These snowshoes will keep you on the move this winter.
women
RECREATION
1. Atlas Elektra 9 Series FRS
The latest evolution in Atlas’ suspension technology, the Elektra 9 Series FRS snowshoe provides a stable hiking platform on winter trails and a fluid, springy step. The lightweight aluminum frame sports a women’s specific shape including a tapered tail that doesn’t force an unnaturally wide walking stance, since there is plenty of clearance for one shoe to pass by the other. The cradle-style bindings were easy to adjust, and felt solid around the foot.
$160; atlassnowshoe.com
RACING
2. Crescent Moon Gold 12 Race
Crescent Moon was the first snowshoe manufacturer to design a women-specific model, so it’s no surprise that these shoes are outrageously fast and light. The key? There’s no binding. You bolt your running shoes/boots directly to the deck via the included hardware and a power drill. Sounds like a pain in the ass, but was actually pretty darn fun, if you don’t mind trashing your sneakers.
$189; crescentmoonsnowshoes.com
men
TRAIL
3. MSR Lightning Axis
Attention knock-kneed or duck-footed dudes: MSR’s newest snowshoe, the Lightning Axis was designed to compensate for natural toe-in or toe-out variances in stance. The new system lets you laterally adjust bindings independently of the frame, for efficient, parallel-tracking snowshoes, and happier knees. And when you’re ready to venture off the well-established trails, MSR sells a flotation tail that adds five inches.
$240; cascadedesigns.com
BACKCOUNTRY
4. Crescent Moon Gold 10 Backcountry
These beefy 27-inch shoes work on or off trail, with or without a snowpack. A robust traction system, best described by co-founder Jake Thamm as “16-guage, cold, hard and stainless,” features a unique toe claw, an aggressive main claw with a deep bite, and a protective rear claw for downhill breaking. Plus, the shoe comes up with your foot when you step, offering better maneuverability over rocks and logs.
$269; crescentmoonsnowshoes.com
EXPEDITION
5. Tubbs Flex Alp
Made for long day trips and arduous terrain, the Flex Alp was tested by the Colorado State University Health and Exercise Department, and proven to reduce stress on joints in the lower leg. For particularly treacherous conditions, micro-serrated 3D-curved traction rails make for maximum grip. But beyond all the award-winning technology, this shoe comes with some of the most fumble-proof bindings in the industry, a huge benefit when you’re laden down with a heavy pack.
$220; tubbssnowshoes.com
RACING
6. Atlas Race
Atlas has no misconceptions about what it takes to make a winning race shoe: ultra light materials (7075 aluminum frame and titanium toe and heel crampons), running-specific snowshoe design, easy-to-use “one-pull” bindings, flexible decking and efficient traction. The Spring-Loaded™ Suspension system is fixed rotation, similar to Crescent Moon’s, and keeps the shoe close underfoot, allowing for a natural stride over uneven terrain.
$310; atlassnowshoe.com
