10 Best Snowshoes 2025 in the United States

The MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts who tackle rugged terrain and aggressive backcountry adventures. Weighing only 4.33 pounds per pair and measuring 25 inches in length, these snowshoes are lightweight yet sturdy, making them a solid choice for mountaineering. Their 360-degree Traction Frames and durable steel DTX crampons offer excellent grip, especially on steep slopes, which is a significant advantage for those seeking to navigate challenging landscapes.

One of the standout features is the Paragon bindings, which provide a secure, glove-like fit around your boots without creating pressure points. This thoughtful design enhances comfort and control, crucial for long excursions. Additionally, the Ergo Televator heel lift bar helps reduce fatigue during steep climbs, allowing users to tackle uphill sections with greater efficiency.

While these snowshoes accommodate users weighing up to 220 pounds and fit a wide range of boot sizes (4.5 to 15), they may not perform as well in flat, groomed areas.

The MSR Lightning Ascent Women's Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes are designed to meet the needs of winter hikers and snowshoers, especially those who venture into mountainous terrains. Weighing only 3.88 pounds per pair, they are ultralight, making them easy to carry on long hikes. The tapered frame is particularly suited for users with a narrow stride, which can enhance comfort and efficiency in movement.

One standout feature is the 360-degree traction frame, which offers excellent grip on various snow conditions, and the durable steel DTX crampons provide reliable traction on steep slopes. This combination is beneficial for those tackling challenging alpine settings. Additionally, the Paragon bindings are designed to wrap snugly around boots, providing a comfortable fit while eliminating pressure points. This helps ensure that users remain comfortable even during extended periods of use.

For uphill trekking, the Ergo Televator heel lift bar can be flipped up to ease the strain on steep ascents, promoting better energy conservation. With a load capacity of 180 pounds and compatibility with women’s shoe sizes 4.5 to 14, these snowshoes accommodate a range of users. However, they may not be the best choice for heavier individuals or those seeking snowshoes designed for wider stances. The reliance on a specialized binding system might also require some adjustment for users unfamiliar with such designs. These snowshoes excel in rugged terrains, making them ideal for adventurous women looking to explore backcountry and mountainous areas, offering a combination of lightweight design, superior traction, and comfort.

The G2 25 Inches Red Light Weight Snowshoes are designed for men, women, and youth, making them suitable for a broad range of users. They come as a set with trekking poles and a tote bag, which is convenient for storage and transport. The snowshoes feature an HDPE deck, which is both high-quality and lightweight, helping users conserve energy while walking in the snow. These snowshoes also include upgraded aluminum crampons, providing a solid grip on icy surfaces to enhance safety.

The inclusion of EVA-padded ratchet bindings ensures a snug and warm fit, while the heel lift and flex pivot bar offer comfort and ease during uphill hikes. The quick ratchet binding system is particularly user-friendly, even in cold conditions where dexterity may be limited. However, the maximum weight recommendation is 150 pounds, which may not be suitable for heavier users. Additionally, the frame material is a combination of plastic and aluminum which provides some durability but may not be as robust as other all-metal options.

With a size of 25 inches, they are ideal for individuals up to 200 pounds. The snowshoes have received positive feedback with a 4.5-star rating from 806 reviews. These snowshoes are a good option for most recreational users looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use product, but might not be the best fit for those needing to support more weight or looking for the highest durability.