The Best Snowshoes For Running In 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best Snowshoes For Running
Best Snowshoes For Running

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Yukon Charlie's Run Ultra

Running snowshoes are the best way to boost your endurance and relish in your endorphins, even in the winter. Yukon Charlie's Run Ultra pairs a cozy fleece liner with a lightweight yet durable 100% waterproof snowshoe for summer and winter running. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Crescent Moon Luna Foam Snowshoes

The Crescent Moon Luna Snowshoes have a flexible foam deck, unique shape, and easy bindings. Designed for walking, hiking and other outdoor activities in snow or cold weather environments, these snowshoes incorporate a great design with an excellent price. These snowshoes are a thoughtful gift idea for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Read Review

3. Best Lightweight: TSL Snowshoes Symbioz Snowshoe

TSL Symbioz Snowshoes are the perfect lightweight snowshoe for hiking, walking, or playing in the snow. With a unique chassis and a patented locking mechanism, these snowshoes offer protection and stability when walking on ice and packed snow. With 40% more surface area than our previous model, these snowshoes are perfect for carrying your gear or getting to camp faster. Read Review

4. Best Durable: Crescent Moon Eva Foam Snowshoes

With these lightweight snowshoes, you’re sure to enjoy a peaceful walk through the forest. With two adjustable straps and a removable footpad, these shoes are great for first timers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This versatile pair is perfect for Nordic centers or around town to get in some exercise and take in the natural beauty of the outdoors. Read Review

Running in the snow can be challenging, but adding a little momentum can make it feel like nothing at all. These snowshoes are designed to give runners added power, so you never fatigue from plowing through drifts again. When the season starts and spring runs out of sight, you’ll want to keep yourself active until the next chance for sunshine.

With these snowshoes, you won’t have to dread another winter run anymore. Whether you prefer testing your speed against other runners or crushing those around you with ease, we’ve got the perfect pair of running shoes for you. Follow our guide on which type of runner is best suited to each kind of snowshoe, and get ready to conquer every trail!.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 16 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. When it comes to finding the best snowshoes for running, we believe Yukon Charlie's Run Ultra is a worth product to buy. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Yukon Charlie's Run Ultra
Our Score:
9.7
Yukon Charlie's
  • Tech Weave decking offers a light and durable nylon fabric with polyurethane coating. Stays soft in cold temperatures and is quieter when walking on snow
  • Weighing 2.5 pounds, the 8x22-inch frame is built for users up to 225 pounds. Unisex design for women and men
  • Ultra strong 7075-T6 Aluminum Frame
  • Sprint forged steel front crampon
  • Swift Strap heel strap offers unlimited range of customization with just the pull of the strap
TOP Choice #2 Crescent Moon Luna Foam Snowshoes
Our Score:
9.6
CRESCENT MOON
  • STRONG TRACTION: Durable rubber lugs provide serious traction and ice cleats (included) give stability on hardpack and icy conditions
  • EASY TO USE: Secure hook and loop bindings are incredibly intuitive, simple, and stay tight across rolling terrain; 20 x 7 inches
  • DURABLE FOAM: High-density foam deck offers extra cushion and insulation to keep you warm and comfy without weighing you down; 2.65 pounds
  • ADULT SNOWSHOE PAIR: Lightweight foam snowshoes help you explore packed powder trails on all your wintery adventures; fits shoe size 6Y to 12M
  • UNIQUE DESIGN: Rocker platform bends and rolls with your foot like your favorite pair of athletic shoes; Teardrop shape preserves your natural stride
TOP Choice #3 TSL Snowshoes Symbioz Snowshoe
Our Score:
9.5
TSL
  • All TSL Snowshoes come with a storage bag
  • The precise memory toe adjustment binding system allows the user to customize the length in a matter of minutes
  • The TSL Symbioz is the most technologically advanced snowshoe on the market; Designed for people 110 - 260 LBS
  • The TSL Symbioz features a ratcheting instep strap to insure a secure and comfortable fit
  • The TSL Symbioz feature HyperFlex technology allow the frame to conform to any terrain and offer unlimited grip
4 Crescent Moon Eva Foam Snowshoes
Our Score:
9.3
CRESCENT MOON
  • 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
  • EASY TO USE: Secure hook and loop bindings are incredibly intuitive, simple, and stay tight across rolling terrain; 24 x 8 inches
  • STRONG TRACTION: Durable rubber lugs provide serious traction and ice cleats (included) give stability on hardpack and icy conditions
  • ADULT SNOWSHOE PAIR: Lightweight foam snowshoes help you explore packed powder trails on all your wintery adventures; fits shoe size 7W to 12M
  • UNIQUE DESIGN: Rocker platform bends and rolls with your foot like your favorite pair of athletic shoes; Teardrop shape preserves your natural stride
5 NACATIN All Terrain Snowshoes
Our Score:
9.1
NACATIN
  • ⛄【Premium & Strong Material】This premium snow shoes are made of aluminum-alloy, which is sturdy enough and can withstand 150 to 275 lbs of weight. In addition, the panel is made of HDPE plastic that is low temperature resistant. Therefore, our snow shoes are very durable and not easy to be broken.
  • ⛄【 Ergonomic Design for Easy Walking】The upturned round tail design of snow shoes can effectively prevent snow shoes from being inserted into the snow during walking, ensuring user’s safety. In addition, the aluminum alloy claws help the users move forward easily in the deep and wet snow.
  • ⛄【Gift for Outdoor Activity Enthusiasts】 Our snow shoes are useful outdoor equipment. When there is a lot of snow on the road, outdoor activities enthusiasts can wear the snow shoes to go on their snow trekking or adventure, because the snow shoes can avoid sliding or get struck into the snow.
  • ⛄【Fully Adjustable】Its double ratcheting bindings fit a wide variety of winter boot styles and sizes, requiring a quick tug of webbing straps and heel adjustment. What's more, the heel strap and aluminum teeth of crampons provide increased traction and comfort on packed snow and moderate terrains that are great for enjoying winter hiking through trails and forest.
  • ⛄【Convenient to Carry & Wear】 There is a carrying bag for you to put the snow shoes, trekking poles and snow supports in our carrying bag when you need to go out. Besides, our snowshoes are very easy to wear, and you just need to tighten the straps to keep your feet secured.
  • All TSL Snowshoes come with a storage bag
  • Symbioz features a ratcheting ankle strap to insure a secure and comfortable fit
  • The tsl symbioz is the most technologically advanced snowshoe on the market; designed for people 120-220 lbs
  • The tsl symbioz feature hyperflex technology allow the frame to conform to any terrain and offer Unlimited grip
  • The simple toe adjustment allows the user to customize size in one quick pull
7 Tubbs Snowshoes Flex Alp
Our Score:
8.7
Tubbs
  • Other: ActiveLift 19° Heel Lift, EZ Heel Buckle
  • Traction: Viper 2.0 Toe Crampon, 3D-Curved Traction Rails
  • Frame and Decking: Torsion Deck, FLEX Tail
  • Articulation: Rotation Limiter
  • Control: ActiveFit 2.0 Binding
8 MSR Evo Ascent Backcountry
Our Score:
8.6
MSR
  • Tri fit bindings deliver ample, freeze-resistant and glove-friendly Security, easily accommodating a wide range of footwear
  • Modular flotation tails (sold separately) easily attach and allow you to carry heavier loads when needed
  • Steel traction rails and brake bars molded directly into snowshoe decks provide a secure grip
  • Televator heel lifts reduce fatigue and increase traction on the steeps, and are easily engaged with a glove-friendly pull Tab
  • Snowshoes measure 22 inches long, weigh 4.1 pounds, and can carry a 180-pound load; bindings fit men’s shoes sizes 4.5-15; made in the USA. The load without tails (standard) is up to 250 pounds
9 Yukon Charlies Elite Spin  Snowshoe
Our Score:
8.2
Yukon Charlie's
  • Weighing 4.2 pounds, the 8x25-inch frame is built for users from 151 to 200 pounds. Unisex design for women and men
  • SPIN by Northwave Dial binding system with integrated toe hold provides precision tension to fit to any shoe
  • Swift Strap heel strap offers unlimited range of customization with just the pull of the strap
  • Tech Weave decking offers a light and durable nylon fabric with polyurethane coating. Stays soft in cold temperatures and is quieter when walking on snow
  • Free Flex axle system allows user to comfortably grip and glide across any type of powder. It's a lightweight solution to a comfortable snowshoe
10 Atlas Snowshoes Race
Our Score:
8.1
Atlas Snowshoes
  • V-Frame - rolls easily into each step for a natural gait
  • Z Space Race Binding - Z-shaped configuration allow for speedy single-handed adjustment across the entire foot
  • Z Trac Crampon - Made from 6061 aluminum and features 360 degree engagement around the foot.
  • Spring-Loaded Suspension - Keeps the snowshoe close underfoot for easy maneuvering and suspends your foot so it can move freely with its intended articulation

What to Look For in a best snowshoes for running?

Often buyers are reluctant to buy best snowshoes for running. When considering a large purchase, certain things should be examined. Our knowledge and experience of best snowshoes for running will help in making the best options.

Please keep in mind the following criterial before selecting the best snowshoes for running:

Bindings

Snowshoe bindings that are hard to access or difficult to keep in place can make a pleasant adventure into an unpleasant one. Many snowshoe-binding systems have a rotating, floating design that allows them to move apart from your snowshoe. Running snowshoes typically have a single side, to minimize flapping and provide more cushioning.
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.

Type Of Terrain

For every kind of snow there is a shoe. Consider the grade of the trail that you are walking on. This makes things even more complicated. As fluffy snow tends to melt quickly and can make it hard for people to move through deep snow, we made sure that our pairs could be worn on any terrain.

Material

Material of spikes is the most important factor. The most durable snowshoe material is nylon, while aluminum and plastic are less resilient. Steel spikes make the best snowshoes. Rails made of metal are also a good choice. Shoes with steel spikes or rails underneath are more durable. As is usual, steel comes with a weight penalty.

Traction & Climbing Features

Many features are included in snowshoes. These include toe crampons and tails as well as binding systems and toe fillings. Side rails and side rails can also be used to support the heel. We also considered the specificity of each feature when choosing snowshoes.

Sizing

Snowshoe size should be taken into consideration. This includes your body weight, gear and type of terrain.
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 Boot Attachment System

The best straps are those that can withstand the pulling force of your shoe. You can attach your snowshoes to footwear using ratchets and buckles. It is important to consider the material and durability of the straps as well as how they are made. These factors will determine whether or not your snowshoe stays comfortable and durable.

FAQs

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

When new data becomes available, we routinely adjust the list of best snowshoes for running. Please do regularly visit our website for the most up-to-date news.

If you have any questions or difficulties with best snowshoes for running, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll try our best to do everything we can to assist you if you ask!


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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