10 Best Snowshoes 2025 in the United States

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.

The Tubbs Snowshoes Mountaineer W in Purple (25 size) offer a well-rounded solution for snowshoeing enthusiasts. These snowshoes come with a Pro-Step Frame and Soft-Tec Decking, which contribute to their durability and ability to handle rugged terrain. The frame is made from aluminum, making it lightweight yet sturdy, important for long snowshoeing adventures. Their traction system includes Anaconda Toe Crampon and Python Heel Crampon, ensuring a secure grip on icy surfaces, which is crucial for maintaining stability and safety in challenging conditions.

The ActiveFit 2.0 Binding provides a snug fit, and the EZ Heel Buckle makes it easy to secure the snowshoes quickly. Additionally, the ActiveLift 19° Heel Lift feature helps reduce calf strain on steep ascents, making climbing more comfortable. Weighing just 1 pound each, they are quite lightweight, which means they won’t weigh you down during extended use. One downside might be the size and weight capacity; these snowshoes are sized at 25 inches and support up to 91 kilograms, which may not be suitable for all users, especially those looking for a more versatile size range or higher weight capacity.

With a solid customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 106 reviews, many users appreciate the performance and build quality of these snowshoes. They are specifically designed for women, which is something to consider if you are looking for gender-specific gear. If you are someone who enjoys snowshoeing in varying terrains and requires reliable traction and comfort for longer hikes, the Tubbs Snowshoes Mountaineer W could be a great choice.

The G2 21 Inches Snowshoes are designed to offer a lightweight and comfortable option for winter hiking, suitable for men, women, and youth up to 150 pounds. The frame is made from aluminum, which provides good durability and strength while keeping the snowshoes relatively light at 6 pounds per pair. The deck uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE), helping users float on snow and conserve energy during walks. One of the standout features is the special EVA foam padding inside the bindings, offering extra comfort and warmth, which is a nice touch for cold conditions.

The bindings use a ratchet system that’s easy to operate even with frozen fingers, which is practical for winter use. Traction is handled by sharp aluminum crampons that deliver reliable grip on snow and ice, enhancing safety on slippery surfaces. The heel lift and flex pivot bar improve comfort and reduce strain when walking uphill or on uneven terrain.

These snowshoes are best suited for lighter users since they have a maximum weight recommendation of 150 pounds. People heavier than this might find the snowshoes less effective or durable. The 21-inch size is good for general use but might not work well for deep powder or very soft snow conditions where larger snowshoes perform better. The G2 snowshoes offer a solid option for beginner to intermediate snowshoers who need a comfortable, easy-to-use, and reliable pair for moderate winter trails. Their lightweight design, user-friendly bindings, and thoughtful comfort features provide a practical balance between performance and convenience.