10 Best Snowshoes for Adults and Kids in 2023

There’s nothing quite like hiking in winter. When your favourite trails are covered in a heavy white blanket. When the air is crisp and clean and undisturbed by the summertime haze. Hiking in winter has its challenges though. Every exhausting step you take puts you knee-deep in snow, you’re toes turn to ice, and slippery descents have you clinging to each available branch.

Don’t despair though, even in the midst of winter you can still go hiking in the great outdoors. All you need to do is attach a pair of snowshoes to your winter hiking boots, grab a set of hiking poles, and into the forest we go!

Snowshoes provide our feet with a greater surface area, thereby distributing our weight evenly and allowing us to walk on top of the snow instead of sinking into it. They provide the underfoot traction we need for those tricky ups and downs and help us conserve energy while hiking long distances.

To help you choose the best snowshoes for hiking, we’ve put together a list of our favourites, along with a handy guide of things to look for in the best pair of snowshoes.

• Best snowshoes for adults in 2023
• Best snowshoes for kids
• How to choose the best snowshoes for you
  • Type of snowshoe
  • Sizing
  • Traction devices
  • Additional features

Summary of the best snowshoes in 2023

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The 8 best snowshoes for adults in 2023

MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoes

Best for: All-terrain conditions
Frame length: 22”, 25”, 30”
Weight: 3.75 lbs, 3.87 lbs, 4.5 lbs

If you’re looking for a snowshoe which performs well across all terrains then the MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoes are our top choice. The lightweight aluminium frames are fitted with short teeth on the sides and two horizontal crossbars. This provides the 360-degree traction you need for traversing slopes in diverse conditions.

Despite this, the Lightning Explore Snowshoes are still slim enough to be used on narrow trails. For tackling steep slopes, these snowshoes are fitted with heel lift bars which fold down flat when not in use. You also have the option of attaching 5” tails (not included) for extra floatation on fresh powder.

The Lightning Explore Snowshoes deliver on ease of use and comfort too. The ratchet system bindings make these MSR snowshoes quick to put on and simple to adjust without removing your winter gloves. Meanwhile, the EVA foam footbed ensures that the shoes are comfortable enough for a full day hiking in the snow.

Find the latest price on:
REI | Backcountry

Tubbs Snowshoes Flex Esc

Best for: Beginners
Frame length: 22”, 24”
Weight: 3.2 lbs, 3.6 lbs

You may not want to spend a fortune on your first pair of snowshoes, which is why Tubbs have designed the Flex ESC Snowshoes. Coming in at just under $130 these Tubbs snowshoes combine comfort with practical features and a reasonable price. The snowshoes are fitted with a rotating toe cord, carbon steel toe crampons, snow breaks, and 3D curved traction rails. Together these features provide secure footing on side-hills as well as icy terrain.

The moulded plastic decking is designed to improve traction and comfort on uneven terrain while the flex tail helps to absorb impact. The binding system is easy to adjust and there’s a heel lift bar for steeper climbs. Overall, the Tubbs Flex Esc Snowshoes are some of the best snowshoes on the market right now.

Find the latest price on:
REI | Alpine Trek | Backcountry

Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes

Best for: Flat and rolling terrain
Frame length: 24”
Weight: 3.5 lbs

Designed with comfort in mind, the Crescent Moon Eva Snowshoes are one of the best snowshoes for beginners. They are made from two lightweight layers of EVA foam. Unlike most plastic/metal framed snowshoes, these snowshoes provide a flexible fit which has a similar feel to a running shoe. The upper layer is cushioned and responds to impact, while the bottom layer is made of denser EVA foam and fitted with multiple ice spikes and cleats.

We like that the curved shape of these Crescent Moon shoes allows for a natural stride without losing floatation or manoeuvrability. The Velcro hook and loop foot cradle also make it possible to attach and adjust these shoes with ease.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI

Atlas Elektra Montane Snowshoes

Best for: Mountain terrain
Frame length: 23”, 27”
Weight: 4.26 lbs, 4.36 lbs

Specifically designed for women, the Atlas Elektra Montane Snowshoes are constructed with a slimmer nose, outer rolling bends, and tapered trails which tailor to a woman’s natural walking gait. The bindings are quick to fit and made for the average woman’s boot. The additional arch support and EVA padding help to keep the circulation flowing and to relieve pressure on specific parts of the foot. They’re certainly one of the best snowshoes for women on the market.

In terms of terrain, the Atlas Elektra Montane Snowshoes are ideal for harsh mountain conditions. The combination of multi-directional toe crampons and sharp ridges on the side rails deliver excellent traction on both side-hill and downhill stretches. There’s also a heel lift bar for uphill climbs. Another key feature is the Spring-Loaded suspension which allows the foot to flex and absorbs impact on uneven and steep terrain.

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Backcountry | REI

Chinook Trekker Snowshoes

Best for: Flat or rolling terrain
Frame length: 19”, 22”, 25”, 30”, 36”
Weight: 3.9 lbs, 4.01 lbs, 4.3 lbs, 4.95 lbs, 5.43 lbs

If you’re looking for a pair of budget snowshoes for beginners then the Chinook Trekker Snowshoes are an excellent low-priced option. Despite the low price, these snowshoes are made with a strong but reasonably lightweight aluminium frame and UV resistant polythene decking. The rollerblade-style ratchet strap system and ergonomic design make them easy to adjust and comfortable to wear for a full day hiking on flat or rolling trails.

The main drawback of these snowshoes is the lack of side rails and heel lift bar. This means that the shoes lack stability on steep ups and downs and that you’ll have to work harder on the accents. That said, the aluminium heel and toe crampons provide more than enough grip for gentle trails.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon

MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes

Best for: All-conditions, beginners/intermediate level
Frame length: 22”
Weight: 3.9lbs

Another snowshoe which offers value for money is the MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes. Designed to be used in all conditions, these MSR snowshoes are made with a hard-wearing plastic decking. The combination of steel traction bars, bar breaks, and toe crampons provide sturdy footing. These components are moulded to the body of the snowshoe which increases strength and reduces the risk of breakage. You also have to option of attaching 6” tails (not included) for better floatation on soft snow. Meanwhile, the foot bindings can fit a wide range of footwear. Plus, the straps are freeze-proof and easy to adjust whilst wearing gloves.

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REI | Backcountry

TSL Snowshoes 217/227 Camo Snowshoes

Best for: Deep powder hikes, moderate to steep rolling terrain
Frame length: 25.5” and 29”
Weight: 4.25 lbs, 4.9 lbs

Great on deep powder hikes over rolling terrain these unisex adult snowshoes are designed with a rigid 3D, hourglass shape. This gives enhanced grip on sidel and downhill sections as well as allowing a more natural walking stride and preventing uphill slipping.

The camo patterning is fun and the SL Snowshoes 217/227 Camo Snowshoe comes in two frame sizes with lots of technical extras for comfort and performance. Easy-lock adjustments memorise shoe size while a front tightening strap and lateral adjusts ensure comfort and maximum foot hold with any width of shoe. Ankle adjusts help secure center comfort pads in position.

A thoughtful addition is the innovative heel-based Sound and Shock Absorbing System (SSAS) to create a more silent snowshoe experience for those who enjoy more tranquil expeditions.

Find the latest price at:
REI

Winterial Mammoth Snowshoes

Best for: Backcountry snowshoeing
Frame length: 25”
Weight: 5.3 lbs

The 25” Mammoth Snowshoes from Winterial are made from a hardwearing polymer frame with quick release ratchet bindings. Although the traction is not as comprehensive as Winterial’s higher priced competitors, the aluminium teeth do provide secure footing on icy terrain. Meanwhile, the raised box nose and folding heel lift bar makes these suitable snowshoes for mountaineering. Another bonus is that these reasonably priced snowshoes come with a carry bag and hiking poles included.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon

Best snowshoes for kids

Yukon Charlie’s Sno-Bash Snowshoes Kit

Best for: Kids age 6 to 10
Frame length: 16”
Weight: 2.2 lbs

Excellent value kids snowshoes kit, the Yukon Charlie’s Sno-Bash Snowshoes Kit includes trekking poles and a travel bag alongside some of the best kids snowshoes available for flat terrain use. Lightweight 6000 aluminum snowshoe frames ensure durability so you can hand them down to younger kids year after year, adding more value for your money. The bindings fit shoe size Kids 11 to Adult 6, ideal for children aged 6 to 10.

Perfect for family days out, the brightly coloured High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) decking stiffens these versatile snowshoes for kids who love powering through deep snow to race the adults all day long. Helpful additions for safety and comfort include the Energy Flex™ axle system which moves with children’s natural stride for comfort, while coated steel crampons provide steady, secure grip on the trail. The interchangeable, fully adjustable trekking poles include a removable snow basket for all year use and the easy-pull bindings and glove-friendly straps make them extra child-friendly.

Find the latest price at:
REI

Tubbs Snowflake Snowshoes

Best for: Toddlers age 3 to 6
Frame length: 14”
Weight: 1.3 lbs

Little ones will love keeping up with parents in these plastic framed, ‘just-like-Mummy’s’ snowshoes. The bright red, beginner-level Tubbs Snowflake Snowshoes are an ideal pre-school introduction to toddler snowshoes. They are suitable for the youngest snow adventurers aged 3 to 6 years old for short, snowy hikes on flat terrain.

With simple, easy to use 2-step bindings these are some of the best snowshoes for toddlers, perfect to prepare them for bigger outdoor adventures in future. The crampons may only be plastic but they are strong, lightweight and sufficient enough for tiny feet.

We think the customisable sticker pack is a great idea. Don’t all toddlers love stickers? A little off-trail creativity will give parents a few minutes rest after a tiring snow-day too!

Find the latest price at:
REI

MSR Tyker Kids Snowshoes

Best for: Beginners
Frame length: 17″
Weight: 2.1 lbs

The MSR Tyker Kids Snowshoes have a simpler design compared with the Redfeather Elf. They’re best suited to children, up to 90 lbs, who are taking their first snow-clad steps. The snowshoes are fitted with steel crampons, but for added safety, they feature metal-free moulded traction bars. The binding system is easy to adjust and secures the foot in three places. Best of all, these shoes are designed to fit shoe sizes 7.5 to 13.5 so your kids can use these snowshoes for years.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI

How to choose the best snowshoes for you

Type of snowshoe

Not all snowshoes are made equal. While you can find multi-purpose or all-terrain snowshoes, most snowshoes fall into one of the following three categories:

• Flat terrain snowshoes

  These are the best snowshoes for beginners or non-technical routes. These are often the best value for money and feature comfortable bindings, but lack aggressive traction.

• Rolling terrain snowshoes

  These are made with greater traction and more secure bindings. They’re designed to be used by hikers and backpackers on steep and uneven terrain.

• Mountain terrain snowshoes

  Best suited for mountaineering or technical hiking in the backcountry, this type of snowshoe can handle steep and icy terrain. They are usually built with aggressive crampons and a strong binding system which can withstand tough weather conditions.

Sizing

Once you’ve picked the right type of snowshoe for you the next step is to select the size. Most adult snowshoes come in lengths between 22” and 36”. The perfect fit will depend on your weight (with backpack), shoe size, and the type of terrain you’ll be hiking on.

The larger the surface area of the snowshoe, the better the floatation. Therefore, larger snowshoes are generally best for hiking in open backcountry or on deep and soft snow. Meanwhile, those with a smaller surface area are more manoeuvrable on compact trails and better suited to icy terrain.

Some snowshoes are also available in men’s, women’s, or kid’s sizes. These tailor the size and shape to the user’s footwear.

Traction devices

Traction devices help you to keep secure footing and conserve energy on tricky trail sections. Most snowshoes are built with toe crampons which are positioned under the bindings. These crampons pivot, allowing the teeth to dig into the snow whilst you walk.

Toe crampons provide the greatest traction but for more challenging terrain you’ll need more than just toe crampons. Other useful traction devices include:

• Heel crampons

  These are usually in a V-formation at the rear of the snowshoe. Heel crampons are particularly useful for managing your speed on steep descents.

• Side rails

  Also called traction bars, these are rows of teeth/spikes which run from the front edge to the back edge of the shoe, providing better grip on side-hills.

• Break bars

  These are moulded horizontally into the underside of the snowshoe and help prevent the snowshoe from sliding backwards on uphill sections.

Additional features

We’ve covered all the basics, but if you’re looking for something a little extra then these are some of the most useful additional features:

• Heel lift bar

  This is a simple flip-up bar which lifts your heel about an inch. On long or steep ascents it helps you to save energy and prevent strain on the Achilles tendon. These are sometimes called climbing bars or televators.

• Detachable tails

  Adding a tail to the rear of your snowshoe increases the floatation. If you tend to hike in deep powder then look out for models which allow you to attach a tail.

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