If you don’t know what the best snowshoes money can buy are, you’re in the right place. We’ve got you covered because our team of researchers has looked at various feedback given by experts and previous customers. They’ve managed to find a product that meets your expectations, the Chinook Trekker. These shoes offer excellent traction and comfort while going hiking on packed snow or terrains. Moreover, they feature a UV resistant polyethylene decking and heel straps with buckles that allow you to remove the shoes from your feet quickly. Thanks to the heel crampons you get perfect traction for hiking on mild slopes. If the Chinook Trekker is out of stock, don’t overlook the MSR Evo 22, the second best choice.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
These snowshoes boast a lightweight and durable aluminum frame with an ergonomic design that offers a comfortable walking or hiking experience. Also, the product benefits from a UV resistant polyethylene decking and easy-to-use dual ratchet bindings.
According to other customers, the buckle on the back can’t be adjusted so quickly like the other ones in the front. It’s not an issue because, in time, it loosens up.
Because of the intelligent heel straps that are outfitted with practical buckles, you won’t have any issues putting these shoes on and taking them off. Aside from this, they feature heavy-duty aluminum crampons that increase the level of traction. The items have a carrying bag.
2nd Best
Built for the trail, these snowshoes are equipped with traction bars that are molded directly into the decks so as to provide a secure and lasting grip. Because of the DuoFit bindings feature, the shoes enable freeze-proof and glove-friendly security.
Even though the product is made of top-notch elements and the quality can’t be questioned, users do believe they are a tad pricey for what it can offer to consumers.
These shoes easily accommodate any footwear. Not to mention the steel traction rails and broke bars that are molded in such a manner that they keep your feet in place on both flat and rolling terrains. They can be purchased in various sizes and colors.
An interesting fact is that these snowshoes have frames manufactured from lightweight aluminum while the decks are built from sturdy Nytex material. Plus, the bindings of the shoes are specially designed so that they mold the feet perfectly, without putting pressure.
Apparently, there were some owners of these shoes that didn’t like the noise made by them when walking on cold snow. It merely takes time to get used to wearing them.
The snowshoes are easy to handle due to the lacing system that keeps the feet in place and the Fast-loc buckles. The frame is created to increase the level of flotation in heavy snow conditions. The product comes with a practical carrying bag for when they’re not in use.
Buying Guide
Getting a good pair of snowshoes these days is quite a daunting task, particularly for beginners or people who aren’t aware of several factors they should take into account while prospecting the market. Luckily for you, we’ve invested a lot of time into researching the topic and have created a comprehensive guide that you can check out in the next lines. If you’re not keen on spending countless hours reading reviews and articles, just have a look at what we’ve found on the matter.
Type
There are three basic categories of snowshoes you’re likely to come across while prospecting the market. Some are for flat terrain, others are for rolling terrain, and the last are intended for mountain terrain. It goes without saying that all-terrain models also exist but they’re not particularly good when used in certain conditions, and so they don’t make excellent choices for beginners. Hikers and backpackers are likely to benefit from using rolling terrain snowshoes, whereas rookies should opt for a unit intended for use on flat terrain. Finally, the most sophisticated and advanced alternative is the mountain terrain shoe which seems to have been designed with mountaineers and snowboarders in mind as they have been developed to raise up to par on ice and steep ground.
Sizing
The snowshoe frame material matters a great deal when it comes to selecting the right size for your needs. For example, aluminum frames come in sizes that range from 8 by 25 inches to 10 by 36 inches. Composite alternatives are typically one-size and offer buyers the freedom to add tails that can contribute to their walking comfort. A general rule of picking the right size or deciding whether or not to use tails is by correlating the thickness of the snow with the weight of the person who’s supposed to wear the snowshoes. This is the reason units intended for big men are usually larger and wider.
Two other decisive factors, aside from the user’s weight, are gender and age. Manufacturers are keen on designing their products depending on the gender of the buyer, but sometimes the color combinations don’t matter as much as the actual physical features of both sexes. For instance, products destined for women tend to be somewhat narrower when compared to the ones intended for men. As for children’s sizes, we’ve seen that many models are one-size and are designed in accordance with various life stages.
Bindings
How do snowshoes work? The simplest way to provide an answer to this question is to tell you that they can be secured onto your snow boots with the help of bindings. In a nutshell, a snowshoe is a protective piece of gear that somewhat resembles a platform. Whether you want to get a model for ice, snow, or for mud, every time you will take a step you’ll benefit from the support offered by a larger surface than the one of your regular shoes.
Bindings can either be rotating or fixed. While floating alternatives tend to pivot and as such make it easier for the user to walk for a larger distance, they’re not so good when it comes to stepping over logs or obstacles. On the other hand, fixed bindings don’t pivot at all, which makes climbing on or over obstacles relatively easy; since they tend to throw snow on the back of your legs, you may get tired a little faster. So, which one will it be for you? Just remember to consider the scenery where you’re likely to use your high end snowshoes before opting for a particular type of binding.
Extras
Not all snowshoes are created the same. Consequently, some feature crampons, other come with side rails, and there are also models that have braking bars or heel lifts. All of these devices significantly increase your safety by adding some traction particularly when using your shoes on mountain terrain.
The best snowshoes and poles are available for sale everywhere, but we’ve decided to showcase some of the models that offer great value for the price below. This way, you won’t have to read all the customer reviews as we’ve selected strictly the top-rated alternatives that can be found in today’s market.
Top rated snowshoes in 2020
The multiplicity of the models of snowshoes that are available in the market will make it hard for you to choose one that can most probably prove to be the best. If you want to be spared from the hassle of evaluating too many choices, the rest of this article will identify those that are often recommended in the best snowshoes reviews.
Chinook Trekker
The Trekker is one of the most lightweight options we’ve stumbled upon during our research, which basically means that you shouldn’t wear these snowshoes on the mountain.
Even so, it’s possibly the best choice for complete rookies as its aluminum frame and ergonomic design makes it remarkably comfortable. This unit also features heavy-duty crampons made of aluminum just like the frame.
Since these shoes weigh in at just below 4 pounds, it’s easy to see that, depending on their size, they might be just the right thing for children and teenagers whose weight doesn’t go above 90 pounds.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($58.09)
MSR Evo 22
If you’ve been looking for a pair of snowshoes that are capable of making your stroll through snow, mud, and on rocky terrain as safe as possible, you’ve just found it. The MSR Evo 22 has been designed with the extreme user in mind, considering that it features Essential Security, Unibody Traction, and an all-condition adaptability.
One of the reasons you may feel tempted to choose this product is that it works with smaller and larger shoes alike, thus allowing you to set the size as best as possible. Having been manufactured in the United States, the Evo 22 has garnered the appreciation of more than thirty owners.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
ALPS Adult All-terrain
As you struggle in the evaluation of the top rated snowshoes in 2020, there is a very high tendency that you will see this model, as it is one option that is often raved about in many reviews. One thing that makes this a favorite within the product category is that it is made from lightweight materials.
When your snowshoe is heavy, you might be at risk of suffering from discomfort. More so, it also has an exceptional lacing system that will make sure of its secured fit on the foot. This can provide the best bang for the buck as it already comes with walking poles and a carrying bag.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($77.99)
Alps Performance
Compared to the previously discussed models, the Alps Performance is strictly destined for adults as the smallest size is 21 inches long and has been designed for users with weights between eighty and one hundred and sixty pounds. Other two available sizes include 25 and 30 inches. As is the case with other
Alps snowshoeing products, this one is well-known for being comfortable as it features bindings that do not affect the users’ ability to walk. Since they are lightweight and have a lacing system that can hold your feet securely, these units are also worth considering.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
MSR Lightning Ascent
The Lightning Ascent is by far the most cutting-edge option you’re likely to come across while sifting through the many models that are available out there.
These shows are among the largest and most convenient alternatives as they can be utilized in mountaineering and other activities that involve mountain terrain. Some of the most attractive features of this product include a 360-degree traction frame, an Ergo Televator, as well as Posilock AT binding.
Based on the ratings gathered by the Lightning Ascent, it’s one of the highly recommended snowshoes if you want to know that you’ll be coming out of a snowstorm safe and sound.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($299.95)
MSR Evo Ascent
As it is made by the same manufacturer as the product that has been mentioned above, there is a good reason to believe that this is another choice that will not disappoint when it comes to the best snowshoes in 2020. The all-condition adaptability of this model will provide you with the assurance that it will demonstrate consistent functionality in various terrains and conditions.
Aside from the enhanced traction, you can expect that the performance will be reliable even in an uphill climb. This will make sure that your foot will have a solid grip on the ground.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
Redfeather Hike Control Bindings
This will prove to be another option that will not make you frustrated as you look for the best snowshoes in 2020. The Western round tails that are found in this model has been attributed by many as being exceptional because of its ability to provide better flotation. Having TX35 Ripstop decks is one more thing that is worthy of being emphasized about this model.
The latter is a material that is unrivalled when it comes to superiority. Aside from the ability of such to resist abrasion and puncture, it is also able to stay soft in spite of extreme temperature.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
Red Feather Conquest
The multi-functionality of this model is one reason on why it is a better choice above other models. Regardless of the use that is intended, you can be confident that the same high level of quality can be anticipated from such.
In terms of durability, it has been asserted by many that it can withstand longer period of use compared to the traditional models that you can be possibly confronted with. It is also easy to put on and off, with adjustments that can be configured in a snap. As proven by many others, this shoe will prove to be an excellent companion as you have fun in the snow.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($96.18)
MSR Lightning Ascent
Based on the opinions that have been shared in the best snowshoes reviews, one good thing about this specific product is that it has an excellent traction that will ensure solid grip on the ground. It is designed in such a way that the forces will be distributed and to make sure that you will remain stable in any terrain.
It is also good in terms of versatility as it can prove to be functional in a variety of conditions, while making sure that comfort is never compensated. With the well-thought design of the product, it has maintained its position as one of the most sought-after in this product category.
Click to see the price on Amazon!