best snowshoes

Best Men’s and Women’s Snowshoes for 2023 – Ultimate Guide

Winter has arrived. It’s the season for snowshoe enthusiasts to embrace the snowy trails! If you’re considering new snowshoes in 2023, you’re in luck. 

We’ve diligently researched and curated a list of the finest snowshoes on the market, designed to elevate your winter escapades. 

Whether you’re a veteran snowshoer or just starting, these top picks promise seamless gliding through the snowy wonderland.

Let’s begin with men’s snowshoes. Here are the three shoes we like the most.

The Donkey's Best Men's Snowshoes

Tubbs Wilderness

  • Designed for day hiking in snowy conditions.
  • Fit-Step™ 2.0 frame with SoftTec™ decking for deep snow flotation.
  • Cobra™ toe crampon and Tubbs heel crampon for traction and stability.
  • Rotating toe cord enhances traction.
  • 180 EZ Pro binding for easy, comfortable securing.
  • ReAct binding system for quick adjustments.
  • Available in sizes: 25 x 8 x 8 inches, 30 x 8 x 8 inches, 36 x 8 x 8 inches.
  • Weight: Approximately 1950 grams.
  • Made with durable Nytex nylon material

Mountain Safety Research (MSR) Hiking Snowshoes

  • Durable and reliable for various snow conditions.
  • Excellent traction and floatation on snowy, uneven terrain.
  • Features steel traction rails, brake bars, and carbon steel crampons.
  • DuoFit bindings: adjustable, freeze-proof, glove-friendly.
  • Optional 5-inch tails available separately for deeper snow.
  • Size: 8 x 22 inches; Weight: 3.56 pounds with load capacity up to 180 pounds.
  • Fits men’s shoe sizes 4.5-15.  Made in the USA.

Atlas Snowshoes

  • Durable and reliable for various snow conditions.
  • Traction features for snowy, uneven terrain.
  • Adjustable, user-friendly bindings.
  • Accessories for deep snow performance.
  • Range of sizes and weights available.
  • Compatible with various footwear sizes.

MSR Lightning Ascent Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes with Paragon Bindings

  • Ultralight (4.18 lbs) for mountaineering and rugged backcountry.
  • 360-degree Traction Frames for edge-to-edge grip.
  • Steel DTX crampons for alpine terrain.
  • Paragon bindings with contouring strap for secure, comfortable fit.
  • Ergo Televator heel lift for uphill efficiency.
  • Size: 8 x 22 inches; Weight: 4.18 pounds/pair.
  • Load capacity: Up to 180 pounds. Fits men’s shoe sizes 4.5-15.
  • Made in the USA

Yukon Charlie's Snowshoe

  • Weight: 5.0 pounds; Size: 10×36 inches.
  • User weight capacity: 251 to 300 pounds.
  • Unisex design for both women and men.
  • Ideal for recreational snowshoers.
  • Quick Click II Ratcheting binding for easy use.
  • Rapid-Lite Flex heel strap for quick entry and exit.
  • HDPE material for stiffness and power in deep snow.
  • Suitable for beginners in snowshoeing.

The Donkey's Best Women's Snowshoes

MSR Evo Trail

  • Weight: 3 lb. 8 oz. (25″ version), Length: 22″, Heel lift: No
  • Max weight: Up to 180 lbs., 250 lb. with add-on tails
  • Steel crampons and traction rails provide a reliable traction and lasting grip
  • Injection-molded UniBody deck gives the right amount of flex and is incredibly durable
  • Paraglide binding stretch mesh hugs feet securely and is compatible with nearly any footwear, from light hikers to snowboard boots
  • Glove-friendly binding straps and buckle tabs are easy to use and make getting in and out quick and simple
  • Attachment points for 6-inch modular flotation tails (sold separately) which provide on-demand flotation for deep powder or when carrying heavier loads
  • Size: 22 x 8 in (56 x 20 cm). Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz (1.64 kg). Compatible with shoe sizes 3M-13M/5W-15W (EU 36-47).  Made in the USA

Atlas Montane Snowshoes

  • Weight: 4 lb. 4 oz. (23″ women’s version), Lengths: 23″/27″ (women)
  • Heel lift: Yes, Max weight: Varies from 160-300 lbs. depending on size
  • PackFlat Binding – binding accommodates larger mountaineering & snowboard boots and is designed to pack flat.
  • Reactiv-Trac Frame – Integrates the classic flex of an elliptically-formed nose with the perimeter traction of a serrated t-frame
  • BC Crampon – Provides the right amount of bite needed in variable snow conditions while also being lightweight
  • Heel Lift – Eases fatigue when climbing and ensures better grip when in steep terrain

Tubbs Women's Xplore Kit Trail Walking Snowshoes

The best way to start snowshoeing! The EXPLORE snowshoe is the lightweight, Easy-to-use answer for the value-conscious customer experiencing snowshoeing for the first time.

With similar traction to the Way finder, the intuitive quick pull binding slides easily to cinch and unlocks with one push of a buckle. Adjustable-length poles lend added security and stability on uneven, steep, or icy terrain. 

Featuring lightweight 6000 series aluminum with a carbon steel tip, powder Basket, and nylon wrist straps. Water-resistant and breathable, full-length nylon gaiters provide protection from the elements by keeping snow out of your boots.

Retrospec Retrospec Drifter Snowshoe for Men & Women

  • Weight: 4 lb. 1.6 oz. (23.5″), Lengths: 20.5″, 23.5″, 27″
  • Heel lift: Yes, Max weight: Varies from 220-300 lbs. depending on size
  • Engineered for prime winter performance with tough HDPE decks for maximum support.
  • Double-ratchet binding system for fast, secure strapping in and out.
  • Lightweight durability with 6061-T6 alloy frames and polyethylene decks.
  • Traction and stability enhanced with heel lifters and full-floating pivot system.
  • Includes snowshoes and a mesh vented carrying bag.
  • Sizes available: 21″ (80-120lbs), 25″ (110-160lbs), 30″ (160-210lbs).

Atlas Helium Trail Kit

  • Weight: Ranges from 3 lbs., 2 oz. to 3 lbs., 12 oz. depending on length
  • Lengths: 23″, 26″, 30″, Heel lift: Yes
  • Max weight: Varies from 160 to 270 lbs. depending on size
  • Wrapp Trail Binding – cradles the foot securely
  • Helium Deck – Louver sheds snow to keep them lightweight, while also creating traction
  • Helium TRAIL Crampon – tempered steel tangs provide stability, and ribbing allows the crampon to shed snow more effectively.
  • Heel Lift – Eases fatigue when climbing and ensures better grip when the terrain gets steep
  • Comes With – Trail walking 2-piece poles and Snowshoe tote bag

Disclosure: Our website contains affiliate links, which means we may receive compensation if you purchase from recommended websites. We test and review these products independently and do not accept free products or incentives in exchange for positive reviews. Any opinions expressed here are our own.

Conclusion

When selecting snowshoes, consider durability, traction, and flexibility. Opt for materials like aluminum or composite frames for resilience without added weight. Aggressive crampons are a must for a firm grip on icy surfaces, and flexibility in design is crucial for natural movement and reducing fatigue.

Always conduct thorough research before investing in outdoor gear. Consider factors like terrain type, body weight, and how frequently you plan to use your snowshoes. Purchase your snowshoes today as the snow will soon fly and the rabbits will be in season.

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