If nimble springiness on packed trails sounds like the perfect snowshoeing experience, look no farther than the Eva Foam. This unique model offers a thick foam rocker-shaped platform that propels each foot forward as you walk. The feeling even inspired us to run! While this shoe isn't the best for flotation or durability, it is a fun design that will appeal to a lot of users.
Performance Comparison
The Eva has a unique feel that took some getting used to. But once we got the hang of it we were skipping along happily.
Flotation
This isn't the shoe to buy if your primary goal is to float on deep drifts of fresh snow. The thick decking is devoid of the spaces and holes you see on most snowshoes, which are designed to allow snow to clear the top by falling back through. These also have a smaller surface area than many of our other tested models.
While you will still float considerably more than you would without snowshoes, this simply isn't the model to consider for deep snow excursions. The Eva shines on packed trails, so take your snowshoe goals and locations into consideration.
When out in powder, snow collects on the top of the Eva's decking and is a big culprit in impeding floatation.
Traction
Again the Eva shuns convention and tries something new. Instead of toothy crampons like most modern snowshoes, these puppies sport Icespikes, which are more like the microspikes available for hiking. The underside is also highly ridged and textured. They feel nice and sticky on packed snow and icy terrain, but the spikes don't provide the same level of traction as a burlier, more traditional design. They also get worn down over time, though replacement spikes are available for purchase.
The underside of the Eva is strategically ridged, textured, and spiked and, while we found the traction quite good on groomed trails, it's not the same as the aggressive crampons of more serious models.
Stride Ergonomics
This is an interesting category for the Eva. It is a unisex shoe with a thick foam deck so, in some ways, we found it straight up awkward. The height of the platform also makes it possible to roll your foot if you're not paying attention and are prone to pronation or supination.
Mostly though, we just had to get used to the feel, which is very different from the rest of our test suite. We noticed right away on packed snow that each step felt as though it was propelling our foot forward. This springy sensation was really fun and even got us happily doing a bit of trail running. If having a bounce in your step down groomed winter trails sounds like your jam, this is a great option.
The springy nature of the Eva helped propel us down the trail and even want to run!
Ease of Use
It doesn't get much easier than the simple Velcro binding system on this snowshoe. Slide your foot in until it hits the raised toe stopper then cinch down the sandal-like Velcro straps. Done and done. There is no fancy binding attachment on the Eva — instead of the foot pivoting separately from the shoe as on most models, the entirety of the footbed stays connected to the foam platform. While this means the decking collects more snow and can get weighed down, it also means that it's incredibly easy to be nimble and agile. Our testers have tripped and fallen over in the past when trying to back up or step over obstacles with traditional full-and-fixed-pivot bindings, but not in the Eva. All manner of movement was about as easy as if we were wearing sneakers.
The Eva is a very simple and un-intimidating shoe to use, ideal for casual days out on the trail with friends. And just look at all the colors!
Binding Security
While we felt secure in the bindings on the Eva, we all know the downfalls of Velcro. It can easily get full of dirt and debris — or ice — and become far less sticky. While it is great for many things, it simply does not have the longevity as more mechanically focused systems. If you choose to purchase this snowshoe, be mindful to take care of the Velcro and keep it clean.
This is a very easy binding system to use, but it is made out of Velcro and is therefore prone to damage and deterioration in a way that other more robust systems are not.
Binding Comfort
Very comfy! With a platform made of all foam and cozy Velcro straps that are easy to tension and adjust, this is a very cush system — no complaints.
Accommodating to all shapes and sizes of boots, the bindings on the Eva are quite comfortable and easy to adjust.
Best Applications
Because the Eva does not float well and the bindings are not as robust as other more technical setups, this shouldn't be your top choice for serious backcountry objectives that will take you into deep snow and lonely terrain. This snowshoe is best for the more casual day hiker who wants to work up a sweat on a nice groomed trail, take the dogs for a walk, or have some extra support while doing chores outside. It's also a viable option for those that want to be able to run, though we did not test it in that capacity or compare it to running-specific models.
The Eva served us well hiking up a trail to do some avalanche snow tests, though we changed to a different pair to explore farther up into deep virgin snow.
Value
The cost of these snowshoes is on the lower end of our tested models. It still costs a solid chunk more than our best buy-winning Atlas Elektra Rendezvous and versatile MSR Evo, but not by much. If you need a technical setup for floating out in deep snow and traversing steep icy hills, then they aren't worth it. But if you plan to stay on trails and possibly run? Then yes, we find them worth the price.
Conclusion
The Eva Foam is a unique addition to our test suite. While it didn't score very high due, mainly, to its lack of adequate flotation, we did have a lot of fun wearing this shoe and think it's great for the right outings. On packed trails where you want to be fast and nimble, these are great and — if you take care of the Velcro bindings — will serve you well.
While the Eva is not the best performer all-around, it was fun and practical for the right kind of outings.
