Snow Shoes - what should I buy?

[LarryBoy]

Considering getting a pair of snowshoes for May-June backpacking in the mountains. They must be compatible with trail runners (I wear La Sportiva Raptors). Any ideas on where to start?

 

[Nurrgle]

I couldn't say enough good things about my MSRs I really don't often need as much float when I am on trails during the winter. so having the detachable tails makes them more manageable. If I am cutting tracks, the tails pop on.

One thing I would point out is the step that can be raised up or lowered to shorten the travel on accents, really makes things easier.

 

[blueeyes]

Don't use mine often enough but I second the MSRs.

 

[Jackson]

I think, in theory, most snowshoes would work fine with trail runners. The bindings usually dont get any higher than below the ankle. I have Atlas Aspect 24s. There's a strap that goes on the heel, and there's one that goes across the toes, and over the bridge of the foot, in a sort of Z-pattern. The MSRs have one on the heel and 3 across the toes/bridge, I believe.

The tricky part with using them with trail runners is making sure you don't get ones that rub since the uppers on trail runners aren't quite as robust and thick as those on big waterproof boots, usually. I really like how my snowshoes only use one strap that zig zags across the top of my foot because it helps reduce rubbing for me. The MSR Evos caused me a fair amount of pain because the bindings rubbed my pinky toes, even through boots. Foot and footwear issues are very user-specific though, so that may just be me.

 

[Perry]

I love my MSR Lightning Ascents but they are on the pricey side. I'm thinking weight is going to be a significant part of your decision since you'll be packing them a good part of the time I would think.


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[Yvonne]

I only have a pair of women's Lightning AXIS for sale

 

[danger02ward]

2x's the MSR Lighting Ascents. Love mine but they are pricey.