The Best Snowshoes of 2024-2025

The timeless design of the MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes ($390) wins us over year after year. Both lightweight and aggressive, these snowshoes are a great all-around pick or one of our go-to choices for more technical terrain. The aluminum traction frame bites into snow with every step, with serrated edges on the side rails and cross bars that ensure maximum gripping power edge-to-edge. A claw-style crampon sits under the forefoot, and heel risers allow you to ascend steep snow slopes with less effort. 

The Paragon bindings have freeze-resistant mesh straps that can accommodate a variety of boot sizes, and have a simple lashing system that is most welcome when trying to handle with cold fingers. Our testers loved how easy these were to slip on and off, and felt our boots stayed solidly secure. 

The traction and light weight of these snowshoes are what make this model really shine, at the cost of overall floatation. The smaller deck means less surface area with which to disperse weight over snow, and this was noticeable compared to some of the larger snowshoes in our lineup. However, the smaller deck is easier and less cumbersome to maneuver, and its rockered shape offers a smooth ride for its users. We found that they preferred being able to have faster stride turnover than more floatation, though this can come down to personal preference and the type of terrain you may find yourself in most frequently. 

But MSR really did think of everything, and you can buy add-on floatation tails to accommodate heavier loads and perform better on deep powder. Additionally, the Lightning Ascent comes in three different sizes, 22, 25, and 30 inches, and is available in a women’s version for those with a narrower gait or who want a lighter model. We’ve tested these since 2018 and we still think they are still the best snowshoes on the market.

Read Review: Sure Footed: The MSR Lighting Ascent

Are you an occasional snowshoer who is overwhelmed by the choices (and prices) of all the models out there? We’ve got you covered. The Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes Bundle with Trekking Poles ($90) are a fantastic bang for your buck. This package deal comes with a mesh carrying bag and adjustable trekking poles so you can be fully equipped and ready for adventure. 

Double ratcheting straps allow for an easily adjustable fit, optional heel-lifters help reduce fatigue and assist on the uphill, and the alloy frame and polyethylene deck float well over powder and firmly packed snow. Toe crampons under the forefoot increase stability, and having trekking poles allows you to use your whole body with each stride, which is more ergonomic and less tiring when you’re going the distance. 

There are some noticeable details that make these snowshoes a step below in quality, but that is to be expected in a budget pair. The alloy and polyethylene frame and deck, plus the thick plastic bindings make these weigh in at 5.5 pounds for a pair, which is noticeably heavier than other snowshoes we tested. The plastic ratchet straps that cross over your boot are made of cheap, plastic material, and aren’t as comfortable as the rubber mesh or Boa bindings found on the MSR Lightning Ascent or Tubbs Wayfinder Snowshoes. But they are easy to use and quick to release, which is a plus. 

Like the Tubbs Wayfinders, the Retrospec Drifters are a great choice for the casual snowshoer who mostly plans on hiking on trails, meadows, or anywhere with gently rolling terrain. Their larger surface area and polyethylene deck make them great for floating atop powder, and while they have a toe crampon and heel risers, are not made for ascending steep snow slopes. That being said, especially since they also come with trekking poles, the Drifters are a steal in our book.

The Atlas Range Trail Snowshoes ($230) slip on easily and float well over rolling hills, allowing you to enjoy many wintery excursions. Designed for performance on mellower packed or powdery terrain, these lightweight shoes have stretch bindings that tighten well over a variety of boot types and sizes. In fact, while testing alongside the Tubbs Wayfinders which sport the “easy-to-use” Boa closures, our testers were able to put on the Atlas Range’s in half the time with its simple stretch and fasten system.

Carbon steel crampons and a 19º heel lift allow you to walk more easily up hills, and the traction of the serrated aluminum frame provides extra stability. Most traditional snowshoes have wide, tubular frames, allowing for flotation on fresh snowy trails. The Atlas Range Trail has more of the features found on technical snowshoes, such as the serrated frame and narrower, light profile. Therefore these shoes strike a balance between pure fun flotation while still being able to maneuver up and down hills or side-stepping on firmer packed snow. 

While a superb, all-around trail snowshoe, the Atlas Range Trail has a narrower and smaller deck than some of the other snowshoes in our review, which docks a few points from the overall flotation category. Although it does come in both a 22” and 26” size, allowing you to choose a model that will work best for your height and weight, but it still lacks the width of other models. If light and nimble is your speed, and you’d like a slightly more technical snowshoe than the average snow floater, the Atlas Range Trail is a great choice.

Best For Trail Walking

Tubbs Wayfinder

Specs

• Weight 3 lbs. 6 oz.
• Dimensions 25 x 8 x 8” (25” model)
• Toe Crampon Yes
• Frame Material Aluminum
• Closure Boa Closure System

Pros

• Large surface area for floatation
• Lightweight
• Boa closure for a dialed-in fit

Cons

• Boa system takes some adjusting to get used to

Austin Beck-Doss

If you’re looking for snowshoes with maximum floatation to take on snowy, mellow trails, the Tubbs Wayfinder ($200) would be our recommendation to you. You’ll love the easy-to-adjust Boa bindings, the carbon steel crampons that bite into the snow, and the nylon deck material that cuts down on weight and creates a floaty ride. 

Boa bindings have a few advantages over more traditional strap closures. They allow for micro-adjustability, a more snug fit, enhanced comfort due to its even distribution of pressure, and once you get the hang of the system, are easy and quick to use. During our testing, it did take longer to figure out how exactly to use these bindings the correct way. You have to first adjust the heel strap, which will be a one-time adjustment if you plan on using the same boots every time. Then, as you twist the Boa closure to tighten the cords, you have to make sure the heel strap isn’t running into the plastic channels on the sides, in which case you’ll have to adjust the heel strap again. Although this setup is supposed to be easier than traditional strap bindings, we were able to get the Atlas Range Trail Snowshoes on in less than half the time it took to fumble with the Tubbs Wayfinders. That being said, taking them out a second time was quick and easy once we understood how the system worked. 

These snowshoes are large, providing more surface area for floatation than the smaller deck sizes of the Atlas Range Trail or the MSR Lightning Ascents. But a pair only weigh in at 3 lbs. 6 oz., which is lighter than both of those smaller models. This means that the Tubbs don’t feel too heavy underfoot despite their size, and float noticeably better on fresh snow than the more technical snowshoes in our review. That being said, they are less versatile, and not made for ascending steep slopes or side-stepping on firm snow. Made for the casual snowshoer, you’re sure to have a blast hitting meadows or trails in the Tubbs Wayfinders.

$200 at REI – Women's$200 at REI – Men's

Best of the Rest

MSR Evo Trail

Specs

• Weight 3 lbs., 8 oz. (men’s 25″ version)
• Lengths 22″
• Heel lift No
• Max weight Up to 180 lbs., 250 lbs. with add-on tails

Pros

• Durable
• Solid traction for the price

Cons

• Low max weight
• Not ideal in deep snow

Austin Beck-Doss

The MSR Evo Trail ($170) is one of the most versatile and affordable options out there. And it’s no surprise they’re a go-to for beginners. The steel traction bars are strong enough to withstand heavy use and provide dependable traction.

The bindings aren’t the highest-tech option, but they work well. The straps stayed pliable even in frigid conditions, and we were able to adjust without removing gloves.

The Evo comes in a 22-inch length and has a max weight of 180 pounds. You can add on modular 6-inch tails ($55) for increased flotation and a max weight of 250 pounds. The plastic decking can be loud on hardpack trails. And while this isn’t a deal-breaker, it can disrupt your winter wonderland enjoyment.

All things considered, these are a quality set of snowshoes that can handle a variety of conditions. If you plan to snowshoe heavily throughout winter or take on big-mile excursions, it may be worth paying more for something with a more comfortable binding or lighter weight. But for general use, these are an excellent choice.

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