A great day of snowshoeing can hinge on a good set of comfortable, well-fitting bindings. We've discussed how to pick the right snowshoe. Now we’ll look closer at MSR snowshoe binding designs and how you can ensure the best fit possible for your choice of winter footwear. First, it’s important to seek out snowshoes with bindings that suit your needs. Do you prioritize comfort or security in a binding? If your snowshoe trips tend to be all-day adventures through less aggressive terrain, you’ll probably prefer maximum comfort. Conversely, if you pursue mountaineering objectives, you’ll want bindings with ultimate foot security. The best snowshoe bindings deliver on both, are easy to use and are durable. When shopping for snowshoes, look for simplicity in binding construction—fewer parts mean less potential for things to break and less weight on your feet. Material is also key. Fancy snowshoe binding designs mean nothing if their parts freeze up or become brittle in icy, dry conditions. Before you purchase, try bindings on in-store using the same footwear you’ll wear in the field. Unless you have an exceptionally small or large foot, a good snowshoe binding will be able to adapt to a range of footwear to keep your options open. Most MSR binding designs offer longer straps (sold separately) to accommodate extra-large footwear. And each MSR snowshoe binding comes in both a men’s and women’s model. The women’s models are slightly smaller and designed for an optimal fit around women’s footwear. Finally, the proper way to wear a snowshoe? Place the ball of your foot directly over the crampon. This ensures your toe won’t interfere with the nose of the snowshoe, and it places the greatest amount of pressure directly over the crampon’s teeth for maximum bite.

MSR Ascent Series Snowshoes: The Paragon™ Binding

MSR’s Ascent Series snowshoes (Lightning and Revo Ascents) feature our Paragon binding. This is our most secure binding, engineered for mountaineers and other backcountry travelers who tackle aggressive ascents through unpredictable alpine terrain. The Paragon features an innovative stretch mesh strap that prevents pressure points and a steel footplate that delivers the level of foot control needed on steep slopes and through challenging snow conditions. Because the Paragon was built for backcountry users, it’s designed to conform to a wide range of footwear, including large mountaineering, ski and snowboard boots. The Paragon Binding Size Range:

• Men’s Model: 6 M - 14 M / 39 - 48
• Women’s Model: 6 W - 12 W / 36 – 43

Paragon bindings come with 14-inch heel straps. If your footwear is larger than a Men’s size 14 or Women's size 12 snowboard boot, our replacement 18-inch straps offer increased length. To ensure the best fit when strapping in, start with the instep buckle (closest to your ankle) to lock your foot into its proper place. Fasten the heel strap last. Like our Ascent series snowshoes, the Paragon binding is engineered to take you anywhere you want—or need—to go.

MSR Explore Series Snowshoes: The Paradigm™ Binding

Featured on our Explore Series snowshoes, our Paragon binding was designed for serious snowshoe recreationalists who enjoy all-day explorations into moderately aggressive terrain. Because these bindings are built for long days of hiking, sometimes off trail, they prioritize comfort and ease of use. The easy-to-use cam buckles are the same as our Trail Series, allowing for quick micro-adjustments and comfort throughout the day. Highly adjustable and field-replaceable heel straps accommodate a wide range of footwear, and the mesh forefoot allows a secure fit with all-day comfort, thanks to the broad and even distribution of pressure across your footwear. Built for winter hiking boots, Paradigm bindings will fit everything from winter boots to snowboard boots. The Paradigm Binding Size Range:

• Men’s Model: 3 M - 13 M / 36 - 47
• Women’s Model: 5 W - 15 W / 36 - 47

If you prioritize comfort, yet refuse to sacrifice performance, these are the bindings for you.

MSR Trail Series Snowshoes: Paraglide™ Bindings

MSR Paraglide bindings are our lightest bindings, defined by their easy-to-use, comfortable construction. Featured on MSR Trail Series snowshoes, they’re built for snowshoers who enjoy walking on flat or rolling terrain. These bindings are perfect for long-distance trekkers seeking to cut weight on multiday trips through frozen valley basins, or families needing only essential foot security for exploring the winter woods beyond the cabin. Like all MSR snowshoes, the Paraglide bindings are freeze-resistant and pack down flat for easy storage. Paraglide bindings accommodate a wide range of footwear, from light hikers to snowboard boots, making them ideal for first-timers to backcountry snowshoers alike. The Paraglide Binding Size Range:

• Men’s Model: 3 M - 13 M / 36 - 47
• Women’s Model: 5 W - 15 W / 36 - 47

What We Recommend

All MSR snowshoe bindings are designed for durability and performance. Take a few minutes to fine-tune the comfort of your bindings before venturing out. We’re confident you’ll go farther and stay out longer, enjoying more of what winter has to offer. Related Posts:

• Snowshoe Sizing: How to Pick Your Perfect Length
• Choosing the Right Snowshoes for Every Adventure
• Tech Talk: Designing the Paragon Snowshoe Binding's "Natural Feel"

Updated. Originally published December 13, 2021.