Best Heel Lift Snowshoes of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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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 36" Lightweight Snowshoes Cover #TOP 1
G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes
ftb score rating icon 9.8
G2 GO2GETHER 25 Inches Snowshoes Set Cover #TOP 2
G2 GO2GETHER 25 Inches Snowshoes Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
G2 30-Inch Lightweight Snowshoes Cover #TOP 3
G2 30-Inch Lightweight Snowshoes
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Heel Lift Snowshoes

#TOP 1

G2 36" Lightweight Snowshoes

Blue
36"(Up to 300lbs)
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 2

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 3

G2 30-Inch Lightweight Snowshoes

Blue
30"(Up to 250lbs)
G2 30-Inch Lightweight Snowshoes Cover
G2 30 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, Blue

The G2 Snowshoes are designed for comfort and performance in winter conditions. Made from high-quality, lightweight HDPE, these snowshoes allow you to glide effortlessly over snow, conserving your energy for longer hikes. The one-pull binding is perfect for frigid temperatures, enabling you to secure your snowshoes quickly, even with cold fingers. Additionally, the sharp aluminum crampons provide excellent traction on icy surfaces, ensuring your safety while navigating snowy terrains. With padded EVA foam, your feet will stay warm and comfortable during your winter adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable material
Quick and easy binding
Excellent traction on ice
Comfortable padded interior
#TOP 4

Retrospec Drifter Plus Snowshoes

5429
Summit
Retrospec Drifter Plus Snowshoes Cover
Retrospec Drifter Plus 23/25 Inch Backcountry and Mountaineering Show Shoes, Durable All Terrain with Secure Double Ratchet Binding, Steel Toe Crampons, and Heel Lifters for Winter Hiking

Retrospec Drifter Plus Snowshoes are designed for backcountry and mountaineering. They feature a rigid one-piece deck and hardened manganese steel frames for extra durability, double-ratchet binding system for fast and secure strapping, improved steel toe crampons for additional traction, full-length dual edge traction for support on rough terrain, and functional comfort such as heel lifters, full-floating pivot system and EVA padding for comfort and protection.

What We Like
Durable with hardened manganese steel frames
Fast and secure double-ratchet binding system
Additional traction with improved steel toe crampons and full-length dual edge traction
#TOP 5

G2 30 Inches Red Snowshoes with One-Pull Binding

30 Inch Red
30"(Up to 250lbs)
G2 30 Inches Red Snowshoes with One-Pull Binding Cover
G2 30 Inches Light Weight Red Snowshoes for Women Men Youth, Special EVA One-Pull Binding, Heel Lift

G2 Snowshoes are made of high quality HDPE material and equipped with sharp aluminum crampons, which provide excellent grip and perfect floatation in snowy or icy conditions, saving your energy and allowing you to go further. The one-pull binding is designed for low-temperature environments, easy to fasten and adjust even with frozen hands. The padded EVA foam and special structure provide more comfort, natural movement and protection for your feet during winter hikes.

What We Like
High quality & lightweight HDPE material
Sharp aluminum crampons provide excellent grip and perfect floatation
One-pull binding designed for low-temperature environment
Padded EVA foam provides more comfort and protection
Flex pivot bar and heel lift provide natural movement on flat or uphill terrain
#TOP 6

Retrospec Drifter Snowshoe

4746
Superior Blue
Retrospec Drifter Snowshoe Cover
Retrospec Drifter Snowshoe for Men & Women - Aluminum Frames & a Double-Rachet Binding System - Lightweight All Terrain Snow Shoes with Heel Lifters & Pivot System - 21" Superior Blue

The Retrospec Snowshoe is designed for prime wintertime performance with tough polyethylene decks that offer maximum support on the snow. Its double-ratchet binding system allows for fast and secure strapping, ensuring ease of use on the trail. With lightweight 6061-T6 alloy frames and tough polyethylene decks, these snowshoes provide superior support while keeping your steps light and controlled. The heel lifters and full-floating pivot system enhance traction and reduce fatigue, especially on steep terrains.

What We Like
Prime wintertime performance
Double-ratchet binding system
Lightweight and durable
#TOP 7

Retrospec Snowshoe and Trekking Pole Bundle

5314
Superior Blue
Retrospec Snowshoe and Trekking Pole Bundle Cover
Retrospec unisex adult Snowshoe and Trekking Pole Bundle, Superior Blue, 30 US

The Retrospec Snowshoe and Trekking Pole Bundle is the perfect companion for your outdoor adventures. With three different sizes available, you can find the right fit for your weight and enjoy a comfortable and secure hiking experience. The fast and secure double-ratchet binding system allows for easy strapping in and out of the snowshoes, ensuring a hassle-free journey. The heel lifters and full-floating pivot system provide increased traction and reduce fatigue, making it easier to explore steep terrains. The lightweight and durable design of the snowshoes, along with the adjustable trekking poles, add stability and balance to your trek. Everything you need for your outdoor escapades is included in this bundle, making it a convenient and practical choice.

What We Like
Secure Binding System
Traction and Stability
Lightweight and Durable
#TOP 8

G2 21-Inch Lightweight Snowshoes

G2 21-Inch Lightweight Snowshoes Cover
G2 21 Inches Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth, Set with Trekking Poles, Tote Bag, Gaiters,Special Fast Ratchet Binding, Red Available

The G2 Snowshoes are designed for comfort and efficiency in winter hiking. Made from high-quality, lightweight HDPE, these snowshoes provide excellent floatation in deep snow, allowing you to conserve energy as you explore. The fast ratchet binding system is perfect for cold conditions, enabling you to secure your shoes with just one finger, even when your hands are chilled. With sharp aluminum crampons, you can expect superior grip on icy surfaces, keeping you safe during your adventures. The special structure, featuring a flex pivot bar and heel lift, ensures a natural feel whether you're trekking on flat ground or climbing uphill.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable material
Easy fastening in cold weather
Excellent grip on ice
Comfortable for uphill hiking
#TOP 9

CRESCENT MOON Trailhawk 27 Snowshoes

CRESCENT MOON
Trailhawk 27
Blue
CRESCENT MOON Trailhawk 27 Snowshoes Cover
Crescent Moon Trailhawk 27 Ultralight Snowshoes for Men and Women with Advanced Spin Binding, Heel-Lift & Steel Crampons – Ideal Mens & Womens Snow Shoes for Snowshoeing

The CRESCENT MOON Trailhawk Snowshoes are designed with an Advanced One-Pull Spin Binding system, allowing you to secure your feet quickly with just one dial. Getting in and out of the binding is a breeze, taking only 5 seconds. The teardrop frame provides a natural stride, optimal flotation, and maneuverability for both men and women. With a weight capacity of up to 195lbs, these snowshoes are suitable for various users.

What We Like
One-Pull Spin Binding
Quick On/Off
Athletic Design
#TOP 10

NACATIN All Terrain Snowshoes

Black
25"(100-200 lbs)
NACATIN All Terrain Snowshoes Cover
NACATIN All Terrain Snowshoes with Heel Lift,Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Snow Shoes with Trekking Poles,Leg Gaiters,Carry Bag and Adjustable Ratchet Bindings (Black, 25"(100-200 lbs))

The NACATIN Snowshoes are designed to enhance your winter adventures. With a carrying bag included, you can easily transport your snowshoes, trekking poles, and leg gaiters. Their ergonomic design minimizes resistance, making walking easier and more efficient, especially on steep inclines thanks to the heel lift bar. The quick-wear double ratcheting bindings ensure a snug fit for various footwear, allowing you to put them on and take them off with ease. These features combine to provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable experience while hiking in snowy conditions.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to carry
Ergonomic design for comfort
Quick and secure bindings
Excellent traction on snow and ice
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 9,551 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 $83.14.

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, CRESCENT MOON, NACATIN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 88 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.