Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 08:08 am
Winter can be the best time of year to explore. In fact, the path is quieter, and you often have them to yourself. Snowshoeing can open doors to a whole new season of possibility in what truly is a magical time of year. However, there are tons of snowshoe options out there to choose form. And even though they all look similar, there are some glaring differences. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the best men’s snowshoes on the market.
What Makes a Great Men's Snowshoe?
We love nothing more than getting out on the snow with our favorite snowshoes, using our own legs to power us over spectacular landscapes. Through our hours spent on the mountain side, we have found four things to take into account when buying a top-quality snowshoe.
- Flotation: This enables you to sit on the top of the snow rather than sink into it. Great flotation allows you to move across the snow further and quicker whilst saving energy.
- Durable Materials: There is a saying “Buy cheap, buy twice.” Great snowshoes have supportive decking, bindings, and hardware that stand up to the rigorous of adventure.
- Easily Adjustable Bindings: It is important to have a snowshoe that is easy to get on and off and is easy to adjust in cold and possibly harsh environments.
- Traction: Depending on the trek you are undertaking and how technical the trail is, you might need different styles of snowshoe.
Our Favorite Men's Snowshoes of 2022 Are...
Now, taking into account everything we have learned about what makes an awesome snowshoe, our favorites are:
Best overall: MSR Lightning Ascent
Second favorite: Tubbs Panoramic
Best budget option: Golpus Lightweight All Terrain
Next, we’ve continued below with more information on how we decided on our recommendations. And if you are still not sure, we have given you some extra options below as well.
Comparison Table of Men's Snowshoes
To start, we’ve put together the table below comparing our top options for men’s snowshoes. Details on each can easy be found by following their links below.
| Picture | Name / Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 
|
MSR Lightning Ascent | $$$$ |
 
|
Tubbs Panoramic | $$$ |
 
|
GoPlus Lightweight All Terrain | $ |
 
|
MSR Evo Trail | $$ |
|
Atlas Helium MTN | $$ |
As you can see, we’ve chosen some great options with a wide range of prices. While any of these would be fantastic for winter adventures, read more below to see our findings.
1. MSR Lightning Ascent
The MSR Lightning Ascent is ultralight and designed to be a go-to shoe or any situation.
For instance, this shoe is built to last and excel on a wide range of terrains and types of snow.
Therefore, if you are looking to purchase just one snowshoe to cover all adventures, look no further than the Lightning Ascent.
Plus, these are just as comfortable on a tricky and technical ascent as on a leisurely Sunday afternoon walk. With unknown wintery trails ahead, being prepared with this hardy and reliable design will make for a fun ride.
Sawtooth Grip for Great Traction
Whatever your skill level, you need great traction which suits the technical aspects of your trail and route. We love the grip of this shoes, which goes from edge to edge.
The Lightning Ascent offers an effective 360-degree traction frame for unrivaled grip. Furthermore, steel crampons will find a bite in any snow or icy conditions.
With steel construction, you would think they would be heavy underfoot. However, these in fact sit perfectly on top of the snow for an amazing float on any journey.
Super Comfortable Binding
MSR has introduced their new Paragon Binding on this snowshoe, and we are in love. Although the binding looks simple, this ingenious design gives a high range of adjustability.
A patented mesh molds to your boot for a snug and custom fit. As a result, a wide range of boots will fit like a glove.
Moreover, no tools are needed and the binding is freeze resistant, so it remains comfortable throughout your trip.
Durable and Quality Materials
Finally, this snowshoe is built to last with high quality materials for committed adventurers.
For instance, ballistic grade decking, solid steel framing, and durable binding makes the MSR Lightning Ascent a top of the line option.
In addition, MSR’s Ergo Televators can be engaged to lift your heels into an efficient position for ascents. As a result, we’ve found this to really improve climbing and energy exchange while hiking uphill.
It may seem like a deluxe option with all of these upgrades. However, MSR has taken into consideration the faults of others and made an ultimate shoe with the Lightning Ascent.
Pros and Cons MSR Lightning Ascent
MSR Lightning Ascent PROS
- Floats on a wide range of snowfall
- Secure foothold
- Heel lift
- Freeze-proof binding
- Accepts large footwear
MSR Lightning Ascent CONS
- Slightly heavy
- Cost
Who Would Love This Snowshoe?
Because of its adaptability, we found the MSR Lightning Ascent to be an excellent all-round snowshoe. As a result, this snowshoe is great for beginners as well as avid and committed adventurers.
Whilst the MSR Lightning Ascent comes with a premium price, they do provide premium features, excellent quality. Consequently, these shoes could literally last you a lifetime. If this snowshoe sounds perfect for your next trek, view more information including current pricing here: MSR Lightning Ascent
2. Tubbs Panoramic
Next on the list, we call these the everyman snowshoe, as they perform well in every category.
Whatever the conditions or terrain, Tubbs Panoramic will handle it with ease.
Additionally, premium materials and design can get you onto most trails with confidence with this perfect day hiking shoe.
Lightweight Construction
Overall, a wide and light aluminum frame means they have a beautifully high float.
In fact, even in deep and fresh snow, they make moving very easy and safe.
With this in mind, the Tubbs Panoramic are great for rolling terrain and excel on long hikes on hills.
While the Tubbs Panoramic is wide and light for float, they may not be agile enough for some uses. During technical, steep ascents or racing, these may provide too much bulk.
DynamicFit Bindings
Furthermore, with their Boa Closure system and DynamicFit binding, the Tubbs Panoramic gets a snug and comfortable fit regardless of your footwear.
Now, while it’s a simple system, this effective and ergonomic design is refreshing. Furthermore, weathered snowshoer and beginner alike will be able to master this quickly.
Additionally, with an easy to master binding and fastening system adjustments in the field are easy for gloved hands to maneuver.
Thoughtful Ergonomic Design
Finally, the Panoramic frame’s slightly upturned tail reduces strain on joints by 10% compared to others.
While this may not sound like a lot, snowshoers love this feature.
For instance, the Tubbs Panoramic noticeably reduces impact on knees, ankles and hips when exploring all day.
Pros and Cons of the Tubbs Panoramic
Tubbs Panoramic PROS
- Flotation for wide range of snow depths
- Glove-friendly
- Comfortable
- Sturdy heel lift bar
Tubbs Panoramic CONS
- Grip only at forefoot
- Bulky for tactical use
- Lightweight aluminum may wear quicker than steel options
Who Will Love The Tubbs Panoramic?
The Tubbs Panoramic snowshoes are a great option for beginners. They preform well on all snow types and depths, are rugged, and easy to get on and off.
Finally, view more information, including current styles and pricing, here: Tubbs Panoramic Snowshoe
3. GoPlus Lightweight All Terrain
The GoPlus Lightweight All Terrain are light and easy to use. Because of their price, these are also great starter shoe.
While being a no-frills snowshoe, it will still get you from point A to B without fuss.
Overall, the GoPlus Lightweight offers a great level of quality for the price, especially with the addition of a heel lift bar.
Value for the Money
The GoPlus Lightweight won’t have all the bells and whistles of premium brands. However, for the money they have proved to be excellent value.
In fact, these made our list as the best snowshoe on a budget for several reasons. For instance, many budget shoes lack traction and don’t include a heel lift bar to assist on ascents.
Conversely, the GoPlus Lightweight offers a heel lift bar that can be engaged to assist on upward treks, giving it a nudge above the rest.
Additionally, this shoe has ample traction for many applications.
Plus, with aluminum alloy crampons underfoot, hikers will have complete control on mountain roads and icy slopes.
As a result, beginners or for the occasional shoer, this is a great tool to pick up without a large investment.
Quick Release Bindings
Additionally, for a budget friendly snowshoe, the GoPlus Lightweight has some great features.
Namely, a handy quick release buckle allows you to get them on and off with ease.
In addition, its heel straps really lock your foot into the shoe, for a tight but comfortable fit.
Now, while they provide a snug fit, they’re just as easily taken off.
As a result, with its quick-release bindings, the GoPlus can easily be incorporated into a family outing or a day trip.
Pros and Cons of the GoPlus Lightweight All Terrain
GoPlus Lightweight PROS
- Value for money
- Lightweight
- Carrying bag included
- Heel lift bar
- More durable than other budget options
GoPlus Lightweight CONS
- Not for technical journeys
Who Is the GoPlus Lightweight All Terrain Perfect For?
The GoPlus Lightweight All Terrain are great for people shoeing on a budget, or for those who many only snowshoe on rare occasions.
View more information, including current pricing and styles, here: GoPlus Lightweight All Terrain Snowshoe
4. MSR Evo Trail
MSR makes our list twice for quality, and the MSR Evo Trail is a no exception.
On fact, its a great option for the larger gentleman, or when carrying heavy backpacks on multiday trips.
The Evo Trail is a smaller agile shoe with optional 6 inch flotation tails can be added to factor in heavier loads.
This is a great compromise between budget and premium shoes with lots of value for its mid-level price.
All Terrain Traction
Firstly, not only will the Evo Trail perform amazingly on well groomed trails, undulating hills and packed snow are no issue.
So, if you are following a popular route over a number of days, then we would highly recommend this shoe.
In fact, traction bars molded into either side of the frame provide sturdy foothold on slippery terrain.
Furthermore, its balance of float and traction allows this shoe to perform equally well on fresh new snow as more compact snow.
Ergonomic Foot Motion
Additionally, with its compact size and easy to adjust, snug binding, walking is about as natural as it can be while wearing a snowshoe.
Furthermore, this means you can walk more efficiently, which will help you at mile 1 or mile 100.
Pros and Cons MSR Evo Trail
MSR Evo Trail PROS
- Versatile function on different terrain
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Glove-friendly
- Lightweight
- Modular attachments for versatility
MSR Evo Trail CONS
- Not designed for mountain ascents
- No heel lift assist
Who Would Love This Snowshoe?
Finally, the MSR Evo Trail is a great starter shoe for any beginner. Even so, they have enough features which result in performance to excite even the most experienced snowshoe wearer. As far as purpose, they are suitable for all conditions apart from the most aggressive ascents and trails.
View more information including specs and current pricing here: MSR EVO Trail
5. Atlas Helium MTN
Finally, the Atlas Helium MTN is a great option for many outdoor treks. Being mountain-ready, they are also great for trekking to prime snowboarding or skiing peaks.
In fact, with an intuitive binding system, sturdy steel crampons, and traction bars, the Helium MTN is a great tool to get you to your destination.
Mountain-Trail Ready
Additionally, with their elliptical design, these shoes are sturdy and super responsive on technical track.
However, this does cut down on the overall float rating of these shoes in soft deep snow.
As a result, these wouldn’t be the best option for backcountry rolling hills or leisurely strolls on open ground.
Plus, with their shovel-style crampons, the Helium MTN is best designed to sink into ice and packed snow. As a result, this model is most competent on busy, packed down, technical track.
Special Design Sheds Snow
In addition, this model’s design features intuitive holes on its deck.
As a result, excess snow is shed very quickly. In fact, this not only keeps snow from flipping into boots, it keeps shows lightweight.
Furthermore, this helps with fatigue, meaning you can cover more miles. Consequently, more miles mean greater adventures.
Pros and Cons Atlas Endeavor
Atlas Endeavor PROS
- Heel support for steep climbs
- Angled form reduces strain
- Great traction
- Flips less snow onto boots
- Quick and easy binding
- 26″ option caters to men up to 220 lbs.
- Great for trails
Atlas Endeavor CONS
- Limited float
- Limited terrain options
Why Are These Snowshoes a Great Option?
The Atlas Endeavor is a great option for men who want a recreational snowshoe for winter hikes. If you’re a snowboarder or backcountry skier, these are also a great model to get you to the summit.
View more information, including current styles and pricing, here: Atlas Endeavor Men’s Snowshoe
Before Picking Your Snowshoes
While there are many different snowshoes, each may be better for a particular type of adventure. So, whether you’re walking, hiking, running, racing, backpacking, or mountaineering there’s a snowshoe designed for you.
Before heading out, consider our recommendations and remember to consider the following based on your needs. Choose a set that:
- Offers appropriate float. Choose a shoe based on the level of snow fall you’re hoping to encounter. Snowshoes built for technical trails will be less viable for deep powder.
- Is durable. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, materials that withstand the journey are paramount. For instance, steel crampons and hardware should be priority. Plus, find a pair that is recommended for your weight plus pack.
- Has easily adjusted bindings. Winter sports are cold, and metal or clunky bindings can freeze and be difficult to use. So, rubber or glove-friendly straps are important.
- Offer good traction. Depending on where you’re headed, choose a shoe with great traction that’s geared for your trek.
Furthermore, it is extremely important you purchase a shoe that is appropriate to your size and weight (with gear) whilst also considering your potential terrain.
Make the Most Out of Winter
Once you have decided which snowshoe would be perfect for your journey, you must pay very close attention to the size guide. For instance, your weight and size are a very big factor in the comfort and safety of the snowshoe. In fact, getting this right allows you to get out into the great outdoors without a worry.
Nature is just waiting to be explored throughout the year, and snowshoeing is a great way to experience it with family and friends. And, the perfect snowshoe will open up an entire new season for you and your loved ones. Trust us, you haven’t comfortably explored powdery hills or serene winter trails if you haven’t snowshoed yet.
So, get bundled up, get a pair of snowshoes and seize this tranquil wonderland.
Image Credit: m.prinke | (source) | Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) –reduced file size
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