Reviews You Can Rely On

The 7 Best Snowshoes for Women of 2024

We tested women's snowshoes from MSR, Atlas, Tubbs, and more to find the best models for your winter excursions
gearlab tested logo
Best Snowshoes Women Review (We test the best women's snowshoes on the market.)
We test the best women's snowshoes on the market.
Credit: Kate Pitts
By Kate Pitts and Hayley Thomas  ⋅  Apr 7, 2024

The Best Women's Snowshoes for 2024


Looking for a pair of women's snowshoes for the winter season? We've been testing them for a decade, with 14 top contenders in this updated review. Whether you're looking to go on casual snowy day hikes or multi-day winter backpacking adventures, we have a shoe that will fit your needs. Our expert gear testers spend months prancing around in all different snow conditions, paying close attention to flotation, traction, bindings, and more. We make sure to test these snowshoes on multiple people of varying heights, weights, and shoe sizes to bring you an accurate, in-depth review to help you get hiking in the snow.

Snowshoes can allow you to explore further in the winter, opening up beautiful and pristine locations. To maximize your comfort and safety, it's also ideal to have the proper layers — we've tested the best women's base layers, the top-rated women's winter boots, and the best women's insulated jackets. A top-rated pair of technical trekking poles or ski poles can also vastly improve the hiking experience, and a satellite beacon is a necessity if you plan to push your limits into new or uncharted terrain.

Editor's Note: This review was updated on April 7, 2024, to reflect a complete retesting of our lineup and an addition of new products.

Related: Best Men's and Unisex Snowshoes

Top 14 Snowshoes - Test Results

Displaying 1 - 14 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Snowshoe for Women
Top Pick Award
Best for Backcountry Powder
Top Pick Award
Best for All-Terrain and Peak Bagging Adventures
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Editors' Choice Award
Excellent Balance of Traction and Stride
Top Pick Award
Best for Easy Walking
Best Buy Award
Most User-Friendly Design at a Moderate Price
       
Price $389.95 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
$211.30 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$320 List
Check Price at Backcountry
$169.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$287.10 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$220 List
$219.95 at Amazon
$219.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$161.03 at Amazon$172.77 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$118.95 at Amazon$250 List$320 List
$245.96 at Amazon
$210 List
$199.95 at Backcountry
$170 List
$134.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
85
79
79
75
73
72
69
65
64
63
63
57
52
31
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Impressive 360-degree traction, secure and comfortable bindings, solid and lightweight, Packable, natural stride, flotation tail availableComfortable and secure binding, wide weight range, natural stride, large crampons, heel crampon for descendingTraction technology grips any terrain, natural-feeling stride, Easy and comfortable BOA bindings large crampon and traction rails, pivot limiter for a natural stride, ergonomic elliptical shape, 19-degree heel liftAffordable, stellar traction, simple to use, wide fit bindingsAmazing traction, comfortable bindings, versatile fit, ascent heelEasy and natural stride, 3-crampon traction system, easy binding systemSupports wide range of body weights and loads, Easy on-and-off bindings, Quiet, Good features for price, heel lifterBeginner-friendly, one-handed bindings, stable and comfortable daily driverLightweight, full coverage decking, simple ratchet system, heel liftGood flotation, inexpensive, lightweight, comfortableDecent traction, excellent binding system, heel lift, suitable for lightly packed terrainUltralight for running, spring-loaded suspension, natural stride, smooth decking dumps snowHyperlight, flexible, sleek ergonomics for quick movementLightweight, springy, easy to use bindings, appropriate for running
Cons Expensive, front of binding difficult to navigate with thick gloves onTraction suffers on ice, a little expensiveMediocre flotation in deep snow, expensive, toe crampon can be aggressive on packed trailsLoud on packed snow, duck waddle for petite framesPoor floatation, difficult to walk backward and side-step, bindings take a moment to get used toMediocre float on unpacked snow, only supports 200 pounds, slippery traction on downhills and steep terrain, bulky and detached heel liftTraction suffers in traversing and steep descents, Wide frame is bulky for someDo no accommodate oversized boots, traction not suitable for steep or technical terrain, no heel liftLoud, subpar traction for descending, wide, priceyHeel strap difficult to use, toe straps don't fit larger boots, no heel liftTail flips up a lot of snow, toe shape feels a little wide, flotation in deep snow is not greatPoor flotation in deep powder, kicks up snow on your backsideNot intended for deep snow, minimalist traction, bindings are tedious to set upDoes not float or shed snow well, folds in deep snow, heavy awkward to walk in, minimal traction, ice doesn't mix with velcro bindings
Bottom Line Trust this snowshoe for technical or long-range travel in any terrain with its combination of simplicity and high-quality features that ensure top performance even in challenging conditionsA popular choice for winter backpacking, these snowshoes provide exceptional flotation and weight capacity for deep or packed snow, and will keep you afloat in the fluffiest powderA high-performing, all-terrain and mountaineering snowshoe that features a comfortable and secure BOA binding system, traction control for extreme conditions, and an elliptical shape for natural stride ergonomicsThis affordable and ultra-durable snowshoe is equipped with stellar traction and versatile bindings, making it a quality pick for anyone for varied terrain levels and snow typesA flexible and comfortable snowshoe with incredible traction, perfect for icy packed conditionsA snowshoe with an extreme teardrop shape and three hefty crampons for a natural stride and extra tractionWith its comfortable bindings, user-friendly design, and great flotation, this snowshoe is perfect for casual hiking at a reasonable priceExcellent choice for casual trail walkers, they feature an easy-to-use one-handed BOA binding and a lightweight frame that can handle heavy loadsThis lightweight snowshoe offers full coverage decking, one metal toe crampon, and a simple binding system for casual rolling hill hikingThese snowshoes are great for beginners with an intuitive binding system, stable fit, and comfortable walking on trailsA well-rounded traditional snowshoe suitable for all-terrain that boasts better traction than most tubular snowshoesDesigned for running on packed snow and ice, this lightweight snowshoe features a minimalist design, adjustable spring-loaded suspension, and quiet deckingSpeed enthusiasts will love this ultralight snowshoe with a futuristic design that allows for quick and natural movements, from walking to racing on packed trailsWhile this isn't the shoe for floating on deep snow drifts, if you want to run and skip your way down the trail it's a blast
Rating Categories MSR Lightning Ascen... Tubbs Mountaineer -... Atlas Range-MTN - W... MSR Evo Trail Snows... TSL Symbioz Hyperfl... Crescent Moon Leadv... Tubbs Wilderness -... Tubbs Wayfinder - W... MSR Revo Explore -... Tubbs Xplore - Womens Atlas Montane - Wom... Atlas Race - Women's TSL Symbioz Hyperfl... Crescent Moon Eva Foam
Flotation (30%)
8.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
4.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
Traction (30%)
9.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
4.0
4.0
3.0
Walkability (20%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
9.0
9.0
2.0
Bindings (20%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
3.0
Specs MSR Lightning Ascen... Tubbs Mountaineer -... Atlas Range-MTN - W... MSR Evo Trail Snows... TSL Symbioz Hyperfl... Crescent Moon Leadv... Tubbs Wilderness -... Tubbs Wayfinder - W... MSR Revo Explore -... Tubbs Xplore - Womens Atlas Montane - Wom... Atlas Race - Women's TSL Symbioz Hyperfl... Crescent Moon Eva Foam
Measured Weight (per pair) 3.94 lbs 4.56 lbs 3.75 lbs 3.69 lbs 4.31 lbs 4.62 lbs 4.12 lbs. 3.5 lbs 3.75 lbs 3.37 lbs 4 lbs 2.19 lbs 1.5 lbs 3.62 lbs
Sizes Available 22", 25" 21", 25", 30" 22", 26" 22" 20.5", 23.5", 27" 29" 21", 25", 30" 21", 25" 22", 25" 21", 25" 23", 27" 22" One size 24"
Binding System Paragon Binding Active Fit 2.0 Wrapp MTN, Boa Fit Paraglide Symbioz telescopic bindings Cam buckle quick pull loop and ratchet heel strap Quick-Fit binding Custom Wrap 2.0 Boa Fit HyperLink QuickPull Wrapp Swift Binding Z-Speed Race Straps and buckle Velcro hook and loop binding
Frame Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Martensitic steel Composite, carbon reinforcements Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Martensite steel Aluminim Aluminum Aluminum Composite Dual density EVA foam
Measured Surface Area 143.0 in² 157.5 in² 143.0 in² 162.8 in² 127.1 in² 209.8 in² 156.1 in² 157.5 in² 147.4 in² 157.5 in² 154.1 in² 154.0 in² 136.4 in² 136.0 in²
Measured Dimensions 7.25 x 22 sq in 8.5 x 21 sq in 6.75 x 22 sq in 8 x 22 sq in 7.5 x 20.5 sq in 9.5 x 29 sq in 8 x 21 sq in 8 x 21 sq in 8 x 22 sq in 8 x 21 sq in 8 x 23 sq in 8 x 22 sq in 8 x 22 sq in 8 x 20 sq in
Binding Mount Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Static
Crampon DTX crampon Anaconda toe crampon
Python heel crampon
X-Trac toe crampon and traction rails Steel traction rails Stainless steel toe crampon and verticle blades 3 stainless steel crampon system featuring the climbing "toe" claw design Cobra toe and
Tubbs heel crampon
Recreational carbon steel toe crampons
Tubbs Heel Crampon
Toe crampon Recreational carbon steel toe crampons
Tubbs Heel Crampon
All-Trac toe crampon, StabiLock rear traction Z-Trac 360 degree crampon, Atlas heel cleat Four studs, traction bar, and front teeth Ice spikes
Deck Material TPU coated Nylon Soft-Tec PVC-coated polyester Nytex nylon Polypropylene Composite Nylon Soft-Tec PVC-coated polyester Soft-Tec PVC-coated polyester Polypropylene Soft-Tec PVC-coated polyester Nytex nylon Nytex nylon Composite Dual Density EVA foam
Flotation Tails Available? Yes, 5" No No Yes, 6" No No No No Yes No No No No No
Load with Tails (per size) 22": up to 240 lbs
25": up to 270 lbs
N/A N/A 22" : up to 250 lbs N/A N/A N/A N/A 22": up to 240 lbs
25": up to 270 lbs
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Men's and Women's Versions? Yes Yes Yes Unisex Unisex Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Unisex Unisex Unisex
Optimum Weight Load (per size) 22": up to 180 lbs
25": 120-210 lbs
21": 80-150 lbs
25" 120-200 lbs
30": 170-250 lbs
22": 75-150 lbs
26": 120-200+ lbs
One size: 180 lbs 20.5": 65 - 180 lbs
23.5": 110 - 260 lbs
27": 150 - 300 lbs
One size: 200 lbs 21": 80-150 lbs
25": 120-200 lbs
30": 170-250 lbs
21": 80-150 lbs, 25": 120-200 lbs 22": up to 180 lbs
25": 120-210 lbs
21": 80-150 lbs 25": 120-200 lbs 23": 80-160 lbs
27": 120-200+ lbs
22": 75-190 lbs. One size: 90-220 lbs One size: 200 lbs
Size Tested 22" 21" 22" 22" 20.5" 29" 21" 21" 22" 21" 23" 22" One size 24"


Best Overall Snowshoe for Women


MSR Lightning Ascent - Women's


85
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Flotation 8.0
  • Traction 9.0
  • Walkability 9.0
  • Bindings 8.0
Measured Weight: 3.94 lbs | Weight Load: 210 lbs (270 lbs with tails)
REASONS TO BUY
Multi-terrain traction with 360-degree step grip
Natural stride in forward motion
Bindings are comfortable and versatile
Add-on flotation tails available
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Front of binding is hard to fasten with gloves on

The MSR Lightning Ascent is a versatile snowshoe built for all-terrain adventures. With ultra-grippy 360° traction, sleek ergonomics for a natural stride, and excellent bindings — not to mention the option for added flotation tails — this product is our favorite overall snowshoe. Whether you are ascending steep obstacle-ridden terrain down an icy hill or across a flat and well-traveled path, slippage is minimal, and the fit is comfy. The binding rotates almost 90 degrees from the deck, allowing for a natural stride when walking forward. We especially love the binding net, which offers the right amount of stretch for a very snug fit without any uncomfortable pinching or poking.

Although we have a minor complaint about the initial setup of the front bindings, which can be challenging to fasten with thick gloves, it's worth noting that if you wear the same boots, you won't need to readjust the straps. The Lightning Ascent is an exceptional snowshoe suitable for all forms of snowshoeing. However, it is more expensive when compared to other high-performing options in our lineup. Despite the challenging initial setup and the price point, we are confident in giving the Lightning Ascent top honors. It's perfect for casual day-trippers and week-long expeditions in the backcountry or peak bagging winter 14ers. If you are on a budget, the Tubbs Xplore is worth considering. The Xplores have great beginner-friendly performance at a wallet-happy price.

Read more: MSR Lightning Ascent review

We loved testing ups and downs with the incredible natural stride we found wearing the Lighting Ascents.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Best Bang for Your Buck


MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes


75
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Flotation 8.0
  • Traction 7.0
  • Walkability 7.0
  • Bindings 8.0
Measured Weight: 3.69 lbs | Weight Load: 180 lbs (250 lbs with tails)
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent traction
Bindings compatible with many types of boots
Add-on tails increase flotation
Decently lightweight
It does well on mountains for a beginner-friendly shoe
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller-framed folks have to widen their gait
Plastic decking is loud

The MSR Evo Trail 's simplistic design proves itself reliable and highly versatile. The Paraglide bindings fit a wide array of shoes and boots, so they are a good fit for almost any activity, from a family hike to packing up your snowboard for the next run. The shoe has aggressive and stabilizing traction suitable for every terrain but technical mountaineering. MSR made the enduringly popular Evo Trail with an ultra-durable single-piece plastic decking. According to our testers, even the prototypes of this MSR version from the 90s are still in excellent condition. The Evo Trail has the option to add flotation tails, which are easy to install when you want to float in deep powder. With the addition of these tails, the float improves significantly. This lightweight snowshoe is a reliable and comfortable choice to get you from point A to point B without any issues.

The Evo Trail shoe is a unisex shoe that most of our testers found highly comfortable and easy to walk in. However, those with a narrow gait might need to widen their stride. We like the binding system, but it can take a moment to find the right fit in the large footpads when you first wear the shoe. Pay attention to foot placement on the deck before tightening the straps to optimize performance and comfort. And during field testing, we found the decking material can produce loud noise, especially on packed and crusty snow. Nevertheless, if you want a simple, versatile, and long-lasting shoe, finding this quality at a better price will take a lot of effort. If you're looking for a quick shoe to throw on for the groomed trails, the Crescent Moon Eva Foam is worth considering. These ultralight foam snowshoes aren't great in the deep powder but are handy if you plan on running in the snow.

Read more: MSR Evo Trail review

The MSR Evo is great for beginners and pros as it can handle powder and hardpack.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Most User-Friendly Design at a Moderate Price


Tubbs Wilderness - Women's


69
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Flotation 7.0
  • Traction 6.0
  • Walkability 7.0
  • Bindings 8.0
Measured Weight: 4.12 lbs | Weight Load: 250 lbs
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable and easy-to-use bindings
Carbon steel toe crampons and trail-appropriate traction
Budget model with heel lifters
Quiet
REASONS TO AVOID
Wide frame may feel bulky
No perimeter teeth

Are you looking for a snowshoe that offers excellent balance, comfort, and user-friendly features for day hiking? The Tubbs Wilderness snowshoe is perfect for casual hikers, offering decent flotation, beginner-friendly bindings, and functional accessories like heel lifters. At a bargain price, its bindings have everything you need in a user-friendly snowshoe: they are ultra-comfortable, non-slip, and easy to put on and take off, even with bulky gloves or mittens. The Quick-Fit binding provides easy entry and exit and evenly tensioned support for all-hike-long comfort. The hollow aluminum Fit-Step 2.0 Frame is lightweight, durable, and tractioned enough for most terrains.

While the Tubbs Wilderness's traction is suitable for gentle terrain or powder. If you're interested in more technical mountaineering, the Tubbs Mountaineer is more suitable. The Wilderness's tubular frame and mid-range-traction crampons are slippery on steep slopes. Many snowshoe models include jagged teeth that run the length of the shoe, and when wearing the Wilderness in steep terrain, we miss the side-stepping and descent security perimeter teeth afford. However, it is one of the only budget and beginner models with heel lifters, reducing calf fatigue when hiking uphill. The Wilderness is a well-rounded and featured option for those seeking comfort and easy use on a budget.

Read more: Tubbs Wilderness review

The QuickFit bindings make it a breeze to get in and out of the Tubbs Wilderness snowshoes.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Best for All-Terrain and Peak Bagging Adventures


Atlas Range-MTN - Women's


79
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Flotation 6.0
  • Traction 9.0
  • Walkability 8.0
  • Bindings 9.0
Measured Weight: 3.75 lbs | Weight Load: 200 lbs
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent for varied terrain
Tester favorite bindings for ease and comfort
Easy to adjust when on the move
Aggressive traction and mobility for steep terrain
Large crampon and traction rails
Pivot limiter for a natural stride
REASONS TO AVOID
Mediocre flotation
Expensive

The Atlas Range-MTN is a lightweight and precise snowshoe, excellent for women with smaller hips who love to play in all-terrain or enjoy winter peak bagging. It features an easy-to-use BOA binding system and a smooth Nytex Infinity Decking that sheds snow with every step. The snowshoe's design is optimized for energy conservation and step precision, making it ideal for challenging alpine environments. The flexible decking and tapered aluminum frame provide decent flotation, but the Range-MTN performs best in step precision on crusty, slick snow at steep angles. The snowshoe's tapered shape promotes an organic stride, making it an excellent option for people with narrow hips. The pivot limiter, maneuverable frame, and top-of-the-market traction make it suitable for all-terrain, but it is popular among our testers for exploring wild and steep mountains.

The Range-MTN is a top-tier snowshoe with a price to match, so if you are not looking to invest, you may want to explore some of our more budget-friendly options. A downside of the frame's mobility is that it sacrifices floatation, and this snowshoe provides mediocre float, especially in deep powder. Without flotation tail add-ons, we have better options for carrying heavy loads or winter backcountry trips in more bottomless powder, like the Tubbs Wayfinder. This snowshoe is an excellent choice if you want a 'catch-all' snowshoe that can take you from heavily trafficked trails to steep mountainsides, especially if you have technical winter climbs in mind.

Read more: Atlas Range-MTN review

Atlas delivers on all fronts with the Range-MTN, including secure bindings, lightweight maneuverability, and 360-degree traction control.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Best for Easy Walking


Crescent Moon Leadville 29 - Women's


72
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Flotation 8.0
  • Traction 6.0
  • Walkability 8.0
  • Bindings 7.0
Measured Weight: 4.62 lbs | Weight Load: 200 lbs
REASONS TO BUY
Encourages a natural stride
Sheds snow effectively
Three-crampon system for great traction
REASONS TO AVOID
Subpar float
Only supports 200 pounds
Bulky heel lift

Between its aggressive teardrop shape and unique three-crampon traction system, the Crescent Moon Leadville 29 makes walking easy on most terrain. The tapering of this snowshoe helps keep you from stepping on your feet. Although it is one of the heavier snowshoes in our lineup, it has one of the most significant surface areas, making it one of the best balances of flotation and walkability in different snow conditions. This snowshoe is an excellent choice if you want a casual commuter for walking as close to your normal gait as possible through packed terrain or deep snow. For those who value local production, Crescent Moon is a garage-grown, three-generation family company from snowy Colorado. The website says this model is “Designed by a woman, for women, who hike like women.” Our testers agreed that our hips loved the easy stride of the Leadville 29.

Many snowshoes offer sizes or clip-on tails to support the extra weight you often have to carry in the winter, but the Leadville 29 recommended capacity caps out at 200 pounds, so make sure to factor in your clothing and gear. The weight capacity isn't a strict cap, but the float will suffer if exceeded. Another downside of this snowshoe is its heel lift. Most snowshoes have a small bar that is simple and easy to deploy, while this shoe has a bulky, removable plastic lift that is easy to lose. Overall, the Leadville 29 is an excellent choice if you value incredible walkability in all snow conditions. Looking to get moving a little quicker? The TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Racing are ultralight and allow for quick movements.

Read more: Crescent Moon Leadville 29 review

The Leadville 29 has a steeply angled body, providing a more natural stride.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Best for Backcountry Powder


Tubbs Mountaineer - Women's


79
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Flotation 8.0
  • Traction 7.0
  • Walkability 8.0
  • Bindings 9.0
Measured Weight: 4.56 lbs | Weight Load: 250 lbs
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable and mitten-friendly bindings
Carbon steel crampons
Superior flotation
Durable
Quiet
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky, wide-frame
Lacks perimeter teeth
Heavy

Deep powder? One of our top snowshoes for flotation, the Tubbs Mountaineer, is a hardy snowshoe ready to pioneer trails in virgin backcountry powder. Capable of hefting more weight than most snowshoes, it is ideal for carrying a loaded winter pack ranging from 80 to 250 pounds. The Soft-Tec decking covers a wide surface area in its aluminum Pro-Step frame, forming a small dome with each step that ensures excellent flotation in varied snow conditions. The aggressive toe and heel crampons provide suitable traction on deep, although they could use more lateral traction for technical terrain. The Mountaineer's design allows for a natural stride, with decking and hinges that efficiently shed snow as you walk. The Mountaineer is an excellent choice if you're planning a winter wonderland camping trip and want a snowshoe that can get you off the beaten path.

While it tops the charts for flotation, the traditional tubular frame of the Mountaineer is slippier than we would like on technical terrain and descents. It is our favorite choice for backcountry travel, but consider a more techy shoe if you aim to tackle alpine mountaineering. The other downside of this shoe is that it is heavy, which can contribute to fatigue or cost you some grams if you are a hyperlight fast packer. Instead, the lightweight, spring-loaded Atlas Race is best for those quick trekkers. However, few snowshoes will give you durability, well-rounded performance, and above-average float you can trust in the wilderness.

Read more: Tubbs Mountaineer review

Headed into the powder zones? The Tubbs Mountaineer will have you floating above it all.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Excellent Balance of Traction and Stride


TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite - Women's


73
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Flotation 4.0
  • Traction 9.0
  • Walkability 9.0
  • Bindings 8.0
Measured Weight: 4.31 lbs | Weight Load: 300 lbs
REASONS TO BUY
Incredible traction
Bindings fit a wide variety of boots
Allows for a natural stride
Above-average stride ergonomics
Shock-absorbing, flexible decking
REASONS TO AVOID
Sub-par flotation
Heavy
Bulky bindings

If you love hiking on packed trails during winter, you should know that not all snowshoes are designed for backcountry trekking through deep snow. The TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite is an ideal shoe for packed or groomed trails where deep, powdery snow is no issue. Thanks to the Elite's highly textured underside, which features eight curved stainless steel teeth and a large metal toe crampon, it provides premium traction. The snowshoe's unique binding system is also adjustable and comfortable for various winter footwear styles. The highly flexible decking gives an ergonomic spring to your footfall, and the frame's curves match those of your feet, making it unmatched stride ergonomics. This shoe redefines comfortable walking stride in the snowshoe world.

The Symbioz Elite is an excellent choice for icy or packed terrain. However, their unmatched walkability suffers in flotation. These snowshoes lack the decking to provide adequate floatation in deep powder, and they are heavy for their smaller profile. Their mid-range flotation performance shouldn't stop you from trying one of the most walker-friendly snowshoes on the market if you mainly plan to use them on recreational trails, such as the Atlas Range-MTN. Overall, the Symbioz Elite is a terrific choice for the adventurer who'd rather stay on the path than off it.

Read more: TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite review

It's easy to get moving with the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite's flexible build.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Weight Loads
The weight loads mentioned here are for the particular size we tested. Most of these snowshoes offer multiple sizes or even unisex versions that accommodate weights anywhere from 80 to 300 pounds.

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
85
MSR Lightning Ascent - Women's
Best Overall Snowshoe for Women
$390
Editors' Choice Award
79
Tubbs Mountaineer - Women's
Best for Backcountry Powder
$280
Top Pick Award
79
Atlas Range-MTN - Women's
Best for All-Terrain and Peak Bagging Adventures
$320
Top Pick Award
75
MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes
Best Bang for Your Buck
$170
Best Buy Award
73
TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite - Women's
Excellent Balance of Traction and Stride
$300
Editors' Choice Award
72
Crescent Moon Leadville 29 - Women's
Best for Easy Walking
$220
Top Pick Award
69
Tubbs Wilderness - Women's
Most User-Friendly Design at a Moderate Price
$220
Best Buy Award
65
Tubbs Wayfinder - Women's
$200
64
MSR Revo Explore - Women's
$270
63
Tubbs Xplore - Womens
$150
63
Atlas Montane - Women's
$250
57
Atlas Race - Women's
$320
52
TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Racing - Women's
$210
31
Crescent Moon Eva Foam
$170

snowshoes womens - we feel joy walking on pure snow where nobody else but a quiet...
We feel joy walking on pure snow where nobody else but a quiet snowshoe hare has left footprints.
Credit: Kate Pitts

How We Test Snowshoes


We strive to test all our snowshoes objectively by pushing each to their limits. To begin our process, we research the best contenders on the market and select only the creme-de-la-creme. After the research period, we hike through varied snow terrains, from icy and groomed to steep or fluffy and deep, evaluating key metrics along the way. After thoroughly investigating the bindings and traction systems, we strapped the snowshoes on for in-field tests. We hiked over hardpack, powder, steep slopes, and rolling hills. Through this, we measured how deep we sunk in and noted how each stride felt. We compile our findings from objective observations, measurements, and personal experiences to provide a comprehensive and in-depth review. Our unbiased approach means purchasing every piece of gear at full retail before testing it to the max in real-world scenarios. We hope that our recommendations will assist you in finding the perfect fit.

We divide our snowshoe testing into five rating metrics:
  • Flotation (30% of overall score weighting)
  • Traction (30% weighting)
  • Walkability (20% weighting)
  • Bindings (20% weighting)

During our tests, we hiked around, assessing comfort and measuring the depth at which our snowshoes sunk.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Why Trust GearLab


This review is brought to you by Outdoor Gear Lab Review Author Kate Pitts. For a decade, Kate worked as an educator, search and rescue professional, and backcountry ranger for the National Park Service. She first fell in love with snowshoeing on a ranger-led snowshoe program in Rocky Mountain National Park, which inspired her to gear up for the winter ascents of multiple Colorado 14ers. In her former role as a Park Ranger naturalist for Bryce Canyon National Park, Kate led guided snowshoe hikes to people visiting from all over the world. She loved helping beginners feel comfortable and sharing winter ecology. Her biggest pro tip is to check for guided Park Ranger snowshoe programs whenever you visit the National Park's winter wonderlands. Joining Kate is Senior Review Editor Hayley Thomas. Hayley has been living in Colorado for almost 15 years, and in that time, her love of the outdoors has grown exponentially. Her favorite sport is climbing, but it doesn't stop there. You can find her on the slopes in the winter and on her bike in the summer. When she's not spending time in the mountains, she is probably taking acro yoga photos in the city or skating around the park with her dogs. Hayley brings a wealth of experience to this review, providing comparisons and identifying key features along the way.

Our test involves miles of hiking in various winter conditions.
Our test involves miles of hiking in various winter conditions.
We tested our snowshoes in the snows of different ranges in the...
We tested our snowshoes in the snows of different ranges in the Rocky Mountains.
With days in the snowfields, we have a good grip on which snowshoes...
With days in the snowfields, we have a good grip on which snowshoes will stick around because of high performance. The Montane has better traction than most tubular snowshoes.
We roamed the snow-covered landscapes of the Rocky Mountains to discover the best snowshoes on the market.

How to Pick the Best Snowshoes


Before you make a decision on a pair of snowshoes, you'll want first to take in a few key considerations. Location, location, location. Where your outdoor dreams take you will need to match what your shoes can do. Read on to find out how to choose the best snowshoes for your plans.

Consider Where You'll Be Snowshoeing


Ultimately, when it comes to buying snowshoes, you'll want to consider where you plan on trekking. While some options are great for the entire mountain, others will be best suited for specific snow conditions. For groomed trails, you can get away with a less-technical option with non-aggressive crampons. These lightweight options will be your best bet if you plan on picking up the pace, though they won't float in deep powder. For fluffy snow that you'd otherwise sink into, choose a snowshoe that scores high in our floatation tests. These often have wider decks that can handle more weight.

snowshoes womens - lightweight options, like the moon eva, are great for running on...
Lightweight options, like the Moon Eva, are great for running on hard snowpack.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Anytime ice is involved, say crossing a frozen lake, you'll want to be equipped with sharp crampons that keep you from sliding. Otherwise, you'll need to doff and don microspikes, which isn't ideal with chilly hands. If your path is leading you towards icy trails, keep the crampons in mind. Those with larger and more jagged edges will help keep you from sliding around.

If hiking on steep slopes is in your itinerary, consider a shoe with a heel lift. This small piece of metal or plastic raises up to keep your feet adjacent to the slope, reducing strain on your calves. This can greatly impact your day out, but not all snowshoes have them. If any sort of steep slope is involved, you'll be thanking yourself that you chose an option with a heel lift.

The TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elites have more aggressive crampons that...
The TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elites have more aggressive crampons that can handle icy surfaces.
Heel lifts, like on the Atlas Range-MTN, can help keep your calves...
Heel lifts, like on the Atlas Range-MTN, can help keep your calves refreshed for the entire hike.
Aggressive crampons help keep you secure in icy conditions, where heel lifts can save your calves on steep climbs.


Why Are Bindings Important?


Bindings keep your feet securely fastened to the snowshoes. You want your feet to be as secure as possible, too. It is important to consider what type of winter shoe you wear. Is it a particularly large boot or one with a wide toe box? You'll want an option that can accommodate that, and the same goes for smaller boots. Not all bindings are created equal, and you never want to be caught with a broken strap. While different systems, like BOA, exist, the most important thing to ask yourself is, “Is my foot secure?” Swimming inside of your binding can cause a widened gait and strain on your body. Beyond this, some bindings are easy to get into and don't require you to remove your gloves to get strapped on, saving your hands from being exposed.

snowshoes womens - bindings keep your feet securely in place so you can travel further...
Bindings keep your feet securely in place so you can travel further in the snow.
Credit: Kate Pitts

How Are Women's Snowshoes Different?


While many snowshoes are unisex, plenty of female models exist. So, how are they so different? The bindings are designed to fit a smaller foot, while the frame is less wide and more tapered. This is done to accommodate a narrower gait. Is this all that important? Really, it comes down to your body and preferences. Different shoes have different weight limits, and the unisex options are often more generous. Keep in mind these weight capacities include your backpack too. If you don't have a narrow gait, you might opt for a non-woman-specific model. Though, if you have narrow hips or small feet, you might want to stick to one of these.

snowshoes womens - snowshoes allow you to venture further into the wilderness where...
Snowshoes allow you to venture further into the wilderness where you'd otherwise posthole or slip around.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Analysis and Test Results


We know that many outdoorsy folks trade their hiking boots in for ski boots during the winter. If you want to continue venturing out on foot during the snowy months, you've come to the right place to learn about snowshoes. Are you curious about snowshoeing but don't know where to start? Are you wondering about the best options for women? Well, we're here to help. The right pair of snowshoes can give you access to a whole new world of snowy adventures that would otherwise be inaccessible during winter.


What's the Best Value?


The models we tested range in price from not-too-bad to wallet-emptying, making it hard to tell the sweet spot of performance and cost. Comparing the overall score from our tests to the retail price is a great place to start.

For excellent performance without breaking the bank, check out the MSR Evo, which offers a unibody deck and frame made of a single plastic piece and has stellar traction for all terrains except the most technical slopes. The Tubbs Wilderness is also a reasonably priced model with excellent all-around performance and outstanding binding. It is a budget model with a heel lifter that can save your calves during uphill hiking. If you have more money to spend or a more serious objective, the MSR Lightning Ascentand Atlas Range-MTN outperform other options in our test suite in almost all our testing criteria. They are well-rounded snowshoes that can take you from icy rolling hills to steep technical terrain — a worthy purchase at a fair price for what you get.

snowshoes womens - stacked up to competitors, the msr evo trail offers a balance of...
Stacked up to competitors, the MSR Evo Trail offers a balance of grip, ease of use, take-you-anywhere traction, and versatility at a hard-to-find price.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Flotation


The term flotation conjures up images of hovering above the snow like walking on water. While hover-shoes might be the snow tech of the future, flotation is the most critical metric for today's snowshoes because it measures their ability to keep you lifted above the snow table. The better the float, the less you posthole. To appreciate how snowshoes open up new terrain, you can experimentally remove your snowshoe and see how far your leg sinks. You could easily find yourself sinking to your knees, thighs, or even farther in loose powder. Flotation is an ancient snowshoe technology that mimics a snowshoe hare's oversized feet ambling across winter's shifting ocean of frozen water. The superpower of float allows you to hike into terrain that would otherwise be impassable, which is why we weigh this metric more heavily than any other testing point.


Various factors affect efficient flotation, including snowshoes' surface area, shape, design, and weight. Different types of snow require different flotation capabilities. Light, fluffy, unpacked snow will make you sink deeper than dense, wet, or packed snow. The longer and broader the shoe, the more it will help you float. However, snowshoes with a larger surface area can also be heavier or more difficult to walk in. If you hike in varied terrain and need to float through deep snowdrifts while being agile on a packed trail, you should look for snowshoes with optional add-on flotation tails.

snowshoes womens - we test the tracks of each snowshoe side by side to see what sinks...
We test the tracks of each snowshoe side by side to see what sinks and what swims.
Credit: Kate Pitts

When selecting a snowshoe, it is crucial to consider the different sizes available. To ensure you choose the correct size, you should calculate your weight and any gear you carry. Calculating “weight carried” will make a significant difference in achieving optimal flotation, especially if you are pioneering trails for overnights in the snow. Luckily, the Tubbs Mountaineer has one of the highest load capacities and offers some of the best flotation in our lineup, making it our top pick for hauling a heavy pack into the backcountry.

snowshoes womens - the mountaineer is super comfortable and keeps you afloat in the...
The Mountaineer is super comfortable and keeps you afloat in the deepest snowpack.
Credit: Kate Pitts

With its long frame, the Leadville 29 has the most expansive surface area in our lineup and one of the easiest strides through powder fluff.

snowshoes womens - with the widest surface area of any snowshoe, the leadville 29...
With the widest surface area of any snowshoe, the Leadville 29 easily traverses between groomed trails and powder pits.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Tubbs Xplore and Tubbs Wayfinder are also high performers for flotation. The SoftTec decking mounted on the tubular frames is durable and lightweight.

The decking of the Tubbs Xplore forms a slight convex dome that...
The decking of the Tubbs Xplore forms a slight convex dome that packs snow underfoot and boosts flotation..
Traditional tubular frames like the Tubbs Wayfinder often have good...
Traditional tubular frames like the Tubbs Wayfinder often have good flotation because of their larger surface area and hinged bindings engineered to dump snow as you walk.
The SoftTec decking works with the hinges to shed snow.


We love the innovative Rotating Toe Cord on the Tubbs Wilderness, which allows the tail of the snowshoe to drop when you take a step, shedding snow with ease. The hinged binding improves flotation but also will enable you to conserve energy.

snowshoes womens - the rotating toe cord of the wilderness prevents snow from snapping...
The rotating toe cord of the Wilderness prevents snow from snapping up.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The MSR Revo Explore and MSR Evo are decent on their own, but with the addition of tails, you can add 5 inches of length to optimize performance if powder or add weight to your pack. MSR sells flotation tails for all of our MSR models separately, but it's an efficient float booster if you want to navigate all different types of snow.

snowshoes womens - we were pleasantly surprised at the improvement in flotation once we...
We were pleasantly surprised at the improvement in flotation once we added the optional tails!
Credit: Hayley Thomas

Both the Lightning Ascent and the Evo Trail offer the mobility of a trim frame and the versatility of on-demand-float with flotation tails you can easily attach during your hike.

snowshoes womens - the msr evo trail floats in powdery snow, and additional tails can...
The MSR Evo Trail floats in powdery snow, and additional tails can be purchased for less sinking.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Lightning Ascent is one of our favorites for flotation in deep snow, and what we appreciate most is how comfortable and confident we felt in both deep and packed snow. Sometimes, a snowshoe will have excellent float or traction, but the tradeoff is that their crampons can feel overly sticky in groomed areas. Despite the narrow decking on the Lightning (which allows for an organic stride), it retains its ability to stay high on fresh snow.

snowshoes womens - the lighting ascent showing off its stellar floatation.
The Lighting Ascent showing off its stellar floatation.
Credit: Hayley Thomas

Traction


It is essential to have reliable traction regardless of the terrain you are on; you need to know that you can trust your feet. To test the traction, we assess each snowshoe's ability to climb and descend steep slopes, go over long rolling hills, and cross icy flatlands.


Determining the stick of a snowshoe depends on various factors, such as the presence of side rails or traction bars, the general tread on the underside of the shoe, and the crampons. It can be challenging to decide which model is the best fit just by looking at it because there is a lot of variation among the available options. Shoes designed for steeper climbing usually have more aggressive crampons, particularly at the toe, and also have lateral traction bars. Heel lifts are common for any model intended for steep hills. Although most shoes in our test suite offer excellent traction, some stand out from the rest.

snowshoes womens - top award winners like the lightning ascent offer 360-degree...
Top award winners like the Lightning Ascent offer 360-degree traction control, which you can see if the frame has spikes along most of the perimeter and is reinforced with traction bars or spikes that run across the foot of the frame.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Range-MTN has serrated aluminum traction rails around the perimeter and an aggressive X-Trac Toe Crampon, which grips packed snow and ice and is one of your most secure options for technical mountaineering.

snowshoes womens - the 360-degree grip and aggressive crampons on the range-mtn keep...
The 360-degree grip and aggressive crampons on the Range-MTN keep you placed exactly where you step.
Credit: Kate Pitts


The Hyperflex Elite looks like a gladiator weapon due to the eight fang-shaped stainless steel crampons and massive toe crampons, which provide a high level of confidence regardless of how slick and icy the terrain is. Additionally, the decking is very flexible, allowing it to have more contact with the ground and nail in its spikes with the pressure of your step. The composite decking reinforces the initial bite of the spikes with cleats, teeth, and tiny grooves around the perimeter, ensuring maximum traction on any terrain.

snowshoes womens - the large crampon spikes on the hyperflex elite keep you from...
The large crampon spikes on the Hyperflex Elite keep you from sliding around on slick terrain.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The patented 360 degree traction frame of the Lightning Ascent provides an edge-to-edge grip that noticeably improves your ability to traverse slopes and hills while the sharp teeth dig into packed snow and ice with ease. With this technology, you can easily navigate terrain with fallen trees, exposed rock, or black ice without any issues. Additionally, the massive crampon allows for an easy, slip-free descent.

snowshoes womens - formidable traction on the lightning ascent comes from toe crampons...
Formidable traction on the Lightning Ascent comes from toe crampons, lateral traction rails, and the serrated frame itself.
Credit: Kate Pitts


The Mountaineer offers excellent traction, particularly in deep snow or when using the carbon steel Cobra Toe Crampon to kick steps. The Cobra features jagged teeth under the toes that point forward and backward, ensuring constant contact with the ground. It also has two rails with teeth angled backward that run parallel to the foot. However, like most tubular frames, it may slip on descents or side-hilling due to its slick nature and lack of lateral traction. For better downhill traction, we recommend putting weight into your forefoot to take advantage of the toe crampon.

snowshoes womens - the cobra toe crampon provides excellent grip on crusty snow, but be...
The Cobra Toe crampon provides excellent grip on crusty snow, but be careful on groomed trails as the oversized spikes may cause tripping hazards.
Credit: Kate Pitts


A few more honorable mentions here are the Atlas Montane, Revo Explore, and Evo Trail. We love the perimeter teeth on the Revo's ExoTract Deck, which are effective on angled traverses or steep ascents. The Montane's All-Trac toe crampon and serrated traction rails help you stomp through snow, ice, and other slippery obstacles.

snowshoes womens - we love the perimeter traction on the revo for security on slopes or...
We love the perimeter traction on the Revo for security on slopes or black ice.
Credit: Kate Pitts


Generally, the models with the best overall scores in our review have no slippage traction and impressive float. For example, the EvoTrail is known as a beginner-friendly and beginner model, yet it has burly side rails and traction bars. Even though it is not a mountaineering shoe, many testers found it suitable for steeper terrain.

snowshoes womens - though the evo trail is a beginner model, it has excellent traction...
Though the Evo Trail is a beginner model, it has excellent traction due to the jagged side rails.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Walkability


It's typical for traditional snowshoes to force the user to walk with a waddle similar to a duck's, pronate, or suffer shoes clicking together. This is because the focus is on creating a large surface area to improve floatation. Though floatation is essential, using your natural stride for comfort and efficiency makes you feel less sore at the end of a long day of snow play. While modern designs prioritize ease of walking, some women or petite individuals may still need to widen their gait to avoid tripping on their own feet. Certain companies have intentionally designed frames for a better balance of float and walkability, so we took careful note of our stride while testing.


We see a wide range of performances in this category, but our top scorers end up there because they are easy and pleasant to walk in. The Symbioz Elite snowshoes are designed to offer exceptional walkability and set new standards for premium stride ergonomics in snowy terrains. The composite frame's curves match those of your foot and, combined with its smaller profile, make it one of the easiest to walk in on a packed trail. What we love most is how the flexible decking adapts to the terrain; it is reinforced with carbon fiber inserts that provide a spring-like bounce to your step, propelling you forward with each stride.

snowshoes womens - with a slim and lightweight profile, the hyperflex elite feels...
With a slim and lightweight profile, the Hyperflex Elite feels natural to walk around in.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Atlas Race is incredibly fun to run in and out of our two racing models and offers more traction and comfortable binding straps. The Range-MTN offers a spring-loaded suspension to help propel you forward and keep up your speed, and its thin tapered frame is ideal for steep and icy terrain.

snowshoes womens - with the range- mtn's, we found it easy to move freely as we jogged...
With the Range- MTN's, we found it easy to move freely as we jogged around on the Continental Divide.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Speed demons should consider the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Racing, which, at 1 lb 8 oz measured for the pair, is by far the lightest in our review and felt so ultralight, so you hardly feel them on your feet. It is good to see hyperlight technology coming into the snowshoe world, and our market research found they are a favorite of winter runners and triathletes.

snowshoes womens - the tsl symbioz hyperflex racing stays tight against the foot like a...
The TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Racing stays tight against the foot like a trail runner, making it easy to fly in on groomed trails, although not the best option for powder.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Leadville 29 is a specialized shoe designed to cater to a narrower female stride. The unique teardrop shape of the shoe is specially crafted to mimic the curves of your foot, enabling you to walk without worrying about stepping on your toes. The shoe is well-balanced with ample float, making it an excellent choice for maintaining happy hips on groomed trails and deep snow.

snowshoes womens - the large surface area of the leadville 29 glides through powder but...
The large surface area of the Leadville 29 glides through powder but also walks easily on groomed trails.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Tubbs Wilderness and Mountaineer are also worth mentioning here. The Fit-Step 2.0 Frame has an upturned tail and some nice curves to help encourage you to walk normally. Our market research found that the Wilderness is popular among heavier users and supports one of the broadest weight ranges. The Rotating Toe Cord with Rotation Limiter lets the shoe fall from the ball of your foot, dumping snow, providing shock absorption, and helping you save energy when you are miles away from coffee or hot cocoa.

The binding features a Rotating Toe Cord which causes the tail of the snowshoe to drop and dump snow as you move. Let the shoe lighten your step!
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Evo Trail is a unisex snowshoe but its smaller frame is highly mobile. Petite women may have to widen their gait slightly. The biggest impact on walking experience is snowshoes with a plastic decking can be louder on the trail.

snowshoes womens - being a unisex model, the evo feels great for most strides, but...
Being a unisex model, the Evo feels great for most strides, but petite women may have to widen their gate slightly.
Credit: Matthew Blake


The Lightning Ascent is lightweight and has narrow decking, allowing for a normal stride for even the most petite users. Its smaller frame allows for precise steps in technical terrain. Keep in mind that a narrower deck means less surface area, which can affect flotation — we found this to be an issue with the Symbioz Elite, but not with the impressive Lightning Ascent.

snowshoes womens - the lightning ascent is a highly versatile shoe, ready to tackle the...
The Lightning Ascent is a highly versatile shoe, ready to tackle the groomed runs or peaks.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Bindings


Flotation and traction are essential for snowshoes, but it's equally important to feel secure and comfortable while wearing them. Snowshoe bindings come in various designs, ranging from malleable, stretchy rubber to stiff snowboard binding-style straps. A good binding system should inspire confidence, be durable, and feel comfortable. Doubts about the security and comfort of binding systems can ruin an enjoyable outing and even require repairs in remote areas.


The BOA Fit System has been in existence since 2001. However, it appears that the snowshoe industry has only recently embraced it, which is a fantastic development. This system allows for even tightening of the binding across the front of the foot using a simple twist of a knob. To loosen the binding, all you have to do is pop the knob out and pull your binding up. The Atlas Range-MTN offers one of our test suite's most comfortable, easy-to-use, and easy-to-adjust snowshoes.

snowshoes womens - the boa fit system is hard to beat when it comes to ease of use...
The BOA Fit System is hard to beat when it comes to ease of use, allowing you to tighten the bindings with a simple twist of a knob.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Tubbs Mountaineer snowshoe features a unique and comfortable binding system called Active 2.0. Tightening it requires two hands, while loosening it requires just one. The system has two tabs that distribute tension evenly across the front of the foot and a locking heel strap that provides excellent security.

No need to take off your gloves with the Tubbs Mountaineer. The bindings release with a quick pull mechanism.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Tubbs Wilderness features one of the most accessible bindings for beginners to take on and off efficiently. The straps are easy to adjust, even with gloves, and the control wings and padded forefoot straps offer great support and comfort. The Symbioz Elite is the most customized and “true-to-fit” binding setup, and it's all about dialing in your “pre-set” perfect fit. The initial setup can take time, so we recommend doing it at home with the instruction manual before your first hike. The toe and ankle ratchet straps quickly tightened and loosened, but the sole of the binding is also adjustable, like many ski fittings, for the precise length of your boot. The secure binding works with the flexibility of the decking and crampons to provide a unique sense of feeling the terrain underfoot. The unique feature is that the heel lifter comes down from your heel instead of being flipped up from the decking, winning the gold medal for the easiest heel lifter to engage with a trekking pole. Honestly, we had so much fun in this futuristic fit.

The TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite has a customizable fit that helps keep these snowshoes secure.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Lightning bindings take on a slightly more retro approach, but the mesh web gives all-day comfort when appropriately tightened. The front toe bucket is still a little challenging to adjust with thick mittens, but we didn't need to adjust the toe box after the initial fitting. This leaves just the back strap to fasten each time you slip on Lightnings, which is manageable with gloves. The straps are stretchy and do not stiffen in the cold winter air, which allows the user to get their boots strapped in tightly without any pinching or poking. The front toe bucket is form-fitting and keeps the foot from sliding around while both ascending and descending. We felt secure trekking around in the Lightning, even on steep descents.

The MSR Lightning has a toe basket that helps keep your foot secure.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Tubbs Wayfinder is an excellent beginner snowshoe that rocks the easy-to-use BOA binding. You step in, make adjustments to the heel if necessary, and twist the knob to adjust the whole fitting. The only downside is they are too tight to accommodate oversized boots.

snowshoes womens - step, twist, and go! the tubbs wayfinder is a comfortable and...
Step, twist, and go! The Tubbs Wayfinder is a comfortable and beginner-friendly snowshoe.
Credit: Kate Pitts

We love how the Atlas Montane is very comfortable and fits the boot snugly from all sides, although the straps can feel a little sloppy. This model also has a ratcheting back heel strap that is easy to tension perfectly.

snowshoes womens - though the straps don't tuck away nicely, the montane's roller...
Though the straps don't tuck away nicely, the Montane's roller buckles allow for easy entry.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Evo Trail binding system is both versatile and secure, but it is important to ensure it is fastened correctly. Its long straps make it easy to pair with a wide range of footwear. The Paraglide binding system may require more effort to tighten compared to other modern fastening systems like the BOA. However, it distributes tension evenly across the forefoot, ensuring security and comfort regardless of the type of footwear used. The rubber toe net commonly used on modern MSR models is one of the most comfortable systems for covering long distances and enduring tough conditions.

The MSR Evo Trail bindings are straightforward to use, and the keeper straps keep them secure and tidy.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Leadville 29 offers an easy single-loop pull system for the forefoot and mitten-friendly ratchet heel strap. It is one of the most accommodating for oversized boots, making it an excellent choice for snowboarders hiking up to a run.

snowshoes womens - the toe cage is comfortable and flexible.
The toe cage is comfortable and flexible.
Credit: Matthew Blake

The Crescent Moon Eva Foam is one of the most unintimidating strap systems because of its Velcro bindings. However, we question the material's durability and stick in wintery conditions as we noticed the Velcro can get clogged in the snow.

snowshoes womens - easy peasy velcro straps, just keep them clear of snow before...
Easy peasy Velcro straps, just keep them clear of snow before strapping.
Credit: Kate Pitts

The Lightning and the Leadville 29 bindings are not bulky and allow you to pack and carry the snowshoes easily while you shred the slope or hike on patches of dry trail.

The bindings lay reasonably flat on the shoe, so we found it easy to...
The bindings lay reasonably flat on the shoe, so we found it easy to strap onto a day pack while snowboarding despite its length.
The bindings lay flat against the shoe, making it one of the easiest...
The bindings lay flat against the shoe, making it one of the easiest snowshoes to strap on your pack and carry.
If you think you will be carrying your snowshoes a lot, consider a pair with bindings that lay flat on the shoe.

Conclusion


The appropriate pair of snowshoes can grant hiking enthusiasts access to the most stunning locations throughout winter. There's nothing like breaking a trail across a field of fresh snow or through a serene forest. Finding a good pair of snowshoes can enhance your winter hiking adventures, whether you're looking to explore your backyard trails or venture deeper into the mountains for winter backpacking or alpine climbing missions. Our insights can help you consider the right size and shape for your individual trekking goals, and we hope that a pair from this lineup gives a satisfactory float to your winter season.

Kate Pitts and Hayley Thomas