Best Heel Lift Snowshoes of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2026

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Heel lift snowshoes are an essential accessory for anyone who loves to trek through the snow. These innovative snowshoes are designed to provide extra support and stability when hiking uphill or on steeper terrain. With a raised heel platform, they allow for a more natural stride and reduce calf fatigue, making them ideal for longer hikes. Additionally, heel lift snowshoes are often equipped with aggressive crampons, providing superior traction and grip on icy or uneven surfaces. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, heel lift snowshoes are a must-have for any winter adventure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

G2 25 Inches Snowshoes for Women Men Youth Cover #TOP 1
G2 25 Inches Snowshoes for Women Men Youth
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Retrospec Drifter Lightweight Aluminum Snowshoes Cover #TOP 2
Retrospec Drifter Lightweight Aluminum Snowshoes
ftb score rating icon 9.7
G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes with Bindings Cover #TOP 3
G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes with Bindings
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Heel Lift Snowshoes

G2 25 Inches Snowshoes for Women Men Youth

G2-17201
Orange
25"(Up to 200lbs)
G2 25 Inches Snowshoes for Women Men Youth Cover
G2 25 Inches Orange Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth, Set with Trekking Poles, Tote Bag, Special EVA Padded Ratchet Binding, Heel Lift, Toe Box

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable
Easy to use and adjust
Excellent traction in deep snow
Comfortable bindings
Great value for price

Retrospec Drifter Lightweight Aluminum Snowshoes

4753
Winter Mint
Retrospec Drifter Lightweight Aluminum Snowshoes Cover
Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes for Women & Men - Lightweight Aluminum Frame Snow Shoes with Double Ratchet Binding System, Heel Lifts & Carry Bag for All Terrain Hiking & Winter Sports

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.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Easy to put on
Stable on ice and snow
Comfortable ratchet straps
Works with hiking boots
#TOP 3

G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes with Bindings

Orange
G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes with Bindings Cover
G2 36 Inches Light Weight Snowshoes with Toe Box, EVA Padded Ratchet Binding, Heel Lift, Flexible Pivot Bar, Durable Back Strap, Set with Trekking Poles, Carrying Bag, Snow Baskets, Orange

The G2 Lightweight Snowshoes are designed with your comfort and safety in mind. Made from high-quality, lightweight HDPE material, these snowshoes help you stay buoyant on snow, so you can conserve energy and travel farther. The fast ratchet binding is easy to secure, even in freezing conditions, letting you adjust with just one finger. Inside, soft EVA foam padding keeps your feet warm and cozy during cold winter hikes. Plus, the sharp aluminum crampons provide excellent traction on snowy or icy terrain, helping you stay stable and safe as you explore.

What We Like
Lightweight HDPE deck
Easy one-finger ratchet binding
Soft EVA foam padding
Durable aluminum crampons
#TOP 4

G2 GO2GETHER 21" Lightweight Snowshoes with Poles

G2 GO2GETHER 21" Lightweight Snowshoes with Poles Cover
G2 21 Inches Red Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth, Set with Trekking Poles, Tote Bag, Special EVA Padded Ratchet Binding, Heel Lift, Toe Box

The G2 GO2GETHER Snowshoes are designed to make your winter adventures easier and more comfortable. Made with a durable and lightweight HDPE deck, these snowshoes help you stay on top of the snow, saving your energy for longer hikes. The fast ratchet binding is simple to use, even with frozen fingers, so you can quickly secure your shoes without hassle. Sharp aluminum crampons provide strong traction on snowy or icy surfaces, keeping you safe as you walk. Plus, the soft EVA foam padding adds warmth and comfort, protecting your feet from the cold and making every step cozy.

What We Like
Lightweight HDPE deck
Easy one-finger ratchet binding
Sharp aluminum crampons
Soft EVA foam padding
#TOP 5

G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes

G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes Cover
G2 36 Inches Light Weight Snowshoes with Toe Box, EVA Padded Ratchet Binding, Heel Lift, Flexible Pivot Bar, Durable Back Strap, Set with Trekking Poles, Carrying Bag, Snow Baskets, Blue

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable materials
Easy-to-use ratchet binding
Excellent grip on ice
Comfortable EVA foam padding
#TOP 6

G2 GO2GETHER 25" Lightweight Snowshoes with Poles

25"(Up to 200lbs)
G2 GO2GETHER 25" Lightweight Snowshoes with Poles Cover
G2 25 Inches Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth, Set with Trekking Poles, Carrying Bag, Snow Baskets, Special EVA Padded One-Pull Binding, Heel Lift, Toe Box, Red

The G2 GO2GETHER Snowshoes are made with a strong yet lightweight HDPE deck that helps you stay afloat on snowy terrain, saving your energy for longer adventures. Their one-pull binding is designed to be easy to fasten even in freezing conditions, so you can quickly secure your shoes without hassle. The sharp aluminum crampons offer excellent grip on snow and ice, keeping you safe and stable. Inside, soft EVA foam padding keeps your feet warm and comfortable during cold winter hikes, protecting you from the chill and providing added comfort.

What We Like
Lightweight HDPE deck
Easy one-pull binding
Sharp aluminum crampons
Soft EVA foam padding
#TOP 7

G2 GO2GETHER 21" Lightweight Snowshoes with Poles

G2-17201-821-6
Yellow brown
G2 GO2GETHER 21" Lightweight Snowshoes with Poles Cover
G2 21 Inches Yellow orange Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth, Set with Trekking Poles, Tote Bag, Special EVA Padded Ratchet Binding, Heel Lift, Toe Box

The G2 GO2GETHER Snowshoes are designed with a lightweight yet durable HDPE deck, helping you stay on top of the snow with less effort, so you can hike longer without tiring easily. The easy-to-use ratchet binding works smoothly even in freezing temperatures, allowing you to secure the snowshoes quickly with just one finger. Sharp aluminum crampons offer excellent traction on snowy or icy surfaces, keeping you safe from slipping. Inside, soft EVA foam padding keeps your feet warm and comfortable during cold winter adventures, making your outdoor experience more enjoyable and protected.

What We Like
Lightweight HDPE deck
Easy ratchet binding
Sharp aluminum crampons
Comfortable EVA foam padding
#TOP 8

G2 GO2GETHER 25 Inches Snowshoes Set

Blue
25"(Up to 200lbs)
G2 GO2GETHER 25 Inches Snowshoes Set Cover
G2 GO2GETHER 25 Inches Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth, Set with Tote Bag, Special EVA Padded Ratchet Binding, Heel Lift, Blue

The G2 GO2GETHER 25 Inches Snowshoes Set is a professionally designed snowshoe set that is perfect for long winter hikes. Made with lightweight HDPE material, it provides users with great floatation, reducing the energy used in each step. The fast ratchet binding is designed for use in low-temperature environments, while the sharp aluminum crampons give excellent grip on snow and ice. The snowshoes also feature a soft EVA foam padding that keeps the feet warm and comfortable, and a flex pivot bar and heel lift that make it feel more natural to walk on flat or uphill terrain.

What We Like
Lightweight and strong deck material
Fast ratchet binding that can be easily fastened with one hand even in low-temperature conditions
Sharp aluminum crampons that give excellent grip on snow and ice
Soft EVA foam padding that keeps the feet warm and comfortable
Flex pivot bar and heel lift that make walking on flat or uphill terrain feel more natural
#TOP 9

G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes with Poles

G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes with Poles Cover
G2 36 Inches Light Weight Snowshoes with Toe Box, EVA Padded Ratchet Binding, Heel Lift, Flexible Pivot Bar, Durable Back Strap, Set with Trekking Poles, Carrying Bag, Snow Baskets, Red

The G2 Lightweight Snowshoes offer a great combination of comfort and performance for your winter adventures. Made with durable, lightweight HDPE material, these snowshoes help you stay on top of the snow with less effort, letting you explore longer without getting tired. The easy-to-use ratchet binding is designed to work even in freezing temperatures, so you can quickly secure your shoes even with cold or gloved hands. The sharp aluminum crampons provide strong traction on snow and ice, helping you stay safe on slippery surfaces. Inside, soft EVA foam padding keeps your feet warm and cozy, making cold winter hikes much more comfortable.

What We Like
Lightweight HDPE deck
Easy ratchet binding
Sharp aluminum crampons
Comfortable EVA padding
#TOP 10

G2 GO2GETHER 36" Lightweight Snowshoes with Trekking Poles

G2-17201-1036-6
Yellow brown
G2 GO2GETHER 36" Lightweight Snowshoes with Trekking Poles Cover
G2 36 Inches Yellow orange Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth, Set with Trekking Poles, Tote Bag, Special EVA Padded Ratchet Binding, Heel Lift, Toe Box

The G2 Lightweight Snowshoes are designed to make your winter adventures easier and more comfortable. Made with a durable and light HDPE deck, they help you stay on top of the snow without sinking, saving your energy for longer hikes. The quick ratchet bindings allow you to secure the snowshoes easily, even if your hands are cold or numb. Sharp aluminum crampons provide a strong grip on icy surfaces, keeping you safe while walking. Inside, soft EVA foam padding keeps your feet warm and cushioned, so you can enjoy your time outdoors without discomfort. These features make the G2 Lightweight Snowshoes a great choice for winter hiking.

What We Like
Lightweight HDPE deck
Easy one-finger ratchet bindings
Sharp aluminum crampons
Soft EVA foam padding
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a heel lift on snowshoes for?

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.

2. What is the bar at the back of a snowshoe for?

This feature enables climbers, depending on snow conditions, to switch back and forth between crampons and snowshoes without having to forgo their crampons on potentially dicey terrain. Heel lifts: Some shoes now feature as a standard or add-on feature a small bar that lays flat under your boot heel.

3. What are the three types of snowshoes?

Most snowshoes fall into three categories: flat terrain, rolling terrain and mountain terrain. A few models are designed specifically for trail-running, fitness or climbing....Flat Terrain Snowshoes. A lower price.Simple binding system.Modest traction features.No heel lift (for steep slopes)

4. How deep should you sink in snowshoes?

This may be as high as 6 to 12 inches, depending on the snow and other variables! In a more packed snow, you may sink 6 to 8 inches. And in a packed trail, you can expect not to sink at all.

Editor's Notes

During our heel lift snowshoes research, we found 24 heel lift snowshoes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,983 customer reviews through our big data system to write the heel lift snowshoes list. We found that most customers choose heel lift snowshoes with an average price of $116.14.

The heel lift snowshoes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of heel lift snowshoes, including G2 GO2GETHER, Retrospec. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 58 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

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.