10 Best Snowshoes 2026 in the United States

The MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are designed for serious backcountry and mountaineering use, making them a solid choice if you plan to tackle rugged terrain and steep climbs. Their 22-inch size is a good middle ground, providing enough surface area for flotation in snow without being too bulky. The frame is made of alloy steel, which adds durability and strength needed for aggressive conditions. These snowshoes have excellent traction thanks to 360-degree traction frames and strong steel crampons, giving you confidence on icy or steep slopes.

The Paragon bindings are a standout feature, offering a comfortable, glove-like fit that wraps securely around your boots and helps avoid pressure points, which can make long hikes easier. The heel lift bar is another helpful addition, flipping up to reduce calf fatigue and improve efficiency when going uphill. At just over 4 pounds per pair, they are relatively lightweight for technical snowshoes, though they carry a maximum user weight of 180 pounds, so heavier users might need to look elsewhere.

Considering their features and performance, these snowshoes are an excellent pick for hikers and mountaineers who want durable, high-traction snowshoes with comfortable bindings and features geared toward steep ascents. However, they might be more than what casual or occasional snowshoers require, both in performance and price.

The G2 30 Inches Blue Lightweight Snowshoes are designed to suit men, women, and youth up to 250 pounds, making them a versatile choice for recreational winter hiking. They use a combination of aluminum and plastic for the frame, which keeps the snowshoes sturdy yet light enough (6.5 pounds) to reduce fatigue during long walks in the snow. The 30-inch length helps provide good surface area to keep you floating on soft snow without sinking.

One of the standout features is the special EVA padded ratchet bindings. These allow quick and easy fastening, even with cold fingers, thanks to a one-pull buckle system. This is excellent for anyone who has struggled with fiddly straps in freezing conditions. The crampons are made from high-quality aluminum and are sharp, offering reliable grip on ice or slippery snow, enhancing safety on challenging terrain. Comfort is addressed with soft EVA foam padding underfoot, which also helps keep feet warm—a big plus for cold-weather outings. Additionally, the snowshoes have a flex pivot bar and heel lift, which support a more natural step whether hiking on flat ground or climbing uphill. The heel lift feature reduces calf strain on steep slopes, making uphill treks less tiring.

Some users may find the snowshoes less durable for very rugged or extreme backcountry use compared to heavier-duty models. Also, the 30-inch size is a general fit but may not be ideal for very large users or those carrying heavy backpacks. The included accessories like trekking poles and a tote bag add convenience but don't affect the snowshoes' core performance. These snowshoes are well-suited for casual to moderate snowshoeing adventures, especially for those looking for comfort, ease of use, and decent traction in typical winter conditions.

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.