Comparison: Best Snow Shovel For Your Back (Updated | Jan 2nd)
We’ve all been there—waking up after a heavy snowfall, dreading the backache that comes with clearing the driveway. But shoveling doesn’t have to be a pain. The right snow shovel can make all the difference, protecting your back while getting the job done faster. We’ve tested the top options to find the best snow shovels that prioritize ergonomics and efficiency. Let’s dive into our picks so you can tackle winter without the post-shoveling soreness.
Key Takeaways
- Editor’s Choice reduces back strain with ergonomic dual-handle design.
- Choose lightweight shovels with durable steel shafts for easy handling.
- Opt for push and scoop blades to minimize bending and effort.
ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft
Best Ergonomic Choice
- Reduces back strain significantly
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Durable steel shaft construction
- BEST FOR SPRING-ASSISTED LIFT: Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BACK-SAVING DESIGN: YEITSNOW Snow Shovel for Driveway Ergonomic Design 17” Reinforced Heavy Duty Snow Removal Easy Assembled Tool in Winter Snowy Day for Garage Car Parking Port Workshop Barn Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SPRING-ASSISTED LEVER: Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BACK PAIN RELIEF: Snow Shovel Heavy Duty for Driveway with Ergonomic Handle to Use Without Backpain for Home Garage Car – Snow Shovel with 18 Inch Blade Large Capacity and 58 Inch Long Ergonomic Handle (Black) Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BEST ERGONOMIC CHOICE: ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft Read More ↓
- BEST FOR UPRIGHT ANGLED HANDLE: YEITSNOW Snow Shovel for Driveway 17-Inch Wide Ergonomic Heavy Duty Snow Removal Winter Tool 57” Long with Bent Handle Aluminum Edge Sharp Blade for Car Garage Read More ↓
- BEST FOR D-GRIP COMFORT: ORIENTOOLS Snow Shovel with D-Grip Handle and Durable Aluminum Edge Blade Read More ↓
- BEST FOR LARGE CAPACITY SCOOP: Snow Shovel for Driveway Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PORTABLE CAR SHOVEL: AstroAI 38.4″ Folding Snow Shovel for Car Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Snow Shovel For Your Back
Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle, 3.5 Lbs – Heavy-Duty Lightweight Shoveling Tool for Ice Removal, Shovelution SJ-SHLV01
The Snow Joe Snow Shovel features an 18-inch impact-resistant blade and a unique spring-assisted design to reduce back strain. Its ergonomic D-Ring handle improves posture, while the handle acts as a fulcrum for enhanced lifting power.
Lightweight at 3.5 lbs, it’s built for efficiency and durability, making winter tasks easier.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ergonomic D-Ring handle
- Spring-assisted leverage
- Lightweight yet durable
- Easy on the back
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Blade may wear over time
- Handle height adjustment limited
YEITSNOW Snow Shovel for Driveway Ergonomic Design 17” Reinforced Heavy Duty Snow Removal Easy Assembled Tool in Winter Snowy Day for Garage Car Parking Port Workshop Barn
The YEITSNOW Snow Shovel boasts a curved Z-shape handle for upright shoveling, minimizing back strain. Its 17-inch reinforced poly blade with an aluminum strip ensures efficient snow removal.
The strengthened steel handle supports up to 124 lbs, and assembly is quick with three steps. Ideal for seniors and heavy-duty use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Back-saving Z-shape handle
- Lightweight poly material
- High load capacity
- Quick assembly
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires assembly
- Narrower blade than some
Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle, Heavy-Duty Shovel for Fast Snow Removal, 20 Inches, Blue
- Impact-Resistant Blade: Built with a durable, heavy-duty blade that stands up to tough jobs and resists wear, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Ergonomic Comfort: Features a D-Ring handle grip designed for maximum comfort, improved posture, and reduced need to bend, minimizing strain during use.
- Spring-Assisted Design: Innovative handle acts as a fulcrum, enhancing the mechanics of shoveling while reducing stress on your back and arms.
- Enhanced Lifting Power: Provides added leverage to the lower hand, allowing you to lift and move heavier loads more efficiently with less effort.
- Built for Efficiency: Designed for comfort, durability, and ease of use, this large shovel makes tackling heavy lifting and challenging tasks during winter season simpler and more effective.
Snow Shovel Heavy Duty for Driveway with Ergonomic Handle to Use Without Backpain for Home Garage Car – Snow Shovel with 18 Inch Blade Large Capacity and 58 Inch Long Ergonomic Handle (Black)
- Multi-Purpose Use. Clean snow faster and easier after a winter storm with this snow shovel. This item is designed to put less stress on your arms and back as you are removing snow from sidewalks and driveways to allow safe and free passage. Keep it in your garage or put it in your car as you set for camping or any other adventure
- Work Without Backpain. Our shovel features a curved ergonomic handle made from sturdy aluminum, allowing you to work with minimal effort, reducing the strain on your back and joints. No more worrying about unpleasant aches after working outdoors
- Durable Scoop with Large Capacity. This shovel is meant for lifting, pushing snow, and breaking up ice. It has a curved form to ensure you can easily clean up the sidewalk. It’s neither bulky nor too small to let you move the optimal amount of snow. The shovel scoop is made of heavy-duty plastic that will withstand any unfavorable weather conditions. Its blade features a durable aluminum strip for added strength. This enables you to get rid of hard-packed snow or even ice without extra effort
- Heavy Duty & Lightweight Handle. The handle is made of high-performance aluminum that is strong and reliable, yet lightweight enough to prevent fatigue. It won’t break or crack even under heavy loads ensuring you’ll be using the same shovel for many years. An ergonomical handle allows you to securely hold the shovel and maneuver it
- Shovel’s Blade – is crafted from high-quality plastic, ensuring a durable and reliable user experience. Our shovel is lightweight and easy to carry, making the snow-clearing process even more comfortable. Let this shovel become your best companion during the winter season. Get yours today and enjoy the ease and efficiency of snow removal
ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft, 4 Lb – Heavy-Duty Lightweight Shoveling Tool for Ice Removal, ERG-SNSH18
The ErgieShovel features an innovative dual-handle design that provides extra lifting leverage, allowing you to scoop more snow with less effort. This ergonomic approach significantly reduces strain on your arms and back, making snow removal more comfortable and efficient.
The 18-inch push and scoop combination blade, equipped with an aluminum wear strip, ensures smooth clearing without damaging surfaces. Its sturdy 34.5-inch steel shaft offers enhanced stability and control, while the lightweight 4-pound build makes it easy to handle.
Perfect for heavy snowfall, this shovel minimizes fatigue and maximizes performance, ideal for those seeking a back-friendly snow removal solution.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Reduces back strain significantly
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Durable steel shaft construction
- Efficient push and scoop blade
- Ergonomic dual-handle design
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly expensive option
- Shorter shaft length
YEITSNOW Snow Shovel for Driveway 17-Inch Wide Ergonomic Heavy Duty Snow Removal Winter Tool 57” Long with Bent Handle Aluminum Edge Sharp Blade for Car Garage
The YEITSNOW Snow Shovel is designed for back-saving efficiency, featuring a curved handle that lets you stand upright while shoveling. Its 17-inch wide scoop, with a 14-inch height, allows for large loads, helping you clear driveways and walkways faster.
Constructed with a tough plastic head and an aluminum wear strip, this shovel is both lightweight and impact-resistant. The well-painted steel handles resist rust and withstand scratches, ensuring durability through many winters.
Quick to assemble and sturdy in build, this shovel is ready to tackle tough snowstorms without weighing you down, making it a reliable choice for winter maintenance.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Back-saving curved handle
- Large scoop capacity
- Lightweight yet durable
- Rust-resistant steel handles
- Quick and easy assembly
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Plastic head may break
- Handle length may be short
ORIENTOOLS Snow Shovel with D-Grip Handle and Durable Aluminum Edge Blade, an Ideal Accessory for Your Car, Truck, Recreational Vehicle, etc.(Blade 16.9″)
The ORIENTOOLS Snow Shovel is designed to make winter snow removal easier and more efficient. With a durable PVC grip, steel handle, and PP head, this shovel withstands harsh winter conditions.
Its ergonomic 54.7-inch length reduces strain, while the non-slip sleeve prevents frostbite. The D-grip handle ensures comfortable use and easy hanging.
Installation is simple—just align and screw the handles together. Note: once assembled, it’s difficult to disassemble.
Ideal for driveways and walkways, this shovel is your reliable winter assistant. Its sturdy build and user-friendly design make it a must-have for snowy seasons.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable steel handle
- Ergonomic D-grip design
- Easy to assemble
- Non-slip PVC sleeve
- Cold-resistant materials
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Difficult to disassemble
- Heavy for some users
Snow Shovel for Driveway, Snow Removal Shovel with Ergonomic D-Grip Handle, Lightweight Shoveling Tool, Large Capacity Shovel for Garden, Car Garage, Home Sidewalk and Camping, Black
The SFAED Snow Shovel is perfect for efficient snow removal on driveways and sidewalks. Its 16-inch wide blade clears large areas quickly, reducing bending and fatigue.
The ergonomic double-handle design minimizes back strain and muscle pain, while the aluminum anti-wear strip ensures durability. Lightweight yet sturdy, it’s easy to use and transport.
The shovel disassembles for compact storage, making it convenient for seasonal use. Designed for comfort and efficiency, it handles heavy workloads with ease.
Whether clearing light snow or heavy drifts, this shovel is a reliable winter essential for effortless snow removal.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Wide 16-inch blade
- Ergonomic double handle
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to disassemble
- Reduces back strain
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Plastic scoop may crack
- Assembly required
AstroAI 38.4″ Folding Snow Shovel for Car, Extendable Snow Shovel with Thickened Aluminum Handle and Reinforced Iron Hinge, Portable and Multifunctional for Driveway, Cars, Camping and Mud, Grey
The AstroAI 38.4″ Folding Snow Shovel is a versatile, durable tool designed for winter emergencies. Its aluminum handle and reinforced iron hinge ensure strength without added weight, making it easy to use in various conditions.
The adjustable length (up to 38.4″) accommodates users of all heights, while the D-shaped grip enhances stability and comfort. Perfect for shoveling snow, mud, or leaves, it folds compactly for easy storage in car trunks or backpacks.
The pointed tip helps break thin ice, though thicker ice may require a dedicated breaker. A practical, lightweight gift for anyone facing snowy winters.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight yet durable
- Adjustable length options
- Folds for easy storage
- Multi-purpose functionality
- Comfortable D-shaped grip
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Not ideal for thick ice
- Hinge may loosen over time
- Limited capacity for heavy snow
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a snow shovel to protect my back?
Opt for a shovel with an ergonomic, curved handle to reduce the strain of bending. Lightweight materials like aluminum or plastic can make lifting easier, minimizing back fatigue over time.
How do manual and ergonomic snow shovels compare?
Manual shovels are traditional and often cheaper, but ergonomic designs prioritize back health with angled handles. The main differences are in comfort and efficiency, as ergonomic shovels reduce bending and twisting motions.
What features should I prioritize for heavy snowfalls?
Look for a shovel with a wide blade to move more snow quickly, but ensure it’s not too heavy. A non-stick coating can also help prevent snow from sticking, reducing the effort needed to shake it off.
Are there specific shovel types better for deep snow?
For deep snow, a pusher shovel with a curved blade is ideal as it’s designed to push rather than lift. This reduces the strain on your back by avoiding repetitive lifting motions.
How do different handle materials affect usability?
Aluminum handles are lightweight and durable, while fiberglass offers more strength but can be heavier. Wooden handles are traditional but may be less durable in harsh conditions.
What’s the best way to shovel to avoid back pain?
Lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting your torso while throwing snow. Take frequent breaks and switch between pushing and lifting to distribute the effort evenly.
Are there value-focused options that still offer back support?
Yes, many mid-range shovels include ergonomic designs without the premium price tag. Look for models with adjustable handles or ergonomic grips for a balance of cost and comfort.
How do I choose the right shovel size for my height?
Select a shovel with a handle length that allows you to stand upright while shoveling. Taller individuals may need longer handles to avoid bending, while shorter users might prefer compact designs.