Snowshoes

For some mountain enthusiasts, snowshoes are a critical tool to get to the base of a climb or the top of a snowboarding run. For others, snowshoeing is an end in itself, providing an easy way to go for a walk or brisk run in the backcountry. When selecting snowshoes, consider the type of terrain you'll encounter and the type of activity you plan to take on.

Materials and Construction

Modern snowshoes are made of combinations of aluminium and synthetics, such as neoprene and Hypalon® – materials that require little maintenance, are extremely tough, and resist cracking in cold temperatures. The only care required is drying them off before storing, and occasionally tightening any loose screws or straps.

Bindings and Footwear

Bindings allow you to connect your boot to the snowshoe. They range in complexity from simple straps to high-tech systems with heel lifts, traction devices, and spring-loaded suspension. Essentially bindings should hold your boots comfortably, without slipping or cutting off circulation.  They are designed to fit sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, the choice of most snowshoers. If you plan to use specialized footwear such as snowboarding or mountaineering boots, make sure the binding will accommodate the extra width and a longer toe.

Most bindings have a pivot at the ball of the foot to allow a natural flex when walking. Suspension systems control the amount of side-to-side (lateral) pivot that occurs when traversing sidehills. If you plan to cross steeper, more challenging terrain, look for bindings that keeps the traction crampon flat on the snow surface. If you need to ascend steep slopes, a heel lift will reduce fatigue on your calves and improve efficiency when climbing.

Traction

Toe crampons, found on snowshoes designed for steep climbing, are attached under the ball of your foot where you can forcefully dig them in with each step. Heel crampons and lateral traction bars work in combination to give you purchase when descending or when crossing slopes.

Snowshoe toe and heel crampons

Asymmetrical running snowshoe

Shape

Shorter, wider shoes are more manoeuvrable, but can be slightly cumbersome to walk in. They are generally used in thickly forested areas. Longer, narrower models are most suited to open terrain. Mountaineers may favour moulded plastic shoes that lash conveniently to a pack. Shoes designed for running on packed snow have an asymmetrical shape that suits a narrower stride.

Flotation

Flotation provided by a shoe varies with the surface area of the decking. The amount of flotation you require depends on your weight (in your winter boots and all your layers), the weight of your pack, and the snow conditions. You need more flotation in freshly fallen powder than in wet, heavy snow. Depending on conditions, there can be as much as 70kg of variation for the same shoe.

Read Women's Snowshoes for information about differences in design.