The 5 Best Snowshoes of 2025

Best Overall Snowshoes

MSR Lightning Ascent

Uses: Fresh and spring snow, steep terrain | Weight Load: 120 - 220 lbs (25" model)

The stout MSR Lightning Ascent continues to lead our field of snowshoes, performing highly in nearly every metric during testing. It provides reliable traction on snow, ice, slush, and even the occasional bit of exposed rock. One of our testers joked, “If I'm slipping around while hiking in these, it's not the snowshoes' fault.” The Paragon binding system has been on the market for a while and has proven comfortable and secure in repeated tests. The binding on the Tubbs Mountaineer also features rubber straps but in a different configuration that's almost as easy to use. We liked most of the models we tested for one feature or performance area or another, but the Lightning Ascent brings it all together like no other contender. Another model we also like for steep and technical ground is the Tubbs Flex VRT, although they score a bit lower than the Ascent and have slightly less traction. However, some testers preferred the slightly flexible deck and BOA binding system of the VRT. It's also worth noting that the VRTs have a bit more surface area and cost less, making them an appealing option to consider.

Our only issue with the Lightning Ascent concerns the straps that control the rubber webbing securing the forefoot. The strap's tail seems unnecessarily short and that much harder to use when wearing bulky winter gloves. This won't be an issue if you're always using the same boots, but it makes size changes annoying, especially if you have bigger feet or bulky boots. One commented, “I wish these straps were just a couple of inches longer to make it easier to swap out my footwear when needed.” For that reason, some of our testers preferred the even simpler bindings of the MSR Evo Ascent, as they're compatible with any footwear. Aside from that shortcoming, this is our favorite model. If you have plans for fresh powder and want to increase surface area or accommodate a heavier load, the Ascent also has supplemental add-on tails available for purchase.

Read more: MSR Lightning Ascent review

High Performance Affordability

MSR Evo Trail

Uses: Spring snow and moderate terrain | Weight Load: up to 180 lbs

The MSR Evo Trail is a classic. They are affordable, easy to use, and offer good traction. The bindings are secure and can accommodate a wide range of boot sizes, and the compact design is relatively easy to strap to the outside of a pack. Our lead tester commented, “I can't imagine ice or snow ever being a problem with these simple bindings.” At just 3.7 pounds for the pair, they are one of the lightest options we tested — only slightly heavier than the lightest pair, the 3.5-pound Tubbs Flex STP. We really liked how quick and easy it was to put the Evo Trail on and take them off, making them a terrific choice for trails with mixed terrain.

The simplistic molded plastic decking of the Evo is not quiet, so if you only want the pristine sounds of nature, this pair won't be the best bet. The small deck doesn't provide a ton of flotation. While the traction is quite good for a trail model, winter travelers heading to the steepest of steep terrain should consider the MSR Lightning Ascent both for better traction and flotation. The Lightning is also one of the models that proved quickest to put on. If that's a bit too much of a price jump, click over to the MSR Evo Ascent. That model has all of the features of the Trail, plus a heel lifter and an extra strap across the forefoot for excellent binding security.

Read more: MSR Evo Trail review

Best on A Tight Budget

GoPlus

Use: Spring snow, groomed trails | Weight Load: 110 - 200 lbs (25" model)

Our testers were shocked that we could find a pair of snowshoes at such a low price. Thankfully for us, they're not made out of wood and dried animal guts - like something Jeremiah Johnson might have used. The GoPlus snowshoes have an aluminum frame with a soft plastic deck, which gives an average amount of flotation. A rigid plastic deck, like that found on the Tubbs Flex STP, provides more flotation in a similarly sized package. These come with hiking poles, which are very useful when snowshoeing. The bindings are not fancy but easy and fairly intuitive, though we still generally prefer models with rubber straps, like the Atlas Montane. You will also find a non-slip heel plate where your heel hits the snowshoe. This kept our feet positioned in the right place on the deck when the terrain got rugged during testing.

Speaking of rugged terrain, the GoPlus snowshoes aren't designed for it. The traction is mediocre, in part because of the frame-and-deck design. The tubular aluminum frame is smooth and slidey, and overall, this model feels even a bit sloppier than the others in the lineup. The traction teeth under your heel are pretty small. While the ratchet strap and buckles holding your forefoot in place are good, the nylon webbing and side-squeeze buckle for the heel aren't reliable on longer trips. “I generally don't find these to be as compatible with gloves or mittens as the rubber straps we found on pricier models,” says our lead tester. If you need more performance but are still on a budget, consider the MSR Evo Trail. These are a time-tested model and a tester favorite for their simple features. If you want to visit the steep and deep this winter, consider the Tubbs Flex VRT. This is an excellent snowshoe and sports the easy-to-use Boa binding.

Read more: GoPlus review

Best for Fresh Deep Snow

Crescent Moon Big Sky 32

Uses: Deep snow | Weight Load: up to 225 lbs

Flotation is critical for trail-breaking in deeper or soft snow. This is primarily a function of pounds per square inch, and larger models offer more flotation. With a length of 32 inches and a width of 10 inches, the Crescent Moon Big Sky 32 are the largest snowshoes we tested. They boast a whopping 256 square inches of measured surface area. The next best model for flotation, the Atlas Montane has about 20% less surface area. So it's no surprise that they float incredibly well in deep snow. Lead tester Ian McEleney commented, “I haven't yet come across a better-floating snowshoe that is also suitable for packed trails.” The Big Sky sports a comfortable and fairly user-friendly binding with rubber straps and buckles.

Our test team found that a lack of grip on the Big Sky 32s is no longer their Achilles heel, even if we still would not describe them as the best for traction. Our lead tester noted, “I think what they offer is fair for a model designed specifically for soft and deep — not so much steep — ground.” Check out the Tubbs Panoramic for more versatility. It comes in third second for flotation, but the hybrid binding connection lets you have a more natural stride on a variety of terrain. The MSR models do well in the flotation metric when the optional tails are attached, so they could be a good choice for those who only occasionally visit deeper snowpacks. Still, if your main priority is staying on top of deep, powdery snow, these are the snowshoes we recommend.

Read more: Crescent Moon Big Sky 32 review

Best for Trails

TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite

Uses: Groomed trails | Weight Load: 110 - 260 lbs (23.5" Medium model)

In the past, most snowshoes were primarily used by hardy mountain folk venturing far from the beaten path. Now that winter outdoor recreation has become hugely popular, many hikers are tramping on groomed trails or tracks where sinking into the snow isn't the main problem. The TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite provides excellent traction for firm or icy ground, “rolling” with your foot to adapt and grip with each step across varied terrain. If you're doing daily walks on hard-packed or heavy-use routes, especially early or late in the day when there is often more ice, these are a great choice. Dog walkers in snowy locales, this may be the pair for you.

When asked how the Symbioz snowshoes perform in heavy snow conditions, our lead tester quickly said, “I don't think most will love them in such high-winter conditions.” The Symbioz's deck is flexible and relatively small. While these qualities make for a pleasant experience hiking on hard-packed trails, they perform less well once the powder runs deep. Something like the Crescent Moon above will be better for fresh, deep snow. Or, while there's nothing else quite like the Symbioz in our lineup, the Tubbs Flex VRTs are another model with everything we want for big mountains and aren't terrible on trails. They've got more traction and flotation, but like the Symbioz, they also have an easy-to-use binding and flexible deck. Another favorite model for trails is also by Tubbs, the Flex STP. These have simple bindings, and though they lack the flotation for real wilderness exploration, they're much less expensive than the TSL.

Read more: TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	77	MSR Lightning Ascent Best Overall Snowshoes	$390
	72	Tubbs Flex VRT	$280
	69	Atlas Montane	$250
	63	MSR Evo Trail High Performance Affordability	$170
	61	Tubbs Mountaineer	$280
	60	Crescent Moon Big Sky 32 Best for Fresh Deep Snow	$220
	60	TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite Best for Trails	$300
	55	MSR Evo Ascent	$240
	54	Tubbs Panoramic	$270
	51	MSR Revo Explore	$270
	50	Tubbs Xplore	$150
	47	Tubbs Flex STP	$110
	41	Chinook Trekker	$116
	40	G2 Ratchet Binding	$96
	38	Retrospec Drifter	$90
	35	GoPlus Best on A Tight Budget	$60

Why Trust GearLab

We conducted hours of research into the current snowshoe market before selecting and purchasing (at full cost!) the models in this review for our side-by-side tests. Then, our in-field testing took place in the Sierra Nevada, Tetons, Colorado Rockies, and the Alaska Range. We made short approaches to technical ice climbs, taught winter mountaineering courses, climbed high peaks (including Denali), and strolled the local cross-country trails. We often traded models with our partners for their opinions, and we occasionally wore a different model on each foot for side-by-side comparisons. We noted each snowshoe's ability to handle various snow types and trail conditions and how easy they were to use.

Our snowshoe testing was based on five rating metrics:

• Flotation (30% of total score weighting)

• Traction (30% weighting)

• Walkability (20% weighting)

• Bindings (20% weighting)

Author and tester Ian McEleney is an AMGA certified Alpine Guide. He spends numerous days each year traveling on snow and has logged hundreds of thousands of vertical feet guiding while wearing snowshoes all over the country, including in the High Sierra and the Alaska Range. The foundation for this review was laid by Jediah Porter, an internationally licensed AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide. He has guided hundreds of clients in winter environments and helped them select the right gear and clothing for their trips. Together, these two make a testing team that's hard to beat.

Analysis and Test Results

Humans have been using snowshoes for thousands of years, and for good reason — walking through deep snow with only boots on your feet sucks. Most hikers enjoy three seasons: spring, summer, and fall. When the first big winter storm arrives, hiking gear gets packed away until next year. However, anyone who has trod in boots through deep snow knows that even the best boots can't keep you from ending up thigh-deep in snowshoe territory. Snowshoes allow you to stay atop the snow and require little skill beyond what any hiker of moderate experience and fitness is capable of. This is one of the reasons that snowshoeing is one of the fastest-growing winter sports in America.

Finding the right pair for your swinter travel style can make all the difference in your enjoyment. There are a lot of different designs on the market. The big considerations, though, are the same across the board: frame size and shape, traction, binding compatibility with footwear, and application in specific terrain and snow conditions. Wide expanses of snow-covered terrain, local trails feet below the snow's surface, and mountains blanketed in white are all accessible with a little extra flotation. Snowshoes can extend your hiking season through the winter and expand access.

What's the Best Value?

Wondering which model offers the best ratio of overall performance to price? We compared the overall score from testing to the retail price for all products in this review. The MSR Evo Trail are versatile and perform well at a very reasonable price point. The GoPlus snowshoes don't score as high but do boast a shockingly low price (and the price includes poles). Alternatively, the MSR Lightning Ascent is the best available, but that quality and performance cost a big chunk of change.

Flotation

Flotation is how well you stay on the surface of the snow. Surface area (as measured in square inches) is the prime determinant of flotation, and more is better. The shape of a snowshoe also affects how well it floats. A wide, oval frame provides better flotation in deep snow than a narrow, tapered design. However, wider frames can feel pretty cumbersome underfoot. Some designs combine a tapered tail with a wide front to offer agility and flotation simultaneously. We tested flotation in different snow conditions, such as spring snow, groomed trails, and fresh powder with depths up to three feet.

A secondary characteristic that affects flotation is the rigidity of the deck. While a stiffer deck (or deck and frame combo) will provide better flotation, it's not as important of a consideration as surface area. A rigid deck may enhance flotation, but a more flexible one can be nicer to hike in. The models that excel best in deep snow have the widest frames and the longest tails. The biggest we tested is the Crescent Moon Big Sky 32, and it offers excellent flotation. It also has decent walkability for a snowshoe of its size.

The qualities that boost flotation can hinder an efficient stride — and vice versa. This can be particularly true on steep downhills or traverses. Hikers should consider which is more important for them. If you're heading into steep terrain or have alpine aspirations, you'll want to consider choosing a shorter option. The increased workload from sinking in a bit more is a small trade-off for more security and efficient travel on technical ground (or while bushwhacking). Those who recreate in regions with deep, dry winter snowpacks and gently rolling terrain should consider sizing up for easier travel.

The Atlas Montane and Chinook Trekker are our runners-up for the flotation metric. They have dimensions that provide a respectable amount of measured square inches underfoot. On top of this, the Montane and Trekker have traditional tubular frames, which make them quite rigid, meaning you can squeeze all the flotation out of every square inch.

The MSR Lightning Ascent is ideal for off-trail travel in deep snow with varying conditions. Others are bigger and float better, but the Lightning Ascent is excellent if you want something that can handle everything. And if you know you need more flotation, the Ascent has optional flotation tails available for purchase that make deep snow easy.

The TSL Symbioz Elite has an interesting convergence of features. It's the smallest model we tested, and it follows that we would expect poorer flotation — which is what we got. What isn't readily apparent is that the entire length is flexible, an attribute optimized for easy movement on hard and crusty snow. The downside is that your weight is focused in the middle, and the flotation ends up being even less than what we would expect of rigid models of the same size. For the terrain and conditions the Symbioz Elite is designed for, poor flotation shouldn't be an issue. Nonetheless, it is worth noting.

Traction

After flotation, traction is the most important consideration. Sliding around on slippery snow is irritating at best and could be dangerous. A versatile snowshoe will have a design that provides adequate traction in a variety of situations. We measured traction by testing each pair on steep and slick hillsides, intentionally trying to slip. We evaluated the stability and support gained from the grip on the bottom of each shoe.

All of the models tested here have some crampon-style teeth underfoot. While moving along groomed trails, the crampons dig in to keep you from shifting in your step. Lateral rails can add security on traverses. Tubular frames are naturally slippery and do not enhance traction. Models with a rail-like frame (like the Lightning Ascent and MSR Revo Explore) or a unibody plastic deck construction (like the Flex VRT and Evo Trail) can provide more traction with plastic fins and ridges molded into the deck. All other things being equal, we discovered that more metal teeth on the bottom of your snowshoe equals more traction.

The highest-rated traction systems in our review are on the MSR Lightning Ascent and TSL Symbioz Elite. The Lightning has crampons underfoot, and the frame is a rigid piece of serrated metal (not a tube) that improves traction no matter your direction of travel. The Symbioz Elite features aggressive metal spikes that are impressively sharp and confidence-inspiring.

Our runners-up in traction — the Tubbs Flex VRT, MSR Revo, MSR Evo Trail, and MSR Evo Ascent — have some things in common when it comes to traction. These pairs all sport aggressive crampon-style teeth under the forefoot, ridges molded into the deck, and longitudinal steel rails.

Walkability

Ideally, a snowshoe is a tool that facilitates winter travel and not something that forces hikers to relearn basic walking skills. Attaching “tennis rackets” to your feet will inevitably impede your stride, but there are ways to minimize this impediment. Smaller and lighter models have less of a “footprint” and are more nimble. Larger and heavier models, of course, are more cumbersome and clumsy. When it comes to performance, flotation and walkability often exist in opposition to each other.

A rigid, hinged connection between the binding and deck can lend stability and improve climber confidence when moving through technical terrain. Conversely, when faced with mellower terrain, a strapped, flexible connection between the deck and binding provides shock absorption and encourages a slightly more cushioned ride. The final factor to consider is the shape of the deck. A design's taper and asymmetry can help reduce the tripping hazard. However, a tapered shape can compromise flotation slightly.

We tried to evaluate the overall design and intention of the product before assessing the walkability of the binding/deck interface. The Lightning Ascent and Evo Ascent are designed for rugged terrain, so their hinged attachment is good. The Crescent Moon Big Sky 32 seems intended for lower-angled slopes, so a strapped attachment makes sense. However, this model's overall size and weight, though suited to deep snow, kept it from a high score in this metric.

The bulk of the features on the Atlas Montane seem to steer it toward technical terrain, except for the strapped, imprecise binding/deck interface and the unimpressive walkability. This generalization on the suitability of the different binding/deck interface options is subject to some opinion and debate. Our test team, with years of experience, agrees, but others may disagree. The Montane is a good choice if you prefer flexible straps for technical terrain.

Two models step out of this hinged/strapped paradigm. The Tubbs Panoramic and Tubbs Mountaineer have the same attachment system, a combination of strapped and hinged. Both offer an above-average stride.

Our best trail and firm conditions walking product, the TSL Symbioz Elite, is a bit of an outlier. With a small size and very flexible deck, we'd expect it to have great walkability. With a rigid hinged binding/deck attachment, we'd expect some of those advantages to be tempered. Defying our expectations, we had no issues with the trail walking of the Elite. For its intended purpose, it augments your stride better than any other in our test.

Another high scorer for this metric is the Tubbs Flex VRT. This snowshoe's feature set is suitable for steep and rugged terrain. Its moderate size makes it a bit more nimble, and the hinged deck-to-binding connection allows for more precise foot placements. The heel lifter is also a nod to steeper ground. Couple these with good traction, and this model is one of our favorites for movement on mountainous ground.

The MSR Evo Trail targets users entering more casual terrain, so the hinged binding/deck interface seems a detriment at first glance. On well-traveled or groomed trails, the short length and slightly tapered deck help compensate for this. Paradoxically, these are features we like for steep or technical situations, so their inclusion lends some versatility to this model.

The lightest of our bunch is the Tubbs Flex STP. These snowshoes weigh just 3.5 pounds for the pair. The Tubbs Xplore, MSR Evo Trail, and MSR Evo Ascentare closely behind with sub-four-pound weigh-ins. If you frequent trails with mixed terrain and spend part of the hike with your snowshoes strapped to your backpack, these are great options to keep your load light.

Bindings

If you are standing in a snowstorm and anxious to get on the trail, the last thing you want to be worried about is difficult buckles and straps that are challenging to use. We looked at how easy each model is to put on and adjust at any moment. We made these evaluations with and without gloves on. We counted how many steps are required to operate each binding — fewer is better. We also expect our snowshoes to stay firmly attached to our feet and be reasonably comfortable. The most comfortable bindings were sometimes the least secure and vice versa.

Easy-to-use binding systems can look very different from one another. The Symbioz Elite bindings are the most complicated to set up initially, but snap easily on and off once that initial setup is complete. The Lightning Ascent and Evo Trail feature a rubber “net” that goes over the forefoot. Once this is set up for your boot, it's pretty easy to wriggle your boot toe in and then crank down on the heel strap. The BOA systems of the Tubbs Flex VRT and Panoramic might seem gimmicky, but we found them to be easy to use and glove-friendly.

Our more experienced testers prefer the rubber, “pin-in-hole” style strap on their binding. These straps are durable and simple and conform to almost any footwear. Those new to snowshoeing (and winter activities in general) sometimes find that these straps require a bit of hard pulling to secure and have a learning curve. Others on our testing team (especially those with snowboarding experience) prefer a ratcheting strap, which, though a bit more complicated and maybe less durable, requires no exertion to get a snug fit.

The MSR Revo Explore sports ratcheting straps. These narrow straps don't inspire confidence, and both the nylon and ratchet straps are troublesome when things get icy. The MSR Lightning Ascent has two straps to hold the forefoot webbing in place. Our testers found that the short length of these straps made them difficult to grip, especially with gloves on.

A comfortable binding distributes its force over a wide area, which is especially noticeable when wearing softer boots. If your bindings create pinch points or need to be cinched uncomfortably tight to stay on, circulation to your foot may be reduced, which is the last thing you want when it's cold outside.

The Lightning Ascent and Evo Trail sport a secure setup that walks the line between security and comfort nicely. Several models, including the Montane and Flex VRT, have secure bindings padded with thin foam. This boosts comfort (and maybe warmth!) for all kinds of footwear.

How to Pick the Best Snowshoes

Setting aside our testing metrics, there are a few overarching questions to consider before you commit to a model. The more pragmatic and realistic your answers, the more likely you are to get the best snowshoes for the money for your specific needs.

What's the snow like?

Snow is not the same everywhere; fallen snow also changes character throughout the winter. Mid-winter, when the days are shorter and colder, snow can be soft and deep. Traction can be less of an issue, but flotation can be really important. This is especially true during or right after a storm. In late winter and early spring, more sun and warmer temperatures can lead to cycles of warm days and cold nights. The snow can be rock hard in the morning or in the shade but quite soft in the afternoon. Flotation is still important, but traction also becomes crucial.

Snow character also varies by location. Continental snowpacks, like those found in the Rocky Mountains, often have drier and softer snow. Once again, this makes flotation important. Maritime snowpacks - like you might find in the Pacific Northwest or New England - are often heavier and denser. Flotation still matters, but it may not be make-or-break criteria.

What's the terrain like?

Where do you expect to be using snowshoes? Are they just for accessing your winter vacation cabin when the driveway is snowy? Perhaps you're planning on some short day hikes with the family. Shorter trips and/or trips not far from the car ask less of our gear. And if you do have a problem, it's easier to bail.

Do you have an overnight trip in mind, or maybe a multi-day mini-expedition into the heart of your home mountains? Longer trips can mean a variety of terrain, so pick a model with a well-balanced performance. Longer trips usually mean a big pack, affecting the load you need the snowshoe to bear.

Steep, rocky, and mountainous terrain calls for a model with good traction and secure bindings. While binding security can still make a difference on more gentle ground, you should also consider walkability.

How Often Will I Be Snowshoeing?

We ask a lot of the gear that we use a lot. If you're using snowshoes once or twice a winter, it doesn't really matter that much if they're a pain to put on or if the traction could be better. When you're using them weekly (or more), that's a lot of time to spend with gear that isn't quite right. Occasional users can be a bit less discriminating and focus more on price. Regular winter hikers should be more picky and more willing to spend time and money to get the right model.

A Few Of Our Favorites For Specific Applications

• Deep snow: Crescent Moon Big Sky 32

• Spring snow: MSR Lightning Ascent, MSR Evo Trail, or Tubbs Flex VRT

• Groomed trails: TSL Symbioz Elite

• Steep terrain: Tubbs Flex VRT or MSR Lightning Ascent

• Sharing with family members or friends: MSR Evo Trail, GoPlus, or Chinook Trekker

Conclusion

A good pair of snowshoes can open up an entirely new world for hikers who only have experience in the summer. Instead of stomping through snow in search of a good mountain trail, you'll be able to float on top and get to places you never could before. Finding the best pair for your objectives or preferred price range can be puzzling, so we hope our review helps you narrow down the options so you can get out there faster and enjoy the snow.