Comparison: Best Snow Shovels For Back (Updated | Jan 2nd)
Winter mornings are magical until you’re staring at a driveway buried in snow, dreading the backache that follows. Trust me, I’ve been there—the aches, the strained muscles, the regret. But the right shovel can change everything. That’s why we’ve tested the top snow shovels designed to protect your back while making quick work of heavy loads. Say goodbye to pain and hello to smoother snow clearing. Let’s dive into the best options that keep you moving comfortably all season long.
Key Takeaways
- The Editor’s Choice reduces back strain with dual-handle leverage and a lightweight design.
- Look for ergonomic designs like dual handles to minimize back stress.
- Choose shovels with steel shafts for durability without adding excess weight.
- Opt for lightweight models under 5 lbs for easier maneuverability.
- Prioritize easy control features to enhance efficiency and reduce fatigue.
ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft
Dual-Handle Efficiency
- Reduces back strain
- Lightweight at 4 lbs
- Dual-handle leverage
- BEST FOR SPRING-ASSISTED SHOVEL: Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SPRING-ASSISTED HANDLE: Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ERGONOMIC SNOW REMOVER: 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 REINFORCED Z-HANDLE: 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 BACK-SAVING ANGLE: 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 HEAVY-DUTY BACK SAVER: RUGG MANUFACTURING Back Saver Snow Shovel Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DECK-SAFE WIDE BLADE: Deck Saver™ Crack Jumper Snow Shovel – Heavy Duty 24″ Snow Removal Tool for Driveways Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DUAL-HANDLE EFFICIENCY: ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Snow Shovels For 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 spring-assisted handle, making it a top choice for efficient snow removal. Its ergonomic D-Ring grip reduces bending, while the innovative handle design acts as a fulcrum to minimize back strain.
Lightweight at 3.5 lbs yet durable, it’s built for heavy lifting and challenging winter tasks. Perfect for tackling snow with ease and comfort.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Reduces back strain effectively
- Durable impact-resistant blade
- Ergonomic D-Ring handle grip
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Blade may wear over time
- Handle can feel flimsy
Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle, Heavy-Duty Shovel for Fast Snow Removal, 20 Inches, Blue
The Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel combines a heavy-duty blade with a spring-assist handle for effortless snow clearing. Its ergonomic D-Ring grip improves posture, while the fulcrum handle reduces stress on your back and arms.
Designed for efficiency, this shovel provides added leverage for lifting heavier loads with minimal effort. A reliable tool for fast and comfortable winter maintenance.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Spring-assist reduces back strain
- Durable and impact-resistant blade
- Ergonomic design for comfort
- Enhanced lifting power
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- May be bulky for storage
- Pricey compared to basic shovels
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)
The Trazon Heavy Duty Snow Shovel is designed to make snow removal faster and easier while minimizing stress on your arms and back. Its ergonomic curved handle, made from sturdy aluminum, allows you to work with minimal effort, reducing strain on joints.
The durable scoop, crafted from heavy-duty plastic with an aluminum strip, ensures efficient lifting, pushing, and ice breaking. Lightweight yet strong, this shovel prevents fatigue and withstands harsh weather.
Perfect for driveways, sidewalks, or camping trips, it’s a reliable winter companion that combines comfort, durability, and performance in one essential tool.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ergonomic curved handle
- Lightweight aluminum build
- Durable plastic scoop
- Reduces back strain
- Easy to maneuver
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly pricey
- Plastic may wear
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 features an innovative curved Z-shape handle designed to minimize back strain and bending, ensuring comfortable, upright shoveling. Its 17-inch wide scoop, made from high-quality poly material with an aluminum wear stripe, offers excellent snow removal efficiency while remaining lightweight.
Reinforced with improved steel, the handle delivers superior strength and fracture resistance, supporting loads up to 124 lbs. Every shovel undergoes rigorous testing for flawless performance, and assembly is quick with just three steps.
Perfect for seniors and heavy-duty use, this shovel combines durability, ergonomic design, and ease of use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Back-saving design
- Lightweight yet durable
- High load capacity
- Easy assembly
- Tested for reliability
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires assembly
- Limited color options
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 efficient and comfortable snow removal. Its 17-inch wide scoop and ergonomic curved handle reduce back strain by allowing you to stand upright.
The lightweight yet durable poly head, reinforced with an aluminum wear strip, tackles heavy snow without fatigue. The large scoop capacity speeds up clearing driveways and walkways.
Its rust-resistant steel handle ensures longevity, while quick assembly makes it ready for immediate use. Ideal for harsh winters, this shovel combines durability, comfort, and performance for effortless snow removal.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Reduces back strain
- Lightweight and durable
- Large scoop capacity
- Rust-resistant handle
- Quick assembly
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly pricey
- Plastic head may wear
RUGG MANUFACTURING Back Saver Snow Shovel, 1 EA
The Rugg Manufacturing Back Saver Snow Shovel is a heavy-duty tool built for extreme conditions. Its poly head resists shattering in cold temperatures, ensuring durability.
The metal wear strip along the blade enhances longevity and efficiency on tough surfaces. The D-grip handle provides a secure, comfortable grip, reducing strain during use.
Designed for reliability, this shovel is perfect for clearing snow from driveways and pathways with ease. Its sturdy construction and thoughtful design make it a dependable choice for winter maintenance, even in the harshest weather conditions.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Heavy-duty poly head
- Metal wear strip
- D-grip for comfort
- Shatter-resistant in cold
- Durable construction
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Heavier than plastic models
Deck Saver™ Crack Jumper Snow Shovel – Heavy Duty 24″ Snow Removal Tool for Driveways, Sidewalks & Decks – Ideal for Trex® and TimberTech®-Style Composite Surfaces
The Deck Saver Crack Jumper Snow Shovel is a heavy-duty 24-inch tool designed for driveways, sidewalks, and decks. Its no-scratch skid shoes glide over cracks and seams, protecting composite decking like Trex or TimberTech from damage.
The reinforced ABS blade and steel shaft handle heavy, wet snow without bending, while the ergonomic 42-inch adjustable handle reduces back strain. Ideal for homeowners, seniors, and deck owners, this shovel fits users between 5′ and 6’3″.
Made in the USA with quality materials, it’s built tough for Midwest and Northeast winters, ensuring reliable performance on concrete, wood, and composite surfaces.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Protects deck surfaces
- Adjustable ergonomic handle
- Durable ABS blade
- No-scratch skid shoes
- Made in USA
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly heavy
- Higher price point
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 ergonomic dual-handle design, providing extra lifting leverage to scoop more snow with less effort. Its 18-inch push and scoop blade, equipped with an aluminum wear strip, ensures smooth clearing without damaging surfaces.
The 34.5-inch steel shaft offers durability and control, while the large D-ring grips enhance stability. Weighing only 4 pounds, this lightweight shovel reduces arm and back strain, making snow removal easier and less fatiguing.
Perfect for heavy snowfall, it eliminates the need to bend, offering a comfortable solution for quick, efficient snow clearing on driveways, sidewalks, and other areas.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Reduces back strain
- Lightweight at 4 lbs
- Dual-handle leverage
- Durable steel shaft
- Easy to control
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Shorter handle length
- Smaller blade size
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 are the different types of snow shovels available?
Snow shovels typically come in pusher, scoop, and ergonomic designs. Pushers are best for light, fluffy snow, while scoop shovels handle heavier, wet snow. Ergonomic shovels with bent shafts reduce back strain during use.
How do I choose the right shovel material?
Plastic shovels are lightweight and ideal for light snow, while metal blades are more durable for icy or packed snow. Consider a hybrid model with a metal strip on the edge for added durability. Avoid overly heavy materials if you have back concerns.
What size shovel is best for my needs?
Wider shovels (24-30 inches) clear snow faster but can be heavy to lift. Narrower shovels (18-20 inches) are easier to maneuver and better for tight spaces. Choose a size that balances efficiency with your physical strength.
Are ergonomic shovels worth the extra cost?
Yes, ergonomic shovels with curved handles or adjustable lengths help reduce back strain. They allow you to lift with your legs more easily, minimizing injury risk. If you shovel frequently or have back issues, the investment is worthwhile.
How do I compare different snow shovel brands?
Look for brands with durable construction, comfortable grips, and positive user reviews. Compare features like blade coating, handle adjustability, and warranty options. Budget-friendly options like True Temper perform well, while premium brands offer added durability.
What additional features should I consider?
Some shovels come with wheels for easier pushing or extendable handles for taller users. Look for non-stick coatings to prevent snow from sticking to the blade. Telescoping handles are great for storage and customizing height.
How do I determine the best value for my money?
Value depends on frequency of use and snow conditions in your area. A basic plastic shovel may suffice for occasional light snow, while a durable metal shovel is better for heavy, icy snow. Balance upfront cost with long-term durability and comfort.
Can I use a snow shovel on other surfaces like gravel?
Yes, but choose a shovel with a wear strip or plastic blade to avoid damaging gravel surfaces. Metal blades can scrape or dig into gravel, making shoveling harder. Some shovels are specifically designed for uneven terrain.