Best snowshoes. Buying guide and comparison

Snowshoes are indispensable items for lovers of outdoor physical activities in winter. Despite how useful they are, many people are unaware of their existence and the low prices that some of them have and that for very little they guarantee a lot of stability and an easier physical activity in the snow. In this article we are going to compare the best snowshoes currently on the market as a guide for snow sports enthusiasts regardless of their level.

Snowshoes allow the user to "float" on the snow, making them much more stable and easier to walk on snowy and, more importantly, icy trails. By spreading their weight over a large, flat surface under the user's feet, they provide greater security and stability when walking.

Walking quietly on snowy paths, slopes or trails has never been easier than with a snowshoe in your apreski shoes or boots, which, to top it all off, tend to cost much less than any other snow sports equipment.

If you are interested in finding out more about the best snowshoes, you've come to the right place. We want you to consider this guide as a real motivation to enjoy the incredible scenery that our mountains offer in winter and to be able to walk peacefully along their paths and trails.

The best snowshoes on the market: a look at the brands that have launched the best snow products.

It is not easy to create a guide to the best snowshoes, as there are many brands launching new models every year. To create this guide we have carried out an in-depth analysis, starting by studying the needs and preferences of the snow sports-loving public and completing the analysis by focusing on the different models on the market.

All the snowshoes you will find in this guide satisfy those primary needs that the sportsman is looking for: comfortable snowshoes, well made, highly tractioned, made with quality materials and, above all, easy to use.

According to our research, users prioritise qualities of snowshoes such as flotation (how much the snowshoe will sink in loose snow), traction (how much or how little the snowshoe grips on steep slopes), comfort (especially in bindings), ease of use or additional features such as heel lifts or flotation tails.)

How to choose the best snowshoes?

After thinking about all of the above, we began the study on the best snowshoes on the market by reading the opinions of the users themselves on different sales platforms and in different forums. We drew up a list of the best snowshoes that, in their opinion, had best met all their needs and had given the best results.

After hearing the opinion of the protagonists who, after all, are the ones who can give the best examples with their experience, we consulted different specialists in the field to confirm that the models we had included in our list were all models highly recommended by themselves. After these enquiries we came to the conclusion that there were 9 of the most recommended pairs of rackets on the market, so we set out to test them, along with some sets of flotation tails and different poles.

First of all, it is important to keep in mind that everyone's snowshoes are individual as some will be larger or smaller because they are purchased according to the weight of their user. We completed our study by doing exercises with the snowshoes and asking for feedback from friends and family who were also trying them out.

Taking into account all the qualities and characteristics of snowshoes that we have previously highlighted as "essential", and after having carried out small excursions by way of study on trails, slopes, rolling and flat terrain, we have come to the conclusion that the best snowshoes on the market are those that we are going to analyse below.

MSR Evo Snowshoes: the best snowshoe for beginners

The recommended weight limit for this snowshoe is 180 pounds, depending on the length of the snowshoes. The available size is 22 inches and is an ideal snowshoe for beginners in this adventurous world.

Its price is very economical at around 120 euros, which for the quality of the racquet is a very affordable product and a good choice without a doubt. Both for beginners and for people who know they are going to use them from time to time, MSR Evo Snowshoes is, in our opinion, the best option.

This model of snowshoe is a basic model but it meets all the qualities that a good snowshoe should have. They are a solid choice, made from quality materials, with easy-to-use rubber bindings, a lightweight plastic frame and shell, and powder-coated steel crampons.

Compared to other racquets, this model has a higher level of traction. For beginners it is a good model because the rubber bindings are very intuitive and fit directly to the type of shoe.

Finally, it should be noted that the reputation of this brand lies, among other things, in the durability of its products, in addition to its very competitive price. The brand also offers a replacement service for individual parts which, according to many customers, is very useful in daily practice.

MSR Lightning Acent - the best snowshoe for hiking

The MSR Lightning Acent snowshoe differentiates between men's and women's models (which are slightly narrower). There are three sizes available: 22 inch, 25 inch and 30 inch. The recommended weight limit is up to 280 pounds, as always depending on the length of the snowshoe model. As for the price, this model is around 265 euros, a little more expensive than the previous model, but well worth it.

In winter sports, this model of snowshoe has always been one of the key and most preferred models by users. The trajectory and prestige of the brand, as well as the economic price of these snowshoes, make them a key piece for hikers or trekkers.

If you take care of them, these snowshoes will last for many years. An important fact that appeals to many adventurers is that additional flotation tails can be purchased separately to add length to suit the customer's taste and needs.

These snowshoes are made with aluminium frames. Durable TPU coated nylon is stretched between the frames. Steel crampons provide expert traction on all terrains and any of the individual components of these snowshoes, including the bindings, can be replaced fairly easily by MSR, should they break.

For steep slopes they are the best choice because they offer the best traction compared to other snowshoes due to their well-placed steel crampons. The Lightning Ascent also offers game-changing heel lifts on steep slopes; small metal bars rise up under your heels to help you climb hills without calf pain, turning your snowshoes into something of a stair climber.

Atlas Run Snowshoes: the best snowshoe for Trail Running

It is a very specialised snowshoe model that has managed to captivate Trail Running enthusiasts. It is priced at approximately 220 euros for the 22-inch size, with a recommended weight of 190 pounds. Whether you're a trail runner or on groomed snow trails, putting the Atlas Run on your shoes will help you run comfortably, safely and without any worries.

They have a very simple and intuitive system of use, ideal for running because of their light weight but at the same time they are solid and resistant. The Atlas Run bindings are made of rubber and the frame is a durable aluminium. The shell is made of stretched nylon and the crampons, although not designed for mountain terrain, are made of a very grippy stainless steel.

When the user runs their heel will lift off the snowshoe as they move, allowing them to cover the terrain more quickly instead of having to lift the snowshoes with each stride. A very economical and high quality option for those who love to run in the snow while enjoying a unique and incomparable landscape.