The Best Snowshoes of 2026

Read Review: Sure Footed: The MSR Lightning Ascent

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 and are one of our go-to choices for more technical terrain.

The aluminum traction frame bites into the 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 various boot sizes. The simple lashing system is most welcome when handling with cold fingers. We loved how easy these were to slip on and off, and felt our boots stayed solidly secure. 

In fact, on a few winter snowshoe adventures up various peaks in Colorado, including Mount Yale (14,199 feet) and Mount Ouray (13,960 feet), we put these snowshoes on at the very beginning and didn’t have to fuss with them again until we got back to the car 7 or 8 hours later. We have never used a binding that stayed in place so reliably, no matter the conditions or terrain.

The traction and light weight of these snowshoes make this model shine. Depending on the load you’re carrying and the type of snow you experience, you may notice slightly less flotation than some of the wider models on our list. The smaller deck means less surface area to disperse weight over snow, but it’s easier and less cumbersome to maneuver. And its rockered shape offers a smooth ride, which we are especially thankful for on long days in the mountains.

But MSR did think of everything: you can buy add-on flotation tails to accommodate heavier loads and perform better in 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.

If you’re looking for a burly snowshoe that can handle everything, including ice, deep pow, slush, breaking trail for hours, super steep terrain, and even an occasional bit of travel over rock, the MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are for you. We’ve tested these since 2013 and even wore them on two different climbs to the 14,000-foot camp on Denali (the highest peak in North America), and we still think they are the best snowshoes on the market.

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 ($290) 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.

The MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes ($170) are one of the most affordable and approachable options in MSR’s lineup, making them a go-to choice for beginners and casual winter explorers. With a simple, durable design and dependable traction, they’re built to handle a wide range of conditions without unnecessary complexity.

Steel traction bars along the deck provide reliable grip and hold up well to repeated use on packed snow and mixed terrain. The Paraglide bindings are a standout feature. They’re comfortable, intuitive, and easy to adjust, even with gloves on. The straps remain pliable in cold temperatures, and the system locks the foot in securely without creating pressure points.

The mesh binding accommodates a wide range of boot shapes, and integrated toe stops guide your foot into the correct position every time, eliminating guesswork and improving overall comfort. This is a notable improvement over older MSR binding designs and one we appreciated on longer outings with rolling terrain and moderate climbs.

Because the Evo Trail is so quick to get in and out of, it’s well suited for mixed terrain and stop-and-go days. The relatively lightweight, compact design also makes it easy to strap to a pack when snow coverage becomes inconsistent.

The Evo Trail comes in a single 22-inch size with a recommended maximum user weight of 180 pounds, but modular 6-inch tails ($55) increase capacity to 250 pounds and improve performance in deeper snow. The plastic decking can be noisy on firm or icy trails, and the lack of a heel riser is noticeable on sustained climbs where a climbing bar would reduce calf fatigue.

Overall, the Evo Trail is a reliable, budget-friendly snowshoe that excels for beginners, casual outings, and mixed winter terrain. For heavier use or long, steep ascents, upgrading to a model with heel risers and more aggressive traction may be worthwhile.

The Atlas Race snowshoes ($320)are purpose-built for one thing: moving fast on snow. Designed specifically for racing and winter running, they’re a must-have for anyone looking to sprint, train, or compete in snowy conditions without sacrificing efficiency.

The Z-Speed race binding stays secure over running shoes and remains snug even over long distances and high-cadence efforts. The zigzag lacing design makes it easy to fine-tune the fit with one hand while on the move, and for racers chasing every gram, the bindings can be removed entirely to direct-mount running shoes for maximum weight savings and a more connected feel.

Underfoot, the adjustable spring-loaded suspension allows you to dial in your preferred level of rebound, helping the snowshoe feel responsive rather than clunky during fast strides. Titanium heel and toe crampons provide just enough bite for packed snow and firm winter trails without adding unnecessary weight or disrupting your running gait.

As expected, the Atlas Race snowshoes aren’t built for versatility. Their narrow, streamlined shape limits flotation in soft or deep snow, and they’re not intended for hiking, casual exploration, or mixed terrain.

But that’s the point. If your goal is speed, efficiency, and race-ready performance, the Atlas Race snowshoes deliver a lightweight, nimble platform that feels more like an extension of your stride than a piece of winter gear.

Ignite your desire to roam with the MSR Revo Explore Snowshoes ($280). Built with a durable frame, aggressive traction, and an easy-to-use binding, these lightweight snowshoes are designed to handle a wide range of winter terrain without feeling overbuilt or overly specialized.

We logged countless miles in the Revo Explores across the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone, and they consistently delivered. Whether it’s your first time snowshoeing or your hundredth outing, the Paradigm bindings feel intuitive from the start. Stepping in and dialing the fit takes just a few quick tugs, and the three-point adjustment provides impressive stability and control without fuss.

The stretch mesh binding wraps the foot evenly, eliminating the pressure points common with older or more rigid binding designs. Comfort stays consistent over long days, and the fact that the binding is field-repairable is a major plus for more remote winter travel.

Traction is where the Revo Explore really shines. Teeth along the full length of the frame combined with a large underfoot crampon provide confidence on steep climbs, icy traverses, and variable snow. The traction strikes a smart balance within MSR’s lineup: more bite than the Evo Trail in firm or crusty conditions, but with shorter teeth than the Lightning Ascent, allowing for a more natural stride on rolling or flatter terrain.

Heel risers boost efficiency on sustained climbs and help reduce fatigue, while the option to add flotation tails extends their range into deeper snow or heavier pack loads.

The main drawback is fit. Bulky insulated boots or very wide feet can be a tight squeeze in the mesh binding, so we recommend trying them on with your winter boots before buying.

If your days are all about steep, technical ascents, look to the Lightning Ascent. For groomed trails, the Evo Trail makes more sense. But if you want one snowshoe that handles nearly everything, the Revo Explore is a true all-terrain quiver killer.

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 Ascent Snowshoes ($260) remain in our lineup for a simple reason: they deliver proven performance in steep, mountainous terrain at an exceptional value. Built around MSR’s legendary UniBody deck, they’re extremely durable and well-suited for off-trail winter hiking across firm snow, ice, and mixed conditions.

Integrated steel traction rails provide dependable grip, while the TriFit binding system offers secure, glove-friendly adjustment that works with nearly any winter boot. When climbs get sustained or steep, built-in Televator heel lifts reduce calf fatigue and improve uphill efficiency.

The Evo Ascent is only offered in a 22-inch length, but that size is impressively versatile. For heavier users or deeper snow, adding optional flotation tails increases surface area without the bulk or weight of a larger fixed snowshoe. While they lack the lighter weight and refined feel of MSR’s newest designs, the Evo Ascent prioritizes durability, simplicity, and reliability over cutting-edge tech.

For winter hikers who value rugged construction, climbing confidence, and long-term dependability, these remain one of the most trustworthy snowshoes available.

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 ($290). 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 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.