If cold weather and snowfall have you feeling trapped indoors, snowshoes are the answer to your winter woes. Snowshoes are a flotation and traction device that attach to your hiking shoes, allowing you to hike in the snow without sinking through the surface or sliding around ice. Snowshoes will help you stay fit and active during the hibernation months, all while keeping you safe from slips and falls.
Like all outdoor gear, snowshoes come in a wide range of styles for users of all abilities. When choosing a pair of snowshoes, we recommend you consider the type of terrain you'll be exploring, the snow conditions you'll most frequently encounter, and the load capacity of the snowshoes, among other factors.
Terrain: The terrain you intend to explore will affect the type of snowshoe you want, and price is directly related to performance. Snowshoes for flat terrain have simple traction underfoot, simple bindings, and are the most affordable. Snowshoes for moderate terrain (rolling hills with modest ascents and descents) have better traction, sturdier bindings, and cost more. Snowshoes for mountain terrain (think steeper climbs, icy patches) have the most aggressive traction, beefy bindings, a heel lift to make big inclines easier on your legs, and the highest price.
Snow Conditions: If you're breaking trail in a foot of fresh powder, a wider platform provides more flotation and you won't need the most aggressive traction. If you're on an established trail, a smaller platform is less cumbersome, but you'll appreciate extra traction when the trail gets icy.
Load Capacity: Some models are made in multiple sizes. Be sure the pair you choose is rated to support your body weight plus your backpack. Cheaper and smaller snowshoes may not accommodate larger humans.
Winter is in full swing and some of our favorite trails are covered in snow. So strap (or buckle) into some snowshoes, grab the pups, and venture out in the backcountry to experience how quiet and pretty the forest can be when it's snowing.
TSL's Symbioz are some of the most capable and versatile snowshoes around. The deck is incredibly flexible without sacrificing traction. They achieved such flexibility by placing many small teeth around the base (rather than a full-length set of teeth that won't bend), which allows the deck to bend as you walk and still delivers the grip you need for technical, challenging terrain.
To deliver even more traction, TSL used a bi-directional stainless steel crampon that grips the snow in every way possible. For the most secure fit, TSL used a boa-fitted binding that adapts to any and every boot. And to help with energy conservation on steep ascents, TSL added in a heel lift to save your legs from exhaustion.
I've had some incredibly fun adventures in these snowshoes — from a casual stroll on a favorite trail to a steep climb up a high-alpine ridge, and everything in between — and I've been highly impressed every step of the way.
Snowshoe up to the top of that backcountry line you've been eyeing, then strap these babies to your backpack and drop in for the freshest powder run you've ever skied. The Soft-Tec deck keeps you afloat in the deepest snow, while the steel crampons deliver superb grip on ice.
Finding a secure fit is incredibly simple, thanks to the DynamicFit binding with a single boa closure system. It's incredibly simple to get a snug fit with the spin of a dial, and they can even be slipped off with just one gloved hand.
Three sizes are available (21, 25, and 30 inches), with weight capacities ranging from 80 to 250 pounds. For rolling terrain with moderate up- and downhill portions, these lightweight snowshoes are your ticket to winter wonderland.
Full frame and steel crampons are on the heavy side
In some cases, less is more. That's why Yukon Charlie made these snowshoes with a minimalist design, because fewer components mean less chance of mechanical failure — which is incredibly important when you're 7 miles from the car.
The minimalist design is most evident in this snowshoe's binding — slide your foot in, then pull the heel strap tight, and voilà — the binding hugs your shoe like it's being vacuum sealed.
These snowshoes are best for moderate, rolling terrain and are capable in mixed snow conditions. They're sold with trekking poles and a carrying case. And they come in four sizes, including a 36-inch pair that supports up to 300 pounds, which is the biggest snowshoe we've seen. Strap in and get out there.
Versatile for variable snow conditions and terrain
Traction too light for steeper climbs
You'll want to keep a pair of these by your back door — especially if you live in the mountains. Explore your favorite jogging trail that's now covered, or walk the kids to school without having to worry about sinking your feet into the snow.
These are perfect for easy to moderate terrain and they thrive in deeper snow, thanks to a large, lightweight deck, sturdy aluminum frame, and relatively aggressive crampon that will bite into ice and hard-packed snow. The double-ratchet bindings are super convenient, and can easily be adjusted while wearing mittens.
They are sold in three sizes (21, 25, and 30 inches), with weight capacities from 80 to 210 pounds. Keep your feet feeling light with these and you'll cover more ground with ease.
360 degrees of traction grips in the most extreme conditions
Expensive
Point out an untouched, snow-covered peak in the distance... then conquer it at lightning speed with these ultralight, aggressive snowshoes from MSR. They are made for extreme terrain and variable snow conditions, from powder to ice.
The frame has 360 degrees of traction and an extremely secure grip on the steepest inclines and iciest slopes. They also come equipped with heel-risers, so your calves won't wear out during the ascent.
Grab the small size if you are under 220 pounds, or the large size if you are up to 280 pounds.
Three binding straps means more susceptibility to damage
Designed to feel more natural, these snowshoes bend at the back of each step to help promote a more traditional heel-to-toe strike. The bindings are easy to adjust and cradle your boots like a mother and her newborn. And the Helium decking sheds snow, keeping you light and free to move faster.
These snowshoes are best used in rolling terrain or on compacted trails where some deeper patches are present and ice is possible. They're sold in two sizes, with the smaller size accommodating 160 pounds and the larger size up to 270 pounds.
New to snowshoeing? Get started with this lightweight, easy-to-use option that provides great value for someone who's considering a new hobby. They're super easy to use, with a binding that can be adjusted with a few ratcheting buckles. Made for easier, flat terrain, these recreational snowshoes will keep you afloat when the snow is a bit deeper on all your wintertime nature walks.
They are sold in five different sizes — from 30 to 250 pounds — so you can start the kiddos early. And to help simplify the process, this kit comes with lightweight trekking poles, a pair of snow goggles, and a carrying case to keep it all organized. Toss it in your trunk, head to the trailhead, and start exploring.
Andrew BettlachAndrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com since 2017; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.
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