Best Heel Crampon Snowshoes of 2026
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Heel crampon snowshoes are a popular choice among winter sports enthusiasts. These snowshoes feature a crampon on the heel that provides excellent traction on icy and steep terrain. The crampon is typically made of steel or aluminum and is designed to grip the snow and ice, allowing the wearer to climb steep hills and traverse icy slopes with ease. Heel crampon snowshoes are also lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced snowshoers alike. Whether you're hiking through deep snow or exploring icy trails, heel crampon snowshoes are a reliable and effective choice for winter adventures.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Heel Crampon Snowshoes
G2 25 Inches Snowshoes for Women Men Youth
The G2 25 Inches Snowshoes for Women Men Youth are made of high-quality and lightweight HDPE material, designed with fast ratchet binding for low-temperature environments, and improved sharp aluminum crampons for excellent grip in snowfield or ice. They also have padded EVA foam for added comfort, and a flex pivot bar and heel lift for a more natural feel during flat or uphill hikes.
MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes
The MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes, 22 Inch Pair, Midnight are reliable and durable snowshoes that provide lasting grip with steel crampons and traction rails. The injection-molded UniBody deck gives just the right amount of flex while the Paraglide binding stretch mesh hugs feet securely and is compatible with nearly any footwear. The glove-friendly binding straps and buckle tabs make getting in and out quick and simple. Additionally, the snowshoes have attachment points for 6-inch modular flotation tails (sold separately) which provide on-demand flotation for deep powder or when carrying heavier loads.
Retrospec Drifter Lightweight Aluminum Snowshoes
The Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes offer a lightweight aluminum frame that makes walking through deep snow or icy trails easier without tiring your legs. With a double-ratchet binding system, you can quickly secure your feet, saving you time and hassle when starting your winter adventure. The built-in heel lifts help reduce leg fatigue on steep climbs, allowing you to hike longer and more comfortably uphill. Plus, the full-floating pivot system moves naturally with your steps, giving you smooth and controlled movement on any trail. These features combine to make the Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes a reliable and comfortable choice for winter hiking.
Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes & Poles Bundle
The Retrospec Snowshoes Bundle offers a functional design with a fast double-ratchet binding system for easy on-trail strapping. It provides traction and stability through heel lifters and a full-floating pivot system, reducing fatigue on steep terrains. The lightweight 6061-T6 alloy frames and tough polyethylene decks offer superior support on snow, keeping your steps light and controlled. The bundle includes adult snowshoes, adjustable trekking poles with multi-terrain attachments, and a carrying case for convenience.
Odoland 4-in-1 Snowshoes Snow Shoes
G2 36 Inches Light Weight Snowshoes
G2 21 Inches Red Light Weight Snowshoes
G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes
The G2 Snowshoes are designed for comfort and performance in snowy conditions. Made from high-quality, lightweight HDPE, these snowshoes provide excellent flotation, allowing you to conserve energy as you traverse snow-covered terrain. The fast ratchet binding is perfect for cold weather, enabling you to secure the shoes easily, even with frozen fingers. With sharp aluminum crampons, you’ll experience superior grip on icy surfaces, enhancing your safety. Plus, the soft EVA foam padding ensures your feet stay warm and comfortable, making your winter adventures more enjoyable.
G2 25 Inches Light Weight Snowshoes
Crescent Moon Snowshoes Eco Eva
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does heel lift do on snowshoes?
The Snowshoe Heel Lift is most helpful when climbing steeper terrain. Raising the heel lift bar reduces calf fatigue by keeping your foot more level and often improves traction while climbing by weight pressuring the rear traction.
2. Can you add heel lifts to snowshoes?
What is a heel lift? It's an optional feature for your snowshoes, which adds 2 inches of platform under your heel and makes climbing more efficient, comfortable (by reducing the strain on your calf muscles), and improves traction.
3. Can you wear crampons with snowshoes?
Snowshoes also have integrated crampons on their undersides that help provide traction on ice or packed snow and can be used instead of crampons in low-angle situations.
4. What is the difference between crampons and snowshoes?
With their large surface area, snowshoes are designed to keep you afloat in the snow, preventing you from sinking in and expending a bunch of energy. In contrast, boot crampons are designed for traction on icy, steep and low-snow terrain. In winter travel, you will often come across a mix of snow and ice.
During our heel crampon snowshoes research, we found 24 heel crampon snowshoes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,462 customer reviews through our big data system to write the heel crampon snowshoes list. We found that most customers choose heel crampon snowshoes with an average price of $115.60.
The heel crampon snowshoes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of heel crampon snowshoes, including G2 GO2GETHER, MSR, Retrospec, Odoland, CRESCENT MOON. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 58 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.