Driveway & Walks

How to choose the right snow shovel

There's no single best snow shovel, only the right one for the job. Here's what each type does well, which ones suit taller people, and how to shovel without hurting your back or your heart.

Most homeowners end up with two: a wide pusher or combo shovel for the driveway, and a steel ice chopper for the packed, icy spots. Start with the job, then pick the tool.

Which shovel for which job?

If you need to…Get a…
Driveway after a light-to-moderate snowSnow pusher
A bit of everything: walks, steps, drivewayCombination shovel
Back trouble, or you want less bendingErgonomic bent-shaft shovel
Deep snow, long driveway, moving big loadsSleigh shovel or snow scoop
Packed snow and ice on concrete or asphaltSteel ice chopper or scraper
Getting your car unstuckCompact car shovel
Lots of flat paving to clear, wheels instead of carryingWheeled snow pusher
You're tall and tired of hunching overA long-handle shovel

The types of snow shovels

Combination (all-purpose) shovel

A medium-width blade, usually about 18 inches, with a curved scoop that can both push and lift.

Best for

  • Walks, steps and smaller driveways
  • Households that want one shovel that does most things

Skip it if

You have a big driveway. A wider pusher will save you a lot of trips.

Our picks

  1. Best overall

    True Temper 18 in. Poly Shovel/Pusher, Ergonomic D-Grip Steel Handle (1603400)

    Long-standing brand, tough poly blade and a steel handle. About 54 in. long, a good everyday length for most adults.

    View on Amazon
  2. Moves more per scoop

    Bigfoot 19 in. Mega Dozer Combination Shovel (1083)

    A slightly bigger 19 x 15 in. blade and a second grip on the handle so you can lift with less bending. Lifetime guarantee from the maker.

    View on Amazon

Snow pusher

A wide, flat blade, 24 to 36 inches or more, built to push snow to the edge instead of lifting it.

Best for

  • Driveways, patios and long flat walks
  • Frequent light snows (2–6 in.), cleared early

Skip it if

The snow is deep and heavy. A full-width pusher gets too heavy to move, so take it in narrower strips or use a scoop.

Pushing instead of lifting is exactly what orthopedic surgeons recommend, which makes this the back-friendliest way to clear a driveway.

Our picks

  1. Best overall

    Garant Yukon 36 in. Poly Snow Pusher, Steel Handle

    A wide 36 in. poly blade covers ground fast and won't scratch pavers or stamped concrete. About 51 in. overall per the maker.

    View on Amazon
  2. Heavy-duty upgrade

    Bully Tools 30 in. Steel Snow Pusher, Fiberglass D-Grip Handle (92819)

    Made in the USA with a 16-gauge steel blade that will outlast poly. 58 in. overall, a good length for taller people. Steel can scratch pavers and composite decks, so keep it on concrete and asphalt.

    View on Amazon

Ergonomic (bent-shaft) shovel

A shovel with a bend in the handle, or a second handle, so you can work with a straighter back.

Best for

  • Anyone with a sore back
  • Lifting snow over a low bank

Skip it if

You mostly push snow. A pusher already keeps you upright.

Our picks

  1. Best overall

    Garant Yukon 18 in. Poly Shovel, Curved Aluminum Handle (YPM18EAKD)

    Light (about 3.6 lb), 53.5 in. overall, and backed by a 5-year warranty from the maker. That's long for this type of shovel.

    View on Amazon
  2. Extra lift help

    Snow Joe Shovelution 18 in. Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle (SJ-SHLV01)

    A second, spring-loaded handle helps you lift with your legs and arms instead of your back. At 50 in. overall it's on the short side for tall users.

    View on Amazon

Sleigh shovel / snow scoop

A big, deep scoop you slide across the ground like a sled to move large loads without lifting.

Best for

  • Deep snow and long driveways
  • Moving snow a long way to a pile

Skip it if

You have steps or tight spaces. It's too big to maneuver there.

Our picks

  1. Best value

    Suncast 22 in. Big Scoop Sled Shovel (SF1850)

    A 22 x 28 in. blade with a collapsible steel handle, 60 in. overall. A good choice for taller people.

    View on Amazon
  2. Built to last

    Garant Alpine Sleigh Shovel (APSS22)

    Industrial-grade, made in Canada, with a 23.5 in. blade and a long steel handle (56 in. per one distributor). It's heavier than a hardware-store scoop and built for years of use.

    View on Amazon

Steel ice chopper / sidewalk scraper

A narrow, sharp steel blade on a long handle for breaking up and scraping packed snow and ice.

Best for

  • The icy ridge at the end of the driveway
  • Packed snow on concrete and asphalt walks

Skip it if

The surface is pavers, stamped or colored concrete, or a deck. Steel will chip and scratch them, so use ice melt or a poly shovel instead.

Our picks

  1. Best overall

    Bully Tools All-Steel Sidewalk & Ice Scraper (92200)

    Made in the USA from 11-gauge steel, 58 in. long, with a limited lifetime warranty. It's heavy, and that weight does the work.

    View on Amazon
  2. Lighter option

    Snow Joe 7 in. Steel Ice Chopper with Shock-Absorbing Handle (SJEG700)

    Easier on the wrists and about 3.2 lb. At 49 in. overall it's short for tall people.

    View on Amazon

Compact car / emergency shovel

A small scoop with a short or collapsible handle that rides in the trunk.

Best for

  • Digging out tires, clearing around the tailpipe, the trailhead parking lot

Skip it if

You're clearing a driveway. It's much too small.

Our picks

  1. Best overall

    Bigfoot Collapsible Car Trunk Shovel (1174)

    A poly scoop with a snap-lock aluminum handle that extends to 36 in. Check the listing is for a single shovel before you buy.

    View on Amazon
  2. Alternative

    SubZero Aluminum Emergency Shovel (17222)

    A light aluminum emergency shovel with an extender handle that stows easily.

    View on Amazon

Wheeled snow pusher

A wide pusher blade mounted on wheels, so you roll the snow instead of carrying the weight.

Best for

  • Long, flat driveways and walks
  • People who can push but shouldn't lift

Skip it if

You have slopes, steps or gravel. Wheels need smooth, fairly flat paving.

Our picks

  1. Our pick

    Snowcaster 36 in. Bi-Directional Wheeled Snow Pusher (30SNC)

    Made in the USA. A 36 in. blade on wheels that pushes snow left or right. It's a premium price and stock comes and goes, so check availability.

    View on Amazon

Tall? Get a longer shovel

Most standard shovels are about 48 to 54 inches long. That's fine for average height, but if you're over about 6 feet, a short shovel makes you hunch, and hunching is how backs get hurt. Orthopedic surgeons recommend a shovel sized for your height and strength.

A practical check (a rule of thumb, not a formal standard): stand the shovel next to you with the blade flat on the ground. If you have to bend at the waist to hold it while you push, it's too short.

Some ergonomic and "spring-assist" designs are also short. Check the overall length before you buy, not just the blade.

  1. Longest we verified

    Suncast 22 in. Big Scoop Sled Shovel (SF1850)

    60 in. overall per the retailer's specs.

    View on Amazon
  2. Long pusher

    Bully Tools 30 in. Steel Snow Pusher, Fiberglass Handle (92819)

    58 in. overall per Tractor Supply's listing. Made in the USA.

    View on Amazon
  3. Long all-purpose

    True Temper SnoBoss 26 in. Poly Shovel (1625300)

    A wide 26 in. blade with a 43 in. aluminum handle. Listed at 56 in. overall.

    View on Amazon
  4. Long, heavy-duty

    Garant Alpine Sleigh Shovel (APSS22)

    A 56 in. steel handle per one distributor (the Amazon title says 62 in.).

    View on Amazon

Be careful with "extra-long" listings from brands you don't recognize. Some advertise blade width as if it were length. We list only lengths we could check with the maker or a major retailer.

How to shovel safely

Shoveling is real exercise, done in cold air, often first thing in the morning. A little technique protects your back, and a little caution protects your heart.

  1. Check with your doctor first if it applies to you

    If you have a heart condition or another medical condition, don't exercise regularly, or are middle-aged or older, talk to your doctor before you shovel. The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons both say so. Hiring it out is a perfectly good answer.

  2. Warm up and dress in layers

    Do about 10 minutes of light activity first: march in place, stretch your arms and legs. Wear layers and a hat, plus boots with good tread.

  3. Go early and often

    Clear a light layer before it piles up and gets packed or wet. Several small sessions are easier on your body than one big one.

  4. Push, don't lift

    Push snow to the side whenever you can. If you must lift, take small scoops.

  5. Lift with your legs

    Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight, then lift with your legs. Keep the load close to your body, not at arm's length, and don't bend at the waist.

  6. Don't throw over your shoulder

    Twisting to toss snow over your shoulder or to the side strains your back. Walk the load to the pile instead.

  7. Pace yourself

    Take regular breaks and drink fluids. Skip a heavy meal and alcohol right before or after shoveling.

  8. Know the warning signs and stop

    Stop right away and call 911 if you notice chest discomfort, pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Don't drive yourself.

  9. Watch your footing

    Avoid icy, uneven patches, and keep your view clear of hoods and scarves. For ice, see our ice melt guide.

If something feels wrong, stop. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, a cold sweat or lightheadedness while shoveling are reasons to call 911, not to finish the driveway.

Expert sources

  1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Prevent Snow Shoveling and Snowblowing Injuries
  2. American Heart Association: Snow Shoveling Health Hazards
  3. Garant: Yukon 36 in. Snow Pusher specifications
  4. Garant: Ergonomic Aluminum-Handle Snow Shovel specifications
  5. Tractor Supply: Bully Tools 30 in. Steel Snow Pusher (92819) specifications
  6. Tractor Supply: Bully Tools All-Steel Ice & Sidewalk Scraper (92200)
  7. Snow Joe: Shovelution SJ-SHLV01 and SJEG700 specifications
  8. Home Depot: True Temper SnoBoss 1625300 specifications