The Best Beginner Snowshoes For 2024
By, Sarah CombsUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Wildhorn Outfitters Sawtooth SnowShoes
With a lightweight frame and sturdy materials, these snowshoes are perfect for women looking to hit the slopes without sacrificing their style. The low profile design makes them easy to use, letting you quickly and comfortably navigate through deep snow and challenging terrain. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Winterial Light Weight Shasta SnowShoes
Winterial 25 Inch Light Weight Shasta Snow Shoes are great for anyone looking for a stable, comfortable, and beautifully designed winter footwear. These snow shoes are built with a light weight material that keeps your feet warm and dry while you're out on the slopes. Read Review
3. Best Adjustable: Ito Rocky Sawtooth Snowshoes
The Rocky Sawtooth Snowshoes are perfect for wintertime adventures. These snowshoes have an ergonomic and streamlined shape with a lightweight construction so you can take them anywhere. They feature a 360 degree tread that is designed to provide excellent traction on soft or hardpack snow, so you can be confident when trekking in the winter. Read Review
4. Best Exactly: Winterial Light Weight SnowShoes
Winterial 30 Inch Light Weight Snow Shoes are the perfect all-in-one snowshoe for your adventures! The all-steel construction is lightweight and durable, while the large flotation platform gives you a comfortable ride. Designed with multiple small grips on the bottom so that you can walk up and down snow without any slipping. Read Review
Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. You can snowshoe with friends or family and there are so many places where you can go. You can do it in the mountains or in parks and forests. If you don’t have any experience with snowshoes, this is probably not the best activity for you because it will take some time to get used to it. However, if you are looking for a great way to get outside and explore nature, look no further than snowshoes.
They are fun, affordable, and accessible to just about everyone – even those who have never stepped foot outside before! To make things even easier, we’ve rounded up what we believe are the best beginner snowshoes on the market. From entry-level models that won’t break your budget, all the way up to more expensive models that will last you for years of outdoor adventures. Let’s take a look at our top picks.
Our team had to focus on researching for 16 hours to get such results for readers. This type of study uses customer star ratings and customer interviews on their product experiences. As result, We think the best beginner snowshoes is Wildhorn Outfitters Sawtooth SnowShoes. We also show the other fantastic alternatives with a complete guide which is worth your consideration below.
RELATED: In this list, we've compiled the best snowshoes for backpacking in order to make sure you have the best experience possible.
Our Top Picks
- STEEP INCLINE HEEL LIFT RISER - This unique system provides traction and balance while climbing hills; The heel lift riser comes up under your heel to support you when you need it and lays flat when you don't.SLIP FEATURES - The Sawtooth snow shoes have boot grip, no-slip textured pads and an excess heel strap clip. These systems cradle your foot to hold you in place and prevent sliding around while snow shoeing this winter
- LIGHT WEIGHT MATERIALS - This snowshoe model is designed with a durable, aluminum frame that allows for optimal snow flotation performance in deep powder;Sawtooths are constructed with high-grade, weather tested materials because we know how important it is to hPACK GRIP TEETH - Snowshoeing requires traction; Each shoe has two sets of reinforced, heavy duty crampons that ensure traction on icy, hard surfaces; The pressure from your feet let the crampon act as an extreme ice pick for your boots
- HARD PACK GRIP TEETH - Snowshoeing requires traction; Each shoe has two sets of reinforced, heavy duty crampons that ensure traction on icy, hard surfaces; The pressure from your feet let the crampon act as an extreme ice pick for your boots!INCLINE HEEL LIFT RISER - This unique system provides traction and balance while climbing hills; The heel lift riser comes up under your heel to support you when you need it and lays flat when you don't
- NEW AND IMPROVED - You spoke, we listened. Based on feedback from our 2018 model, we made adjustments to our Sawtooth Snowshoes; We reinforced the ratchet binding with heavy duty spring-loaded clips and added a new heal strap with an auto-locking system
- LIGHTWEIGHT - Our design aims to create a lightweight, high quality snowshoe that will guarantee ease of use while taking on any snowshoeing adventure!
- FUNCTIONALITY - This recreational snowshoe is made for everyday snowshoeing. It has heel bindings that makes it easier to climb hills and the aluminum teeth help to provide increased traction and grip to the snow.
- DIMENSIONS - L x W (24.5 in x 8 in) / Poles Folded: 26" Fully Extended: 53". Weight recommendation: Up to 260lbs
- DURABLE - We use a strong aluminum frame and plastics to make our snowshoe capable of taking a beating while snowshoeing in the backcountry!
- COMFORT - We found that the one feature that other snowshoes lacked was comfort. Since we take our snowshoes for long expeditions or short walks around the park, we made comfort a priority. The 2 ANTI-SHOCK poles included provide the ultimate snowshoeing experience!
- [ Package Included ] - A pair of snowshoes, a pair of adjustable Snowshoeing Poles, a snowshoe tote bag.
- [ Adjustable ] - Double ratcheting bindings easily adjust to most footwear and enable a secure, comfortable and easy walk for your hiking. One-buckle tightening mechanism coupled with an TPE heel strap provides efficient support.
- [Functional ] - The high quality PE decking creates max flotation and the strong aluminum frame provides a stable platform. Each shoe has two sets of reinforced, heel crampons provide traction for heading down mild slopes.
- [ Adjustable ] - L x W x H (25in x 8 in x 5 in) Weight recommendation: 110lbs-220lbs
- [Design ] -This snowshoe model is designed with a durable, aluminum frame that allows for optimal snow flotation performance in deep powder.
- LIGHTWEIGHT - Our design aims to create a lightweight, high quality snowshoe that will guarantee ease of use while taking on any snowshoeing adventure!
- COMFORT - We found that the one feature that other snowshoes lacked was comfort. Since we take our snowshoes for long expeditions or short walks around the park, we made comfort a priority. The 2 ANTI-SHOCK poles included provide the ultimate snowshoeing experience!
- DURABLE - We use a strong aluminum frame and plastics to make our snowshoe capable of taking a beating while snowshoeing in the backcountry!
- FUNCTIONALITY - This recreational snowshoe is made for everyday snowshoeing. It has heel bindings that makes it easier to climb hills and the aluminum teeth help to provide increased traction and grip to the snow.
- DIMENSIONS - L x W x H (30in x 9 in x 5 in) / Poles: (53 in x 1.5 in x 1 in). Weight recommendation: up to 260lbs
- MATERIALS: Long lasting lightweight 6000 Series aircraft aluminum frame. DuPont pivot and environmental HDPE decking. Forged aluminum alloy crampons
- DESIGN: Ergonomic and streamlined design and a slightly upturned rounded tail, the snowshoes ensure a comfortable and easy walk for your hiking and climbing. Meet max floatation and fast movement in heavy snow condition.
- FUNCTION: Fast pull binding system easy entry and fast-lock allow your winter boots put on and off quickly. It can fit a wide range of shoes size from 35-45 EUR.
- SIZES & WEIGHT CAPACITY: 21 inches snowshoes optimized weight range: 65 - 155 lbs / 30 - 70 kg；25 inches snowshoes optimized weight range: 110 - 220 lbs / 50 - 100 kg; 30 inches snowshoes optimized weight range: 150 - 260 lbs / 70 - 120 kg. (Load refers to total weight of user plus anything they are carrying such as pack, equipment, etc.)
- PACK: One pair of snowshoes + one pair of Trekking poles + one nylon carrying bag.
- ⛄🎁Adjustable Treeking Poles: Easily changing the height of these telescoping poles from 25.5 to 54 inches is a breeze even when you're wearing gloves or trekking in wet conditions.
- ⛄🎁The Ultimate Snowshoes For Women and Men: Odoland snowshoes made of lightweight high quality materials to guarantee ease of use and equipped with handy bag, this set is ideal for your snow shoes with poles adventures and outdoor activities. 21'' for 80-120lbs / 28-54kg, 25'' for 120-160lbs / 54-72kg, 30'' for 160-250lbs / 72-114kg.
- ⛄🎁Waterproof Leg Gaiters: Made of pongee fabric, provides excellent water and tear & puncture resistance. The perfect Christmas gift, share Odoland snowshoes with families, friends, and freely explore the snowy natural world.
- ⛄🎁Lightweight & Easy-to-Put Snowshoes: The women & men snow shoes made of lightweight and strong aluminum frame, the snowshoes feature an ergonomic design to ensure comfortable and easy walk.
- ⛄🎁Great Flotation & Hard Grip Sawtooth: Large flat surface area of aluminum frame, the shoes provides you with maximum flotation. Each shoe has two sets of reinforced, heavy duty saw tooth for strong traction on icy, hard surfaces.
- GREAT FLOTATION & HARD GRIP SAWTOOTH: Large flat surface area of aluminum frame, the shoes provides you with maximum flotation. Each shoes have two sets of reinforced, heavy duty sawtooth for strong traction on icy, hard surfaces.
- SNOWSHOES SIZES & WEIGHT CAPACITY: 14 Inches optimized weight range: 30 - 70 lbs/ 13 - 31 kg; 21 Inches optimized weight range: 70 - 150 lbs / 31 - 68 kg£»25 Inches optimized weight range: 120 - 200 lbs / 54 - 90 kg; 30 Inches optimized weight range: 180 - 250 lbs / 81 - 114 kg
- WATERPROOF LEG GAITERS: Made of pongee fabric, the Leg Gaiters provides excellent water and tear & puncture resistance. Easy to wear on and take off with elastic band and velcro design
- LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY-TO-PUT SNOWSHOES: Made of lightweight and strong aluminum frame , the snowshoes feature an ergonomic design to ensure comfortable and easy walk. With upgraded double ratcheting bindings, it's easily adjust to your footwear. And the one-buckle tightening mechanism coupled with TPE heel strap provides efficient support.
- ADJUSTABLE TREEKING POLES: Easily changing the height of these telescoping poles from 25.5 to 54 inches is a breeze even when you're wearing gloves or trekking in wet conditions.
- SNOWSHOE TOTE BAG & TREKKING POLES: Adjustable trekking poles and a zippered snowshoe tote bag for easy carrying and storage.
- Fully Adjustable : double ratcheting bindings easily adjust to most footwear and enable a secure fit for maximum efficiency during outdoor treks; one-buckle tightening mechanism coupled with an TPE heel strap provides efficient support
- DESIGN & DESCRIPTION: Standing atop the Series, the snowshoes are packed with features to tackle your favorite winter hikes, with the lightweight, smooth-striding design, comfort of the TPU binding with fast lock & loosen system and confidence of advanced aft traction, to take you to the tree line and beyond;
- Sizes&Weight Capacity:14 Inches:30-70lbs/14-31 kg;21 Inches:70-160 lbs/31-73 kg;25 Inches:120-180 lbs/55-82 kg;30 Inches:180-250 lbs/81-122 kg
- Functional Use: a strong metal frame provides a stable platform while the high quality PE decking creates max flotation; heel straps with quick release buckles keep your feet in place; all terrain forged aluminum alloy crampons for aggressive traction
- Package Included: A pair of snowshoes + A pair of Snowshoeing Poles + A Carrying bag.
- Functional Use: A strong metal frame provides a stable platform while the high quality PE decking creates max flotation; heel straps with quick release buckles keep your feet in place; all terrain forged aluminum alloy crampons for aggressive traction.
- DESIGN: Ergonomic and streamlined design and a slightly upturned rounded tail, the snowshoes ensure comfortable and easy walk for hiking and climbing. Meet max flotation and fast movement in heavy snow conditions.
- The bindings are molded around man's boot to cradle and pad the arch and ball of the foot, so there are no pressure points. The lacing system holds your feet securely and easy Fast-Loc buckles makes donning and doffing quick and simple.
- Sizes & Weight Capacity: 14 Inches:30 - 70 lbs / 14 - 31 kg; 21 Inches: 70 - 150 lbs / 31 - 70 kg; 25 Inches : 120 - 180 lbs / 55 - 82 kg ; 27 Inches:160 - 235 lbs / 73 - 107 kg; 30 Inches:180 - 250 lbs / 81 - 114 kg.
- STRONG TRACTION: Durable rubber lugs provide serious traction and ice cleats (included) give stability on hardpack and icy conditions
- UNIQUE DESIGN: Rocker platform bends and rolls with your foot like your favorite pair of athletic shoes; Teardrop shape preserves your natural stride
- EASY TO USE: Secure hook and loop bindings are incredibly intuitive, simple, and stay tight across rolling terrain; 24 x 8 inches
- DURABLE FOAM: High-density foam deck offers extra cushion and insulation to keep you warm and comfy without weighing you down; 3.5 pounds/pair
- ADULT SNOWSHOE PAIR: Lightweight foam snowshoes help you explore packed powder trails on all your wintery adventures; fits shoe size 7W to 12M
Tips for choosing the most appropriate model among the list of best beginner snowshoes
Perhaps as a customer, you may be looking for a best beginner snowshoes that may provide you with just what you want, such as being environmentally friendly, freely selected, and so on.
In this section, we will discuss with you the buying guides and main factors to consider when planning to buy the product from e-commerce websites, so that when the time comes to make your final selection, everything would be laid out in front of you.
Bindings
These main strap materials can be made from nylon, rubber, and cable lace. The straps are available in straight straps or ratchet and pull straps.
BOA cable-lace bindings with pull webbing offer both a secure, snug fit as well as quick access to your snowshoes. While snowshoes come in many different materials, the most popular are usually made of hardened plastics with carbon, steel or aluminum.
Traction & Climbing Features
Material
Sizing
The specifications on the snowshoes should be checked. It will specify the minimum recommended load as well as the best type of terrain. Maximum load for day trips should not be more than 20 pounds. If you are going on overnight adventures or climbing, your maximum load should be between 30-60 pounds higher than your bodyweight.
Due to the greater area of snowshoes, longer ones are more efficient at traversing powder. A longer snowshoe makes it more difficult to travel up or down steep terrain. It is better to have a shorter ski than you need if your goal is to move on snowpacked terrain.
Type Of Terrain
Type Of Boot Attachment System
RELATED: Whether you're looking for a pair of snow shoes for your next trip or just want to learn more about the good snow shoes on the market, this article has you covered.
FAQs
How Much Snow Do You Need For Snowshoeing?
Snowshoes should be worn in deep, soft snow. To use snowshoes for any other condition, it isn't practical. They are too heavy and bulky. It is better to use crampons for snowshoeing on hard and frozen terrain.
What Size Snowshoes Do I Need?
The sizing of your snowshoes will depend on how tall you are and what weight you have (including the pack weight). You can find the recommended sizing for each brand or model here.
A longer snowshoe is more comfortable to use in powder, because it has a greater surface area. A longer snowshoe can be more difficult to use on steep terrain.
Do You Need Poles?
Even though you won't need them, poles are strongly recommended. Even the most agile people can be a bit clumsy when starting snowshoeing. Poles are a great way to increase balance in the upper body, and also engage your arms in this otherwise leg-focused sport.
You will require poles for technical or more difficult terrain. These poles are a safety net for those who find themselves on unstable ledges, or just need an extra layer of security.
What Is The Best Snowshoe Brand?
While there are many high-quality brands, your personal preferences and needs will determine which brand is best for you. A snowshoe that is designed for trail running will be different for someone who is shorter than you. In order to find the best snowshoes for you, it is better to put your needs first than the brand.
What Shoes Do You Wear With Snowshoes?
For most snowshoeing conditions, a pair of good hiking boots or winter boots is recommended. You want to make sure your feet are dry and warm without restricting mobility. For top choices, check out our review of the Best Men's Winter Boots as well as Best Women's Winter Boots.
Gaiters are a great way to prevent snow from getting into your garden. Dry means happy.
What Kind Of Shoes Do You Wear With Snowshoes?
For the most comfort and fit, you can use any type of shoe with snowshoes. However, we recommend water-resistant boots that are relatively tough hiking/backpacking shoes.
Conclusion
In summary, the best beginner snowshoes is the one that will provide you with exactly what you want. Provided that you are not satisfied with the models listed above, we propose Winterial Light Weight SnowShoes for you.
If you are unclear about how to select an item for yourself or someone else at any time in this post, please let us know! Our team of professionals is always pleased to help you find the best match.
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About Sarah Combs
