10 Best Snowshoes 2024 in the US

What is a snowshoe?

Snowshoes are footwear for walking on snow. They are designed to help the user “float” on the snow, referred to as floatation. The snowshoes work by distributing the human weight over a wider area so that the foot does not sink into a thick layer of snow.

What are the types of snowshoes?

In general, snowshoes have three different types based on their usage: flat terrain, rolling terrain and mountain terrain.

• Recreational Snowshoes: These are the most basic snowshoes you'll find and are ideal for recreational use. In addition to having many of the same features as modern snowshoes, they're commonly made of second-grade material, so they're more affordable. Using snowshoes of this type, you should be able to cover flat to moderately rolling terrain without too much difficulty. 
• Backcountry Snowshoes: They are perfect for skiers and snowboarders who enjoy untouched peaks and dislike crowded runs. The material they are built from is often premium and can endure the rigors of backcountry hiking. It has bigger, tougher, more aggressive crampons and ice-resistant binding straps. They are high-quality recreational snowshoes that have been upgraded to the next level.
• Running Snowshoes:  A snowshoe of this type is lightweight and minimalistic, designed for increased maneuverability on snowy areas. They enable you to run more efficiently on a frozen trail, but are not designed for deep snow or major inclines. 

How to maintain your snowshoes?

When snowshoes are properly maintained, they can last a long time despite being exposed to extreme temperatures. The following are some popular ways of maintaining your snowshoes in good condition. 

• Inspection: You should inspect your snowshoes after each use to check for cracked or broken areas and either split them or tape them together with cloth tape. By doing this, you can be sure your snowshoe won't come off or give way when you are out in the middle of nowhere.
• Cleaning: Clean the snowshoes gently with water to remove all dirt and debris, then dry them immediately. Despite the fact that water and moisture are detrimental to snowshoes, gently washing them will help to remove all dirt and salt.
• Storage: Put them in a cool, dry location after use to avoid wood from wrapping or moisture causing mold to grow. In addition, you can hang them in an area that is well-ventilated and does not attract rodents or animals. 
• Varnish: Maintain your traditional snowshoes by applying varnish to both the rawhide webbing and wooden frames at the end of the season. If the webbing isn't varnished, it can become loose, which causes you to lose floatation.

What to consider when buying a snowshoe?

Below are the things to consider when choosing the perfect snowshoes for your needs: 

• Type of Terrain: Each snowshoe is engineered with features that aid in navigating certain types of terrain.  Choose a snowshoe depending on the terrain you plan to use it on.
  • Flat Terrain Snowshoes: These are designed for those who are new to tracking or who would like to navigate fairly stable, unchanging terrain. Most of these snowshoes have modest traction features and a simple binding system.
  • Rolling Terrain Snowshoes: Designed to work on flat to moderately sloped terrain, but not steep or icy terrain. They feature moderately aggressive crampons for traction, as well as a sturdy yet easily adjustable binding system. 
  • Mountain Terrain Snowshoes: Intended for use on steep and/or icy terrain. This type of snowshoe are designed with an aggressive crampon system for traction as well as a sophisticated binding system that can accommodate beefy boots and a heel lift (for steep slopes). 
• Binding: There are several types of bindings based on the snowshoe category:
  • Rotating bindings: Pivots at the point near the balls of the feet. Effortlessly shed powdery snow, allow you to kick steps on steep slopes, and decrease leg fatigue. 
  • Fixed bindings: The binding attaches the whole length of your foot to the deck, which normally flexes a little as a result of the lack of a pivot. With these types of binding, you can walk more naturally on hard-packed and flat terrain. 
  • Binding closures: This binding can be as simple as nylon straps or as complex as cable ratcheting systems. It can be adjusted easily and tightened quickly. 
• Frame: This refers to the physical shape of your snowshoe and is designed for a specific purpose.
  • Tubular Frames: This type of shoe is ideal for hiking on surfaces that don't require extra traction. Snowshoes with this feature are commonly found on hiking or recreational models.
  • Serrated Frames: This type of frame is designed to increase traction. Snowshoes with this frame are heavy, but offer lots of grip, especially when mountaineering.
  • V-Tail or Pointed Tails: A snowshoe with this type of frame has a tubular shape near the toe, but a pointed tail at the back. A frame like this is often designed to prevent snow from building up on the frame and to increase maneuverability in deep snow.
• Sizing: Always check the manufacturer's weight guidelines or weight range of the snowshoe to avoid sinking in the snow. You should keep in mind that the weight does not only refer to your body weight, but also the gear you will be carrying with you. In general, a heavier person requires more snowshoe surface area, which means that their snowshoe must be longer to provide the right amount of flotation. 
• Snow Condition: When determining whether to go with the bigger or smaller snowshoe, consider the snow conditions:
  • Powder Snow: A longer and bigger snowshoe is necessary to stay afloat on this kind of snow condition.
  • Compact Snow/Trail: When traveling on this type of snow, smaller snowshoes are more convenient.
  • Icy Terrain and Steep Slopes: Recommended to use smaller snowshoes as well.