Though the overall idea behind snowshoes, and how they are supposed to be used is quite simple. But actually putting on a set of snowshoes, and developing proper technique can be difficult. That is, If you don’t understand the basics to begin with. Today we will be going over How to put on snowshoes the correct way, as well as how to adjust snowshoe bindings to fit you perfectly!
Look, many people who get involved in snowshoeing but don’t take the time to learn the basics typically end up with damaged snowshoes, uncomfortable fit, and just straight up annoyance from improperly mounted snowshoes. Given the fact that you are here reading this makes me believe you will have a wonderful experience with your snowshoes. Simply because you took the initiative to learn proper technique!
For that I applaud you!
Now, when it comes to putting on a pair of snowshoes, You will begin by finding proper orientation of each snowshoe (Left & Right Foot). Then loosen up the bindings, and move them out of the way. Place your foot centered on the binding, and begin by doing up the front most strap, then the heel strap, then the center strap/s (Securly). Finally, quickly look everything over, and your off!
Let’s go over this process in greater detail below!
How To Put On Snowshoes
The methods for putting on modern snowshoes differ from that of putting on traditional wooden snowshoes. Here we will be focusing primarily on “How to put on modern snowshoes”. Though the only major difference between the two is the design of the bindings on each.
Simply put, putting on a set of snowshoes has its processes that should be followed in order to ensure adequate attachment, and mobility as you hike, run, and so forth. I want to go over each step below so you get a full understanding of the process as well as each specific step. As well, I would like to explain why each step is laid out in the orientation it is.
But before you begin mounting your snowshoes, it is important you find your way to the trail head, or atleast where the snow begins.
Make Your Way To Snow
Before you begin putting on your snowshoes you need to make your way to where the snow is deep enough before doing so. Obviously you do not want to be walking on asphalt, rocks, dirt, and so forth with you snowshoes, as this will surely damage you snowshoes and likely put them out for the count in a much quicker manner.
Find Snow Deep Enough
Me personally, I don’t even think about putting on my snowshoes until I have reached a snow depth that is near to 8″ maybe 1′. However, this depends greatly on the terrain you will be snowshoeing through. If your likely to be snowshoeing in an area where debris under the snow is likely to be in large amounts I’ll wait until im in snow nearer to 1.5′. Just depends on the conditions under the snow.
Now that we have covered minimum snow to start in. We need to cover preparing a place to put on your snowshoes in deep snow.
Deep Snow Tips
Obviously if you can, find a place where the snow has been packed down. This will make the overall process of putting on your snowshoes much easier. Nonetheless, finding a pre packed spot to put on your snowshoes may be difficult. I mean, like when your dropped off on top of a mountain by a helicopter… Haha. Na, but seriously if you ever are to find yourself in deep snow (Like 4′ plus).
The process of trying to put on snowshoes in deep snow can be difficult. It will feel as if you are trying to put on your snowshoes while they sit on the dining room table and you stand on the floor… Because of this I recommend you make yourself a 2′ by 2′ square or more if needed of packed snow to which you can stand on. To do this simply act as if you are marching in place, while doing so make an effort to pack the snow around you in a 2′ foot radius plus. This will provide you a platform to make putting your snowshoes on a breeze.
1st) Check Orientation Of The Snowshoes
Begin by finding proper orientation of your snowshoes. This is important because, depending on the manufacturer of the snowshoes your using they could be either foot specific. Meaning one snowshoe is for your right foot, and the other is for your left. Basically the same as regular shoes. I mean you wouldn’t put a right footed shoe on your left foot. Same goes for your snowshoes.
Now, This is not always the case, as some snowshoes are not foot specific. This means theoretically you could put either shoe on either foot. However, even with this orientation style there is a better way to mount your snowshoes so the straps of the bindings do not create conflict as you snowshoe.
Okay, let’s dive into the different ways you can determine whether your snowshoes are foot specific or not:
Are Your Snowshoes Left & Right Specific Or Not?
One way to determine whether you snowshoes are foot specific (Left & Right) is by searching the snowshoe for either an “L” or “R”. “L” will indicate “Left foot”, while “R” will indicate “Right foot”. Simple right!
Now, the “L” and “R” symbols can be found in a few different places such as on the upper surface of the snowshoes binding where your foot will make contact with the binding. sometimes it is engraven into the binding platform along with the tread pattern on the snowshoe.
Other places would be somewhere on the decking of the snowshoe, likely on the upper surface of the deck. By “deck” I simply mean the material that stretches throughout the snowshoe in order to provide you flotation in the snow.
Another place you could look would be the bottom of the snowshoe, as well as on the frame of the snowshoe. However, the majority of snowshoes have the foot specified symbole located on the boot platform of the snowshoe.
If You Are Unable To Find An “L” Or “R” odds are your snowshoes are not foot specific. And though either snowshoe could be placed on either foot there is a much better way to go about the orientation of your snowshoes.
If you fall in to the same boat as I, and your snowshoes are not foot specific it is best that you orient you snowshoes in a manner so the excess binding straps will not conflict with the other snowshoe while in mid stride.
Let me explain better, You want your snowshoes to be oriented so that when the snowshoes are on your person, and the bindings done up. The excess of the binding straps will be hanging on the outer edge of your boots. This will keep the excess straps from conflicting with the other snowshoe during each stride.
It will not only help prevent you from damaging the excess straps, but also keep you free from the possibility of tripping and falling due to the excess strap getting in your way as you hike…
2nd) Foot Placement
Proper foot placement on each binding is quite important. Incorrect foot placement can cause an off balance of the snowshoes ability to pivot, which will result in added strain on your ankles, calves, and so forth. Also incorrect foot placement can cause the toe of your boot to contact the decking of the snowshoe which will result in interactions as you go through you stride, as well as potential damage that could occur to the decking of the snowshoe.
As you can see, proper foot placement on the binding of each snowshoe is important both for the longevity of your snowshoes, as well as the experience you have.
How to Find Proper Foot Placement
Begin by loosening up all straps on both bindings. Be sure to move the binding straps out of your way so you don’t step on and damage your binding straps. Then simply slip you foot into the bindings, and center the ball of your foot over the portion of the binding that pivotes. You will likely notice that your biggest toe hangs over the front of the binding.
This is close to proper placement. Now to ensure you have proper placement you will first need to tighten up the bindings and lift your foot to ensure your boot does not make contact with the front portion of the deck. Lets dive into Adjusting your bindings then we will get to testing fitment.
3rd) Tighten & Adjust Your Bindings
Adjusting and fitting your bindings correctly is quite simple. However, it’s unlikely you will get the fitment perfectly your first try. Especially if you are putting on a new pair of snowshoes. You see, most bindings you come into contact with likely will not be anywhere near the shape of your boot exactly. For this reason it can be difficult to make the binding form to your boot the first couple times you put the snowshoes on.
Of course over time the bindings of your snowshoes will build a memory of the shape of your boots. Once your bindings get to this point, slipping them on and off will be a breeze. Anyway, lets go over the right way to tightening, and adjusting snowshoes.
- Loosen the straps and move them out of your way
- Slip your foot through the straps (Adjusting, and maneuvering the straps as needed)
- Find proper foot placement
- Tighten the farthest forward strap First (Toe Strap)
- Tighten the farthest backward strap Second (Heel Strap)
- Tighten the rest the straps
The reason why you want to begin by tightening the farthest forward strap first (The Toe Strap) is because the farthest forward strap will keep your foot from moving forwards or backwards yet still allow movement of the heel side to side which is desired for lining up the heel with the center of the snowshoe as you go to tighten the heel strap.
As you go about tightening the heel strap be sure the heel of your boot is centered with the snowshoe. Then of course the rest the straps are simply tightened to ensure proper stability of the snowshoe.
Testing Fitment
It can be difficult to get the fitment perfect the first time. Especially if you are putting on a pair of snowshoes that are new to your boots, just new in general, or have been in storage for a period of time. If your snowshoes fall into any of these categories, its likely you will need a few tries before your able to achieve proper fitment. That just how it is, even I struggle at first with a new pair of snowshoes.
Now, the reasons behind why you want to achieve proper fitment is simply so you don’t damage your new set of snowshoe, or experience unnecessary discomfort when out on the snow.
To test your fitment simply lift the lower portion of your let (Knee down) while maintaining parallelity between your thighs. What this will do is test for contact points between either the binding straps and the deck of the snowshoe, or between the toe of your boot and the deck of the snowshoe. Simply put, you are looking for contact points as the binding pivotes in conjunction with the snowshoe.
Things to look for that will sign improper fitment, and a need for adjustment:
- Binding Strap/s Contacting The Deck Of The Snowshoe (Boot Not Centered In Bindings)
- Boot Contacting The Deck Of The Snowshoe (Foot To Far Forward In Bindings)
- Discomfort (Bindings To Tight, Boot Not Centered In Bindings…)
- Excessive Stress On calves (Foot To Far Back In Bindings)
If you find contact points simply move your foot away from the point of contact whether it be contact between the binding straps and the deck, or your boot and the deck.
It’s important to note that given the difference in boot styles, and sizes, some boots will simply cause contact between the binding, and the decking. There is no avoiding this, unless you get a different pair of boots that aren’t as wide. Typically contact between the bindings and the decking of the snowshoe is caused by either a boot that is excessively wide, or an off centered boot mounting point.
4th) Final Look Over
Once you feel you have achieved a proper mounting position simply look over the snowshoe and ensure all straps are done up correctly with no twisting, or kinking of the straps. As well ensure all straps, laces, and anything loosely hanging is tucked away and secured. Having lose Items on the snowshoe can cause you to trip like you would walking around with your shoelaces untied
I personally, tuck any long hanging shoelaces, straps, and such under the straps of my snowshoes. For the most part this works well and prevents tangalation between hanging obstructions and my opposite foot / snowshoe.
TIP: Monitor Your Snowshoes Frequently
As with most thing that move, your snowshoes will likely adjust, losen, move… from how you had originally mounted them to your boots. Because of this it is important you check everything over every once in a while as you hike, run, walk… This can easily prevent continuous damage from occurring to your snowshoes if something loosens, or if your foot moves.
As well it will help you to stay safe, as using a pair of snowshoes that are not properly fitted can cause one to struggle with footing, was well trip and so forth.
Watch for the following:
- Loose Bindings
- Untied Snow Boots
- Loose Parts
- Wear Spots
- Damaged Components
Simply keep an eye out for occurrences that seem out of the ordinary, or just straight up wrong.
Conclusion
Putting on a pair of snowshoes is quite self explanatory. However, it’s good to understand the proper steps to go about doing so. This way you ensure you have a proper fitment, and can have an awesome experience out on your snowshoes! Now, of course not all snowshoes are the same. Though the overall steps above should transition from one pair of snowshoes to the other.
I hope your were able to find some value here! If you find yourself still struggling with your snowshoes, then be sure to contact the manufacturer of your snowshoe if needed. Or atleast check out their site as they will likely have special info on their specific snowshoes.
Otherwise be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge for further information regarding snowshoeing!
This Is Colt Signing Off!
