Crescent Moon EVA Foam Snowshoes Review

Bottom Line

The Crescent Moon EVA foams are a uniquely designed snowshoes that offers excellent walkability, comfort, and ease of use for winter trails. Their innovative construction with dual-density EVA foam makes them a standout option in our lineup of the best snowshoes.

The first thing we noticed when testing the EVA Foams was their extremely rockered design. Almost completely U-shaped, these snowshoes have an aggressive curve in both the tips and the tails. This gives them some of the best walkability of any snowshoe we tested. 

If you’re into the rockered shape of trail running shoes, the EVA Foams similarly roll their way down the trail, allowing for a comfortable gait and even running. These are the only snowshoes we tested with a high enough walkability score that we even took them out for some winter trail runs (not walks) in new snow. The dual-density EVA foam is comfortable and absorbs impact with each footfall. Three simple Velcro straps secure the binding to the feet, making putting these on and off a breeze.

Wearing the Crescent Moon EVA Foams both on and off trail, we quickly found their limit. The highly curved design and flexible foam greatly limit their flotation in deep powder, and anything more than a couple of inches proved encumbering. 

We also found the traction to be lacking on any surface other than packed trail. The EVA foam is molded into lugs, and while armed with six preinstalled studs, they did not bite into deep snow or ice as well as crampons or spikes do. For this reason, we reserve them for packed trails when we want the outing to be comfortable and easy walking. Also, if you’re looking to chat with other trail users, this design is sure to turn heads.

How We Tested

The Crescent Moon EVA Foam snowshoes were tested over the course of two months in Alaska’s harsh winter conditions. We tested these on short hikes, all-day excursions, and even winter trail runs to evaluate their performance. From packed trails to deep powder, our testing is based on rigorous field testing that examines every aspect to bring the most well-rounded and comprehensive review possible.

Flotation

At 24 inches long and 8 inches wide at the widest point in the tip, the Crescent Moon EVA Foam is one of the smallest and lowest surface area snowshoes in our lineup.   The tails taper down sharply, making walking easy, but compromise flotation. Tested on a variety of snow surfaces from firmly packed trails to deep powder, the EVA Foam is best for packed trails. 

The highly rockered design means that more weight is centered on a smaller surface area. When testing these in a foot of new snow, they did not provide the level of flotation needed to make travel easy. While they will get you through a few inches of new snow or help float on loosely packed trails, these are not our first choice for right after a big snow or for off-trail.

Traction

The Crescent Moon EVA Foam has one of the most unique traction systems of any snowshoe in our lineup. More resembling the outsole of a running shoe, the single piece of EVA foam is molded into 75 lugs. Six screw-in studs provide added grip on ice and firm snow. We grabbed these for packed trails or shallow new snow when larger snowshoes would be overkill, but trail shoes and microspikes weren’t enough. 

When we tested the upper limits of the EVA foams, they aren’t well matched for deeper snow. We frequently found ourselves slipping in snow deeper than five inches, especially when trying to climb up steep slopes or descend when more weight was placed on the tails. 

Another cool feature is you can screw in more hex head sheet metal screws or add studs directly into the foam for more traction and grip.

Walkability

The Crescent Moon EVA Foam shines when it comes to walkability. Featuring the most aggressive rockered profile of any snowshoe we tested, their U-shape greatly reduces the floppy, clompiness found in classic snowshoe designs. 

The teardrop shape tapers to a point at the tail, eliminating any overlap or accidental leg snags. The dual-density foam construction has the added benefit of being extremely comfortable. Feeling more like a well-cushioned pair of running shoes, the upper layer provides support and insulation while the firmer sole layer aids traction and durability. These are so comfortable to walk in, we even enjoyed running in them on snowy trails.

Ease of Use

The Crescent Moon EVA Foam features a streamlined and simple binding system that is extremely easy to use. Two velcro straps secure the mid and forefoot, and a third velcro strap wraps around the heel. This is one of the simplest binding systems of any snowshoe we tested, but it is still secure and comfortable. 

We didn’t have any slipping or discomfort even while running (yes, you read that right). By forgoing complex engineering for simplicity, the EVA Foam is accessible and easy to use for any experience level while still ensuring a comfortable, secure fit.

Should You Buy the cRESCENT mOON eVA fOAM?

The Crescent Moon EVA Foam snowshoes are a unique product that fits a very specific niche. Their super-rockered design is very walkable and even great for running, but they sacrifice flotation and traction in deep snow.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-use snowshoe, then this is a perfect choice. Best for a few inches of fresh snow, this makes a good option for beginners or those staying on packed trails. 

Those looking for a backcountry-ready option may not find these to be the best fit, but they are great for quick outings closer to the well-traveled path.

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional or with more float, check out these options from our best snowshoes gear guide:

Tubbs Flex RDG Review: With its flexible frame, the Flex RDG also offers excellent walkability, but with improved traction.

MSR Lightning Ascent Review: If the Crescent Moon EVA Foams left you wanting more flotation, then it’s hard to beat the Lightning Ascent.

Tubbs Xplore Review: At an identical price, the Xplore offers the flotation performance of a tube-style frame at an approachable price.