Last updated on October 19th, 2022 at 06:54 pm
Kids love playing in the snow. So, every chance we get, we bundle up and head outside during the winter. But after awhile, everyone gets bored building snowmen and making snow angels. So this winter, try snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is safe, fun and great exercise. Before you head out, though, make sure you have the right gear by choosing a pair of the best snowshoes for kids.
The Favorite Snowshoes for Kids Are...
So, we put some of the top snowshoes on the market to the test with little feet. As a result, you won’t go wrong by picking any of our three favorites:
Our Favorite Snowshoes for Kids: MSR Youth Shift
Second Best Snowshoes for Kids: Gpeng Xtreme Lightweight Terrain
Honorable Mention: MSR Tyker Kids’
Below we go over every reason why we selected the above as our favorites, and we also provide a comparison table of all seven of the snowshoes we researched.
Comparison Table of 7 Snowshoes for Kids
| Picture | Name / Link | Carrying Capacity |
|---|---|---|
|
MSR Shift | 125 lb |
 
|
Gpeng All Terrain | 30 lb - 250 lb with different sizes |
 
|
MSR Tyker Kids' | 90 lb |
|
Yukon Charlie's Snowsquall | 100 lb |
 
|
Yukon Sno-Bash Kids | 100 lb |
|
Crescent Moon Luna | 100 lb |
As you can see, there are lots of options. However, continue to the below post to see why we chose our top three recommendations.
Our Favorite for Kids: MSR Youth Shift
First, our choice for best snowshoe for kids is the MSR Youth Shift. We found these to be the sturdiest of all tested sets.
Plus, the Shift is strong and grips well on inclines to ensure your kiddos’ safety.
Sturdy Crampons and Traction Bars
In fact, just like MSR’s adult snowshoes, the Shift features strong and grippy pivoting crampons at the forefoot.
Furthermore, steel traction bars allow these shoes to tackle variable terrain and trail conditions. As a result, this is truly the best set for long hikes that take you in the backcountry.
Lightweight and Easy to Use
Additionally, as with all of our top choices, the Shift is durable relatively lightweight, and easy to use.
In fact, the rubber bindings on the shift are very similar to snowboard bindings, using a simple ratchet system.
And, the heel strap is uses an equally simple, user-friendly clip.
Lastly, this set is light weight, which doesn’t hold your kid back when trekking. Plus, as a parent, they’re easy to carry from car to cabin or when the snow is too shallow.
In fact, the MSR Youth Shift is just 40 ounces each, which is impressive for such a sturdy setup.
Lasts Many Seasons
Lastly, the Shift will last on long, difficult hikes.
In fact, the MSR shift features a rugged injection molded deck.
Plus, a higher weight capacity means your kid won’t grow out of them as quickly as others.
Additionally, these snowshoes feature very durable rubber strapping which is easy to use for cold fingers and fits shoe sizes from 11-7.
Altogether, the Shift is a good blend of user-friendly design and durability.
Pros and Cons of the MSR Youth Shift
MSR Youth Shift PROS
- User-friendly bindings
- Constructed from durable materials
- Holds up to 100 lb
- grippy steel crampons and traction bars
- pretty colors that any kid will like
MSR Youth Shift CONS
- Costly
Who Will Love the MSR Shift?
Finally, the MSR Shift is perfect for young children between 7-11 years olds weighing up to 100 lbs. So, we love this snowshoe for very athletic, adventurous kids on a mission. In fact, this is one of the best snowshoe brands on the market for both kids and adults.
Check out more information, including current styles and pricing, here: MSR Youth Shift
Our Second Place Snowshoe for Kids: Gpeng Xtreme Lightweight Terrain Snowshoes
Next, our second favorite kids snowshoe is the Gpeng Xtreme Lightweight Terrain Snowshoes.
In fact, the Gpeng Xtreme come in sizes from 14”-30” in length, whhich gets you a closer fit to your kids’ needs.
Get a Customized Fit
Furthermore, a more specific fit per your child’s weight means the Gpeng Xtreme is a better option if you have a really small kid you want to take snowshoeing.
In fact, if you have a kid who weighs less than 40 lbs., this is probably your best bet.
However, they are not only for small kids, as the bigger versions can support a person weighing more than 200 lbs.
Durable Materials that Serve The Whole Crew
Additionally, the Gpeng Xtreme are constructed with durable soft plastic bindings and an aluminum frame.
As a result, you won’t go wrong buying these snowshoes for a kid. However, it has to be noted, that aluminum snowshoes can dent or crimp if larger kids hit curbs or rocks on the trip.
Plus, these are the best buy for those on a budget.
Additionally, the Gpeng Xtreme come in three different color options, red, blue and black. This could especially helpful if you want to buy multiple pairs in different sizes.
For example, if you have a 10-year-old and a 17-year-old you could buy each of them a different color, helping to eliminate the “she stole mine!” arguments that sometime seem inevitable with siblings.
Lightweight and Sturdy
As previously mentioned, the Qpeng frame is durable aluminum, so kids will find the lightweight easy to maneuver on any trip.
Now, while Qpeng does not report exactly how much the Xtreme weighs, parents describe them as very lightweight.
And, as all parents know, they less weight the better for keeping kids moving in outdoor activities.
Finally, the Gpeng Xtreme is available in lengths from 14-30” and can support anywhere from 30-250 lbs.
Pros and Cons of the Gpeng Xtreme Lightweight Terrain Snowshoes
Gpeng Xtreme PROS
- Wide range of sizes available
- Easy to use
- Multiple color options
- Sturdy
- Fits kids up to 250 lb
Gpeng Xtreme CONS
- Aluminum frame may struggle on extended expedition use
Who will Love the Qpeng?
Furthermore, the Gpeng Xtreme will serve you quite well if you have a kid weighing anywhere between 30-250 lbs who wants to get into snowshoeing. Furthermore, we found these best for kids under 50 lbs, so anywhere from 5-7 years of age.
View more information, including current styles and pricing, here: Gpeng Xtreme Lightweight Terrain Snowshoes
Honorable Mention Snowshoes for Kids: MSR Tyker Kids’ Snowshoes
Finally, for the kid who weighs less than 90 lbs we love the MSR Tyker Kids Snowshoes. In fact, like our first place shoes, the Tyker is also made by MSR, a company known for its high-quality products.
Plus, they’re very affordable for the quality you receive.
Additionally, like all MSR snowshoes the Tyker includes durable and strong pivoting crampons and traction bars.
Durable, Anti-freeze Bindings
Additionally, the Tyker bindings are made of rubber, meaning they are almost impervious to cold weather.
Comparatively, the ratchet bindings of most snowshoes are made out of hard plastic, which can more easily freeze or be affected by the cold.
Furthermore, the MSR Tyker Kids would be higher on our list if they came in multiple sizes.
However, since they are only available in one size and can only support up to 90 lbs, they only earn our honorable mention.
Still, if your kid fits in that weight range, take a close look at these snowshoes.
Respectible, Tough Construction
In fact, the adult model of these shoes (The MSR Evo Trail 22”) are one of our highest rated snowshoes for adults new to snowshoeing. So, it’s no wonder the quality translates to their youth version of the shoes.
In fact, we are big fans for MSR snowshoes because they are made out of a highly durable molded plastic.
For instance, most manufacturers use aluminum tubing for the frame and, essentially, reinforced canvas material for the decks of snowshoes. Now, while this is generally fine for most types of use, that style creates more points of potential failure in the gear.
Moreover, MSR snowshoe decks are made entirely of the molded plastic, creating a highly durable snowshoe.
Lightweight
Finally, the Tyker weighs only 2.06 lbs.
Plus, measuring at 6.5″ x 17” the Tyker can support a load of 90 lbs. as a pair.
Pros and Cons of the MSR Tyker Kids’ Snowshoes
MSR Tyker Kids’ PROS
- Highly durable construction
- Very Lightweight at 2.06 lbs
- Rubber bindings won’t be impacted by the snow
MSR Tyker Kids’ CONS
- Only one size option
- Minimal color options
Who is the MSR Tyker Kids Perfect For?
Furthermore, the MSR Tyker Kids are lightweight, easy to use, budget friendly and highly durable, making them a great option for all kids under 90 lbs.
View more information, including current styles and pricing, here: MSR Tyker Kids Snowshoes
How to Select Snowshoes for Kids
When you are trying to decide which snowshoes to purchase for your kid, choose a pair that is:
- Easy to use. The bindings are the part that you will use the most. Rubber straps are always superior to plastic.
- Lightweight. Snowshoeing can be physically demanding and the less the gear weighs, the better.
- What your kid wants. Once you have narrowed your preferences down to three or so, let your kid help choose which pair you buy. This will get them more invested in the activity and the gear.
Finally, snowshoeing is very physically demanding, and you’ll need poles to keep everyone moving. With that in mind, you may prefer a pair that comes with a set of poles, or a storage bag.
What Size Snowshoe Does your Kid Require?
Choosing the right size snowshoe is all about picking a product that can support the weight you need it to including backpacks and layers of clothing.
For instance, we’ve listed the carrying capacity as a pair for each option in the comparison chart above. And, don’t exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations here. If you do, you run the risk for breaking your gear or your kid will sink deep in the snow, amping up the difficulty.
What Kind of Shoes Do Kids Need to Wear With Snowshoes?
Additionally, wearing the right footwear is crucial to enjoying a snowshoe adventure. For example, make sure to set up your kid with footwear that meet these requirements. Footwear for snowshoeing must:
- be comfortable enough and fit well enough for exercise
- be warm and dry. Usually this means something waterproof
- feature sturdy materials that won’t crush under the snowshoe bindings
- feature a high ankle to keep snow out
- include a gaiter clip (optional)
- feature good tread to keep them from slipping
It would be a shame for your snowshoeing to be ruined by cold, uncomfortable or wet feet. So, before you buy snowshoes, decide what shoes your kid will wear. Some great options include snowboarding boots or general use snow boots. Plus, if there isn’t enough snow to snowshoe, the family can still enjoy a hike in their boots.
Don’t Hesitate, Take Your Kids on a Snowy Adventure
One great thing about snowshoeing is that you don’t have to buy lift tickets or take lessons. So, once you have a pair of snowshoes for your kid, get out there and try it out. Remember to dress them warmly in layers, and take a thermos of hot chocolate!
Additionally, do not forget lots of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, poles, and a pack to collect all the discarded layers. Finally, if you need more help starting your journey, check out our post The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing.
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