MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes Review

The Evo Trail by MSR proves versatile and durable. After extensive testing, this shoe ends up at the top of our list for its ability to perform well in varied terrain of all levels. Between its spectacular traction, simplistic binding design, and great flotation with added tails, this snowshoe might be just what you've been looking for! This is particularly true if you like to keep your options open in regard to where you go and what boots you have on your feet.

Performance Comparison

Flotation

While we were not sure what we could expect from the small plastic frames, we were pleasantly surprised. The Evo Trail provides a good amount of float for those within the ideal weight range, even without using the additional tails. For those who weigh in a little heavier, the tails work wonders.

The Evo held its own, flotation-wise, on all different kinds of snow, but we found the additional flotation tails particularly useful on deep fresh powder. The shoes are roughly 22 inches, but with 6 inches of additional tails, they jump to a generous 28 inches in length. While we were mostly content with the flotation sans tails, we feel there is some room for improvement here. We scored the Evo based on performance without the tails as they do not come with the snowshoes and are therefore an additional expense. However, if you choose to purchase these shoes, we highly recommend pairing them with their tails.

Traction

Our first impression of the Evo Trail was that it was made of seemingly cheap material and, therefore, would not perform well. Most snowshoe decking is not made entirely of rigid plastic. However, we were pleasantly surprised when we took our first few strides up a steep hill and did not slide at all. Overall we are very satisfied in this department as the Evo can take on most terrains with its hefty crampons, side rails, and textured underside.

The Evo sometimes feels like they are too much. They work fine on mellow hikes, but with the hefty traction rails and crampons, these puppies stick to the snow aggressively on flat-packed trails. That being said, you will be thankful for the aggressive traction as soon as you step into deeper drifts. You'll feel safe and secure cruising steep and icy intermediate hills. This shoe does not offer heel lifts, so it isn't the best for long stretches of steep climbing, but you'll be good to go on moderate rolling terrain.

Stride Ergonomics

So far, we have been raving about how the Evo comes equipped with up-to-par flotation and out-of-this-world traction, but stride ergonomics is one category it falls short, at least for some. This unisex model has a somewhat wide decking, which forces our narrower-gaited humans to widen their natural step.

Due to the width of the Evo Trail, most of our test subjects felt as though they had to adopt a little bit of a duck-footed waddle. The front, or toe side, of this shoe is the widest part, so to avoid quite literally stepping on your own toes, you have to point them outward. And, while we are impressed with the float the plastic decking provides, we don't love how noisy it is. Many people take the time to pop into nature for quiet serenity, and this snowshoe can cause a ruckus, particularly on a packed trail. You could always view this as a challenge to get out further and deeper so you can really enjoy the shoes where they shine the brightest.

Ease of Use

We love a simplistic binding system. Why overcomplicate things with unnecessary straps and buckles? MSR does a great job of keeping the Evo Trail binding straightforward; however, there is still room for improvement. The bindings are simple in theory but can be difficult to fasten. The ends of the straps on the front are hexagonal rubber tabs. To strap them down, you have to squeeze them into a rubber strap keeper, which can be difficult to do with thicker gloves on.

When strapping into the Evo Trail, pay careful attention to how each foot is placed on the deck before you synch down the straps. Since the shoe is unisex, it is built for all different shaped and sized feet. The area to place your foot is large, leaving more room for error. If you don't ensure that the crampon is under the ball of your foot, your step may be a little off. It is also important to note that the Evo Trail does not have a heel lift, making extra steep terrain more tiresome to tackle. While these issues are minor, and we still love this snowshoe, these things are worth considering if you are comparing styles.

Bindings

Overall the Evo bindings feel secure when fastened tightly. The stretchy webbing evenly distributes tension across the forefoot, and the heel strap placement assists in a truly secure fit. Other binding fastening systems like the BOA are easier to adjust on the fly, but those models can cost up to twice the price.

The whole binding system on the Evo Trail is very stretchy, which, when fastened correctly, makes them super secure — but they require an extra tight synch to ensure that security. The heel strap tucks into a strap keeper, which must be positioned at the end of the strap before tightening, or you'll end up with a little flopping. That being said, the updated binding is much less floppy than its predecessor. Overall the Trail is secure and comfortable, but it's a little harder to take on and off than some of the highest performers in our test suite.

As a unisex shoe, the Evo Trail is meant to fit an assortment of boots, but, no surprise, the longer straps are better suited to wider and larger footwear. While this system is simple, it requires a little finagling to be its best self. Every snowshoe is unique, and this one requires a tighter fasten and some forethought. Once we discovered this, we had no worries or complaints.

Should You Buy the MSR Evo Trail?

The simple design, adaptable bindings, superb traction, and adequate flotation of the Evo Trail make it a wise choice for those looking to take on varied terrain on a tight budget. This snowshoe fosters a sense of security and confidence on all terrain, although the hefty traction sometimes feels like a little much for flat, packed trails. The bindings take a minute to fasten, but they are very comfortable, and the add-on flotation tails are a great accessory if your load varies from hike to hike. If you don't mind a louder snowshoe that takes a minute to get in and out of, this is a truly budget-friendly option.

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?