How to Choose Snowshoes

Snowshoes spread your weight over a larger surface area so you stay on top of the snow instead of sinking into it. Getting the right pair comes down to three things: where you’ll go, how much load you’ll carry, and what kind of snow you’ll usually be on. 

Step 1: Think About Your Terrain 

Atlas builds its lineup around four categories, from more casual to most technical: 

Trail Walking – Flat and rolling terrain. Lightweight, and easy to maneuver. Best for beginners or packed, groomed trails. 

All Mountain – The versatile middle ground. Handles a wider mix of conditions in one pair, from packed trails to deeper powder and steeper climbs. Best if your winters cover varied terrain. 

Backcountry – The most technical terrain Atlas builds for. Aggressive traction and a durable build, meant for off-trail travel further from the trailhead. 

Speed – A lighter, narrower snowshoe built for running and winter fitness on packed trails, not for heavy loads or technical ground. 

Step 2: Get the Size Right 

Sizing is based on total load (your body weight plus pack, layers, and gear), not your shoe size. Every model lists a max recommended load, and some come in multiple sizes. 

Step 3: Traction, Bindings, and Build 

Traction: Toe crampons (under the ball of the foot) are your main source of grip and dig in as you climb. Heel crampons add bite on descents, side rails prevent slipping on traverses, and heel lifts flip up on steep climbs to save your calves. More technical terrain calls for more aggressive traction. 

Bindings: Rotating bindings pivot at the ball of the foot, easing leg fatigue on climbs and shedding snow as you walk. Fixed bindings don’t pivot but give a more natural stride on flat, packed ground. Closures range from simple straps to quick-adjusting BOA-style dials. 

Build: Aluminum-frame snowshoes are light, strong, and durable. Composite snowshoes mold the frame and deck as one piece, tough but a bit noisier. Foam snowshoes are the newest option: quiet and warm underfoot, with somewhat less traction. 

Round Out Your Setup with Poles and Gaiters 

Trekking poles add stability, help find a walking rhythm, and take strain off your knees. Atlas’s Trail Walking poles are a solid pick for flatter terrain; more technical outings benefit from a pole with quick-locking length adjustment. 

Gaiters seal the gap between boot and pant leg, keeping snow out with every step, especially once you’re off a packed trail. 

Ready to Get Out There 

Match your terrain to the right category, size to your total load, and the rest of your setup falls into place. Once you know those two things, finding the right pair from our lineup only takes a few minutes.