How to pick a pair of snowshoes

Once upon a time, I was a three-season hiker. I yearned for spring melt-off, when I could get back to cruising the trails before another round of winter. Then, a friend let me borrow a pair of snowshoes and introduced me to what I now fondly refer to as “winter hiking.” Snowshoes have turned me into a four-season hiker. If you haven’t tried them yet, maybe they’ll help you get outside more this winter!

• Snowshoe safely
• As with any excursion, make sure to carry your Ten Essentials in case plans go awry. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions and pack accordingly. And be sure someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to return. For more info, check out snowshoeing 101.

The oldest known snowshoes, found in Central Asia, date back 4,000 years. Indigenous people of North America — such as the Algonquin, Coeur d’Alene and Cree — developed the snowshoes we know today, honing designs to suit their environments. While traditional snowshoes were often made from wood and rawhide, today’s adaptations make use of lightweight materials — aluminum, plastic and synthetic fabrics — and ergonomic designs, making snowshoes more accessible and efficient.

Types of snowshoes

Snowshoes come in almost as many varieties as there are hikers.

• Recreational: Designed for casual walking on snowy flat or rolling terrain, these are user-friendly and fairly affordable.
• Backcountry: Built for off-trail exploration in deep snow and steep terrain, these feature aggressive crampons built for traction.
• Racing: Some people like to compete. These snowshoes are lightweight and streamlined for speed.

Four snowshoes sitting in the snow. Photo by Emma Cassidy

Anatomy of a snowshoe

The core principle behind snowshoes is to distribute the weight of the user over a larger surface area, which prevents them from sinking (too far) into the snow.

• Frame: The outside of the snowshoe, designed to provide structure and define the area over which the weight will be distributed.
• Decking: The surface material that supports the user — generally a fabric of some kind.
• Bindings: These secure the snowshoe to the user’s boots.
• Crampons: The all-important metal spikes or teeth that provide underside traction for use on packed or icy snow.
• Heel lifts: Some snowshoes come with a hinged metal structure that can be engaged when traveling uphill. This decreases the angle the user’s legs need to flex by lifting the heel, making uphill travel a bit easier.

Choosing and fitting snowshoes

So many options! Once you’ve decided what kind of snowshoer you want to be — for instance, recreational – it’s time to choose your tools. There are many options, with pricing anywhere between $80 and $400. Here are some questions to consider if you’re looking to buy a pair of snowshoes.

• Bindings: Is a ratcheting binding versus a snapping or strapping system easier for you to get into and out of?
• Decking: Do you prefer a firmer decking for better snow flotation in deep snow or a softer one that is easier to hike in?
• Shape: Would you like the better flotation of a rounder shape or a more oblong shape for a more natural stride? (Also, note that snowshoes with a pointier rear shape seem more prone to kicking snow in the faces of those behind the wearer — something that can be annoying for a travel buddy.)
• Traction: What sort of terrain will you be traveling? Do you prefer more or less aggressive traction?

If you’re unsure on any of these questions, try borrowing or renting a pair and see what you like and don’t like before making a purchase. Ideally, a successful pairing will make snow hiking fun, not force you to relearn to walk.

Enjoying a snowy day on trail. Photo by Heidi Walker

Sizing

If you’re a larger person or will be carrying a heavy pack, larger snowshoes will give you more flotation. If you’re smaller or carrying less weight, you can probably go with smaller snowshoes. Snow types also matter — lighter snow will require more flotation, heavier snow will require less. Think about the conditions you’ll most likely use them in. Just make sure you can get a secure fit that keeps the snowshoe in place without being so tight that they make your feet go numb.

Other helpful gear

• Links to helpful resources:
• - What to wear on a winter hike
• - How to use trekking poles
• - Gaiters 101
• - Where to go for your first snowshoeing trip

• Footwear: Having waterproof boots and a good pair of warm socks is important for foot comfort and safety. You don’t have to go out and buy a new pair of boots, though. I have a pair of summer hiking boots that work just fine. Even hiking boots that have worn traction can be repurposed, as the snowshoes provide their own traction.
• Poles: These are used for balance and to take some of the strain off the knees when climbing or descending. You may be able to use poles you already have. Some hiking poles come with snow baskets, so the poles don’t sink into the snow. I have also repurposed my downhill ski poles for snowshoeing — they work quite well.
• Gaiters: Gaiters keep the snow out of your boots, adding warmth and comfort in deeper snow and colder conditions.
• Layers: Snowshoeing is a sweaty activity. Layers are important so you can manage heat while working hard or taking a break. Bringing an extra pair of gloves for the way back to the car has made my life better many times.

Using snowshoes

Exploring a winter wonderland. Photo by Igne Johnsson.

To start, make sure you have a snug fit and then find a nice, flat spot to practice walking around. A slightly wider stance than normal may be necessary. Try out shorter and longer strides. When traveling uphill, dig the balls of your feet in to engage the traction. On downhills, keep your weight back and use the heel traction for control.
You may also wish to start on well-used trails where the snow is already packed, rather than heading right out into deep snow, which requires more effort.

Snowshoeing can be strenuous. Until you’re used to it, consider taking a pair of traction devices so you can begin a hike on packed snow and swap into snowshoes for the second half of the trek or when you get to softer snow.

Cleaning and storage

Snowshoes will last longer if you take care of them. Remove the snow, ice and debris after use. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Check for damage before and after each outing.

Snowshoeing offers a unique way to explore winter landscapes, combining physical exercise with the tranquility of nature. Whether you’re a casual hiker or an adventurous backcountry explorer, the right pair of snowshoes can open up a world of snowy adventure. And you’ll already be in shape for spring hiking season! Winter is right around the corner — will I see you out there?