The ultimate guide to buying snowshoes

Compared to other winter sports, snowshoeing is inexpensive and easy to learn. Here are some important points to consider when buying snowshoes.

Choosing your snowshoes depends on your skill level and the terrain you’ll be hiking on. Here are the most common styles:

Recreational: These popular, affordable snowshoes are the best for newcomers learning on gentle terrain. They often have crampons on the toe and a wider tail for better flotation, but they tend to be slower and heavier.

Backcountry: If you want to break your own trail or explore more rugged terrain, you’ll need backcountry snowshoes. They have crampons on the heel and toe for better control and are lightweight to help you float on deep powder.

Racing: Ultra light and sleek, these snowshoes are built for speed. Racing snowshoes save space and weight by using smaller designs and tapered tails, making them faster but unsuitable for rough terrain and deep snow.

Women-specific: Unlike snowshoes for men, women’s snowshoes are designed for women’s bodies. They’re generally narrower and use slightly different bindings. The varieties mentioned above all offer a women’s version.

Snowshoes often have extra features that make it easier to conquer certain terrain and make hiking faster.

Frames: Gone are the days of wooden snowshoes. Today’s frames are made of aluminum and composite plastics that are lightweight and durable. Both are resistant to cracks and cold, but powder-coated aluminum is particularly adept at shedding snow so that each step is a little lighter.

Bindings: Bindings are either fixed or pivoted. Fixed bindings encourage a comfortable, natural stride. Pivoted bindings are connected by a metal pole. They fall away from the heel when you lift your foot, making it easier to step and shed snow. Look for bindings you can adjust without having to take off your gloves or mittens.

Tails: Snowshoes have either pointed or rounded tails. In general, rounded tails float on the snow better but are heavier. Pointed tails are lighter and allow for a more natural stride, but are less stable.

Decking: While your frame consists of aluminum or composite materials, the top will be made of any number of materials. Most snowshoes use rubber or composite plastic because they’re strong and cold-resistant, but recreational snowshoers may enjoy lightweight plastic that isn’t as strong but costs less.

• Snowshoes are fitted to weight, not shoe size
• With the exception of snowshoes for children, they usually come in three sizes: 20 x 64cm (8″ x 25″), 23 x 76cm (9" x 30"), and 25 x 91cm (10" x 36")
• Each size fits 54-81 kg (120-180 lbs), 81-99 kg (180-220 lbs) and more than 90 kg (200 lbs) respectively.

With the right snowshoes, you can explore the winter landscape and get some exercise at the same time. Look for snowshoes that match your budget and the terrain you want to explore.