Dee,

Interesting situation.

Technically speaking, the snowshoes are not left or right specific, but MSR does recommend wearing them such that the tension buckle on the heel is on the inside of the foot.

Retail stores will sell snowshoes in a pair, so if you're looking for a single shoe or a binding change-out, I would suggest contacting MSR. They may have other suggestions as well. The store that you bought them from may be able to do something for you as well if you complain that they sold you a mismatched pair.

Good luck!

I would also recommend the the 25" length. I'm 5'2" and 150. I can actually run in these on groomed trail. If you are going to be in anything deep for extended periods of time I would look elsewhere. You really can't go wrong with this pair. Very durable and you won't regret the purchase.

The great thing about snowshoes, unlike other winter sport gear, is that they are intended as much for the beginner as the expert. What I love about this shoe is that it is very stable (3 strap) which will come in handy and be much more durable. That's what you get with a high-end snowshoe. The benefit of the women's MSR Lightning Ascent is that it's the narrowest of all frame and decking snowshoes available. I would recommend the 25" length for you, which is the same width as the 22" version.You are right in the sense that these could be used for mountaineering and/or climbing challenging terrain, but they are as much at home on established or groomed trails. They're very easy to get on and off, they are really light weight, and you won't slip and slide while wearing them. The best part is that they are narrow. Remember, durability is the key here. This will be a purchase that will last you a lifetime. Purchasing a lesser shoe will only give you one that's heavier, less durable, harder to put on, far less traction, and much wider. Snowshoeing is relatively inexpensive, even on the high-end side. I would very much encourage you to go with these shoes. You won't regret it!:)

It largely depends on the snow you'll be hiking on. If it's deep and powdery, you will sink, but having smaller snowshoes will allow far better maneuverability. There is a bit of a give and take. Thirty inches or more, you might want to opt for the 25's. One thing to note is that the 25s are the same width as the 22s, just a bit longer. They are also only about 3 ounces heavier. They would offer the same ease of walking, lightweight, and traction, but would give you piece of mind when in deep snow. If you don't think you will be in 30" or more of snow, the 22s should work just fine.

The heel lifter work great. I've used them a few times and never had a problem. It does help to drop to one knee to engage or disengage them. I have no experience with the atlas.

My personal use of the Lightning Ascents has been very good. The heel raiser is easy IMO to get up and down, although you might need to get on one knee to engage and disengage it. I personally haven't tried the Atlas shoes so I can't comment on them.

The lightning snowshoe is designed for more mellow terrain, think rolling hills. The Lightning Ascent is designed for steep terrain, think mountain summits. The Crampon is more aggressive, and the climbing bar is higher.From what you have described I would recommend the lightning.