Once snow blankets the local trails, many folks hunker down until the spring thaw. Unfortunately, they’re missing one of winter’s greatest pleasures—strapping on a pair of snowshoes and exploring a beautiful snow-covered landscape.
Featuring elongated frames for floatation, teeth or crampons for additional traction, and adjustable bindings, snowshoes help you move quickly and confidently across snowy or icy terrain. The right snowshoes for you depend on the conditions you’ll encounter, but there are models for everything from hard-packed ice to deep backcountry powder.
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 premium snowshoes from top brands including Atlas, Crescent Moon, Tubbs, MSR, and more. This guide features options to fit a range of budgets, skill sets, and conditions, so no matter where you are, you’ll be ready to head out on the trails this winter.
1. Atlas Range-MTN
A top-of-the-line snowshoe, the Range-MTN from Atlas creates confidence underfoot in all conditions. The bindings feature the Boa Fit System for a highly adjustable and secure fit, while an aggressive toe crampon and serrated aluminum traction rails offer enhanced grip on ice and snow. The lightweight aluminum frame tapers from a cylindrical to an elliptical shape to deliver increased strength and a stiffer, more responsive ride.
[$320; atlassnowshoe.com] Courtesy Image
2. Crescent Moon Big Sky 32
The Big Sky 32 from Crescent Moon is built for backcountry exploring. Larger bindings can accommodate larger boots, including snowboard boots, while the generous surface area and a moderated teardrop shape provide better floatation and maneuverability in deep powder. The traversing claws and stainless steel teeth located on the ball, heel, and climbing toe claw provide maximum traction in nearly any direction.
[$240; crescentmoonsnowshoes.com] Courtesy Image
3. Faber S-Line
The S-Line from Faber is designed to help you slide over the snow with each step, making it ideal for backcountry adventures with frequent climbs and descents. The wing traction decking provides control whether you’re going up or down: On ascents, the wings act like crampons that dig into the snow for traction, and on descents, they act like brakes to keep your slides under control. This snowshoe-ski hybrid is designed for all skill levels, and it’s a great way to more easily cover ground on snowy terrain.
[$284; fabersnowshoes.com] Courtesy Image
4. MSR Lightning Ascent
The Lightning Ascent snowshoes feature lightweight frames that provide edge-to-edge grip for confident footing across all kinds of terrain, and the fit is great, too: The bindings’ mesh straps securely wrap around your boots without creating pressure points. You can also add on five-inch tails, so you get the maneuverability of a smaller snowshoe with the option for extra floatation in deeper snow.
[$350; msrgear.com] Courtesy Image
5. TSL Symbioz Racing
Weighing in at only 1.4 pounds per pair, the TSL Symbioz Racing snowshoes are the lightest and quickest model on the list. The flexible frame is designed to provide a natural stride and excellent propulsion, an ideal combo for athletes looking to hit maximum speed. Racers will also benefit from superb traction created by its four spikes and the injection-molded traction bars.
[$200; us-store.tsloutdoorna.com] Courtesy Image
6. Tubbs Wayfinder
Ideal for those planning to stay on flat to somewhat hilly trails this winter, the Tubbs Wayfinder delivers a solid package. The bindings feature Boa closures for easy adjustments, the lightweight decking makes these easier to move around in, and the carbon steel toe and heel crampons provide excellent bite for enhanced grip with every step.
[$200; tubbssnowshoes.com] Courtesy Image
7. Flashtek Lightweight Snowshoes
For beginners looking to try snowshoeing for the first time, the Flashtek kit provides unparalleled value: These snowshoes come with adjustable trekking poles and a tote bag for easy storage. The snowshoes’ aluminum frame is lightweight, the forged aluminum alloy crampons provide plenty of traction for trails, and the intuitive three-strap binding system allows for hassle-free entry and exit.
[$70; amazon.com] Courtesy Image
8. Crescent Moon Eva Foam Snowshoes
A unique alternative to traditional snowshoes, the Eva Foam snowshoes from Crescent Moon are lightweight, quiet, and ultra-comfortable. While these aren’t for charging into deep powder, the Eva Foam’s teardrop shape and ice spikes make them perfect for day hiking or even running on trails with lightly packed snow (they’re inspired by the design of Hoka running shoes).
[$179; crescentmoonsnowshoes.com] Courtesy Image
9. Dion 164 SecureFit Binding/Ice Cleat
When hard-packed trails or icy conditions are in the forecast, the Model 164 from Dion provides the underfoot security you need. Chunky stainless steel ice cleats provide excellent traction, while the heel cleat features Teflon Hardcoat to prevent snow from sticking—so you get good grip and don’t pick up weight as you walk.
[$215; dionnevitrek.com] Courtesy Image
10. Retrospec Drifter
Need a pair of beginner snowshoes that get the job done? Consider the Retrospec Drifter. These deliver durability and excellent traction at a beginner-friendly price point. The shoes feature a familiar frame shape and three-strap binding system, and the polyethylene deck can stand up to multiple seasons of use.
[From $65; retrospec.com] Courtesy Image
