Snowshoeing: The Winter Adventure

How to Buy Snowshoes

An excerpt from the book Snowshoeing: The Winter Adventure by David and Cheryl Young | May 2009

There are five basic styles of snowshoes. The traditional wood and rawhide ones are Yukon, Ojibwa, Beavertail, and Bear paw designs. The modern western design is made from aluminum, Hypalon, and/or plastic. These western shoes are the favorite ones because they are lightweight and provide maximum traction in many snow conditions. Care and maintenance are minimal. Most sizes range from 8 to 10 inches in width and 22 to 36 inches in length. Many sporting goods stores have a weight scale that you stand on and it gives you the recommended snowshoe size for your weight.

For all purposes, using a smaller shoe is preferred over a larger one because the smaller ones are more maneuverable in mountain use. A shoe over 36 inches in length is difficult to use in mountain conditions. So select the smallest, lightest snowshoe that will keep you above the snow. A basic rule is that one pound of weight added to your feet is like putting five additional pounds on your back. So lightness is a desired asset.

There are three different styles of western snowshoes available. They are: Aerobic/Fitness, Recreational/Hiking, and Hiking/Backpacking styles.

Aerobic/Fitness snowshoes are designed for runners. The design is a streamlined shape that is built to take the abuse of cross training and running.
Recreational/Hiking is the most all-around design. They are most popular with beginners, and they are simple to use on basic terrains.
Hiking/Backpacking snowshoes are preferred by those that are very experienced at snowshoeing. They are built with durable materials and frames. Their bindings secure a wider variety of boots.


Generally, the Hiking/Backpacking snowshoes match up with the following weights. The weight includes your backpack.

• Up to 140 pounds - 8 x 22 inches
• Up to 180 pounds - 8 x 25 inches
• Up to 200 pounds - 9 x 30 inches
• More than 200 pounds - 10 x 36 inches

Recreational/Hiking snowshoes can be smaller in size. Weight includes your backpack.

• Up to 140 pounds - 8 x 21 inches
• Up to 180 pounds - 8 x 25 inches
• More than 180 pounds - 9 x 30 inches

The wood/rawhide snowshoes are functional but are a bit unwieldy and heavy as compared to the synthetic shoes. However, in deep powder and soft snow they will outshine the synthetics because they come in larger diameters and lengths. Perhaps they were originally designed for work usages performed by those that lived in deep snow regions. Backpacking a moose quarter required a huge shoe. The wood/rawhide traditional snowshoes come in the following maximum sizes:

• Beavertail--up to 14 x 46 inches in length
• Yukon--up to 10 x 56 inches
• Objibwa--up to 12 x 60 inches
• Bear paw--up to 10 x 48 inches

Today I believe that these wood/rawhide shoes make great wall decorations. Their woven rawhide designs and hardwood frames are artwork. The aluminum, Hypalon, and plastic snowshoes are lighter, tougher, and require less maintenance. They are also easily affordable. The toe and heel crampons give great traction; furthermore, their bindings are easy to use. They securely hold your boot onto the snowshoe.