40% Weight SavingsUp to 6% offWomen's Elite 25" Ultralight Snowshoes
Sale price From $224.95 Regular price $239.95Unit price /Unavailable
30% Weight Savings
30% Weight Savings
30% Weight Savings
30% Weight SavingsBackpacker 25" - 33" Unisex Ultralight Snowshoes
Regular price From $239.95Unit price /Unavailable
20% Weight SavingsQuicksilver 25" - 30" Unisex Ultralight Snowshoes
Regular price From $209.95Unit price /Unavailable
Timber Wolf 25" - 33" Unisex Extreme Terrain Convertible Snowshoes
Regular price From $309.95Unit price /Unavailable
30% Weight SavingsUp to 10% offRace 20" Unisex Ultralight Running Snowshoes
Sale price From $189.95 Regular price $209.95Unit price /Unavailable
30% Weight SavingsRace Wave 20" Unisex Ultralight Running Snowshoes
Regular price From $219.95Unit price /Unavailable
30% Weight Savings
How to choose your snowshoes
Pick by two things: how much you weigh with your gear on, and where you'll hike. Most people only need the first one.
1. Size: go by your weight with gear
Weigh yourself in winter clothes with your daypack and water. Then pick the smallest snowshoe that carries that weight. Smaller snowshoes are easier to walk in, and ours are light enough that our 30" and 33" models weigh less than many brands' 25" snowshoes.
| Your weight with gear | Size | Snowshoes | Weight per pair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 lb | 20" | Youth | 1.9 lb |
| Up to 180 lb | 25" | Women's Elite, Men's Elite, Quicksilver 25, Backpacker 25 | from 2.5 lb |
| 180–225 lb | 30" | Backcountry, Quicksilver 30, Backpacker 30 | from 3.3 lb |
| 225–275+ lb | 33" | Tundra, Backpacker 33 | from 3.9 lb |
| Runners up to 200 lb | 20" | Race, Race Wave | from 1.7 lb |
| Runners and fast hikers up to 225 lb | 25" | Elite Race | from 2 lb 2.5 oz |
Size up one step if you'll mostly be in deep, light powder (high mountains, northern states). Stay at your size or smaller for packed trails and wet, heavy snow.
2. Terrain: Glide or Summit traction
Most of our hiking snowshoes come with a choice of traction:
- Glide: our lightest setup, for groomed trails and flat to rolling terrain.
- Summit: adds a heel lift that saves your calves on steep climbs, plus 4 stainless steel claws that grip when you cross a slope.
- Icy or rocky mountain routes: the Timber Wolf comes with aggressive stainless steel crampons and includes our standard cleats, so you can swap them for lighter days.
3. Binding: how it holds your boot
| Binding | How it works | Found on | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spin Dial | Turn the dial to tighten, pull the tab to release. Easy with gloves on. | Women's & Men's Elite, Backcountry, Tundra, Quicksilver, Elite Race | Our most popular binding |
| Tru Trak | Simple straps over your boot, tested over 30+ years in the field | Backpacker, Race, Race Wave, Elite Race | Fits the widest range of boots (women's 5.5 to men's 13.5) |
| Speed Lace | Paracord and a cord lock. On and off in seconds. | Race, Race Wave | Our lightest running binding. Not the best choice for feet over men's 11 |
| Direct Mount | Mount your running shoes directly on the snowshoe | Race, Race Wave | For racers who want the lightest possible setup |
Snowshoe FAQ
What size snowshoes do I need?
Go by your total weight with clothes, pack and water: 25" up to 180 lb, 30" for 180–225 lb, 33" for 225–275+ lb. Kids up to 100 lb use our 20" Youth snowshoe. If you're between sizes or hiking in deep powder, go one size up; for packed trails, choose the smaller size.
What's the difference between men's and women's snowshoes?
The Women's Elite is narrower (8" vs. 8.25" on the Men's Elite) and lighter, at about 2.5 lb per pair, and its binding comes in two sizes: small for women's 5–7.5 and regular for women's 8–13. The Men's Elite has a slightly wider, stouter frame and fits men's 6–13. Our 30" and 33" models and the Backpacker, Quicksilver and running snowshoes are unisex.
What shoes should I wear with snowshoes?
Waterproof hiking boots or insulated winter boots work with all our hiking snowshoes. For running snowshoes, wear trail-running shoes. The Race and Race Wave can also be mounted directly to your shoes.
Are lightweight snowshoes worth it?
Yes, if you hike more than a mile or two. The average snowshoer takes about 3,200 strides per mile, so saving 10 oz per snowshoe means lifting more than 2,000 lb less with every mile. Most people notice it in their legs by the end of the day.
Where are Northern Lites snowshoes made?
In our shop in Englewood, Colorado, just south of Denver, using American parts from suppliers we've worked with for decades. Frames are 7075-T6 aluminum, and the decking is COOLTHANE®, the same coated nylon used on inflatable Navy boats.
What's the warranty?
Every Northern Lites snowshoe has a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If something breaks because of a defect, we repair or replace it and cover the shipping both ways.
How much is shipping, and can I return them?
Shipping is free on US orders over $25 (after discounts), and orders placed before 2 PM Eastern ship the same weekday. You have 30 days to return, and we pay the return shipping. Shipping details
Can I run in snowshoes?
Yes. The Race and Race Wave weigh under 1 lb per snowshoe, and champions race in them at USSSA Nationals. For trails with deeper snow, the 25" Elite Race gives you about 30% more float. See all running snowshoes.
Shop by type: Women's snowshoes · Men's snowshoes · Running snowshoes · Kids' snowshoes · Snowshoe kits