Are you looking to buy a pair of snowshoes but need to stick to a budget? Even an inexpensive pair of snowshoes will help you get out to explore the snowy winter trails. Below, we cover some of the best budget-friendly snowshoes out there, from recreational pairs to backcountry snowshoes.
Our top picks balance affordability and quality. These inexpensive snowshoes won’t break the bank, but they also don’t sacrifice quality. There are cheaper snowshoes out there but you get what you pay for — some of the really cheap snowshoes will break quickly! These budget-friendly snowshoes should last you through multiple seasons of use, all while not being too pricey!
Best Budget-Friendly Snowshoes
1. MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes
MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes are not the cheapest snowshoes out there, but they will give you the best bang for your buck. These are our top pick out of all of these best budget-friendly snowshoes. Designed by one of the best snowshoe brands out there, you know you’re getting good quality gear!
These snowshoes have great value. They are lightweight at only 3.5 pounds per pair. They are designed with a mesh binding system that’s easy to use and quick to put on. Plus, made with a super durable injection-molded UniBody deck, they should last you many seasons!
You can also extend the length of these snowshoes with MSR’s 6-inch modular flotation tails. The only downside is that these flotation tails are sold separately.
What We Like
- Steel crampons and side rails are durable and provide good traction
- Binding system works well with most boots
- Injection-molded UniBody deck is quite durable
- Well-made and from a very reliable brand
What We Don’t Like
- Flotation tail is sold separately
- Higher price than some other cheap snowshoes
2. Tubbs Flex STP Snowshoe
Tubbs Flex STP Snowshoes find a good mix between affordability and quality, making them one of the top inexpensive snowshoes out there. Built with a composite Torsion Deck, they are durable but not as noisy as snowshoes made from plastic. They are designed with a Flex tail to absorb shock and allow you to move naturally.
These budget-friendly snowshoes have good traction rails and crampons to prevent you from slipping. They also feature a quick pull binding that’s easy to use, but lacks some of the adjustability that other designs (like the MSR Evo Trails) have.
What We Like
- Toe crampons and side rails for good traction
- Flex tail reduces shock on joints and allows natural movement
- QuickPull bindings are easy and quick to use
- Lightweight, durable, and comfortable to walk in
What We Don’t Like
- Binding system lacks some adjustability
- Higher price than some other cheap snowshoes
- No heel risers
3. Atlas Helium Trail Snowshoes
Atlas Helium Trail Snowshoes are lightweight but sturdy budget-friendly snowshoes. These affordable snowshoes have a unique deck with openings to reduce weight and shed snow, However, this design might come at the loss of some flotation in deep snow.
These inexpensive snowshoes have some features that others in its price range lack, including heel lifts (for climbing steep hills) and multiple length options. In combination with its updated binding system, durable design, and affordability, these are a great well-rounded pair of snowshoes.
What We Like
- Durable and lightweight
- Stretch binding is adjustable and easy to use
- Side rails and steel crampons for good traction
- Good for trail walking
- Lots of features (like heel lifts) with a reasonable price
What We Don’t Like
- Helium decking with openings might loose some flotation
- Higher price than some other cheap snowshoes
4. Wildhorn Outfitters Sawtooth Snowshoes
Wildhorn Outfitters Sawtooth Snowshoes are budget-friendly snowshoes that are perfect for someone who wants to prioritize affordability while still getting some decent gear.
These inexpensive snowshoes feature two sets of crampons for traction, heel risers for climbing hills, and no-slip boot grips. The aluminum frame allows them to stay lightweight, while also providing good flotation.
One thing we don’t like about this set of snowshoes is the plastic ratchet binding system. This style of bindings lacks the adjustability of other systems, can freeze up in the snow, and doesn’t feel as durable as other binding systems. However, they have a 1 year manufacturing defect warranty in case anything goes wrong!
What We Like
- Budget-friendly price
- HDPE decking is good in cold weather and lightweight
- Heel risers and pivot system for hills
- No-slip textured pads for boots
- Good for casual snowshoers
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic ratchet binding system isn’t the best
- Not as durable as other options, especially rivets
- Not great traction on a slope
5. Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes
Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes are your best option if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly snowshoes out there. With a low price point, these snowshoes are great for someone who wants to get outside while not spending too much money. They are one of the best cheap snowshoes under $100 and perfect for the casual snowshoer who doesn’t want to spend too much money!
Built with a 6061-T6 alloy frame and a polyethylene deck, you’ll get lots of flotation on the snow with these lightweight snowshoes. These snowshoes have a double-ratchet binding system, which secures your feet but may freeze up in the snow.
They also have a couple extra features despite the low price. The heel risers combined with a full-floating pivot system help to make inclines less strenuous. They also come with a carrying bag for storing and traveling with your snowshoes.
What We Like
- Very low, budget-friendly price
- Includes a mesh-vented carrying bag
- Heel lifters and rotating bindings for climbing hills
- Great for casual snowshoers
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic ratchet binding system is not great
- Not as durable as other options
- Aluminum crampons bend easier than steel
