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Snowshoeing may be one of the most accessible winter activities. For starters, it’s easy to learn—if you can walk, you can snowshoe. And unlike winter sports that involve schussing or gliding, snowshoeing allows you to explore as slowly and methodically as you like, with practically zero injury risk. It’s also affordable. If you already own good cold-weather clothing, the only expense is the snowshoes themselves. Once you have them, just slip them on and go—no helmet, goggles, or lift tickets required. After months of testing, we’ve honed a lineup that has something for everyone
Evvo Snowshoes ($234)
Evvo offers a novel solution to cold, wet feet: a water-repellent, insulated, breathable upper, much like a clog’s. Just slide your foot in, adjust the heel strap, and go. We also love the flexy Michelin rubber outsole, which is like a strip of burly snow tire. And just like a good set of snow tires, these snowshoes handle snow and ice, no problem. Due to the pandemic, Evvo’s U.S. expansion has been slow, but if you e-mail the company, it’ll arrange for shipping to the U.S.
Decathlon Quechua SH100 Easy ($90)
French retailer Decathlon is bringing foam snowshoes to the masses. The new SH100 Easy is affordable and true to its name: a simple, full-foam base with three Velcro straps that are a cinch to put on. The slim silhouette (7.5 or 7.9 inches wide) makes for smooth striding, yet it’s still plenty wide for navigating deep powder. Molded foam traction underfoot and six metal spikes take care of any ice you encounter. Our only complaint is that the dense foam is a tad heavy.
Yukon Charlie Ridge 825 Kit ($200)
If you’re looking to get into snowshoeing, look no further than the Ridge, which boasts a sturdy aluminum frame and plastic deck, with six aggressive crampons. The snap-and-twist bindings wrap evenly around your feet. It even comes with a bag and poles, which can be helpful for maintaining balance on uneven terrain or in deep snow. Pick from four sizes: 8×21 inches, 8×25 inches, 9×30 inches, or 10×36 inches. If your feet are smaller than a women’s 8, opt for the smallest to ensure a proper fit.
Northern Lites Race Wave ($289)
Most snowshoe races are held on groomed trails or packed singletrack, so participants don’t need footwear with a lot of flotation. Instead, they need small, lightweight snowshoes that won’t compromise form or speed. At 21.5 ounces per pair, the Race Wave fits the bill. It’s just eight inches wide and 20 inches long—among the smallest and lightest models on the market—but still compliant with the United States Snowshoe Association size limits.
MSR Evo Ascent ($200)
No, you can’t buy the special snowshoes that MSR makes for Army paratroopers. But you can buy the next best thing: the Evo Ascent. Jagged traction rails below a sturdy deck offer up plenty of support and lateral stability on uneven terrain. The bindings are simple—just pull and secure each strap—but effective for any shoe type and foot size. You can buy the snowshoes alone, but they also come as part of a kit ($300) that includes poles and a pack.
Crescent Moon Kids Snowshoes ($90)
Adjustable bindings mean Crescent Moon’s latest model will grow with your kids, even if you have to buy them new snow boots as their feet get bigger every winter. The two hook-and-loop straps (one above the toe and one behind the heel) are easy for little fingers to get on and off unassisted.