Snow-covered landscapes provide many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are a hiker or a nature lover wanting to explore pristine trails, snowshoes suit most snow activities.
However, plenty of options are available, making choosing even more challenging. So, let’s understand how to choose snowshoes.
First, snowshoes are necessary for walking and other activities on snow-covered ground. They effectively provide buoyancy and distribute your weight evenly over their broad, flat surface. However, certain factors should be considered when choosing snowshoes.
In this article, we will discuss some critical aspects of snowshoes that you must know. We will start by examining where you will wear them and then find out which snowshoe is most suitable for you.
1. Know Where You Plan to Go—How to Choose Snowshoes Type by Terrain

Choosing snowshoes would be easier if you considered the location where you were going to wear them. Snowshoes for a particular area might be specified for the conditions there. Wearing snowshoes for that location would be comfortable and prevent accidents.
Snowshoes are available for snowshoeing at multiple locations, from hiking to flat terrain. We will now discuss the types of snowshoes and the locations they are suitable for. So, let’s take a look at the first type of trail.
1.1. Snowshoes for Trails and Flat Terrain
Choose these snowshoes if you enjoy winter hiking and nature walks or want to navigate snowy landscapes easily. Winter shoes designed for trails and flat terrain are distinct from their other specialized counterparts. Backcountry or mountaineering snowshoes are catered to steeper and more challenging terrain.
Some key features and characteristics of snowshoes designed for trails and flat terrain:
- These shoes have a modest outer frame, with crampons incorporated underfoot. They provide traction on packed snow and ensure stable lightweight.
- The binding is lightweight in these user-friendly and adjustable shoes. This feature makes them comfortable for extended use on relatively straightforward and predictable trails. Toe or instep crampons offer extra stability in many models.
- Furthermore, these types of shoes are light in weight because they are used in less demanding environments. The deck material used in flat-terrain snowshoes is also flexible, which is another advantage.
- You can use trekking poles with these snowshoes for stability and comfort. So, these snowshoes are best if you want to explore snowy landscapes or meander through forests.

1.1.1. Snowshoes for Steep Terrain
Technical snowshoes are generally specialized for challenging winter environments. They are considered ideal for mountaineers, adventurers, and high-altitude explorers. The shoes are optimal for steep, rugged, and even mountainous terrain.
Some key features and characteristics of technical snowshoes:
- Firstly, the robust frame of these shoes is designed to stand against the rigours of steep terrain. By comparison to other snowshoes designed for flatter ground, they are often found to be built larger.
- These shoes provide a secure grip on steep, icy, or mixed terrain through a traction system with more aggressive crampons. An advanced binding system provides a secure fit and easy adjustability.
- The heel lift in some technical shoes reduces calf strain when climbing steeper sections and icy slopes. This design is easy to use and comfortable for extreme conditions.
- While many technical snowshoe models are available on the market, you can choose according to specific conditions. The right size of snowshoes also plays an important role.
- Proper training is crucial to using technical shoes on icy terrain in winter. These technical skills can help provide avalanche safety.
1.1.2. Rolling Terrain Snowshoes
These shoes are tailored for moderately hilly or rolling terrain, but they can generally be used on both inclined and flat trails, as they contain more balanced features.
Some features and characteristics of rolling terrain snowshoes:
- First, these shoes’ crampons and traction systems provide a reliable grip on rolling hills.
- The binding system in these shoes is vital in providing stability, especially during ascent and descent on rolling landscapes.
1.1.3. Mountain Terrain Snowshoes

You will need these snowshoes if you plan to go mountaineering or on alpine adventures. These shoes are designed for navigating rugged and challenging conditions. The features of these shoes make them ideal for mountain terrain by offering stability and traction.
Some key features and characteristics of mountain terrain snowshoes:
- The frame design of these shoes is made to withstand the harsh conditions of rocky and steep slopes.
- It provides a secure grip with traction components, like heel and toe crampons.
- Heel lifts present in shoes reduce calf strain by distributing body weight uniformly. It keeps you above deep snow by providing sufficient floatation in snowy conditions.
- We recommend keeping avalanche safety equipment like beacons and shovels for backcountry or alpine excursions.
1.1.4. Running Snowshoes
These snowshoes are for you if you follow an active running routine, even in snowy winters. Different from traditional snowshoes, they are streamlined and light in weight.
Some key features and characteristics of running snowshoes:
- The frame used makes it agile for runners by providing a streamlined shape.
- With an easy on/off binding system, they provide a seamless transition between running shoes and snowshoes.
- Some of the models also have heel lifts to provide stability on steep slopes.
- These shoes are generally tailored for established trails and packed trails. Therefore, they are not suitable for uneven surfaces or off-trail.
2. Sizing by Snow Type and Weight

Snow type and weight can be crucial when choosing the right snowshoe size. It requires adjustments to ensure proper flotation and traction according to your weight in different snow conditions.
So below, we have a guide to help you choose your shoes by snow type and weight:
2.1. Snow Type
- Choosing a large snowshoe for deep powder snow would be best, as they provide better floatation. Its larger surface area is the reason for the floatation it gives.
- Then, for hard-packed snow, smaller and more maneuverable shoes would be lightweight. Also, lightweight shoes will be even lighter on packed trails.
- For mixed conditions, wear shoes with balanced features and a versatile size. The right snowshoes for variable conditions would contain less aggressive crampons and be Lightweight.
2.2. Weight
- Undoubtedly, choose one of the sizes that fall within the lower end of the manufacturer’s weight range.
- Medium-weight individuals can choose a mid-range size from the manufacturer’s weight range. This range of shoe sizes can provide a good balance of flotation and maneuverability.
- For heavier individuals, more giant shoes are at the upper end of the weight range. This range will offer better floatation on different terrains.
3. Snowshoeing Footwear

If you love snowshoeing adventures, choose footwear to ensure stability and comfort. The footwear should offer waterproofing, insulation, and a secure fit.
Here are some more factors that you should consider while selecting footwear:
- Firstly, snowshoe traction is essential to consider while selecting winter boots. You can use hiking boots with aggressive traction for durability during your journey.
- Insulation is another important factor that many people forget to consider. You must choose winter boots with synthetic insulation to keep your feet warm.
- Also, go for waterproof footwear if you are choosing to snowshoe on wet snow.
- Wearing the right size of socks is crucial for lateral stability and comfort. To conclude, go for snowshoes best suited for the location and comfort you are looking for.
4. Snowshoes for Women, Men, and Kids
Snowshoes can vary for men, women, and kids because of their size, weight, and capacity. So, the models of shoes also vary according to the needs of a specific gender or age.
But don’t worry, we have some recommendations for shoes for each group of people below:
4.1. For Women
- Atlas Elektra lightweight shoes with a lightweight frame is tailolightweighteight for women. Alightweight a heel lift bar to reduce calf strain on uphill climbs.
- MSR Women’s Lightning Ascent is a versatile choice in women’s snowshoes. Its 360° traction frame provides better grip. And it also contains easily adjustable bindings.
4.2. For Men
- MSR Lightning Ascent Men’s snowshoes provide a secure fit. It ilightweightcause of its lightweight design.
- Tubbs Snowshoes for variable slightweight. tIts special feature is Flex Tail technology, which absorbs shock and enhances traction.
4.3. For Kids

- Tubbs Snowflake Kids winter shoes are best for young snowshoers. Nolightweight it provide a lightweight design, but itlightweighteightlocks for easlightweightts.
- MSR Tyker Kids winter shoes are well known for their simple and easy-to-use design. It is perfect for introducing kids to winter exploration.
5. Understanding Snowshoes Materials
Understanding the material of a snowshoe is as important as knowing its size. This can help you choose the right snowshoe according to your intended activity and conditions.
So, let’s see some common materials used in snowshoes and hiking boots:
5.1. Snowshoe Binding Material
- Rubberized materials are versatile and provide flexibility, but they may stiffen in the cold.
- Plastic is durable and resistant to cold, but it is less flexible. They may also lead to potential pressure points.
5.2. Crampons or Traction Material
- Stainless steel is durable and resistant to rust, but heavy and cold tlightweight.
- Titanium is lightweight, durable, and lightweight.
5.3. Frame Materials

Aluminum offers lightweight and durable shoes. Composite is durable and prone to cold transfer but is not as durable as aluminum.
6. Conclusion
So far, we have learned about most of the critical factors you should consider while selecting winter shoes. Throughout the article, we have discussed selecting your snowshoe according to location, weight, and snow type.
Considering all the factors, from snowshoe types to sizing, would be best. Additionally, you can carry adjustable ski poles with your essential stuff for hiking on and off the trail. Be it flat or rolling terrain, you can now choose shoes considering the abovementioned factors.
To sum up, choose your snowshoes wisely to enjoy your vacation efficiently and assure your and your family’s safety.
Last Updated on by Khushahal Malakar