The Best Snowshoes of 2025
Top Picks
- Weight: 4 lbs., 2 oz./4 lbs., 5 oz./4 lbs., 14 oz.
- Lengths: 22″/25″/30″
- Heel lift: Yes
- Max weight: 280 lbs.
Pros
- Light and nimble
- Easy and secure binding
- Crampons and heel lift for ascending
- Top of its class traction
Cons
- Narrower deck has slightly less flotation than wider models
- Expensive
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Lengths: 25″/30″
- Heel lift: Yes
- Max weight: 210 lbs.
Pros
- Large surface area for flotation
- Affordable
- Comes with adjustable trekking poles
Cons
- Not as versatile as other snowshoes
- Heavy
- Weight: 3 lbs., 13.4 oz.
- Lengths: 26”/30”
- Heel lift: Yes
- Max weight: 200 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy binding system
- Crampons and heel lift for ascending
- Serrated aluminum frame for extra traction
Cons
- Narrow profile lacks the flotation of wider models
- Pricey
- Only available in 2 sizes
- Weight: 3 lbs. 6 oz.
- Lengths: 25″/30″/36”
- Heel lift: No
- Max weight: 300 lbs.
Pros
- Large surface area for flotation
- Lightweight
- Boa closure for a dialed-in fit
Cons
- Boa system takes some adjusting to get used to
- 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
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Low max weight
- Not ideal in deep snow
- No heel riser
Other Snowshoes We Tested
- Weight: 3 lbs. 13 oz, 4 lbs. 2 oz.
- Lengths: 22″/25″
- Heel lift: Yes
- Max weight: 280 lbs.
Pros
- Easy and secure binding
- Stellar traction
- Durable
- Heel riser increases efficiency
- Parts are reparable in the field
- Work for a variety of terrain
Cons
- Some oversized boots may not fit in binding
- Weight: 4 lbs. 8 oz. (30”)
- Lengths: 25″/30”/35”
- Heel lift: Yes
- Max weight: 300 lbs.
Pros
- Intuitive binding
- Simple & durable
- Designs means natural stride and solid support
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited terrain use
- Less traction
- Weight: 4 lb., 1.6 oz. (23.5")
- Lengths: 20.5", 23.5", 27"
- Heel lift: Yes
- Max weight: Depending on snowshoe size, max weight varies from 220 to 300 lbs.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good traction
- Easy on the joints
Cons
- Not the best flotation in light snow
- Weight: 2 lbs., 9 oz.
- Lengths: 22"
- Heel lift: No
- Max weight: 190 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great for trail running
Cons
- Not suited for beginners or general use
- Weight: 3 lbs., 8 oz.
- Lengths: 24"
- Heel lift: No
- Max weight: 240 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Poor traction off of groomed trails
Snowshoes Comparison Chart
Snowshoe | Price | Lengths | Weight | Heel Risers | Max Weight |
MSR Lightning Ascent | $390 | 22″/25″/30″ | 4 lbs., 2 oz./4 lbs., 5 oz./4 lbs., 14 oz. | Yes | 280 lbs. |
Retrospec Drifter | $90 | 25″/30″ | 5.5 lbs. | Yes | 210 lbs. |
Atlas Range Trail | $230 | 26″/30″ | 3 lbs., 13.4 oz. | Yes | 200 lbs. (26″) |
Tubbs Wayfinder | $200 | 25″/30″/36″ | 3 lbs., 6 oz. | No | 250 lbs. |
MSR Evo Trail | $170 | 22″ | 3 lbs., 10 oz. | No | 180 lbs., 250 lbs. with add-on tails |
MSR Revo Explore | $270 | 22’/25 | 3 lbs., 13 oz, 4 lbs., 2 oz. | Yes | 280 lbs. |
Atlas Access | $180 | 25″/30”/35” | 4 lbs., 8 oz. | Yes | 300 lbs. |
TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite | $290 | 20.5″/ 23.5″/ 27″ | 4 lbs., 1.6 oz./ 4 lbs., 4.8 oz./ 4 lbs., 12.8 oz. | Yes | 300 lbs. |
Atlas Race | $320 | 22″ | 2 lbs., 4 oz./ 2 lbs., 9 oz. | No | 190 lbs. |
Crescent Moon EVA | $169 | 24″ | 3 lbs., 8 oz. | No | 240 lbs. |

How We Tested the Best Snowshoes
Our Testing Grounds & Process

Our Expert Testers

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Snowshoes
Sizing

Bindings


Flotation

Traction


Heel Risers

Poles

Price & Value
Budget
Mid-Tier
Premium
Frequently Asked Questions
The MSR Lightning Ascent with the additional 6-inch tails will provide incredible flotation in deep snow. Remember, snow is just frozen water, and we still want to stay afloat. Look for snowshoes with high flotation ratings
While you may not need poles, they are highly recommended. When starting out, snowshoes can make the most agile person rather clumsy. Using poles will help increase the balance of the upper body and engage the arms in an otherwise very leg-focused sport.
On more aggressive and technical terrain, you will need poles. They can be a lifeline when you’re near precarious ledges and want the extra layer of security
A good pair of hiking boots or winter boots are recommended for most snowshoeing situations. Look for something that will keep feet warm and dry without compromising mobility. Check out our reviews of the Best Men’s Winter Boots and Best Women’s Winter Boots for top picks.
Adding gaiters to your setup is also a good idea to keep snow out — because dry means happy.
As mentioned above, the sizing of snowshoes depends largely on your height and weight (including pack weight). Check the sizing and weight recommendations for the brand and model you’re interested in.
For the length, a longer snowshoe makes it easier to travel through powder because there’s a larger surface area. However, a longer snowshoe is more challenging to take up and down steep terrain.