How to choose your snowshoes without making a mistake?
A snowshoe hike to contemplate snowy forests and mountains in winter appeals to you? This walking activity can be enjoyed with family (with children aged 5-6 minimum), friends, as a couple, or even alone, and why not accompanied by a mountain guide.
But did you know that there are certain criteria to consider when making the right equipment choice? Before you go, learn more about snowshoes: their composition, the criteria for choosing a model adapted to your use and morphology, and useful complementary accessories. With this quick guide, you will know everything to find snowshoes with the best value for money based on your goals and budget.
In summary
The choice of snowshoes depends on the terrain, weight (user + equipment) and use. Two materials: aluminum (light, flat terrain) or plastic (versatile, rugged terrain). For difficult terrain, opt for a lightweight model with crampons/claws and a heel lift; for flat or powder snow, a wide deck provides more stability. Regarding morphology: above 75 kg, choose a long and wide deck. Men's, women's (narrow deck) and children's (up to 50 kg) ranges are available, with shoe size adjustment via a rear system. At Sport 2000, rental provides access to brands like TSL and MSR, as well as in-store advice.
Composition of a snowshoe
The first snowshoes were made of wood. They are still used, but now most of them are sport-oriented and are therefore made of aluminum (tubular) or plastic. As with skiing, the evolution of equipment offers more comfort, safety, and performance, on various snowy terrains.
The aluminum snowshoes have the advantage of being lightweight and are perfect for walking on flat terrain. Plastic snowshoes however remain the most used. Unlike aluminum snowshoes, they are more suitable for progressing on more hilly terrain or rugged trails.
The snowshoe consists of a frame with a deck (the part located under your foot, which increases the contact surface with the snow), a heel lift (to be able to raise your heel on ascents and overcome them more easily), claws and crampons (at the front and back, sometimes on the sides depending on the model, to get a better grip on the snow during ascents) and strap or ratchet bindings.
How to choose the right snowshoe?
They must be flexible and supple to allow you to move easily, in order to best accompany your foot and leg movements.
The more rugged the terrain, the more you should prioritize a pair of lightweight snowshoes, with a maximum of crampons and claws to get the best possible grip. If you want great freedom of movement, but you don't know how to choose your snowshoes, opt for narrow decks. Finally, if the heel lift is not a systematic accessory on snowshoes, it is essential for ascents.
The price of this more advanced model type is therefore also higher.
To progress on flat terrain and powder snow, a model with a wide deck, which will ensure better stability.
There are also running snowshoes if you plan to regularly traverse flat surfaces (without powder snow).
How to choose your snowshoes according to your morphology?
Unlike skiing, size is not an essential criterion for finding the right snowshoe for you. However, ask yourself how to choose your pair of snowshoes according to your weight. Be sure to calculate your weight, as well as that of your equipment (clothing, optional backpack, shoes) to get good flotation on the snow. Above 75 kg, it is more advisable to take snowshoes with a long and wide deck for more stability, and to prevent you from sinking too deeply into soft snow.
There are men's, children's (up to 50 kg) and women's models (quite lightweight). Women's models have a rather narrow deck, which is not always suitable for larger sizes. A wider deck provides more flotation and stability, but also increases the total weight of the snowshoe.
And what about choosing hiking snowshoes according to shoe size ? The adjustment system, located at the back, modifies the snowshoe's shoe size. The bindings should also not be too tight, as this hinders walking and slows down blood circulation in very cold weather.
If you rent your snowshoes at a Sport 2000 store, you will benefit from equipment from the leading brands in this activity (TSL, MSR, etc.), as well as advice on making the right choice. The ski technicians will explain to you how to use the heel lifts and how to properly adjust the binding system with the straps or ratchets. They can also guide you on hiking ideas based on your level, hikes suitable for children, etc.
Essential or useful complementary accessories
Now that you know how to choose your snowshoes, think about complementary equipment.
First, snowshoes necessarily mean poles. Without them, you risk losing your balance. Poles provide stability and grip, especially on rugged terrain. They allow users to facilitate their walking and overcome obstacles, and thus to tire your legs less during long and/or difficult hikes.
For more safety, most professionals strongly advise equipping yourself with an avalanche victim detector (DVA) to locate or be located, a probe to detect victims under the snow, and a shovel to dig in case of necessity.
To face the mountain climate in winter, don't forget sunglasses, gloves, a hat, and waterproof shoes, and you're ready to hit the snowshoeing trails!
Also discover our tips for choosing your ski equipment , for choosing the ideal backpack, to know how to prepare for your ski trip, etc.
