The 9 Best Snowshoes

Built for steep, icy climbs, the MSR Lightning Ascent wraps each boot in an aluminum frame with teeth around its whole edge, so it bites when you cut across a slope. A bar flips up under the heel to ease long ascents, and clip-on tails add float in powder. OutdoorGearLab's testers scored its grip near the top of their scale. It costs a lot, and the short binding straps are fiddly to work with thick gloves on.

Most weekend hikers on packed trails will be happy with the MSR Evo Trail. Its one-piece plastic deck shrugs off rocks and stumps, steel teeth and side rails keep it steady, and the stretchy mesh binding fits almost any footwear, from light hikers to snowboard boots. Clip-on tails, sold separately, add float when the snow gets deep. There's no heel lift for long climbs, and the hard deck slaps loudly on firm snow.

If you want one pair for everything from rolling trails to steeper backcountry days, look at the MSR Revo Explore. Steel teeth line the edge of its molded deck, a heel bar flips up for climbs, and the cushioned binding pulls snug in one motion. MSR builds it in the U.S. and covers it for three years. The traction teeth are fairly small, and the rubber binding can feel tight around bulky winter boots.

The TSL Symbioz Elite has a frame that bends with the ground and with each step, so walking in it feels closer to hiking in boots. Carbon inserts spring back as the tail lifts, and a ratchet strap locks the boot onto a firm plate that holds it steady. On packed and icy trails it grips hard. The narrow, tapered shape sinks in fresh powder, and fitting the plate to your boot takes patience the first time.

New to the sport? The Tubbs Xplore Kit bundles a pair of trail shoes with adjustable poles and gaiters, so one box covers the first outing. The binding pivots freely under the foot and closes with simple straps, and the frame handles groomed paths and packed snow without fuss. Tubbs backs the set for one year. There's no heel lift for steep pitches, and the grip fades once the snow turns deep or the trail tilts sideways.

For long days on rolling trails, the Atlas Helium Trail keeps weight off your legs with a slatted plastic deck that sheds snow instead of collecting it. Rails along two thirds of each side steady you on slopes, and a heel bar folds up for steep pitches. A stretch binding with two buckles goes on fast. It floats less in soft new snow, and the toe crampon holds less firmly on hard ice.

Backcountry hikers watching their spending often settle on the MSR Evo Ascent, which adds steel rails and brake bars to a tough plastic deck. A heel bar flips up with a gloved pull, the binding resists freezing and takes most winter boots, and add-on tails raise the load limit for overnight packs. Sierra backpackers lean on it for winter overnights. Without those tails it floats less in deep powder.

A first try at the sport on a small budget is what the G2 Lightweight Kit is for, since poles and a tote bag come in the box. A ratchet binding tightens with one pull, foam padding cushions the foot, and a heel bar helps on climbs. Four lengths cover lighter to heavier hikers. The aluminum teeth slip on sideways slopes and ice, and the carry bag is flimsy.

Runners and walkers on packed snow may like the Crescent Moon Eco Eva, a foam pair that rolls with your foot like a sneaker and stays quiet underfoot. Hook-and-loop straps go on without buckles or clips, and small ice spikes add some grip. Its warranty runs three years. It isn't meant for steep or deep snow, and the soft foam floats less than a rigid frame.