FAQ: Can I use my snowshoes on hard surfaces?

Is it OK to use my snowshoes on hard surfaces like rock, sustained ice and blacktop?

Prolonged use of snowshoes on very hard surfaces is not ideal because it wears down the sharp points that provide traction. Like any piece of high-performance metal gear, the snowshoes’ metal and the powder coatings that protect it from corrosion can be worn away by hard surfaces. While MSR snowshoes are built tough and can withstand quite a bit of abuse, if you want to maximize the life and look of your snowshoes, we advise sticking to snow.