Check out the best snowshoes for beginners, children, women and men whether you’ll be exploring groomed trails, rolling hills or deep fresh powder.
I share my top choices along with my expert guide to help you find the right pair of snowshoes. The “right” ones really depend on the type of terrain you’ll be exploring. I’ve been snowshoeing for over 20 years.
Everywhere from epic snowshoe hikes in the Canadian Rockies to the Austrian Alps and, most recently in Pirin National Park in Bulgaria.
When hiking in winter, you often end up doing a mix of snowshoeing and hiking. I often carry both snowshoes and microspikes because, on some parts of the trail, you won’t need any equipment beyond your hiking boots.
While on the packed slippery parts, you’ll want microspikes and in deeper snow, snowshoes.
And, of course, I always bring an emergency blanket since it can save your life.
If you’re new to snowshoeing, be sure to check out my guide which teaches you how to snowshoe.
Why do I Need Snowshoes?
If you have ever tried walking in the snow with hiking boots then you probably know how easy it is to sink into deep powder. Not to mention how difficult it is to lift your foot out covered in deep snow.
Snowshoes have floatation so that you don’t sink as much. They also have traction in the form of crampons on the bottom to keep you from slipping on icy trails.
Related Reading: Snowshoeing in Canada: 15 Best Trails in the Rockies
We’ve curated the best snowshoes into an Amazon list that you’re sure to love!
You’ll find the below.
The Best Snowshoes for Women
- Yukon Charlie’s Advanced Spin Float Women’s Snowshoe Kit, 8-inch x 21-inch, Includes Snowshoes, Trekking Poles and Travel Bag
- Tubbs Snowshoes Xplore W
- TSL Snowshoes Symbioz Access Snowshoes, Celestial Blue
See more of our recommended unisex snowshoes here.
Related Reading: Snowshoeing in Whistler, Canada: The 9 Best Trails
Top Snowshoe Picks for Women
I recommend snowshoes for women over unisex snowshoes because they have a more tapered shape that caters to a women’s gait.
You might not notice this on shorter hikes, but you’ll definitely notice it on steeper ascents or if you’re looking for a pair of mountaineering snowshoes and plan to do longer hikes.
- TSL Snowshoes Symbioz Access Snowshoes, Celestial Blue
- Tubbs Snowshoes Xplore W
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Yukon Charlie’s Advanced Spin Float Women’s Snowshoe Kit, 8-inch x 21-inch, Includes Snowshoes, Trekking Poles and Travel Bag
See more of our recommended women’s snowshoes here.
Related Reading: Winter Hiking Gear: What You Need for Winter Day Hikes
The Best Snowshoes for Men
Men’s snowshoes are usually larger and can hold more weight. They’re also designed for men’s gait, which is wider than a women’s.
Men’s Snowshoes Comparison Chart
The Best Kid’s Snowshoes
Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity to do with the whole family. Look for groomed trails where kids can go a bit off the trail into powdery snow, which they’ll love, and then back onto a groomed trail when they get tired. Be sure to stop and build a snowman.
Here are my top picks for the best snowshoes for kids.
- Yukon Charlie’s Yukon SNO-Bash Kids Snowshoe and Trekking Pole Kit
- G2 16 Inch Kids Snowshoes Set with Trekking Poles, Snow Baskets, Storage Bag
See more of our recommended kid’s snowshoes here.
Related Reading: The 12 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado
High Quality vs Budget Snowshoes
Whether you should buy a pair of high-quality snowshoes, like ones from Atlas, Tubbs, TSL or Yukon Charlie, or budget ones, depends on the type of snowshoeing you plan to do. Our comparison chart will help you decide:
HIGH QUALITY
- Do you want to snowshoe in deep powder
- in soft snow (i.e. making your own tracks vs snowshoeing on a groomed trail)
- rolling or steep terrain
- backcountry where it’s vital to have good quality gear
BUDGET SNOWSHOES
- you’re new to snowshoeing
- plan to snowshoe on groomed trails or do recreational snowshoeing
- plan to do
I personally love making tracks when snowshoeing as opposed to snowshoeing on a groomed trail, but it’s MUCH harder.
You’ll want to look for snowshoes that offer better floatation and have more secure snowshoe bindings so that they won’t come off as you lift your foot through deep snow.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on snowshoes. You’ll find a variety of price ranges, and the ones below are perfect if you’re on a budget. Check out our recommendations below:
- Odoland 4-in-1 Snowshoes Snow Shoes for Men and Women with Trekking Poles
- Gpeng Snowshoes for Men and Women,Lightweight Aluminum Snow Shoes
- HRKING Mens Snowshoes Set,Youth Snowshoes with Trekking Poles,Carrying Tote Bag Blue
See more of our recommended best snowshoes here.
Related Reading: 12 Winter Destinations in Europe That Will Make You Embrace the Cold
FAQs About Snowshoeing and How to Choose the Right Ones
What’s the point of snowshoeing?
The most important benefit is flotation – the snowshoes’ ability to keep you on top of the snow instead of sinking. This means you’ll be able to explore deep snow with less effort. Without snowshoes, you keep sinking, making each step a lot of effort as you pull your foot covered in snow. Cheaper snowshoes will have less flotation, while more expensive ones will have better flotation.
Is snowshoeing harder than hiking?
Once you get used to walking with your feet a bit wider than you usually would, it’s not harder than hiking from a technical point of view. However, the extra weight from the snowshoes and snow takes more effort than regular hiking, making it a great workout and harder than hiking from a physical point of view.
Is snowshoeing good exercise?
YES! Snowshoeing burns ~ 472 calories per hour, similar to cross-country skiing. It’s an excellent low-impact cardiovascular workout that builds muscles at the same time.
Are snowshoes worth it?
It depends on the type of snow you’ll be walking on. If the trail is packed and you don’t sink, you won’t need the floatation that snowshoes provide. However, if you’re planning on going in the backcountry or want to explore deep powdery snow, then they’re totally worth it.
If you’re only planning on going once or twice, then I recommend renting snowshoes instead of buying them. If you only plan on doing easy trails, then you can buy snowshoes for beginners, which are cheaper than ones meant for deep snow.
However, if you use them regularly, they’re a great investment. I bought a high-quality pair of Atlas snowshoes which I use each season and have had for over 14 years. It’s one of the reasons that I’m such a fan of Atlas snowshoes.
What are the different types of snowshoes?
Most snowshoes fall into one of three categories: flat terrain, rolling terrain, and mountain terrain. The cheapest will be the ones for flat terrain, while the most expensive (and the ones I have and love) are designed for mountain terrain.
Snowshoeing on Flat or Groomed Trails Snowshoes for flat or groomed terrain are usually affordable with a simple binding and traction system and may have a plastic decking. These are great if you like to snowshoe on easy, packed trails. A snowshoe intended for “Recreational” use is a good fit for this type of terrain.
Snowshoeing on Rolling Hills The best snowshoes for rolling terrain are moderately priced and have slightly sturdier crampons and secure bindings. They may also have heel lifts allowing you to get up steep slopes more easily with less strain on your calve muscles.
Snowshoeing on Mountainous Terrain This requires sturdier snowshoes which are more expensive but worth the money. They are made with agressive crampons and sophisticated secure bindings that work well with alpine hiking boots, although you can also wear them over regular hiking boots. Look for snowshoes that are intended for “Backcountry.”
What size snowshoes for weight?
If you want snowshoes that are suitable for most conditions, then choose ones where your body weight falls in the middle vs the top end. For example, according to Tubbs’ sizing, the 21W is suitable for women weighing up to 150 lbs (68 kg), while the 25W size is suitable for weights from 120 – 200 lbs (54 – 91 kg). If you weigh 145 lbs I’d recommend the 25W size. That allows for your pack weight and will provide you with extra flotation in deeper snow.
What kind of boots do you wear for snowshoeing?
Ideally, you want insulated, waterproof winter boots with thick soles. However, if it’s not too cold, then you can wear regular hiking boots. Either you, you’ll want to wear warm wool or synthetic socks that wick moisture away. Bring an extra pair in case yours get wet.
Do I need poles to snowshoe?
Technically trekking poles aren’t necessary however, I recommend them because they help you balance on steeper terrain – both going up and down. You can use ski or hiking poles – just make sure they have snow baskets on the ends to stop them from sinking. I personally like retractable hiking poles so that you can put them away and carry them easily in your backpack when you don’t need them.
Do I need to be concerned about avalanches when snowshoeing?
It depends on the terrain. You should avoid steep avalanche-prone slopes and know how to assess the risk of an avalanche since you can be in danger even when snowshoeing on flat areas if you’re surrounded by mountains or avalanche slopes. WEMountains online classes on mountain safety are a great place to start.
Related Reading: Courmayeur Ski Resort: Your Guide to an Amazing Ski Holiday
Best Boots for Snowshoeing
Although hiking boots are good for snowshoeing IF they’re waterproof and IF it’s not too cold, you may want a warmer and sturdier boot, and you’ll definitely want a snowshoeing boot if you’re hiking in the backcountry or in extreme temperatures.
These boots are designed to withstand cold and wet conditions. There’s nothing worse than having freezing feet.
Related Reading: Wilder Kaiser: Your Guide to Skiing and Other Winter Activities
Best Women’s Boots for Snowshoeing
When it comes to snowshoeing, there are many different types of boots available specially made for women. Some are designed to be worn over regular shoes while others are meant to be used as their own footwear for different types of outdoor adventures like hiking or skiing.
I personally use my regular hiking boots, just be sure to spray them first with waterproof spray to keep moisture out. Check out our top pick for the best hiking boots for women to see which ones make the most sense for you.
Related Reading: Skiing in Austria: The 7 Best Ski Resorts in Austria
Best Men’s Boots for Snowshoeing
Take a look at our take on the best hiking boots for men.
Best Dog Snow Boots
If you love taking your fur buddy out on your snowshoeing adventures, then they may need a good pair of dog snow boots, depending on the breed and how cold it is. These are also great for hiking with dogs, even if you’re not snowshoeing but hiking in cold weather. Here are our top recommendations
Related Reading: Skiing in Switzerland: The 7 Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland
Best Light-up Snowshoes for Dogs
- Expawlorer Anti-Slip Dog Shoes for Large Dogs,Dog Booties for Winter with Rugged Sole and Reflective Strap,Waterproof Dog Rain Boots
- Kurgo Step N Strobe Dog Shoes, Water Resistant Dog Shoes, Dog Boots for All Seasons, Dog Snow Boots, Anti Slip Dog Boots
See more of our recommended dog’s snowshoes here.
Now you know the best snowshoes and how to choose the right ones based on the type of trails you’ll be exploring and how to choose the right size. Happy snowshoeing!
