Best Snowshoes for Hiking in 2026: Top Picks for Winter Trails
Looking for the best snowshoes for hiking in 2026? This guide covers the top models for every terrain and budget, plus expert tips on sizing, traction, and choosing the perfect snowshoes for your winter adventures.
Winter hiking is a totally different world: quieter, brighter, and a whole lot more fun when you’re not sinking to your knees in snow. The right pair of snowshoes makes winter trails more accessible, safer, and honestly way more addictive. In this guide, we break down the best snowshoes for hiking in 2026, from ultralight backcountry models to budget-friendly sets perfect for beginners.
Whether you’re hiking around Durango, cruising snowy forest roads in northern New Mexico, or heading out into deep Flagstaff powder, these picks cover every budget, every experience level, and every snow condition.
How to Choose the Best Snowshoes for Hiking
Snowshoe Size
Snowshoe size matters for flotation.
- Smaller (21–25 in): Best for packed trails or lighter hikers
- Medium (25–30 in): Most versatile
- Large (30–36 in): Deep snow and powder, heavier loads, backpacking
Snow conditions and pack weight influence your ideal size more than your height.
Snowshoe Frame Types
- Composite Frames: Durable, great for icy trails, often more affordable
- Aluminum Frames: Lighter, smoother stride, can offer better flotation
Pick based on terrain and budget.
Traction + Crampons
For mountain terrain: think Colorado, Utah, and the Southwest in general, you’ll want aggressive traction.
Look for:
- Steel crampons underfoot
- Side rails for edging
- Heel lifts (lifesavers on steep climbs)
Bindings
The best bindings in 2026 are easy to use with gloves and stay locked in through cold-weather flex.
Common types:
- Ratchet straps
- Boa dials
- One-pull quick bindings
- Traditional webbing
Intended Use
Pick a snowshoe category based on your winter plans:
Trail Snowshoes: For packed/established trails
Backcountry Snowshoes: For deep snow and rugged terrain
Mountaineering Snowshoes: Maximum traction + stability
Best Snowshoes for Hiking in 2026
Why They’re Great:
The Crescent Moon EVA Foam Snowshoes are some of the most unique snowshoes on the market, and one of the best options for beginners and casual winter hikers. Instead of a traditional aluminum frame, these use a dual-density EVA foam construction that feels soft, quiet, and incredibly comfortable underfoot. The rocker-shaped design creates a natural walking motion, while the aggressive foam tread and integrated stainless-steel cleats provide surprising traction on packed snow and rolling terrain.
They’re ideal for mellow trails, groomed forest loops, packed forest service roads and everyday winter exploration. At a fraction of the weight of traditional snowshoes, the EVA model is easy to carry, easy to pack, and easy to walk in, making it an excellent pick for first-time snowshoers, families, or anyone wanting a smooth, approachable winter hiking experience.
Evo Trail Snowshoes by MSR
Why They’re Great:
The MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes are some of the most dependable winter hiking snowshoes in the game, and a top pick for hikers who want long-lasting durability without overcomplicating things. Their injection-molded plastic deck is practically bombproof, offering excellent stability and edge control on packed snow, icy trails, and rolling winter terrain. Steel traction rails run along the sides for serious bite in slippery conditions, while the simple strap bindings stay secure and adjust easily even with thick winter gloves.
These snowshoes are especially great for beginners or hikers exploring maintained trails, but they’re tough enough for more adventurous routes too. With optional tail extensions for extra flotation, the Evo Trail is a versatile, budget-friendly choice that punches way above its weight in performance and long-term reliability.
Elite by Northern Lites Snowshoes
Why They’re Great:
The Northern Lites Elite Snowshoes are some of the lightest snowshoes ever made and a dream for hikers who love moving fast on winter trails. Their featherweight aluminum frame and tensioned decking create a super responsive feel underfoot, while the Boa-style binding system delivers a snug, customized fit with almost no fuss. These are the snowshoes you grab when you want to cover real mileage without feeling weighed down.
Despite their ultralight build, the Elite offers excellent flotation for rolling terrain and packed trails, along with solid crampon traction for variable winter conditions. For hikers, runners, and endurance-focused adventurers, the Northern Lites Elite stand out as one of the top high-performance options for 2026.
Mountaineer Snowshoes by Tubbs
Why They’re Great:
The Tubbs Mountaineer Snowshoes are built for steep winter missions! The kind of steep, snowy terrain where traction, stability, and flotation genuinely matter. Their strong aluminum frame and heavy-duty decking provide excellent support in deep powder, while the aggressive carbon-steel crampons and serrated side rails bite confidently into icy slopes. Add in the ActiveFit™ binding system and a heel lift for steep ascents, and you get a snowshoe designed to perform when the terrain gets serious.
These are ideal for backcountry hikers, roaming the foothills, and anyone who needs trustworthy performance beyond packed trails. With balanced flotation and exceptional grip, the Tubbs Mountaineer stands out as one of the most capable mountaineering-ready snowshoes of 2026.
Powder Ski Denali Snowshoes by Crescent Moon Snowshoes
Why They’re Great:
The Crescent Moon Powder Ski Denali Snowshoes are engineered for one thing: floating through truly deep powder. With their oversized deck, wide footprint, and lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum frame, they offer exceptional surface area that keeps you riding on top of soft, unconsolidated snow where most snowshoes sink. The binding system is rugged and secure, designed to stay comfortable and responsive through long days of breaking trail.
Underneath, stainless-steel crampons and side traction plates deliver reliable grip on variable terrain, and the tapered tail helps maintain a natural, predictable stride even in deep drifts. These snowshoes are a top choice for backcountry explorers, hunters, photographers, and anyone venturing into untouched winter terrain where maximum flotation is essential. If your winter adventures take you far beyond packed trails, the Denali is one of the most capable deep-snow snowshoes of 2026.
Lightning Ascent Snowshoes by MSR
Why They’re Great:
The MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes are legendary for a reason: they’re some of the grippiest, most capable snowshoes available for technical winter terrain. Their 360° traction frame works like a full-perimeter crampon, biting into icy hillsides and providing secure footing on tricky traverses. Paired with sharp toe crampons, durable decking, and optional tail extensions, these snowshoes are built to handle everything from steep alpine climbs to deep backcountry missions.
The Ascent’s PosiLock™ bindings offer an incredibly secure, freeze-resistant fit, while the heel lift makes long uphill climbs far more efficient. For mountaineers, winter peak baggers, and hikers who regularly tackle demanding snow conditions, the Lightning Ascent stands out as one of the most high-performance snowshoes of 2026. They are powerful, precise, and ready for serious adventure.
Lightweight Snowshoes by Go2Gether
Why They’re Great:
The Go2Gether Lightweight Snowshoes are one of the best budget snowshoe kits for 2026, offering a surprisingly capable setup at a price beginners can feel good about. The aluminum frame and durable decking provide solid flotation for packed trails and rolling terrain, while the steel crampons underneath give reliable traction on icy or uneven winter surfaces. The ratchet-style bindings are fairly easy to adjust and stay secure, even when you’re hiking with gloves on.
What makes this kit especially appealing is everything that comes with it: adjustable trekking poles with snow baskets, plus a padded carry bag for easy storage and transport. For new winter hikers, occasional users, or anyone looking for an affordable all-in-one setup, the Go2Gether Lightweight Snowshoes deliver excellent performance without stretching the budget.
Packing It Out
The right pair of snowshoes can transform winter hiking from a slog into something magical. The models in this guide represent the best snowshoes for hiking in 2026. They're all durable, comfortable, and ready for every snowy adventure the Southwest has to offer.
Investing in a great pair of snowshoes is one of the most important upgrades you can make to your winter kit, if you want to play outside year round.
FAQ: Best Snowshoes for Hiking in 2026
Are snowshoes worth it for winter hiking?
Yes, especially in the Southwest where snow can get deep fast. Snowshoes keep you on top of the snow, reduce fatigue, and help you stay safer in winter terrain.
Can you use microspikes instead?
Microspikes are perfect for icy trails, but once the snow is soft or deep, snowshoes are the better choice.
Do snowshoes work in powder?
Yes, but you’ll want a larger, more floaty design.
Do women need women’s-specific snowshoes?
Not always, but women’s-specific models typically offer a more natural gait and better weight distribution.
This article is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
