Snowshoes

Snowshoes allow you to walk over deep, soft snow without sinking or “postholing.” In some regions, such as Alaska and northern Canada, snowshoes are used to travel during the winter months. Snowshoeing can also be an enjoyable winter recreational activity, like skiing or sledding.

Snowshoes work by distributing your weight over a larger surface area than your feet, preventing you from sinking into the snow. Imagine a regular shoe: it concentrates your weight onto a small area, no larger than the size of your feet. With their wide frames and intricate webbing, snowshoes spread your weight across a much broader surface, allowing you to “float” on top of the snow. (This is similar to how wider tires on a car help it drive on sand without getting stuck.) Essentially, snowshoes increase the surface area that comes in contact with the snow, which reduces the pressure per square inch and enables you to walk, or even run, across the snow without sinking.

While snowshoes come in many shapes and sizes, they can be broadly categorized into three main types based on the terrain they are designed for.

• Flat Terrain Snowshoes: These are ideal for beginners and casual use on relatively flat, packed trails. They typically have a simple binding system and modest traction features, making them easy to use and affordable.
• Rolling Terrain Snowshoes: These are designed for more varied terrain, including moderate slopes and uneven trails. They offer a sturdier binding system and more aggressive crampons for improved traction on hills and in deeper snow. Our Drifter Snowshoe is a good example of a rolling terrain snowshoe.
• Mountain Terrain Snowshoes: These are built for those tackling steep, icy, and challenging terrain. They feature aggressive crampons and a sophisticated binding system, and they often include heel lifts to aid with climbing. These snowshoes provide the most secure footing and maneuverability in demanding conditions. Our Drifter Plus is a good example of a pair of mountain snowshoes.

The price of snowshoes varies widely, from budget-friendly options to high-end models that can set you back hundreds of dollars. While it's true that some snowshoes reach prices that might make your jaw drop, you can absolutely find a reliable and high-quality pair for around $100, like our Drifter Plus All Mountain Snowshoes. These burly alpine snowshoes feature durable, rigid one-piece polypropylene decking, full-length steel crampons with extended forefoot and toe spikes, double-ratchet bindings with soft EVA padding to protect your footwear, and heel lifters to reduce fatigue on inclines.

Snowshoes consist of three primary components: the frame, the decking, and the crampons. Early snowshoes were typically made from a wooden frame with rawhide lace decking and leather straps and had no crampons or traction.

The best snowshoes of today are quite different. They feature lightweight materials like aluminum for the frame, durable plastics like polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (PE) for the decking, and steel crampons for traction. This shift towards lighter materials makes snowshoeing less strenuous and more accessible for adults and children alike.

No, a snow helmet isn't essential for adults snowshoeing on established trails. Unlike skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing is a relatively calm, controlled activity. Still, it can be a good idea for kids to wear a helmet. Young children are more likely to fall, particularly while learning to snowshoe, putting them at a higher risk of head injuries. For adults, a helmet might be a good idea if you're snowshoeing in challenging backcountry areas, on steep slopes, or in a place with potential rock and icefall from above.

It depends. For snowshoeing on casual, flat terrain, some adults will go without poles. They aren’t strictly necessary. However, snowshoeing poles offer many advantages, especially for those snowshoeing on steep, varied terrain, those carrying backpacks, and for young children or learners. This is why lightweight, telescoping aluminum trekking poles are included in our Drifter Snowshoe Bundle and Drifter Kids’ Snowshoe Bundle.

Let’s talk about the benefits. For one, poles provide extra balance and stability on uneven terrain, reducing the risk of falls. They also help distribute effort and lessen strain on legs, reducing fatigue over longer treks. Poles become increasingly beneficial as the terrain gets steeper or more varied. If you don’t want your poles, you can always stow them in your pack, so there’s really no reason not to bring a pair just in case.

The weight limit for a pair of snowshoes will depend on the model—generally, the larger a snowshoe, the higher the weight limit. For example, our Drifter Plus mountain terrain snowshoes have a 200 lb limit for the 23” model and a 250 lb limit for the 25” model. Our standard Drifter, a lighter, more budget-friendly model, comes in three sizes and weight ranges: 21” (80 to 120 lbs), 25” (120 to 200 lbs), and 30” (180 to 250 lbs).

The rule of thumb when sizing snowshoes is that the larger a snowshoe is, the more weight it will support. So, purchase a snowshoe size based on your body weight. Our Drifter Lightweight Snowshoes, for example, come in three sizes:

• 21” (80 to 120 lbs)
• 25” (120 to 200 lbs)
• 30” (180 to 250 lbs)

There are tradeoffs with each. Bigger snowshoes can support higher weights but are heavier and less maneuverable. The smaller a snowshoe, the easier it is to walk. So it’s best to have whatever size snowshoe will effectively support your weight.

If you’re right on the edge of a weight range, always size up. This is because your snowshoes won’t just be carrying your body weight. They also need to support the weight of your snow apparel, boots, a backpack you might be wearing, and so on.

While the best snowshoes are designed to accommodate a variety of footwear, you can't just wear any shoes with them. You want shoes that are sturdy, insulated, and waterproof to keep your feet warm and dry. Thick-soled winter boots or waterproof hiking boots are the best choices. These will provide the ankle support and insulation you need. Avoid wearing thin-soled or low-cut shoes, sandals, or any shoes with heels.

Not all snowshoes have heel lifts, but the best snowshoes, like our Drifter Lightweight Snowshoes and Drifter Plus All Mountain Snowshoes, do. Heel lifts are used when snowshoeing uphill and are a must-have if you wear snowshoes on uneven or steep terrain.

Heel lifts artificially compensate for steep gradients, providing a raised “platform” underneath your heel so that it feels like you’re walking on a more gradual slope than you actually are. If you’re walking up a 30° slope, for example, a heel lift might reduce that by 10°. This promotes a more natural and efficient gait, conserving energy and reducing fatigue, and particularly reduces strain on your calf muscles and Achilles tendons.

Yes, snowshoeing can be a fantastic activity for seniors, as it offers a low-impact way to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and balance while getting fresh air outside. It's gentler on the joints than many other forms of cardio exercise, making it suitable for those with arthritis or other age-related conditions. The uneven terrain naturally enhances balance and coordination, which is crucial for fall prevention in older adults. Snowshoeing also offers a moderate cardio workout and strengthens key muscle groups that support mobility. However, seniors should choose appropriate trails, use poles for stability, and pace themselves accordingly.

Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity, but it can be hard on the knees under certain conditions. Walking on uneven terrain, especially with deep snow, can stress the knee joints. Improper form, such as taking overly long strides or twisting the knees, can also cause strain or injury. In moderation, however, snowshoeing is actually an effective way to strengthen your knee joints. The varied terrain requires a wide range of motion, improving flexibility and strengthening support muscles like the quadriceps and hamstrings. This, coupled with the enhanced balance and coordination needed to snowshoe, boosts proprioception and knee stability.

To minimize knee pain, always snowshoe with trekking poles like those included in our Drifter Snowshoe Bundle. Poles provide extra stability and reduce pressure on your joints and lower body. If you have concerns about your knees, consult with a doctor or physical therapist before snowshoeing.

Archaeological evidence suggests that snowshoes date back to at least 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, and were likely invented in Central Asia. These early snowshoes were rudimentary, crafted from wood and rawhide, resembling a solid plank rather than the modern framed versions. As humans migrated across the Bering Land Bridge into North America, they brought snowshoes with them, which were then further refined by indigenous populations like the Athapascans and Algonquins. These groups developed the laced-frame snowshoe, which allowed for greater maneuverability and efficiency in various snow conditions. Over centuries, different styles emerged, adapted to specific terrains and needs. While originally a tool used for survival and transportation, snowshoeing eventually evolved into the recreational activity many enjoy today!

Yes, snowshoeing is great for kids! It's a fun way to get exercise in the winter, explore nature, and develop a love for the outdoors. It also improves balance and coordination, builds strength and endurance, and provides a low-impact workout. Compared to skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing is extremely low-speed and doesn’t require as much coordination, making it easy to monitor your child and less likely to result in injury. It’s also a relatively easy activity to learn, so it’s accessible to kids of all ages and abilities.

Teaching kids to snowshoe is a fun and rewarding experience for all involved! Start by choosing a day with good weather and suitable snow conditions—not too icy or deep. Make sure your child has warm, waterproof clothing and properly fitted snowshoes and poles. Begin on a flat, open area where they can practice walking with a wider stance than usual (to avoid stepping on their own snowshoes). Encourage them to lift their feet a bit higher than normal but to take shorter, more measured strides.

As they get comfortable, introduce gentle slopes and show them how to use their poles for balance. Keep the outings short and fun, with plenty of breaks for snacks and hot chocolate. You can make it more engaging by playing games like “follow the leader” or setting up a snowshoe scavenger hunt. Always accompany your kids when they’re learning to snowshoe, and stay on established trails. Most importantly, be patient and encouraging, and remember that the goal is to have a good time!