Many when they first get involved in snowshoeing typically run into many questions such as which snow shoe goes on which foot, are snowshoes left and right specific, how do I put my snowshoes on…
The questions are virtually endless. But this is not a bad thing by any means, as many people typically experience a massive learning faze when they first enter into a new field of any kind.
Same for me when I began to get involved in snowshoeing.
Anyway, I’m sure you likely have gotten a new pair of snowshoes, went to put them on, and realized they both look quite similar, and there was no distinct trait of either of the two that specified which foot you should put one or the other on.
If you have experienced this or you currently are experiencing this, be at ease, we will be going over that specific question today.
So, you’re wondering If your snowshoes are left and right specific, or can they be placed on either foot? Lets answer this quickly as the answer may not be what you were originally thinking. Later we will go into greater detail.
In simple terms, Snowshoes do have a left and a right. But not all of them are labeled as such. Yes, many snowshoes can be worn on either foot. However, it’s not Ideal to do so, as excess binding straps can prove to be a hindrance for the opposite foot. If your snowshoes are not labeled, then its best to orient the snowshoes in a way that the excess binding straps are located on the outward side of each foot.
Now of course we will be diving deeper into this overall topic below, along with specific ways that you should best mount, or put on, your snowshoes that are not foot-specific.
How To Know Your Snowshoes Are Foot Specific
Given that some snowshoes are foot specific in the same way as an average pair of shoes would be I think we should break down the process in the same way you would if you were putting on a regular pair of shoes.
That being when you initially approached your shoes what is the first thought that comes in the mind? It will likely be something along the lines of which shoe goes on my right foot, or left foot. Whichever she will you go about putting on first.
Well, typically if you are putting on a pair of new shoes that you have never worn before you will either look for a specific shape, or pattern in the shoe I would let you know exactly which foot it is specified for. Or you will look for a symbol such as an “l” or “r” located somewhere on the shoe or inside the shoe. Typically it is inside the shoe of course.
This is exactly what you need to do with your snowshoes. The best method for figuring whether or not your snowshoes are but specific, or determining exactly which snowshoe goes on which foot.
Of course, like a typical pair of shoes that are likely going to be symbols specifying which snowshoe is designated for which foot. Now, it is important to keep in mind that if you are unable to find any sort of symbol that would specify the foot that, that snowshoe is designated for.It is likely your snowshoes are not foot specific.
Now, let’s zoom in on your snowshoes and look for any indication that specifies whether your snowshoes are “left” or “right” or “either”???
Locations To Check For Symbols (“L”, “R”)
- On The Binding (Likely will be in the tread of the boot platform)
- On the Decking (Likely will be located near the tale of the snowshoe)
- Possibly on the underside of the binding.
Also when examining 1 of the 2 snowshoes you may notice variance in the shape between one side of the snowshoe and the other. Meaning the snowshoe is not symmetrical the same from right to left, or left to right. This can also be an indication of a foot specific snowshoe. But if this is the case, odds are the snowshoes will be labeled as “L” or “R” somewhere on each snowshoe.
If you are able to locate “L” or “R” on one or the other of your snowshoes. Putting the snowshoes on at this point becomes quite easy, as the snowshoes tell you which snowshoe goes on which foot. For an In Depth walkthrough on How to put on snowshoes Be sure to check out my post on How To Put On Snowshoe The Right Way.
What If Your Snowshoes Don’t Have (“L”, “R”)
At this point you have examined your snowshoes thoroughly, and come up with no such symbol that specifies to you which snowshoe is designated to your right, or left foot… Though this makes determining which foot is best for one or the other slightly more difficult. But by no means is this a difficult process. There is just a little more planning involved as you put on your snowshoes.
Now, of course you could simply use the flip of a coin at this point to determine which snowshoe to put on either foot. However, like we discussed above there is a much better way to go about deciding which snowshoe goes on which foot. That is by simply futuristically thinking through the direction to which the excess of the binding straps will go when each snowshoe is done up. Then simply orient the snowshoes so the excess of the straps on each binding are resting on the outward edges of your feet.
This will keep the excess of the binding straps from interfering with the opposite snowshoe as you walk, hike, run and so forth. Essentially it is like keeping the shoelaces of your everyday shoes tied up and out of the way so you do not trip over them. But in this case rather than shoelaces your trying to keep out of the way it is the straps on each binding.
Conclusion
For the most part snowshoes will be specified either “Right”, “Left” or won’t be specified at all. If your snowshoes are Specified with an “L”, “R” or other symbol that specifies to you “Right” Or “Left” then its simply from this point on. Simply place the snowshoes on their specified foot, and your off. Otherwise if you fall into the category of “Not Specified” as I do. then the process is simple as well.
Just orient your snowshoes based on the direction of the binding straps as follows. You want the excess of the binding straps to be hanging on outward side of each foot. This will prevent any tangalation between the straps of one snowshoe, and the opposite snowshoe itself. We are trying to avoid the same sort of situation faced when your shoelaces are untied (Tripping)…
Anyway, now that you have an idea as to which snowshoe is best placed on either the right or left foot. Now it’s time that you move on the the next step of this process! That being actually putting on the snowshoes, and doing up the bindings. I suggest you read my post that goes into great detail on how to put on snowshoes in the best way possible. If you need a little assistance in the process.
Otherwise, I hope this article was of value to you. If you have any other questions related to snowshoeing be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge where we answer many questions asked by those looking to get involved in snowshoes, as well as provide tips, and gear recommendations!
This Is Colt Signing Off!