check out these top snowboards, too.

“Yukon” is in the name, 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 degrees of torsional rigidity to as you move to aid in stepping through deep snow, or trekking across ridgelines. The long design aids with floatation through deep and fluffy snow. Since it’s rated up to 250 pounds, 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.

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 to complete your snowy adventure gear needs. While these snowshoes err on the heavy side at 7.7 pounds, 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 polyethelene 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 more easily and more 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.

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 up 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 about 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 quite nicely.

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, just in case. Boot traction pads help to keep your feet even more secure, even if snow builds up. Wrap up your snowshoes in the included carrying case to keep them rust-free and ready for your next adventure! For more amazing footwear, check out our list of the best Gore-Tex boots on the market right now.