How to Choose Snowshoes

By REI staff

In This Article

• Anatomy of a Snowshoe
• What Size Is Best?
• Pick Your Activity

Snowshoeing's great simply for the fact that just about anyone can do it. Shopping for snowshoes is easy, too, once you know what to look for. Unlike skis or snowboards, they come in only a few sizes. Some models are activity-specific, but for the most part, snowshoes are versatile performers. With some knowledge of how snowshoes work and where you'd like to use them, buying the right pair is a walk in the park. Get ready to float on!

Anatomy of a Snowshoe

All styles of snowshoes allow you to travel across snow-covered ground without sinking or struggling. They provide flotation by spreading your weight evenly over a large, flat surface area. This flotation allows you to hike, climb or even run! Generally, the heavier the person or the lighter and drier the snow, the larger the surface area of the snowshoe needs to be.

Frames and Decking

Typically, today's snowshoes are constructed with aluminum frames and synthetic decking. The decking is usually made of a cold-resistant rubber or plastic-type material. Some compact snowshoes are made without a frame, that is, with a hard decking material that supports weight on its own. Hypalon® rubber decking is more flexible and lightweight, while composite plastic decking is stable and very durable. Both styles work well.

Bindings

Snowshoes secure to your boots with bindings, which usually consist of a platform and nylon straps that go over the foot and around the heel. Most snowshoe bindings are built to accept a variety of footwear styles, from hiking and snowboard boots to plastic mountaineering boots, so you don't need to buy special footwear. Some are made specifically for running and lace up snugly, while others are made for plastic boots and secure with ratcheting straps.

• Rotating Bindings pivot at the point where they attach to the decking--under the balls of the feet. This movement allows you to walk naturally and to climb hills. The amount that bindings pivot varies among models. Some bindings are attached with metal rods and pivot 90 degrees or more. This causes the ends of the snowshoes, called tails, to fall away as you step, shedding snow and reducing leg fatigue. Rotation also allows "tracking" or steering in deep snow and positions your boots for kicking steps into steep slopes.

• Fixed Bindings are connected with heavy-duty rubber or neoprene bands and don't pivot as much. This type of binding brings the snowshoe tails up with each step, allowing a comfortable stride. This also makes stepping over obstacles and backing up easier.

There are pros and cons to both binding types. Fixed bindings can kick up snow on the backs of the legs, and rotating bindings can be awkward when climbing over logs or backing up.

Traction Devices

Although your weight provides some traction by pushing snowshoes into the snow, most modern aluminum styles feature crampons or cleats. These allow you to maintain a good grip on packed, icy or steep snow.

• Toe or Instep Crampons are located on the undersides of the bindings, so they pivot with your feet and dig in as you climb.

• Heel Crampons are placed on the decking undersides. They are frequently in a V formation, which fills with snow and slows you down as you descend. Not all snowshoes have heel traction, so it may be necessary to dig in the toe crampons on the descent.

• Traction Bars on the decking undersides provide lateral stability and reduce side slipping as you cross slopes.

Recreational-style snowshoes will typically have moderate traction, sometimes only at the forefoot. Climbing snowshoes will generally have aggressive, toothed crampons at both the forefoot and the heel.

What Size Is Best?

Modern aluminum-frame snowshoes typically come in 3 sizes: 8" x 25", 9" x 30" and 10" x 36". REI also carries snowshoes made specifically for women. Some of these have smaller (8" x 21"), contoured frames, plus bindings sized for women's footwear. Children's-specific models in 6" x 15" and 7" x 18" sizes are also available.

How do you know which size is right for your needs?

1. Determine Your Weight with Gear

   Your weight, including equipment, is referred to as the recommended load or carrying capacity. This is a major factor in determining the right size. In most circumstances, a heavier person or one with a heavily loaded pack will require larger snowshoes than a smaller person or one carrying gear just for the day.

2. Consider Snow Conditions and Terrain

   Recommended loads are usually based on light, dry snow conditions. But consider that a 150-lb. person on powder snow requires bigger snowshoes to stay afloat than he or she does in compact, wet snow. In other words, you need larger snowshoes to stay afloat in Utah powder than you would in the wet snow of the Pacific Northwest. Terrain should also be considered. Packed trails, brush and forest call for more compact shoes, which are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Steep or icy terrain is also best explored with smaller snowshoes. Open areas with deep drifts require larger snowshoes. Your best bet is to get the smallest size that will support your weight for the snow conditions and terrain in your area. As long as you have adequate flotation, smaller snowshoes will be much easier to handle.

Pick Your Activity

What is your idea of snowshoeing? Is it moderate walking or hiking? Backcountry hiking or backpacking? Perhaps you want to go snowboarding on ungroomed slopes, or you're into winter mountaineering or scrambling. Or maybe you're a year-round runner, wanting to hit the trails. Most snowshoes can be used for more than one activity, but a few, such as the trail-running or some of the climbing models, don't cross over well.

Recreational

These shoes are "all around" models for the snowshoer who wants to get out and hike on trails or stroll around the nearby golf course. They include entry-level models and offer good value. They have easy-to-adjust bindings and their traction systems (called crampons or cleats) are designed for gentle to rolling terrain. Running-specific models also fall into this category.

Adventure

Designed with a little more aggressive crampons and beefier bindings, these styles are a step up from entry level and do well when taken off the beaten track. They can handle all but very steep or icy conditions.

Backcountry

These snowshoes are made with highly durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions and terrain. They are aimed at the more aggressive snowshoer who wants to blaze his or her own trails for day hiking, winter summits, backpacking or backcountry snowboarding. Often outfitted with snowboard-type bindings or climbing crampons, these are intended for steep ascents and uneven or icy ground.

Still unsure? Many REI stores have snowshoes for rent. Take a pair out for a test drive! (Please call for availability. Snowshoes are not available at all locations.)

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