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 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 MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are designed for serious backcountry and mountaineering use. Measuring 25 inches long and 8 inches wide, they provide a good balance of flotation and maneuverability on rugged, steep terrain. Their alloy steel frame offers durability and excellent edge-to-edge traction with a 360-degree design, helping maintain grip on tricky slopes and traverses. Steel crampons add extra stability on icy or steep alpine surfaces.

The Paragon bindings feature a single strap that wraps comfortably around your boots, preventing pressure points and ensuring a secure, easy-to-adjust fit. This enhances precise footing control, which is essential when tackling challenging terrain. The Ergo Televator heel lift bar can be flipped up on steep climbs to reduce calf fatigue and make uphill walking more efficient. At about 4.3 pounds per pair, these snowshoes are lightweight and support users weighing up to 220 pounds, fitting a wide range of boot sizes for versatility.

These snowshoes are specialized for aggressive backcountry and mountaineering rather than casual or flat trail use, so they may feel excessive for beginners or those on easy paths. The price is generally higher than recreational models due to their technical features. If you plan to explore steep, rugged terrain and need reliable traction, comfort, and efficiency on climbs, the MSR Lightning Ascent offers thoughtful design and proven performance.

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.