The Best Snowshoes of 2025

Are you an occasional snowshoer overwhelmed by the choices (and prices) of all the models? We’ve got you covered. The Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes Bundle with Trekking Poles ($90) is 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 trekking poles allow you to use your whole body with each stride, which is more ergonomic and less tiring when you’re going the distance. 

Some noticeable details 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, they’re 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 Tubbs Mountaineer Snowshoes ($280) excel in deep snow, offering reliable flotation and traction for big winter missions. We put them to the test, breaking trail through waist-deep powder and navigating steep, sidehill approaches to Wyoming’s Garnet Canyon. The wide platform and upturned tail helped keep us on top of soft snow, while the aggressive Viper 2.0 crampons bit into firm, buried layers below.

The ActiveFit bindings stayed comfortable and secure, even on long tours with heavy packs. Heel lift bars added noticeable relief on sustained climbs, and the rigid frame gave us the confidence to move efficiently through variable terrain. These snowshoes feel at home in off-trail backcountry routes where flotation matters most.

Compared to the MSR Lightning Ascent, the Mountaineer provides better float and a more forgiving ride in powder. However, the Lightning Ascent wins out on sheer traction and packability. The Tubbs Mountaineer stands out if you’re heading into deep snow and want a snowshoe that can handle weight, depth, and distance.

Ignite your desire to roam by stepping into the MSR Revo Explore Snowshoes ($270). With a durable frame, multiple traction points, and a dependable, easy-to-use binding, these lightweight snowshoes elevate the possibilities of any snowshoe adventure.

We spent countless hours and miles in the Revo Explores exploring the terrain of the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone, and they didn’t disappoint. Whether this is your first or thousandth time putting on snowshoes, you’ll find the Paradigm bindings intuitive to use. We love how simple it is to step into and tighten them with a couple of simple tugs, and we appreciate the stability, control, and comfort the 3 points of adjustment offer.

The stretch mesh binding hugs your foot fully, delivering equal pressure across the entire foot. Say goodbye to those annoying pressure points you’re used to from other bindings (and even from previous iterations of the MSR bindings). Plus, these bindings can be fixed in the field if there’s an issue; this is a huge bonus if you’re heading into more remote terrain.

The Revo Explore Snowshoes offer stellar grip; teeth up and down the length of the frame and a mega crampon underfoot keep us safe and secure in all wintery conditions, even on steep climbs and icy traverses along peak ascents and descents. The traction on the Revo Explore Snowshoes hits a sweet spot between other MSR snowshoes on our list; the crampon on the Revo Explore grabs into crusty snow and hard pack better than the Evo Trail, but its slightly shorter teeth allow you to walk more naturally on rolling or flat terrain than the Ascent Series.

The Revo Explores’ heel risers add stability and traction on steeps and stave off fatigue on long uphill climbs. The ability to add extended tails adds float and performance, making these snowshoes more versatile. They can tackle deeper snow days or times when you need to carry a heavier pack.

There isn’t much we dislike about these snowshoes. However, one sticking point may be boot size. If you’re using a bulkier insulated boot or if you have wide feet, it may be challenging to fit your foot fully into the mesh binding.

We highly recommend trying your snowshoes with your winter boot of choice before purchasing.

If you plan to solely climb steep slopes, check out the MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes. And if you only want to explore groomed, packed trails, the MSR Evo Trail will be a better option. However, if you dabble in all kinds of terrain and are looking for a quiver killer, the Revo Explore snowshoes are for you.

If you’re looking for snowshoes to take on snowy, mellow trails, the Tubbs Wayfinder ($200) is our recommendation. You’ll love the easy-to-adjust Boa bindings, the carbon steel crampons that bite into the snow just enough, 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, and enhanced comfort due to their even distribution of pressure. Once you get the hang of the system, they’re easy and quick to use. Fair warning: it will take you longer the first couple of times you use them.

Although this setup is supposed to be easier than traditional strap bindings, we got 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. The fit was dialed, and the bindings stayed on securely.

These snowshoes deliver more flotation than the smaller deck sizes of the Atlas Range Trail or the MSR Lightning Ascents. But a pair only weigh in at 3 pounds, 6 ounces, 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 because they have less aggressive traction than some others on our list. They’re not made for ascending steep slopes or side-stepping on firm snow. Made for the casual snowshoer, the Tubbs Wayfinders are a blast to hit meadows or trails in.

The MSR Evo Trail ($170) snowshoes are one of the most versatile and affordable options out there. 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 Paraglide bindings are incredibly comfortable and easy to use. They stay in place just like the Paragon binding on the MSR Lightning Ascents. The straps stay pliable even in frigid conditions, and we can put them on and adjust them without removing gloves, which makes a day outside so much more pleasant.

The mesh binding accommodates a wide range of boots, and we didn’t feel any pressure points, even on longer adventures with some ups and downs. Toe stops also guide your foot to exactly where they should be, so there’s no guessing about how far forward your foot should be for optimum performance or comfort. This was a gripe of ours in previous binding iterations from MSR, but now that’s a distant memory.

Because they’re so easy to get in and out of, they’re ideal for mixed terrain and for those just getting into the sport. They’re relatively lightweight and compact, so on adventures where we needed to strap them to our packs periodically, it wasn’t a big deal.

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. We also wish they had a heel riser; we definitely missed the ability to throw up a climbing bar to take pressure off our calves and increase traction on some steeper sections.

All things considered, these are a quality set of snowshoes that can handle various conditions. If you plan to snowshoe heavily throughout winter or take on big-mile excursions, it may be worth paying more for something with more traction and a heel riser like the MSR Lightning Ascents, but if you’re tackling rolling terrain for the most part, these are an excellent choice.

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 could put on the Atlas Range 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, lighter profile. Therefore, these shoes strike a balance between pure fun flotation and the ability to maneuver up and down hills or side-step on firmer, packed snow. 

While a superb, all-around trail snowshoe, the Atlas Range Trail has a narrower and smaller deck than some other snowshoes in our review, which docks a few points from the overall flotation category. Although it comes in a 22″ and 26″ size, allowing you to choose a model that will work best for your height and weight, 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.

Imagine a walk-along talk-along experience on a snow-filled afternoon, chasing the sun and laughing with friends as you stroll effortlessly through a wintery landscape. Can you see it? If so, grab a pair of Atlas Access Snowshoes ($180) and let the adventure begin.

The classic tubular-frame design, upturned tail, and innovative suspension system make it easy to maintain a smooth, natural stride. Thus, the Access Snowshoes elevate the experience of tromping around in the snow to a fun, accessible level the whole family can enjoy, whether this is your first or fiftieth snowshoe trip.

We tested these snowshoes leading tours along the majestic valley floor of Grand Teton National Park. Throughout a few seasons of guiding, we used these snowshoes in everything from a few inches of snow to feet upon feet, but we mostly stuck to flat or rolling terrain.

For these types of hikes with little climbing or steep terrain, they were responsive, maneuverable, and offered a reasonable amount of flotation. Plus, they come in 25- and 30-inch options, so you can choose a bigger size for more flotation for heavier loads or more powdery plans.

We really appreciate the intuitive and easy-to-use binding. Webbing comfortably hugs your foot on top while a simple buckle closure, which you can work with gloves on, secures your heel. This binding choice is a great option for people who may have never snowshoed before because it is quick and easy, which means less time messing with gear and more time spent showing guests the beauty of the Tetons. And, even after a few seasons of pulling straps on and off day after day, they are in great shape.

The only place these snowshoes fall short in terms of performance is in the amount of traction. There isn’t nearly as much traction as some others on our list. If you’re looking for a backcountry shoe to carry you up peaks or steep and deep snow, you’ll want to consider something like the MSR Lightning Ascents. After some extended use, we noticed some of the material wrapping the tube has worn through, so longevity and durability could be a bigger question over time.

The Atlas Access snowshoe is designed for winter sports enthusiasts looking to get outside for casual fun and exercise on flat or rolling terrain.

Looking for a pair of snowshoes that support your natural gait? Meet the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite ($280). Many people experience hip and knee pain while learning to walk with snowshoes, but the sleek ergonomics of the Hyperflex Elites eliminate that.

Eight large stainless steel crampons provide strong traction. And the heel lift allows for comfortable uphill travel. We also found the heel lift kept our feet in a comfortable position.

The binding is among our favorites and provides excellent support. We like that you can set the toepiece to your boot size and then use the cam-lock release to enter and exit. This added security and made it easier to get going each time. And you can adjust both the width and length to accommodate almost any boot.

The Atlas Race snowshoes ($320) are designed for anyone to, well, race. They are a must-have for sprinting in snow. The Z-speed race binding easily stays snug against any running shoe for long distances.

The zig-zag design means you can quickly tighten the bindings with one hand. Or you can remove the bindings completely and direct-mount running shoes for additional weight savings.

The adjustable spring-loaded suspension can be fine-tuned to find your desired level of rebound. And the titanium heel and toe crampons give plenty of grip without adding weight. They’re light, they’re fast, and they’ll make you as nimble as possible in the snow.

The only downside of the Atlas Race snowshoes is that they’re solely for racing and running. The sleeker shape means they don’t perform well in powder or for general use. But if you’re looking for a running snowshoe, the Atlas Race will have you sprinting on snow.

The G2 Go2Gether Snowshoes ($90) offer a budget-friendly option for beginner snowshoers or casual winter hikers looking to explore snowy trails. While they don’t come loaded with high-end tech, they check the right boxes for mellow terrain and day hikes on packed snow.

We took the Go2Gether snowshoes out on gentle rolling terrain in the Tetons, including trails near Taggart Lake and lower-elevation approaches around Jackson. In firm conditions, the crampons provided decent grip, and the lightweight aluminum frame made them easy to maneuver for first-timers. They performed best on established tracks or low-angle slopes, where we didn’t need aggressive traction or heel lifts.

The ratchet-style binding system felt surprisingly secure for the price, and adjusted easily even with gloves on. However, we noticed some flex in the decking on sidehills and when stepping over uneven snow or crust. The traction falls short in steep or icy conditions, and they aren’t built for deep backcountry use, but that’s not what they’re designed for.

For casual snowshoe outings, family hikes, or those new to winter travel, the G2 Go2Gether snowshoes deliver solid value. They’re a great way to get outside in winter without committing to a more technical or expensive setup.

The Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes ($179) are unlike anything else. Boulder, Colorado-based Crescent Moon made quite the splash when it introduced these unusual snowshoes in 2017. The upper layer of foam is softer for better rebound and cushioning, and the lower foam is sturdier and more durable.

GearJunkie Editor in Chief Adam Ruggerio noted, “Unlike rigid aluminum or carbon snowshoes, the soft, upturned foam deck comfortably cruises over hard-packed snow and encourages agility. Below deck, hard plastic cleats bite into icy terrain, providing plenty of grip, especially on hillsides.”

Think of these as slippers for the snow. They’re lightweight and packable, and they are easy to pop on for quick trips around your snowy property.

They don’t perform as well on technical terrain as other options. Without a heel lift, they aren’t as suitable for uphill climbs as the MSR EVO Trail or the Lightning Ascents.