Are you in the market hoping to find the best snowshoes for women? If so, then you’re at the right place! Whether you’re into winter-hiking or snowshoeing, having a high-quality pair of snowshoes is a must. Snowshoes add a whole new dimension to your winter adventure. They provide the stability and traction that you need when you’re in an icy environment, and you’ll never find yourself sinking into the snow. By investing in a good pair of snowshoes, even beginners will turn into devoted fans for many winters to come! We’ve pulled together some of the best snowshoes for women around and reviewed each of them. If you’re thinking “what size snowshoes do I need?”, don’t worry! Below, we’ll also tell you how to choose the right size! From the amazing MSR Lightning Ascent Women’s Snowshoes to the affordable Gpeng 3-in-1 Lightweight Snowshoes Set for Women, we’ve got you covered!
If you happen to have a dog that can’t leave your side, even when you’re snowshoeing, why don’t you get them the best snowshoes for dogs? That way, they can also join the fun without hurting their paws!
How To Choose The Best Snowshoes for Women
Similar to the best snowshoes for men, there are a few key features that you should know so you can choose the right pair of snowshoes. They are:
Types of snowshoes
Generally, there are 3 types of snowshoes that you can find:
- Recreational snowshoes: These snowshoes are specially designed to be used on flat to rolling terrain that’s packed with snow and some powder. They tend to have less traction and are smaller in size.
- Backcountry snowshoes: As the name suggests, they’re made for challenging terrains like steeper slopes, deep powder, or icy traverses. They have the most traction of all types and can perform well on anything you encounter.
- Running snowshoes: These snowshoes are made for runners. Thus, they’re lightweight and are typically narrower. They’re mostly used for flat to rolling terrain.
Decide where you want to go, then choose the right type of snowshoes that fit the environment.
Frame
The best snowshoes for women are made with either a composite or tubular frame. A composite frame is made out of one piece of molded plastic, which is durable and stiffer. This fame is great for on-trail and compact snow. Though lighter, it’s generally noisier and has a higher impact due to its rigidness. Meanwhile, a tubular frame is rigid on the outside with a flexible deck attached to it. It’s amazing for deep snow and provides a softer walking experience.
Traction
Next is traction, which can be divided into 2 parts, crampons and traction rails. Crampons provide grip while walking, especially on steeper slopes. There are also aggressive crampons that’ll bite firmly into hard compact snow and even icy slopes. Meanwhile, traction rails are placed on the underside of the snowshoes. The longer they are, the more traction they provide. Most of the best snowshoes for women also have break bars, which are traction rails that run across to prevent you from backsliding when walking down.
Bindings
There are 2 types of bindings, fixed and pivoting. A fixed binding attaches the full length of your boot to the deck. It provides a more natural walking movement on flat terrain but isn’t recommended for steep terrain. On the other hand, a pivoting binding allows rotation under the ball of your foot so you can kick steps on steep slopes. It also reduces leg fatigue and the build-up of snow on the deck. You should also note that there are some closing mechanisms like straps, BOA, and ratchets. If possible, they should be cold-proof and easily replaceable in the field for when they should break.
Sizing
Like we said earlier, we’re going to help you choose the right size of snowshoes. Usually, the best hiking snowshoes for women come in many sizes. The best way to know which size suits you best is by knowing how much you weigh. The heavier you are, the more flotation you’ll need, which means you’ll need a pair with a bigger size. Always check the size guide provided by the manufacturer so you know exactly what size you should pick.
Crescent Moon EVA All-Foam Snowshoes
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We have to admit, the Crescent Moon EVA All-Foam Snowshoes are pretty unique compared to other best snowshoes for women. They have a fun and funky shape like none other. Made of thick EVA foam and holds a rocker-shaped decking, they offer you a light and springy feel while strolling down a packed trail. Plus, the bindings are relatively comfortable and super easy to use, which is definitely a huge plus.
Furthermore, instead of toothy crampons like most snowshoes, the underside is highly ridged and textured. It almost resembles the bottom of a soccer cleat. These snowshoes also have optional ice spikes for added traction, which provide solid stick on flat or lightly rolling hills of packed or icy snow. While the spikes don’t provide the same level of traction as snowshoes with large crampons like the MSR Lightning Ascent Women’s Snowshoes, they still get the job done on the right terrain.
What We Love
They’re simplistic snowshoes that are great for recreational use.
Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Comfortable EVA foam
- Flexible rocker design
- Offer a natural stride
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Very little traction on icy terrain
Gpeng 3-in-1 Lightweight Snowshoes Set for Women
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Are you on a tight budget? If so, then look no further than the Gpeng 3-in-1 Lightweight Snowshoes Set for Women! As you can guess from the name, these lightweight snowshoes come complete with 2 trekking poles and a carry bag for easy transport and storage. Plus, there are 3 available sizes you can choose from, which are 14, 21, and 27-inch. As long as you weigh less than 235lbs, you’ll be able to find a size that suits you best and get rid of that “what size snowshoes do I need?” question.
Although these snowshoes cost you less than 100USD, it doesn’t mean they’re a cookie-cutter option. For instance, they’re made with a sturdy metal frame and aluminum alloy crampons for powerful traction. Aside from that, there are also fully-adjustable bindings that’ll fit most footwear. The bindings will offer you great comfort and stability. Perfect for newbies, these snowshoes are very easy to use and perform really well even when there’s a ton of snow.
What We Love
A decent pair of snowshoes that come complete with a matching carry case and trekking poles so you don’t have to spend more.
Pros:
- Come complete with 2 trekking poles and a carry bag
- 3 sizes to choose from
- Sturdy and durable metal frame
- Powerful traction
- Easy-to-use bindings
Cons:
- The bag isn’t durable
Tubbs Women’s Xplore Snowshoes
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Unlike the MSR Lightning Ascent Women’s Snowshoes, this pair doesn’t feature plenty of mind-blowing features. The Tubbs Women’s Xplore Snowshoes are an intuitive and easy-to-use option for starters at a very comfortable price point. If you’re new to snowshoeing and want to have something simple and not overly technical to start out with, these snowshoes might be perfect for you. They’re lightweight and offer impressive flotation.
Yes, they aren’t the fanciest, but if you plan to stay on beginner trails, they should be able to cover all your bases. That said, we don’t recommend you going to icy terrain while wearing these snowshoes. Meanwhile, the binding system is pretty simple and we like how the front straps both cinch tight and release by pulling on a single loop. When it comes to the price, they’re definitely one of the cheapest out there.
What We Love
They’re a decent option for starters with good flotation and easy-to-use bindings.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- Amazing flotation
- Lightweight
- Comfortable binding system
Cons:
- Not ideal for steep terrain
Chinook 80006 Trekker Snowshoes
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Available in several sizes to choose from, there’s no more “what size snowshoes do I need?” when you have the Chinook 80006 Trekker Snowshoes. They’re an entry-level model that’s great for women who just want a pair of simple snowshoes that get the job done. These snowshoes come with a basic binding with 2 ratchet straps over the foot and a buckle on the heel to provide a snug fit. Meanwhile, the binding will hold your foot more than securely. However, you should note the binding might not be as comfortable or as easy to use as the one you find in other best snowshoes for women.
You should also know that there are small foto and heel crampons that make these snowshoes perform really well on flat trails. Thanks to the lightweight but durable aluminum frame, you’ll also be able to walk very comfortably. Even better, these snowshoes come complete with a carry bag with backpack straps, side handles, mesh ventilation, and Velcro pole carriers! What a good deal!
What We Love
These snowshoes are a nice option for occasional hikers who stick to local trails and mostly walk on flat trails.
Pros:
- Lightweight and strong aluminum frame
- Affordable
- Nice binding for a secure feel
- Come with many accessories
- Great for walking on flat trails
Cons:
- Limited features
Crescent Moon Gold 13 Mountain Hiking Snowshoes
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The Crescent Moon Gold 13 Mountain Hiking Snowshoes are a unique pair of snowshoes designed specifically for women who love to hike with confidence on winter trails. While they’re not really suitable for deep backcountry snow, they’re actually very good at offering you efficient movement on packed rolling terrain. One of the things that we like about them is the perfect amount of traction. Some models with burly traction make climbing feel sticky on shallow, packed terrain, while others meant for trails are basically useless on hills. However, as one of the best snowshoes for women, these snowshoes hit a great balance here and perform well on both.
Another thing worth praising is how easy to use these snowshoes are. The binding system is definitely among our favorites, although it does require your foot to be properly centered. There’s also a ratcheting heel strap that’s very easy to master. When wearing these snowshoes, walking on trails is a breeze and nothing but comfortable. Overall, they’re a very easy-to-use and straightforward pair of snowshoes that trail hikers will totally love.
What We Love
They’re great for athletic hiking on beginner to advanced trails.
Pros:
- Secure binding system
- Fixed bindings for easy snow clearing
- Great on trails
- Easy to use
- Durable aluminum material
Cons:
- Subpar flotation
ALPS Women’s Snowshoes
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Perfect for beginners, you might want to check out the ALPS Women’s Snowshoes. If you’re wondering in your head “what size snowshoes do I need”, don’t worry! These snowshoes are available in 7 different sizes, from 14 inches to 30 inches. The 14-inch option can carry up to 80lbs of weight, while the 30-inch one can carry up to 265lbs. To get the right size, know your weight and you can go check the provided size guide.
Sporting a stunning pink color that most women will love, these snowshoes are very sturdy and come with a frame manufactured from a 6061 Easton aluminum. It’ll be able to give you the support you need along with the TPU-85 plastic Nytex decks. Thanks to that, these snowshoes feel very lightweight. As one of the best snowshoes for women, they also offer an easy-to-use lacing system. There are also the Fast-Loc buckles that’ll make your feet well-secured. Plus, just like the famous MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes, these snowshoes are very easy to put on and off.
What We Love
They offer great comfort and perform well for those who have a smaller build.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable
- Great bindings
- Fast-Loc buckles
- Come with a carrying case
- Many sizes to choose from
Cons:
- The plastic decking is noisy
Tubbs Women’s Flex RDG Snowshoes
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“What size snowshoes do I need?”. With the Tubbs Women’s Flex RDG Snowshoes, you don’t have to ask that question anymore as they come in one size. Apart from that, they also offer impressive traction that shines on packed trails and icy terrain. We also have to mention the amazing BOA binding system that cinches around the entire foot. It allows for quick micro-adjustments with the simple turn of a dial.
When it comes to traction, these snowshoes are among our favorites. Just like the MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes, the traction is superb. The curved traction rails, carbon steel toe crampons, and molded brake bars make for an impressive pair in icy conditions and on steep terrain. You can also rely on their heel lifts for climbing high-angle hills. Even better, when you’re wearing them, you won’t feel awkward at all and will be able to walk almost completely normally.
What We Love
They’re an amazing pair with great traction and impressive stride ergonomics for those with a narrower gait.
Pros:
- Excellent traction
- Comfortable bindings
- Easy to use
- Heel lifts for high-angle hills
- Amazing stride ergonomics
Cons:
- Don’t float well unless you’re very light
Tubbs Flex STP Women’s Snowshoes
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Here we have another pair of the best snowshoes for women from Tubbs. Let us introduce you to the Tubbs Flex STP Women’s Snowshoes, a fantastic choice for beginners (check out the 13 best snowshoes for beginners too!). For most first-timers, a nice one-piece deck and frame product like this one is a great option. These snowshoes are light, easy to use, and function very well. From groomed trails to fresh fields, they’re more than capable of taking you wherever you want to go.
We also like the rotating toe cord limiter articulation system that makes a huge difference in terms of efficiency. It allows the back of the snowshoes to drop and shed snow with each step. Thus, you’ll have a smoother step with way less effort. There’s also a quick-pull binding system that relies on a simple strap that allows you to tighten or loosen the binding with just a single pull. It might not be as impressive as the MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes, but trust us when we say they’re worth the purchase.
What We Love
An amazing pick for beginners who are looking for a simple setup to head out into the snow.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Lightweight plastic frame
- Rotating toe cord
- Comfortable binding system
- Amazing traction
Cons:
- Don’t offer the best flotation
MSR Evo Trail Hiking Snowshoes
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The MSR Evo Trail Hiking Snowshoes are the best bang for your buck. These simple snowshoes are highly reliable and versatile. They boast bindings that fit a wide array of shoes, including snowboard boots. If you’re into hiking the backcountry and in search of the best snowshoes for women to ride back down, these shoes might just be what you’ve been looking for.
Since they’re pretty small, these snowshoes have no problem staying afloat on unpaced snow. That being said, there’s an option for you to add flotation tails, which, like most snowshoes, are super easy to install. With the addition of these tails, the flotation will improve tremendously, and we find that having the option to minimize the shoe is quite useful.
What We Love
They’re an affordable option that’s simple and versatile.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Excellent traction
- Bindings fit a wide variety of boots
- Add-on tails to increase flotation
Cons:
- The plastic decking is loud
TSL Symbioz Elite Snowshoes
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Obviously, not all best snowshoes for women are meant for hiking through knee-deep snow in the backcountry. Some of them are better used for packed snow and ice, like the TSL Symbioz Elite Snowshoes. If you consider yourself as one of those who don’t want to venture too far off the beaten path but still like to hike in the winter, these snowshoes are a great option. Their extremely textured underside that’s paired with 8 curved stainless steel teeth and a huge metal crampon will provide really incredible traction.
Apart from that, the unique binding set-up is also highly adjustable and very comfortable to use for a variety of footwear and feet. We have to say, the flexibility of the binding system is superb. Plus, the decking allows for a natural heel-to-toe stride. Because of the snowshoes’ compactness and curves, those with a narrow gait aren’t forced to widen their stride, despite them being a unisex pair of snowshoes. While these snowshoes are perfect for icy or packed terrain, they simply aren’t made to float atop fresh snow. But if you find yourself mostly on packed trails, feel free to buy them.
What We Love
An excellent option for women who’d rather stay on the path than off it.
Pros:
- Incredible traction
- Allow for a natural stride
- Bindings fit a wide variety of boots
- Easy to use
- Great for icy or packed terrain
Cons:
- Subpar flotation
Atlas Elektra Montane Women’s Snowshoes
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At a very fair price, the Atlas Elektra Montane Women’s Snowshoes are another pair of best snowshoes for women that you simply can’t ignore. Fun, functional, and easy to use, they’re an all-around great pick with a fantastic binding system. The binding feels highly secure and robust. It has strong webbing and padded support on the front, as well as a well-functioning ratchet system in the back. Plus, they’re one of the longest snowshoes out there. Thanks to that, they offer excellent flotation.
Feeling secure on technical terrain is also no problem when using these snowshoes. The toe crampon is multi-directional with wide teeth, and 2 traction rails run parallel down the footbed. They help to provide solid footing on steep slopes and icy patches. There are also heel lifts that you can always depend on for steep climbing. If you want to get technical without spending too much, these snowshoes are a solid choice.
What We Love
They’re a well-rounded pick for technical hiking and various mountainous terrain that comes at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Excellent flotation
- Offer great traction
- Secure and robust binding
- Easy to use
- Heel lifts for steep climbing
Cons:
- Some people find the bindings loose
WildHorn Outfitters Sawtooth Snowshoes for Women
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Despite being wallet-friendly, the WildHorn Outfitters Sawtooth Snowshoes for Women are far from decent. These snowshoes come with everything you’ll ever need for snowshoeing. They’re a really great option especially if you want a comfortable and lightweight pair of snowshoes for your next recreational hiking session. Like other best snowshoes for women, they feature a durable aluminum tubular frame with cold-resistant plastic decking. With those features, these snowshoes are more than capable of providing you amazing flotation even in deeper snow.
Moreover, the semi-aggressive crampon is really useful, especially on hard-packed snow. It’s always ready to give you that secure and snug feeling you want. Apart from that, there’s also a heel-lift and flexible base that’ll allow you to plant your heels deep into the snow on your descents. All in all, these snowshoes are a good pick for recreational use in easy to moderate terrain.
What We Love
They’re a great option for recreational hikers that don’t want to spend too much money.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Beginner-friendly
- Great flotation even in deeper snow
- Heel-lift for climbing steep terrain
- High-quality crampon to provide traction
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- No carrying case
MSR Lightning Ascent Women’s Snowshoes
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As expected from one of the best snowshoes for women, the MSR Lightning Ascent Women’s Snowshoes are built for all types of terrain and adventuring. With their 360-degree traction, ability to provide a natural stride, and excellent bindings, these snowshoes are easily the favorite among women. Not to mention, there’s an option for added flotation tails. Whether walking up steep terrain, down an icy hill, or across a flat path, slippage will always be minimal.
Like we said earlier, the bindings are amazing. They rotate almost 90-degree from the deck, which allows for a natural stride when walking forward. Plus, the material provides the right amount of stretch for a very snug fit without any uncomfortable pinching or poking. However, you should know that because of the nature of the binding, walking backward and sidestepping can be quite laborious. Overall, these lightweight snowshoes that are specially designed with a narrow frame for women are totally worth the purchase.
What We Love
From casual day-trippers to week-long expeditions, these snowshoes are ready to cater to your snowshoeing needs.
Pros:
- Narrow frame designed for women
- Lightweight
- Great bindings for a natural stride
- Offer a snug fit
- Multi-terrain traction
- Add-on flotation tails available
Cons:
- Hard to walk backward and sidestep
