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10 Best Rated 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

G2 30 Inches Orange 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
Chosen by1,362
Size
Bindings
Traction

Most important from
841 reviews

Size
Best bang for your bucks! The snowshoes are ready to use right out of the box and perfectly sized for my weight.
Bindings
Super easy to walk in, lightweight, and the bindings with toe box are fantastic.
Traction
Ice crampons worked great in crusty, icy conditions, making off-trail adventures worry-free.

The G2 30 Inches Orange Light Weight Snowshoes are designed for men, women, and youth, and come with trekking poles and a tote bag. They offer a well-rounded snowshoeing experience thanks to several notable features. The snowshoes use high-quality, lightweight High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for the deck, which helps with floatation in the snow and can be energy-saving. The ratchet binding is user-friendly, even in low temperatures, making it easier to secure with cold hands. The aluminum crampons provide excellent grip, enhancing safety on snow and ice.

Comfort is also a focus, with EVA foam padding inside the snowshoes to keep your feet warm and cushioned during winter hikes. Additionally, the flex pivot bar and heel lift help users feel natural walking on various terrains, whether flat or uphill. These snowshoes are sized at 30 inches, making them suitable for users weighing up to 250 pounds. However, they do weigh 6.5 pounds, which might be slightly heavy for some users, particularly those looking for ultra-light options.

The set includes trekking poles and a tote bag for added convenience. The G2 snowshoes seem to be a reliable choice for winter hiking enthusiasts.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,362
Size
Bindings
Traction

Most important from
841 reviews

Size
Best bang for your bucks! The snowshoes are ready to use right out of the box and perfectly sized for my weight.
Bindings
Super easy to walk in, lightweight, and the bindings with toe box are fantastic.
Traction
Ice crampons worked great in crusty, icy conditions, making off-trail adventures worry-free.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
Size
Bindings
Traction

Most important from
129 reviews

Size
While the 30-inch size provides great flotation, it requires more careful walking to avoid tripping.
Bindings
They stay securely on your boots and are simple to strap on and off, even with different boot sizes.
Traction
Easy to put on and remove, with great traction on both ice and snow.
Weight Capacity
Well made and lightweight, making them comfortable on long mountain hikes.

The MSR Lightning Ascent Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes are a robust choice for those venturing into challenging, rugged terrains and steep alpine slopes. Weighing in at just 4.93 pounds for the pair, these snowshoes are exceptionally lightweight, making them ideal for long treks without causing undue fatigue. The 30-inch size offers a good balance between flotation on deep snow and maneuverability.

Built with a durable alloy steel frame, these snowshoes promise longevity and resilience against harsh conditions. The 360-degree Traction Frames ensure superb grip, crucial for traversing icy surfaces and steep inclines, while the steel DTX crampons provide additional bite for stability on rugged terrains. The Paragon bindings are a noteworthy feature, offering a one-piece contouring strap that secures around the boot comfortably, eliminating pressure points and enhancing foot control.

The integrated Ergo Televator heel lift bar is another significant advantage, designed to reduce calf strain during steep ascents by improving uphill efficiency. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The 280-pound weight capacity, while adequate for most users, might be limiting for heavier individuals or those carrying heavy packs. Additionally, the use of plastic in some components may raise concerns about durability in extreme cold conditions.

Rating
10.0
Size
Bindings
Traction

Most important from
129 reviews

Size
While the 30-inch size provides great flotation, it requires more careful walking to avoid tripping.
Bindings
They stay securely on your boots and are simple to strap on and off, even with different boot sizes.
Traction
Easy to put on and remove, with great traction on both ice and snow.
Weight Capacity
Well made and lightweight, making them comfortable on long mountain hikes.
#3

MSR Lightning Ascent Women's Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes with Paragon Bindings, 22 Inch Pair, Raspberry

The MSR Lightning Ascent Women's Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes are specifically designed for winter hiking in mountainous terrains, making them highly suitable for avid snowshoers. At 22 inches in length and weighing 3.88 pounds per pair, they are ultralight, which helps reduce fatigue during long hikes. The tapered frame design is perfect for those with a narrow stride, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience. The frame is made of alloy steel, providing durability and strength, while the Paragon bindings offer secure attachment with a one-piece contouring strap that wraps around boots to eliminate pressure points and facilitate easy foot control.

The 360-degree traction frames deliver exceptional grip, especially beneficial on steep and icy terrain, and the steel DTX crampons enhance bite on alpine slopes. The Ergo Televator heel lift bar is a thoughtful addition, designed to improve efficiency during uphill climbs by reducing fatigue and making steep ascents easier. With a weight capacity of up to 180 pounds, these snowshoes can accommodate most users without compromising performance.

They are also compatible with women's shoe sizes ranging from 4.5 to 14, offering versatility. However, one potential drawback is the closure type, which uses a buckle. While secure, it may require some effort to adjust perfectly compared to other binding systems. Additionally, the design and color, Raspberry, may not appeal to everyone. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are a solid choice for women seeking reliable and efficient snowshoes for challenging winter hikes.

Buying Guide for the Best Rated Snowshoes

Choosing the right snowshoes can make a significant difference in your winter adventures, whether you're hiking, running, or exploring deep snow. The right pair will provide the necessary support, traction, and comfort for your specific activities and conditions. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your needs.
SizeSnowshoe size is crucial because it affects flotation and maneuverability. Flotation refers to how well the snowshoes keep you on top of the snow, preventing you from sinking. Larger snowshoes provide better flotation, making them ideal for deep, powdery snow. Smaller snowshoes are more maneuverable and better suited for packed trails or running. To choose the right size, consider your weight (including gear) and the type of snow you'll be traversing. 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 weight, durability, and performance. Common materials include aluminum, plastic, and composite. Aluminum frames are lightweight and durable, making them a popular choice for general use. Plastic frames are often more affordable and can be very durable, but they may be heavier. Composite frames offer a balance of weight and durability and are often used in high-performance models. Choose a frame material based on your activity level and the conditions you'll encounter. For long hikes or backcountry adventures, lightweight and durable materials like aluminum or composite are ideal.
BindingsBindings secure your boots to the snowshoes and are essential for comfort and control. There are different types of bindings, including strap bindings, ratchet bindings, and BOA systems. Strap bindings are versatile and can fit a variety of boot sizes, but they may take longer to adjust. Ratchet bindings are quicker to adjust and provide a secure fit, while BOA systems offer the fastest and most precise adjustments with a dial mechanism. Consider the ease of use, compatibility with your boots, and the level of security you need. For frequent adjustments or running, BOA systems are highly convenient, while strap bindings are great for general use.
TractionTraction is provided by crampons or cleats on the bottom of the snowshoes and is essential for stability on icy or steep terrain. More aggressive traction is needed for challenging conditions, such as icy trails or steep slopes. Less aggressive traction is sufficient for flat or rolling terrain. When choosing snowshoes, consider the type of terrain you'll be navigating. If you plan to hike on icy or steep trails, look for snowshoes with aggressive crampons and additional traction features. For flat or gently rolling terrain, moderate traction will suffice.
Heel LiftHeel lifts, also known as climbing bars, are a feature that can be flipped up to support your heel on steep ascents. This reduces calf strain and makes climbing easier. Heel lifts are particularly useful for backcountry and mountainous terrain where you encounter long, steep climbs. If you plan to hike in hilly or mountainous areas, snowshoes with heel lifts can greatly enhance your comfort and efficiency. For flat or gently rolling terrain, heel lifts are less critical.
Weight CapacityWeight capacity refers to the maximum weight the snowshoes can support, including your body weight and any gear you're carrying. It's important to choose snowshoes with a weight capacity that matches your total weight to ensure proper flotation and performance. Snowshoes are typically rated for different weight ranges, so check the manufacturer's specifications. If you're close to the upper limit of a weight range, consider sizing up to ensure adequate flotation, especially in deep snow.

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