10 Best Snowshoes 2025 in the United States

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.

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 25 Inches Blue Lightweight Snowshoes are a solid choice for beginners or casual snowshoers weighing up to 200 pounds. Their 25-inch size offers good support for most adults, helping maintain balance and float on snowy surfaces. The frame uses a combination of aluminum and high-density plastic, making these snowshoes both durable and fairly lightweight at just 3.3 pounds per shoe. This helps reduce fatigue during long walks in the snow.

One standout feature is the special ratchet binding system with soft EVA padding. It’s designed to be easy to fasten even with cold, numb fingers, which is very practical in winter conditions. The padding adds comfort and warmth, which can make your hiking experience more enjoyable. For grip, the snowshoes have sharp aluminum crampons that improve traction on icy or packed snow, reducing the risk of slipping.

The inclusion of a heel lift clip and a flexible pivot bar is helpful for uphill climbs, making steps feel more natural and less tiring. This feature is often missing in basic snowshoes, so it’s a valuable addition here. These snowshoes are best suited for users under 200 pounds, which might limit their use for heavier hikers. Additionally, while the materials are strong and lightweight, some advanced users might prefer snowshoes with more aggressive traction for very steep or icy terrain. The 25-inch length is versatile but might not be ideal for very deep powder or very small feet. The G2 25 Inch snowshoes offer a good balance of comfort, ease of use, and reliable traction, making them a great pick for most recreational snowshoers who want dependable gear without complicated features.