What are the Best Running Snowshoes?

Triathlon Forum
1

Just tried it this weekend and found it a lot more fun than I thought.

What is the best running snowshoes? I tried Red Feather and Atlas and both seem fine. Someone rec. Crescent Moon Gold 12?

Also, is it always so wet?! My back gets pummled by snow and today I wore full rain gear!

It is really a great time, and great exercise, however!

2

I’ve had pair of Atlas 10k for years and really like them. They are not great in deep snow, but you can really run on packed snow.

3

Dions. I don’t have them yet myself, but they’re my next pair once I finally manage to destroy my lousy Tubbs (hopefully soon).

4

MSR EVO’s. These are the best if you are gonna be in deeper snow or want to run off trail. Used these running in Glacier NP many times. The Atlas style is better for groomed trails or low snow.

5

Highly recommend Crescent Moon Gold. Direct mount (attach a pair of older lightweight shoes).
Don’t be afraid to go with the smaller version if you don’t run in lots of powder.

…and prepare for your heart to explode out of your chest. Easy to get a great workout.

6

I’ve been running in a pair of Atlas Run since Christmas, and after about 40 miles the decking ripped completely through up near the toe on both shoes. I’m going to replace them with a pair of Dions. The Dions with the quick fit bindings look to be a better design and more secure.

Also, you are right - its a lot of fun!

7

I have a pair of Atlas Run. Not great for loose deep snow, but really good on packed snow or loose snow that is not too deep. If I’m running on loose snow they kick kick snow up the backs of my legs, but it isn’t a problem when it is packed. Snowshoe running is an awesome workout.

8

You need to consult the photo caption thread. It appears as if Vibrams are truly the answer once more :slight_smile:

9

can you tell me which model is the “smaller version” of the Cresent Golds? Is it the 9? It

I am getting soaked in back from the snow kick-up with the tail dragger versions I have used. Is the Cresent Moon’s fixed binding a lot worse?

And what do you mean by “direct mount”?

Do you have any gaiter reccomendations?

And yes, it seems an amazing workout!

10

I have Tubbs Catalysts, but were I to get a new pair (which I might at some point; kind of hard to justify living in Socal), I’d get the Crescent moons. Especially with the direct mount option, that’s killer.

11

x2 dions, if you are actually looking to run or do snowshoe races
.

12

I have a lot of snowshoe mileage in both the Tubbs 10k and the Red Feather Race. Of those 2, the Tubbs is the favorite. Lighter, more responsive and more durable (although both have had decking issues requiring reinforcement repairs). The MSR’s feel like lead weights in comparison.

Running on hard packed ice takes it toll on both the snowshoes and your body. As far as gaiters go, the low Outdoor Research model works great, just use GoreTex trail running shoes and you will never have wet feet. If the snow is fresh, I wear a waterproof running suit to keep dry from the kicked up snow.

Dean Wilson
www.anaerobiczone.com
Bicycle Protection Indoors & Out

13

Thank you for the reply. What is the “direct mount” option?

14

x2 dions, if you are actually looking to run or do snowshoe races

x3

They are made in Vermont. Bob Dion races many showshoe races in the Northeast, so you can often arrange to meet him in person to get the shoes you ordered (I did). He stands behind his product 100% and is easy to get in touch with if you need a repair or something.