The 9 Best Snow Shovels to Dig Your Way Out of Trouble

This snow shovel from Snow Joe reduces strain as well as the effort needed when it comes to clearing out your driveway. The shovel features a spring-loaded ergonomic grip that captures the energy you use throwing snow to reset the shovel, so you're ready for the next load. Not only is the shovel's shape easier on your back, but it's also equipped with a metal strip across its bottom for tackling ice.

Car shovels are designed to fit neatly away in your trunk or truck bed, but that small size can make you wonder if they'll get the job done. This collapsible shovel features a larger blade and taller handle than the other car-ready models we’ve tested, which lent it more capability. The design comes at the expense of some compactness, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off for quicker clearing when you find yourself precariously stuck in sub-zero temperatures or along a busy road or highway.

Spend less time shoveling with this poly blade shovel from Garant’s Nordic series. We liked the nice long handle, and the fact that the poly blade has edges on the sides, which means you move more snow in the long run. It's a sturdy, dependable choice for pushing a few inches of snow off your driveway and sidewalks.

Scoop shovels are mostly used for moving dirt, grain, or other materials, but they can be just as useful for clearing snow. Our favorite is this one from Bully Tools. It sliced into snow and sawdust easily and managed to move a good chunk of the stuff with each scoop despite its narrow width. Sticky wet snow did cling to the plastic blade, which reduced its load capacity. However, occasionally knocking off the caked-on powder kept us shoveling at a good clip.

This snow shovel from True Temper sets the standard of snow shovels. It's not too heavy, not too long, and not too large. Plus, it doesn't leave any strain on your back, thanks to its ergonomics. It works well on uneven city sidewalks or smooth driveways, and you don't have to worry about it scraping up your deck or patio.

This combination snow shovel is affordable and very effective at pushing snow. This versatile tool combines design elements from a snow shovel and a pusher and it's all you need after a winter storm strikes.

Its 27-inch scoop isn't as wide as other options, so you may not want to use it for your wide driveway, but it will work fantastically for clearing snow off your deck. If you need a longer scoop, consider shopping the 36-inch SnowPlow instead.

The True Temper 18-inch aluminum snow shovel comes with the durability and strength of a metal blade. The aluminum material sliced through snow and sawdust well and, with the help of the steel wear strip, can scrape up snowpack better than most.

Here's a great pick for your emergency roadside kit. This portable shovel breaks down into two compact pieces when it's not in use, so you can easily store it in the trunk of your car. At about 40 inches long when fully extended, it'll help you dig out a snow-stuck tire easily or help you tackle your average light- to medium-duty shoveling needs without feeling too awkward to hold.

This nifty tool attaches right to your existing shovel, rake, hoe, broom, or paint roller for much-needed back relief. It prevents strain and makes it significantly easier to shovel snow. Best of all, it costs less than 20 bucks!