Our Verdict
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Crescent Moon Eva Foam | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $179 List $134.99 at Amazon | $220 List $219.95 at REI | $240 List $239.99 at Amazon | $150 List $149.95 at REI | $150 List $149.95 at REI |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Lightweight, springy, easy to use bindings, appropriate for running | Comfortable and simple binding system, carbon steel crampons, uniquely placed heel crampons, quiet | Easy and natural stride, unique 3-crampon traction system, easy binding system | Affordable, stellar traction, wide fit bindings | Easy binding adjustments, excellent traction, flexible, budget-friendly, good for packed snow, lightweight |
Cons | Does not float or shed snow well, awkward to walk in, minimal traction on steep terrain | Extra rotation causes shin impact, mediocre flotation on fresh snow | Subpar float on unpacked snow, only supports 200 pounds, bulky heel lift | Loud on packed snow, duck waddle for those with a narrower gait, straps can flow around a little | Loud, below average float on fresh snow, straps flop around |
Bottom Line | While this isn't the shoe for floating on deep snow drifts, if you want to run and skip your way down the trail it's a blast | With its outstandingly comfortable binding system, decent floatation, and stellar traction, this snowshoe is perfect for casual use | A snowshoe with an extreme teardrop shape and three hefty crampons for a natural stride and extra traction | This affordable shoe is equipped with stellar traction and versatile bindings, making it a wonderful pick for varied terrain levels and snow types | A lightweight snowshoe perfect for beginner terrain with easy-to-adjust bindings, great traction, and flexible decking |
Rating Categories | Crescent Moon Eva Foam | Tubbs Wilderness -... | Crescent Moon Leadv... | MSR Evo Trail Snows... | Atlas Helium Trail... |
Flotation (30%) | |||||
Traction (25%) | |||||
Stride Ergonomics (15%) | |||||
Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
Bindings (15%) | |||||
Specs | Crescent Moon Eva Foam | Tubbs Wilderness -... | Crescent Moon Leadv... | MSR Evo Trail Snows... | Atlas Helium Trail... |
Uses | Rolling Terrain & Running | Day hiking | Technical mountain terrain and packed snow | Flat and variable rolling terrain | Trail walking |
Optimum Weight Load (per size) | Up to 200 lbs | 21": 80-150 lbs 25": 120-200 lbs 30": 170-250 lbs |
Up to 200 lbs | 180 lbs | 23": 80-160 lbs 26": 150-220 lbs 30": 200-270+ lbs |
Weight (per pair) | 3.2 lbs | 4.1 lbs | 4.2 lbs | 4.0 lbs | 3.0 lbs |
Binding Mount | Static | Full | Full | Full | Full |
Binding System | Velcro hook and loop binding | Quick-Fit Binding | Cam buckle quick pull loop and ratchet heel strap | Paraglide | Wrapp Stretch |
Crampon | Ice spikes | Cobra Toe Crampon Tubbs Heel Crampon |
3 stainless steel crampon system featuring the climbing "toe" claw design | Steel traction rails | Toe crampon |
Frame Material | Dual Density EVA Foam | Aluminum | Aluminum | Martensitic steel | Aluminum |
Deck Material | Dual Density EVA foam | Nylon | Nylon | Polypropylene | Nytex nylon |
Surface Area (for tested size) | 166.7 in² | 228.0 in² | 192.9 in² | 174.5 in² without tails, 220 in² with | 205 in² |
Dimensions | 24" x 8" | 9" x 30" | 9.5" x 29" | 8" x 22" | 8" x 30" |
Flotation Tails Available? | No | No | No | Yes, 6" | No |
Load with Tails (per size) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Up to 250 lbs | N/A |
Men's and Women's Versions? | Unisex | Yes | Yes | Unisex | Unisex |
Sizes Available | 24" | 21", 25", 30" | 29" | 22" | 23", 26", 30" |
Size Tested | 24" | 25" | 29" | 22" plus 6" add-on tails | 26" |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Crescent Moon Eva Foam is nothing if not unique. It is made entirely of foam and has a very simple velcro binding. The small metal spikes on the bottom help with traction, but this shoe is best used on flat, packed snow. Read on to see how it performed throughout our testing.
Performance Comparison
Flotation
If you are looking to float high on deep snowdrifts, then you may want to continue your search. The thick foam decking of the Eva is one solid piece devoid of the spaces and holes you see on most snowshoes. Those holes are designed to allow snow to clear the top of the shoe, keeping them light and easy to move in. The Eva itself is actually quite light, but the snow that gathers on top weighs them down.
While you will avoid post-holing the way you would without a snowshoe, this isn't the model to consider for deep snow excursions. The Eva is best used on packed trails, so be sure to take your snowshoe goals and locations into consideration during your search for the perfect fit.
Traction
The unique design of the Eva does not stop at its rocker shape or simplistic foam material. Instead of toothy crampons like most modern snowshoes, the underside is highly ridged and textured. It almost resembles the bottom of a soccer cleat. The shoe has optional ice spikes for added traction, which provide solid stick on flat or lightly rolling hills of packed or icy snow. While the spikes don't provide the same level of traction as a shoe with large crampons and teethed side rails, they get the job done on the right terrain. The spikes will wear down over time, so additional replacement spikes are available for purchase.
Stride Ergonomics
The toe side of the Eva is quite wide, which forced most of our users, petite or not, to widen their gait while walking. This is a unisex shoe with thick foam decking, which, at first, just feels straight-up awkward. That being said, once you find your footing, the shoes are actually pretty fun. Taking longer steps or even upping the pace to a light jog improves stride ergonomics immensely. Each step feels as though it is propelling the foot forward, so moving quickly in feels more natural than leisurely strolling along at a slower pace. If having a bounce in your step down groomed winter trails sounds like your jam, this is a great option.
Ease of Use
It doesn't get much easier than Velcro, right? Well, that thought is probably what inspired the simple Velcro binding system on the Eva Foam. Slide your foot in and then cinch down the sandal-like straps. Done and done. There is no fancy binding attachment — instead of the foot pivoting separately from the shoe, as on most models, the entirety of the footbed stays connected to the foam platform. This means the decking collects more snow and in turn, contributes to lack of float, but as we already mentioned, these shoes are meant more for packed trails than fresh powder adventures. The sneaker-like nature of the Eva makes stepping over logs or other obstacles a breeze, so feel free to parkour off whatever you please while sporting these puppies!
Bindings
While we felt mostly secure in the Eva, some of our testers reported discomfort. Because the shoe does not hinge, it may pull on the heel of your boot a bit. A few of our testers ended their hikes with small blisters on their heels, so make sure you strap your feet down tightly and wear appropriate socks, or you may suffer the same fate. Additionally, while we did not have any issues with the Velcro on our outings, we are all aware of the fact that most Velcro lacks durability and longevity. If you choose to purchase this snowshoe, be mindful to take care of the Velcro and keep it clean, or you may find that these shoes do not last you as long as you may want.
Should You Buy the Crescent Moon Eva Foam?
The cost of these snowshoes is on the lower end of our tested models, but they aren't worth it if you need a technical setup for floating out in deep snow and traversing steep icy hills. But if you plan to stay on trails and possibly run? Then yes, we find them worth the price.
What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?
If the prospect of snowshoe running is exciting to you, the Atlas Run is made for just that, although it's a bit more expensive than the Eva Foam. If you are looking for something more technical but still budget-friendly, the MSR Evo Trail is a good option. The Tubbs Wilderness is slightly more expensive but comes equipped with a comfortable and easy-to-use binding system.
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