As we all know, snowshoeing requires no specialized skills. Even kids and teens who aren’t athletically inclined can participate without needing any practice or special lessons. Plus, it’s a very good way to get them away from their phone screens, off of the couch, and out into nature. Another reason why you see many kids snowshoeing is that it’s an inexpensive winter activity that can bring the whole family together. The only thing you need to buy is a pair of the best snowshoes for kids. Just like you, your kids will need a pair of high-quality snowshoes as well. Lucky for you, they’re much more reasonably priced than the adult version. If you’ve been reading snowshoes for kids reviews and still don’t know which one to buy, let us help you! Here’s what we find to be the best snowshoes for kids!
New to snowshoeing? Make sure to check out the 13 best snowshoes for beginners! But if your current pair isn’t usable anymore, get yourself one of the 13 best snowshoes for men and one of the 13 best snowshoes for dogs if you have a furry companion that always tags along!
How To Choose The Best Snowshoes for Kids
When deciding which pair of snowshoes you should get for your little one, there are some important things that you should pay attention to, which are:
Size
The best way to determine what size of snowshoes your kid needs is by their weight. If they’re too heavy for their snowshoes, they might end up knee-deep in snow, which defeats the whole purpose of snowshoeing. Here are the general guidelines:
| Kid’s weight | Recommended snowshoes size |
| < 50lbs | 14-inch to 16-inch |
| 50 to 125lbs | 17-inch to 19-inch |
| > 125lbs | 20-inch to 22-inch |
Bindings
Another thing you should pay attention to is the bindings. Make sure that they’re easy to adjust and can be put on and off quickly. They should also be comfortable and offer a secure fit. The last thing you want is for your kid to be busy complaining about their snowshoes instead of having fun.
Traction
When you flip your kid’s snowshoes, you’ll find a set of toothy devices underneath the decks. These are called crampons, and they’re designed to provide traction against the hardpacked snow, reducing the risk of getting slipped. So, always look for the best snowshoes for kids that offer great traction to avoid unwanted injuries.
Poles
To be honest, poles aren’t necessary. However, some snowshoes for 5 year old and above usually come with poles as a package deal. The truth is, they do help with balance. So, if you’re planning to snowshoe on some challenging terrain, you can try the poles and see if they work for your kid.
At what age can a child start snowshoeing?
The majority of kids start to snowshoe at the age of 3. However, any walking toddler can give snowshoeing a try. The binding on kids’ snowshoes can fit most toddler shoe sizes and can grow with them for multiple years.
Redfeather Kids’ Snow Paw Snowshoes
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Equip your kid with the Redfeather Kids’ Snow Paw Snowshoes and let them make Bigfoot tracks! These cute and eye-catching snowshoes are shaped like a bear paw and leave tracks in the snow. Once your kid sees these snowshoes, we’re sure they can’t take their eyes off of them. Even better, they’re quite affordable!
As one of the best snowshoes for kids, they come complete with easy-to-use binding. Just slip your kid’s boot into the binding and fasten it. With these snowshoes, your little one will finally be able to walk on his own and keep up with you! However, note that you shouldn’t let them walk to challenging terrain as these snowshoes have no crampon.
What We Love
This pair is perfect for kids to use during winter and its big tracks in the snow will definitely appeal to many kids.
Pros:
- Eye-catching design
- Leave tracks in the snow
- Affordable
- Easy-to-use binding
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not durable compared to other best snowshoes for kids
Tubbs Kids’ Snowflake Snowshoes
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Specifically designed for the youngest explorers that are around 3 to 6 years old, the Tubbs Kids’ Snowflake Snowshoes are a great pair that you can use to introduce your kid to snowshoeing. These snowshoes’ fun design features an easy-to-use 2-step binding. Plus, they also come with a sticker pack for your kid to customize their snowshoes.
As long as your kid weighs less than 50lbs, they’ll totally have plenty of fun using these snowshoes. Although they look like toys, they’re actually incredibly functional. With them, your kid will be able to walk and run freely even in untracked powder. That’s not all, as they’re also very lightweight, so your kid will have no problem carrying these snowshoes by themselves.
What We Love
One of the best choices for kids who have never snowshoed before.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Come with a sticker pack
- Easy-to-use 2-step binding
- Offer great maneuverability
Cons:
- The bindings can get loose easily
ALPS Mountaineering Youth Snowshoes
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Here’s a great pair that’ll do right for kids and teens with small builds. Introducing you to the ALPS Mountaineering Youth Snowshoes, one of the best snowshoes for kids on the market right now. These snowshoes are built for high performance, and their robust alloy frames are made from lightweight aluminum tubing.
There’s also a TPU-85 plastic deck that’s specially constructed to be used in extreme weather conditions. If that’s not enough, the fast-lock buckles and adjustable binding will allow kids to tighten the straps themselves easily! These snowshoes are made to support kids up to 120lbs and accommodate most of the standard shoe sizes. Best of all, they come with poles and a carrying bag!
What We Love
Cheap and comfortable, these snowshoes are a great investment!
Pros:
- Affordable
- Robust aluminum alloy frames
- Plastic deck for extreme weather conditions
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Some people have complained that they never receive the poles
EMSCO Snow Dogs Kids’ Poly Snowshoes
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Yes, you read that right. What we have here is the EMSCO Snow Dogs Kids’ Poly Snowshoes. But don’t worry, despite the name, these snowshoes are built for kids, not your little furry companion. Plus, they’re excellent for introducing snowshoeing to your kid. Unlike other best snowshoes for kids, these snowshoes have a very simple design. Featuring bright orange color, their adjustable straps and wide platform are built to support most kids’ shoe sizes and shapes.
Trust us when we say that these snowshoes are very durable. It’ll literally take a miracle for these snowshoes to wear out due to their durable and tough plastic material that doesn’t understand the words bend or snap. Because of the material, they’re very lightweight too. Meanwhile, the waffle-like design allows for multiple points of ground contact and helps kids to distribute their weight evenly in deep snow.
What We Love
Despite being cheap, they still offer great performance.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Adjustable straps
- Support many kids’ shoe sizes and shapes
- Very durable and lightweight
- Distribute kid’s weight evenly for better flotation
Cons:
- The straps can be improved
Gpeng Snowshoes
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Also available for adults, the Gpeng Snowshoes are a pair that you should totally consider buying. They come in plenty of sizes, allowing you and your kids to have matching snowshoes. Even if your kid weighs less than 40lbs, they can still use these snowshoes! Similar to other options on this list, the bindings are also pretty easy to use and are constructed from durable materials. That’s not all, as they come complete with a carrying bag as well!
There are 3 colors for you and your kid to choose from, which are blue, black, and red. This could be especially helpful if you want to buy multiple pairs in different sizes. Among the snowshoes for kids reviews, many also state how lightweight these snowshoes are. That’s not all, as their ergonomic design also ensures a comfortable and easy walk for your kid’s hiking and climbing. They’ll be promised maximum flotation and fast movement even in heavy snow conditions.
What We Love
An affordable option that performs pretty well and can be used by adults too.
Pros:
- Available in many sizes
- Fully adjustable binding
- Lightweight
- Great flotation
- Amazing maneuverability
Cons:
- Not the most durable option
Tubbs Flex Jr Snowshoes
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The Tubbs Flex Jr Snowshoes are one of the best snowshoes for 5 year old kids that are designed with ease-of-use in mind. With these snowshoes, your kid can enjoy their winter adventure and easily walk through deeper snow. One of the main features that these snowshoes have is none other than the QuickLock Binding. The simple tightening and locking buckle make getting kids in and out of the snowshoes easier than ever!
The Torsion Deck is also equally impressive. This advanced feature allows torsional articulation throughout the body of the snowshoes, enhances traction, preserves your kid’s natural gait, and improves comfort on uneven terrain. Aside from that, the 3D-Curved Traction Rails also ensure superior sidehill grip in hard-packed and icy conditions.
What We Love
They’re very durable and boast plenty of high-end features.
Pros:
- Very durable
- QuickLock Binding system
- Torsion Deck for torsional articulation
- 3D-Curved Traction Rails
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Don’t come with any accessories
Chinook Trekker 19-inch Snowshoes
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Available in both kid and adult sizes, the Chinook Trekker 19-inch Snowshoes are one of the best snowshoes for kids out there. As the name suggests, these snowshoes are 19-inch long, which is the smallest size. Thus, they’re perfect for young children who are 7 to 12 years old with recommended loads ranging from 60 to 90lbs. Featuring easy-to-set bindings, your kid shouldn’t have much trouble putting these snowshoes on and off.
Furthermore, the dual straps go over the forefoot and the arch, secured with a ratchet locking system. As for the heel strap, it comes with a quick-release buckle. The decking is constructed entirely of plastic, making these snowshoes lightweight but also a little bit noisy. Meanwhile, the frames and underfoot crampons are made of heavy-duty aluminum.
What We Love
They provide great flotation and comfort on packed snow and moderate terrain.
Pros:
- Easy to put on and off
- Ratchet locking system
- Lightweight and UV-resistant plastic decking
- Offer great flotation
- Come with many accessories
Cons:
- Other best snowshoes for kids offer better traction
MSR Shift Youth Snowshoes
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You’ll be totally amazed by how tough the MSR Shift Youth Snowshoes actually are. Just like the ones you find on the adult version, these snowshoes come with the same steel crampons. These crampons will provide excellent grip for all-terrain. The combination of the aluminum frame, plastic deck, and steel crampons makes this product one of the best snowshoes for kids. Plus, they’re super durable and ready to stand up to several seasons of wear and tear.
Don’t worry, these snowshoes are also very easy to use. The rubber strap can be tightened or loosened according to your kid’s boot size. Additionally, you can fasten it securely with a foldback style. Furthermore, the adjustable bindings fit shoes of all sizes, which means that your kid can use these snowshoes for years to come!
What We Love
They’re a great pick for adventurous pre-teens that weigh under 125lbs.
Pros:
- Tough steel crampons
- Excellent grip for many terrains
- Durable aluminum frame
- Adjustable rubber strap
- Plastic deck
Cons:
- The straps are a bit hard to fasten
Tubbs SnowGlow Snowshoes
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Time to glow! With the Tubbs SnowGlow Snowshoes, other kids will definitely be jealous of your little one. That’s because these snowshoes provide a flicker of fun with each step. Designed for 4 to 8 years old kids, they feature the MotionBright LED lighting system that’ll sense each step your kid takes and respond via a flash. Even if your kid isn’t interested in the surroundings or snowshoeing, at least the light will keep them entertained.
With a weight limit of up to 75lbs, these best snowshoes for kids are for smaller ones in your crew. You should also remember that the weight limit includes your kid’s gear and snacks. Many snowshoes for kids reviews out there mention that these snowshoes are easy to put on and off, and we totally agree. Featuring the QuickLock2 bindings, they also won’t slide around easily. Not to mention, there are molded traction rails that’ll give your kid the proper grip needed to catch the snow without slipping.
What We Love
A very unique and attractive pair of snowshoes that’ll keep your kid entertained even when they don’t like snowshoeing.
Pros:
- MotionBright LED lighting system
- Easy to put on and off
- QuickLock2 bindings
- Molded traction rails
- Great maneuverability
Cons:
- Sizing problems
Lucky Bums Youth and Adult Snowshoes
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The Lucky Bums Youth and Adult Snowshoes are more than just one of the best snowshoes for kids that perform well. We’re sure your kid will love these snowshoes’ minimalist design combined with striking colored frames. There are also single strap bindings with a ratchet-style buckle design that although might be a bit too complicated for kids, ensure their feet stay intact with the snowshoes. These snowshoes are available in 3 different sizes and can carry weight up to 120lbs.
As far as the traction is concerned, these snowshoes are capable of offering you a great one. They sport a grippy toe crampon and solid heel crampon that do a really great job on the downhill trip. Meanwhile, the decking is connected to a fixed hinge that keeps the snowshoes close to the kid’s feet as they step. This will help with the overall efficiency in moving so that your kid can move more easily and faster.
What We Love
They have all the essential features your kid will need during snowshoeing.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to put on and off
- High-quality bindings
- Great flotation
- Offer good maneuverability
Cons:
- Although good, there are other snowshoes for 5 year old that offer better traction
ENKEEO All Terrain Snowshoes
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The next option we have on this list is the ENKEOO All Terrain Snowshoes, one of the best snowshoes for kids out there. When you’re looking for snowshoes for kids reviews, you’ll find many positive reviews about these snowshoes. Available in a variety of sizes, they can fit kids anywhere from 40 to 120lbs! This is a huge selling point as not all the best snowshoes for kids can fit such a wide range. As with all of our top choices, these snowshoes are easy to use, durable, and lightweight. The bindings are similar to snowboard bindings as they use a simple ratchet system, while the heel strap uses an equally simple and user-friendly clip.
Another thing that makes us love these snowshoes is that they come with a tote bag that’s very easy to carry. Rather than trying to get an awkward grip on the metal frame, you can just grab the bag handle and go! Don’t worry, these snowshoes only weigh 5.5lbs per pair! We bet most kids will have no problem carrying them on their own.
What We Love
They’re one of the most durable options that are also easy to use and budget-friendly.
Pros:
- Wide range of sizes
- User-friendly bindings
- Durable aluminum material
- Come complete a carrying bag
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not for climbing steep terrain
MSR Tyker Kids’ Snowshoes for Children
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When you’re searching for snowshoes for kids reviews on the internet, you’ll probably see many users mention the MSR Tyker Kids’ Snowshoes for Children. These snowshoes for 5 year old kids and above are designed with molded traction bars instead of several spiky steel crampons. These traction bars are actually much safer in the hands of your little angel. But worry not, as they still provide great traction.
These snowshoes don’t have a standard binding. Instead, they use 3 straps to secure your kid’s feet. There are 2 straps over the foot and one around the heel that will fasten the snowshoes securely. They’re very easy to manage, even with mittens on. Plus, these snowshoes can fit kids’ shoe sizes of 7.5 to 13.5. When using them, kids will also have better maneuverability. They can easily step forward, sideways, and backward!
What We Love
This pair offers superb traction and flotation in a compact and lightweight design.
Pros:
- Molded traction bars
- Lightweight
- Offer great maneuverability
- Kid-friendly bindings
- Excellent flotation
Cons:
- Can only carry up to 80lbs of weight
Yukon Sno-Bash Kids Snowshoes
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If you’re the type that loves high-quality products that are a good deal for the money, then the Yuko Sno-Bash Kids Snowshoes will 100% appeal to you. Not only do you get snowshoes, but you’ll also get adjustable trekking poles that can be used year-round and a travel bag for easy carrying and storage. We’re sure your little one will also love the lively graphics and sturdy coated-steel crampons that will ensure stable contact with the snowy terrain.
Perhaps the best part about these best snowshoes for kids is the RIPCORD easy-pull binding. It makes strapping into the snowshoes very easy and only takes seconds! If you need to head off quickly, look no further than these impressive snowshoes. Just slip your boot into the binding, fasten the binding with just a pull, and you’re good to go.
What We Love
They’re a pair of affordable and easy-to-use snowshoes for 5 year old kids and above.
Pros:
- Come with trekking poles and a travel bag
- Stunning and attractive design
- Sturdy coated-steel crampons
- RIPCORD binding
- Durable aluminum material
Cons:
- Some have complained that they never received the trekking poles and bag
