The 5 Best Snowshoes of 2024 (2024)

Best Overall Snowshoes

MSR Lightning Ascent

Uses: Fresh and spring snow, steep terrain | Weight Load: 120 - 220 lbs (25" model)

The stout MSR Lightning Ascent continues to lead our field of snowshoes, performing highly in nearly every metric during testing. It provides reliable traction on snow, ice, slush, and even the occasional bit of exposed rock. It's the model our testers reached for on steep or technical terrain. The Paragon binding system has been on the market for a while and has proven comfortable and secure in repeated tests. We liked most of the models we tested for one feature or performance area or another, but the Lightning Ascent brings it all together like no other contender.

Our only gripe with this snowshoe pertains to the straps that control the rubber webbing securing the forefoot. The strap's tail seems unnecessarily short, making it challenging to adjust or remove, even more so when wearing gloves. This won't be a problem if you're always using the same boots, but it makes size changes annoying, especially if you have bigger feet or bulky boots. We wish this strap was a bit longer. Otherwise, this is our favorite model. And the icing on the cake? If you have plans for fresh powder and want to increase surface area or accommodate a heavier load, the Ascent has supplemental add-on tails available for purchase. Another model we like for steep or technical terrain is the Tubbs Flex VRT, which scored just behind the Lightning Ascent.

Read more: MSR Lightning Ascent review

Well-Rounded Affordability

Atlas Helium Trail

Uses: Spring snow and moderate terrain | Weight Load: 150 - 220 lbs (26" model)

Finally, somebody else is making a one-piece plastic snowshoe. The Atlas Helium Trail is a new take on a snowshoe design concept — frame and deck as a single piece of plastic — that many manufacturers have ignored. One advantage of plastic snowshoes is that they're light, and they are the lightest in our lineup. They also sport good traction and flotation. The Helium has gotten some updates in the way of a new binding system that adds comfort and simplicity once you've set them up for your boot.

Regarding stride ergonomics, this snowshoe rides the fence without committing to either side. We like the hinged deck-to-binding attachment, but it may have been more appropriate for a "trail" model to be strapped. The deck's tip and tail are flexible, making for a smoother ride on firmer snow. The hinged attachment adds to the versatility of this model, which, coupled with its low price, makes for a great value product. We also like the MSR Evo Trail in a similar price range. It doesn't score as well in the floatation metric, but we like the binding better on the MSR.

Read more: Atlas Helium Trail review

Best on A Tight Budget

G2 Ratchet Binding

Use: Fresh and spring snow, groomed trails | Weight Load: 50 - 300 lbs (25" model)

Can you get a great pair of snowshoes and poles for under a hundred bucks? Turns out you can! While many cheapo models are out there, the G2 Ratchet Binding stands out for the binding quality. The EVA foam adds cushion and security, and the ratchet system (similar to snowboard bindings) confidently secures our foot. We bought a few other cheap models that were tolerable, but usually, they had the design of the Chinook Trekker, which, without the foam and toe box, did not secure our foot either. We also appreciated the rubber heel strap, which feels much more secure and durable than the cinch buckle on the Chinook and most other inexpensive snowshoes. This heel strap is essentially a "ski strap" that is easy to use and never loosened on us like other cheap bindings can. While the trekking poles are nothing special, they get the job done, and it's nice to have them included.

Without any side rail reactions, these snow shoes do not perform well in icy terrain or on firm sides hill travel. They are for soft snow or groomed trails. The bindings will get you some purchase, but these are not ideal for icy terrain like the more expensive models in this review. While the included poles are acceptable, the carry bag feels cheap and flimsy. We don't expect it to last long (but we rarely use the carrying bag on snow shoes). G2 also makes a "one pull" binding that we have not tried. It is similarly priced but did not have the same number of positive reviews or popularity, so we went with the Ratchet Strap model. Overall, the G2 was our clear favorite for the sub-one-hundred-dollar models. If you are getting into snowshoeing or only go a few times a year, this is likely more than adequate for your needs. If you have a bigger budget, the Atlas Helium Trail is worth the extra money, as it bests the G2 in nearly every test metric.

Read more: G2 Ratchet Binding review

Best for Fresh Deep Snow

Crescent Moon Big Sky 32

Uses: Deep snow | Weight Load: up to 225 lbs

For trailbreaking in deeper or soft snow, flotation is critical. Primarily, this is a function of pounds per square inch, and larger models offer more flotation. In our selection, we followed the manufacturer's recommendation for each model we chose. The Crescent Moon Big Sky 32 is the largest model recommended by a manufacturer for our test weight, and its larger size earns it our recommendation for off-trail and deep snow use. The Big Sky sports a comfortable and fairly user-friendly binding.

On the flip side, the Big Sky 32 is not tops for traction, but we think this is fair for a model designed for soft and deep — not so much steep — ground. While this snowshoe has a removable plastic heel lifter, we generally prefer the wire-type standard found in other models. But this is the model to reach for if your biggest concern is staying on top of deep, powdery snow. If you want more versatility, check out the Atlas Montane.

Read more: Crescent Moon Big Sky 32 review

Best for Trails

TSL Symbioz Elite

Uses: Groomed trails | Weight Load: 110 - 260 lbs (23.5" Medium model)

In the past, most snowshoes were being used by hardy mountain folk venturing far from the beaten path. Now that winter outdoor recreation has become hugely popular, many hikers are tramping on groomed trails or tracks where sinking into the snow isn't the main problem. The TSL Symbioz Elite provides excellent traction for firm or icy ground. The deck is flexible and relatively small, and these qualities make for a pleasant experience when hiking on hard-packed trails.

These characteristics listed above are the enemies of good flotation, so if deep powder is on your winter hiking menu, look to a snowshoe like the Crescent Moon Big Sky 32. But for hikers who aren't looking to reenact The Revenant and who just want a snowshoe that's not cumbersome to walk in, the Symbioz Elite is a great choice.

Read more: TSL Symbioz Elite review

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Why You Should Trust Us

We conducted hours of research into the current snowshoe market before selecting and purchasing (at full cost!) the models in this review for our side-by-side tests. Testing took place in the Sierra Nevada, Tetons, and the Alaska Range. We made short approach hikes to technical ice climbs, taught winter mountaineering courses, climbed high peaks (including Denali), and strolled the local cross-country trails. We often traded models with our clients to get their opinions on specific features.

Our snowshoe testing was based on five rating metrics:

• Flotation (30% of total score weighting)

• Traction (25% weighting)

• Stride Ergonomics (15% weighting)

• Ease of Use (15% weighting)

• Bindings (15% weighting)

Author and tester Ian McEleney is an AMGA certified Alpine Guide. He spends numerous days each year traveling on snow and has logged hundreds of thousands of vertical feet guiding while wearing snowshoes all over the country, including in the High Sierra and the Alaska Range. The foundation for this review was laid by Jediah Porter, an internationally licensed AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide. He has guided hundreds of clients in winter environments and helped them select the right gear and clothing for their trips. Together, these two make a testing team that's hard to beat.

Analysis and Test Results

Humans have been using snowshoes for thousands of years, and for good reason — walking through deep snow with only boots on your feet sucks. Most hikers enjoy three seasons: spring, summer, and fall. When the first big winter storm arrives, the hiking gear is packed away until next year. However, anyone who has trod in boots through deep snow and ended up thigh-deep will appreciate a good snowshoe. Snowshoes allow you to stay atop the snow and require little skill beyond what any hiker of moderate experience and fitness is capable of. This is one of the reasons that snowshoeing is one of the fastest-growing winter sports in America.

Finding the right pair for your style of winter travel can make all the difference in your enjoyment. There are a lot of different designs on the market. The big considerations, though, are the same across the board: frame size and shape, traction, binding compatibility with footwear, and application in specific terrain and snow conditions. Wide expanses of snow-covered terrain, local trails feet below the snow's surface, and mountains blanketed in white are all accessible with a little extra flotation. Snowshoes can extend your hiking season through the winter and expand access.

Value

Wondering which model offers the best ratio of overall performance to price? We compared the overall score from testing to the retail price for all products in this review. The Atlas Helium Trail and the MSR Evo Trail are versatile and perform well at a very reasonable price point. The G2 Ratchet Strap doesn't score as high but does boast a shockingly low price (and the price includes poles). Alternatively, the MSR Lightning Ascent is the best available, but that quality and performance cost a big chunk of change.

Flotation

Flotation is how well you stay on the surface of the snow. Surface area (as measured in square inches) is the prime determinant of flotation, and more is better. The shape of a snowshoe also affects how well it floats. A wide, oval frame provides better flotation in deep snow than a narrow, tapered design. However, wider frames can feel pretty cumbersome underfoot. Some designs combine a tapered tail with a wide front to offer agility and flotation at the same time. We tested flotation in different snow conditions, such as spring snow, groomed trails, and fresh powder with depths up to three feet.

A secondary characteristic that affects flotation is the rigidity of the deck. While a stiffer deck (or deck and frame combo) will provide better flotation, it's not as important of a consideration as surface area. A rigid deck may enhance flotation, but a more flexible one can be nicer to hike in. The models that excel best in deep snow are the ones with the widest frame and longest tails. The biggest we tested is the Crescent Moon Big Sky 32, and it offers excellent flotation. It also has decent stride ergonomics for a snowshoe of its size.

The qualities that boost flotation can hinder an efficient stride — and vice versa. This can be particularly true on steep downhills or traverses. Hikers should consider which is more important for them. If you're heading into steep terrain or have alpine aspirations, you'll want to consider choosing a shorter option. The increased workload from sinking in a bit more is a small trade-off for more security and efficient travel on technical ground (or while bushwhacking). Those who recreate in regions with deep, dry winter snowpacks and gently rolling terrain should consider sizing up for easier travel.

The Atlas Montane, Helium Trail, and Chinook Trekker are our runners-up for the flotation metric. They have dimensions that provide a respectable amount of measured square inches underfoot. On top of this, the Montane and Trekker have traditional tubular frames, which make them quite rigid, so you can squeeze all the flotation out of every square inch.

The MSR Lightning Ascent is ideal for off-trail travel in deep snow with varying conditions. Others are bigger and float better, but for something that can handle everything, the Lightning Ascent is excellent. And, if you know you need more flotation, the Ascent has optional flotation tails available for purchase that make deep snow easy.

The TSL Symbioz Elite has an interesting convergence of features. It's the smallest model we tested, and it follows that we would expect poorer flotation — which is what we got. What isn't readily apparent is that the entire length is flexible, an attribute optimized for easy movement on hard and crusty snow. The downside is that your weight is focused in the middle, and the flotation ends up even less than what we would expect of rigid models of the same size. For the terrain and conditions the Symbioz Elite is designed for, poor flotation shouldn't be an issue. Nonetheless, it is worth noting.

Traction

After flotation, traction is the most important consideration. Sliding around on slippery snow is irritating at best and could be dangerous. A versatile snowshoe will have a design that provides adequate traction in a variety of situations. We measured traction by testing each pair on steep and slick hillsides, intentionally trying to slip. We evaluated the stability and support gained from the grip on the bottom of each shoe.

All of the models tested here have some crampon-style teeth underfoot. While moving along groomed trails, the crampons dig in to keep you from shifting in your step. Lateral rails can add security on traverses. Tubular frames are naturally slippery and do not enhance traction. Models with a rail-like frame (like the Lightning Ascent and MSR Revo Explore) or a unibody plastic deck construction (like the Flex VRT and Helium Trail) can provide more traction with plastic fins and ridges molded into the deck. All other things being equal, we discovered that more metal teeth on the bottom of your snowshoe equals more traction.

The highest-rated traction systems in our review are on the MSR Lightning Ascent and TSL Symbioz Elite. The Lightning has crampons underfoot, and the frame is a rigid piece of serrated metal (not a tube) that improves traction no matter your direction of travel. The Symbioz Elite features aggressive metal spikes that are impressively sharp and confidence-inspiring.

Our runners-up in traction — the Tubbs Flex VRT, MSR Revo, MSR Evo Trail, and MSR Evo Ascent — have some things in common when it comes to traction. These pairs all sport aggressive crampon-style teeth under the forefoot, ridges molded into the deck, and longitudinal steel rails.

Stride Ergonomics

Ideally, a snowshoe is a tool that facilitates winter travel and not something that forces hikers to relearn basic walking skills. Attaching "tennis rackets" to your feet will inevitably impede your stride, but there are ways to minimize this impediment. Smaller and lighter models have less of a "footprint" and are more nimble. Larger and heavier models, of course, are more cumbersome and clumsy. When it comes to performance, flotation and stride ergonomics often exist in opposition to each other.

In technical terrain, a rigid, hinged connection between the binding and deck lends stability and improves climber confidence. On mellower terrain, a strapped, flexible connection between the deck and binding provides shock absorption and encourages a slightly more cushioned ride. The final factor to consider is the shape of the deck. The taper and asymmetry of a design can help to reduce the tripping hazard. However, a tapered shape can compromise flotation slightly.

We tried to evaluate the overall design and intention of the product before assessing the stride ergonomics of the binding/deck interface. The Lightning Ascent and Evo Ascent are designed for rugged terrain, so their hinged attachment is good. The Crescent Moon Big Sky 32 seems to be intended for lower-angled slopes, so a strapped attachment makes sense. However, the overall size and weight of this model, though suited to deep snow, kept it from a high score in this metric.

The bulk of the features on the Atlas Montane seem to steer it toward technical terrain, except for the strapped, imprecise binding/deck interface and the unimpressive stride ergonomics. This generalization on the suitability of the different binding/deck interface options is subject to some opinion and debate. Our test team, with years of experience, is in agreement, but others may disagree. If you prefer flexible straps for technical terrain, the Montane is a good choice.

Two models step out of this hinged/strapped paradigm. The Tubbs Panoramic and Tubbs Mountaineer have the same attachment system, which is a combination of strapped and hinged. Both offer an above-average stride.

Our best trail and firm conditions walking product, the TSL Symbioz Elite, is a bit of an outlier. With a small size and very flexible deck, we'd expect it to have great stride ergonomics. With a rigid hinged binding/deck attachment, we'd expect some of those advantages to be tempered. Defying our expectations, we had no issues with the trail walking ergonomics of the Elite. For its intended purpose, it augments your stride ergonomics better than any other in our test.

Another high scorer for this metric is the Tubbs Flex VRT. This snowshoe's feature set is suitable for steep and rugged terrain. Its moderate size makes it a bit more nimble, and the hinged deck-to-binding connection allows for more precise foot placements. The heel lifter is also a nod to steeper ground. Couple these with good traction, and this model is one of our favorites for movement on mountainous ground.

The MSR Evo Trail is targeted at users entering more casual terrain, so at first glance, the hinged binding/deck interface is a detriment. On well-traveled or groomed trails, the short length and slightly tapered deck help compensate for this. Paradoxically, these are features we like for steep or technical situations, so their inclusion lends some versatility to this model.

Ease of Use

Standing in a snowstorm, anxious to get on the trail, the last thing you want to be worried about is difficult buckles and straps that are challenging to use. We measured ease of use based on how easy each model is to put on and adjust at any moment. We assessed how much adjustment is necessary to get them securely on our feet. We also considered how easy they are to remove at the end of the day. We made these evaluations with and without gloves on. We also counted how many steps are required to operate each binding — fewer is better.

Easy-to-use binding systems can look very different from one another. There isn't one clear winner for ease of use. The Symbioz Elite bindings are the most complicated to set up initially but snap easily on and off once that initial setup is complete. The Lightning Ascent, Evo Trail and Helium Trail all feature a rubber "net" that goes over the forefoot. Once this is set up for your boot, it's pretty easy to wriggle your boot toe in and then just crank down on the heel strap. The BOA systems of the Tubbs Flex VRT and Panoramic might seem gimmicky, but we found them to be easy to use and glove-friendly.

Our more experienced testers prefer the rubber, "pin-in-hole" style strap on their binding. These straps are durable and simple and conform to almost any footwear. Those new to snowshoeing (and winter activities in general) sometimes find that these straps require a bit of hard pulling to secure and have a learning curve. Others on our testing team (especially those with snowboarding experience) prefer a ratcheting strap, which — though a bit more complicated and maybe less durable — requires no exertion to get a snug fit.

The MSR Revo Explore sports ratcheting straps. These narrow straps don't inspire confidence, and both the nylon and ratchet straps are troublesome when things get icy. The MSR Lightning Ascent has two straps that hold the forefoot webbing in place. Our testers found that the short length of these straps made them difficult to grip, especially with gloves on.

Bindings

We look for two things from our snowshoe bindings: they have to stay firmly attached to our feet, and they have to be reasonably comfortable. To do both of these things is a bit of a trick. The most comfortable bindings were sometimes the least secure, and vice versa. A comfortable binding distributes its force over a wide area, and this is especially noticeable when you're wearing softer boots. If your bindings create pinch points or need to be cinched uncomfortably tight to stay on, circulation to your foot may be reduced, which is the last thing you want when it's cold outside.

The Lightning Ascent and Evo Trail sport a secure setup that walks the security/comfort line nicely. The Helium Trail has a similar binding, but the rubber "net" is offset on the foot, so the straps can create pinch points with certain shoes. Several models, including the Montane and Flex VRT, have secure bindings that are padded with thin foam. This boosts comfort (and maybe warmth!) for all kinds of footwear.

Best for Specific Applications

• Deep snow: Crescent Moon Big Sky 32

• Spring snow: MSR Lightning Ascent, Atlas Helium Trail, or Tubbs Flex VRT

• Groomed trails: TSL Symbioz Elite

• Steep terrain: Tubbs Flex VRT or MSR Lightning Ascent

• Sharing with family members or friends: MSR Evo Trail, G2, or Chinook Trekker

Conclusion

A good pair of snowshoes can open up an entirely new world for hikers who only have experience in the summer. Instead of stomping through snow in search of a good mountain trail, you'll be able to float on top and get to places you never could before. Finding the best pair for your objectives or preferred price range can be puzzling, so we hope our review helps you narrow down the options so you can get out there faster and enjoy the snow.