Getting The Right Snowshoe

What's the "right" snowshoe?  Well, the answer isn't "I don't know".  Snowshoes have to do four things to be the "right" shoe for you.  Your snowshoe has to float, move naturally, feel good, and have the right traction when it is needed.

    Flotation - your snowshoe must keep you above the snow.

To pick your snowshoe size use your weight plus the weight of any gear you’ll be carrying. Choose the smallest shoe that supports your weight and the weight of your gear. Choose a larger shoe for dry snow and a smaller shoe for more wet dense snow.

Symmetrical design is the most stable platform to snowshoe on, especially on powder

Look for a tapered shape to allow for a natural stride

Look for durable decking and a rigid frame for dependable performance

    Articulation - you need a snowshoe that  allows you to keep your foot in a neutral/natural position even when the footing becomes uneven.

Limited step rotation eliminates shin banging and shoe dragging and increase maneuverability

Ankle rotation allows for natural footing on uneven terrain.

No heel twist is best to keep your foot centered on the snowshoe for comfort and security

    Comfort - your snowshoe has got to feel good while you're using them.

Choose a binding that is secure

Choose a binding that wraps the foot an eliminates pressure points for better blood flow
and warmer feet

Look for easy, glove-friendly buckles and bindings

    Traction - These snowshoes of yours have got to perform when climbing, descending, and moving sideways.

Make sure you have all three types of traction on your snowshoe; climbing crampons, descending crampons, and traversing (going sideways) crampons.

            The above was adopted from the Atlas Snowshoe Company - FACT

According to Tubbs Snowshoe Company, you should:

1)    Determine the type of snowshoeing you plan to do and the type of terrain:

            hiking/backpacking

            recreational hiking/walking

            or running/aerobic training.

2)    Determine which snowshoe technology fits that desired purpose.

3)    Determine the snowshoe model size according to your total body weight with gear.

Visit your local sporting goods store to get outfitted in the snowshoes that are the best fit to your budget, lifestyle, and aerobic goals and winter fun objectives.

Links To Snowshoe Manufacturers