Hello, I’m assuming you have come here because you are in the market for a new pair of snowshoes? Or your just curious, either way, I’m happy to have you! Anyway, assuming you’re looking for a new pair of snowshoes, whether it be your first pair or, the 5th pair, my goal is to help you as best as I possibly can, so you fully understand the sizing aspects of snowshoes before you purchase a new pair. Especially, given the fact that snowshoe size is probably the most important aspect of a snowshoe.
Now, many people tend to ask questions along the line of, “What size snowshoes do I need”, “Why does size matter so much”, and “If I have a size too big will it impact me negatively”??? Questions like this and many alike bombards the search engines for answers.
Yet most of the answers available on the web today do not provide a full 360-degree view to those questions. To Which I think many desperately need so that they have a great understanding as to what size or type of snowshoe will work best for them!
Before we get started, I want to answer the question most people have right off the get-go. That way you don’t have to read through the entire article, but instead, you can simply get the quick gist of it all. Now, that’s not to say that you will not be missing out on information that will be highly important later down the road, but rather It will be focused on those who have a
Lets get Started:
How To Choose The Right Size Snowshoes
The biggest factor to consider when it comes to selecting the proper size snowshoe is personal weight. The lighter a person is, the less surface area that person will require in order to keep that person suspended near the surface of the snow. However, The heavier a person is, the more surface area will be required in order to keep them suspended. Which in turn requires a larger snowshoe size. You will Choose the size of your snowshoes based on your personal weight, plus the weight of your gear load.
But like many other things that are person specific, there is a lot more that can come into play such as: Snow conditions, your specific Snowshoe style, Your gender, your weight and so forth… Below we will be
Snowshoe Sizing Aspects To Consider
I consider snowshoe size to be quite a personal aspect. Just like you would with your boots you need to size them Accordingly. To your feet, your gender, and your overall build. You see, the whole idea behind snowshoes is to keep you suspended on the surface of the snow as you walk rather than sink through the surface layer.
If you’ve heard about, or actually participated and snowshoeing you probably know the difference snowshoes can make when compared to not having them. Snowshoes work based on surface area. A person that weighs more than another will require a snowshoe that is larger in width as well as length. The added weight demands for greater surface area in order to stay
Below we will be going over many aspects that need to be considered when selecting the proper size snowshoe for yourself or another. You see, there are two main aspects you need to keep
Personal Aspects That Impact Snowshoe Sizing
- Age
- Gender
- Weight
- Boot Size
- Snowshoeing Style
- Snow Conditions / Snow Density
Now, let’s go ahead and dive deeper into each of these topics so you completely understand what I mean by each. And how each will impact Snowshoe sizing differently
Gender: In some cases, snowshoes are gender-specific. Depending on whether you are male or female, you may need to get a set of snowshoes that are specific to your gender. Because, snowshoes that are male-specific, typically are wider, and oftentimes sized larger than female specific snowshoes when compared on the same sizing scale. Kind of like regular shoes, men’s typically are sized larger than women’s shoes. This is because men typically have larger feet. But in the case of snowshoe sizing, it is because men typically weigh more than women, as well,
Also, the bindings on female-specific snowshoes are typically smaller in order to achieve proper fitment of smaller sized boots. The opposite is true for male-specific bindings
Weight:
But for now, in most situations, if you only intend on doing single day hikes, or you simply pack along a little extra water and some snacks, in most cases simply just using your current body weight will be enough.
Nonetheless, if you intend to do a lot of overnight backpacking and things of that nature where you will be required to carry a bunch of added weight in gear and other supplies then you
Boot Size: The reason why this is a factor is because, different styles of boots as well as boots that are gender-specific tend to be shaped differently. For example, men’s boots are likely to be larger both in length as well as width when compared to women’s boots. Also different types of boots can have a large impact as to whether or not a pair of snowshoes will fit properly
Now in this case, I wasn’t really using the proper boots for the situation, as they weren’t really meant to be paired with a pair of snowshoes. However, I was able to make it work, but it wasn’t ideal. I bring this up just as something to keep in mind, where as in most situations the boots you choose to wear with your snowshoes will most likely pair properly with your
For more info on selecting boots to pair with you snowshoes, be sure to check out my recent post on What boots to wear with snowshoes.
Snowshoeing Style: If you are one that enjoys running through the snow then a smaller much more nimble snowshoe will likely be a better option for you. However, this does have its limitations as it is better to go with a smaller, more nimble snowshoe if you intend to run or do any quick movements, but it can also be quite limited as to the terrain you can hike through. As, a smaller shoe will not give you as much have an advantage in deep lightweight snow as a larger snowshoe would.
If you intend to do a lot of running in your snowshoes, I would suggest a smaller, much more nimble
Snow Conditions: Depending on the terrain you are snowshoeing in you will want to size accordingly. For example, if you are going to be hiking in deep lightweight, or fluffy snow you want to go with a snowshoe that is larger in size. However, if you are going to be hiking in heavier, wet snow a slightly smaller size may be appropriate. But if you were going to be hiking on steep icy slopes a smaller shoe with decent traction will be a must.
Why Snowshoe Size Matters
Snowshoe size is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a
Now, you may be thinking “why don’t I simply just select a pair of large snowshoes?” This way I have more surface displacement underneath my feet in order to keep me better suspended in
What’s Wrong With Snowshoes That Are To Big?
The problem with wearing snowshoes that are too large for you is that they end up feeling very clunky, and become a struggle to maneuver over large erratic obstacles that you are likely to come across. This isn’t to say that they won’t work, but rather that they will likely be very uncomfortable and difficult to handle at different points along the trail.
Snowshoes That Are To Small?
Now, when it comes to wearing snowshoes that are too small for you, you can run into bigger problems than you would if you were wearing snowshoes that were too big for you. The reasoning behind this is because snowshoes that are too large. Yes, they may be clunky and difficult to handle, but they work. Whereas, snowshoes that are too small will not work anywhere near as well as snowshoes that are properly sized or even oversized slightly.
like we discussed above snowshoes rely heavily on surface area in order to keep you near the surface of the snow. But if you are using snowshoes that are too small for you, you’ll not be utilizing enough surface area in order to keep you suspended, which will, in turn, cause you to sink much deeper than you would if you had a pair of snowshoes that were size properly.
But, and I say this is a strong BUT because running smaller snowshoe size isn’t always a bad thing.
for example, if you have intentions on running in your snowshoe’s odds are a smaller pair of snowshoes will be a better option, but this is typically only if you’re going to be running on somewhat denser snow. Otherwise, if you are running on light and fluffy snow, a smaller pair of snowshoes likely will cause more of a pain due to the fact that you will be sinking at a deeper rate. Because hard packed snow requires less surface area than lightweight fluffy snow due to the fact that it is already somewhat of a solid surface, kind of like ice.
Snowshoe Flotation
The more proper term that is used when discussing the overall surface area of a snowshoe is “Flotation”. Flotation, is basically how well the snowshoe holds up, near the surface of the snow. Flotation is effected by 3 major Concepts.
- Your selected snowshoe size.
- Your overall weight (This includes both your body weight, as well as pack / gear weight).
- The overall density of the snow your snowshoeing in.
What Sizes Are Available?
Now when it comes to snowshoe sizes and the availability of snowshoe sizes there are a couple of different ways manufacturers will specify the size of a snowshoe. They will either specify it by giving you the dimensions of a single snowshoe by itself, or by a specific weight rating or weight range that the snow she was designed for.
But one thing to pay major close attention to is the gender type the snowshoe is designed for. If you are a man make sure the snowshoes specifies men, male, or unisex. But if it is not specified, it likely is not gender specific meaning Unisex.
Below will provide you with most common sizes based on both snowshoe dimensions as well as weight ratings or weight ranges. This should give you a good idea is to how the snowshoe sizing to weight ratio is likely to appear. But always keep in mind that snowshoe type often has a large impact on the specific size of snowshoe you will need. For example they makes no shoes for running,
Most Common ADULT Snowshoe Sizes
| Max Recommended Load (LBS) | Avg Dimension Range Per Max Load (INCHES) |
| 100 LBS | 22″x7″ |
| 120 LBS | 22″x8″ |
| 150 LBS | 21″x8″ – 22″x7.5″ |
| 160 LBS | 23″x7″ |
| 165 LBS | 24″x8.5″ |
| 175 LBS | 25″x7.5″ – 26.5″x7.5″ |
| 180 LBS | 22″x8″ – 25″x8″ |
| 200 LBS | 25″x8″ – 30″x9″ |
| 210 LBS | 25″x7.5″ – 25″x8″ |
| 220 LBS | 25″x8″ – 30″x9.5″ |
| 225 LBS | 25″x8″ – 32″x10″ |
| 240 LBS | 24″x10″ |
| 250 LBS | 30″x7.5″ – 30″x9″ |
| 260 LBS | 30″x8″ – 30″x9″ |
| 300 LBS | 28″x11″ – 36″x10″ |
| 350 LBS | 38″x10″ |
Most Common KIDS Snowshoe Sizes
| Max Recommended Load (LBS) | Avg Dimension Range Per Max Load (INCHES) |
| 50 LBS | 14″x6.5″ – 16″x5.5″ |
| 80 LBS | 17″x7″ |
| 90 LBS | 17″x7″ – 19″x7″ |
| 120 LBS | 20″x7″ |
| 125 LBS | 20″x7″ – 20″x7.5″ |
| 135 LBS | 20″x7.5″ – 19″x8.5″ |
For example, let’s compare a snowshoe that has a max load capacity of 150 lbs that has a dimension of 21” x 8”, to a snowshoe that has a max load capacity of 150 lbs as well but the dimensions measure out to be 22” x 7.5”. Well, the differences between these two can either be different manufacturers, different snowshoe types, or a little of both…
But Wait, What About Snowshoe Binding Size?
I wondered the same thing when I got into snowshoeing. However, snowshoe bindings are meant to fit snow boots and in most cases, snowshoe bindings are made to fit quite a broad array of different snow boots, as well as different snow boot sizes. Like I said above, I had some issues with my snow boots fitting the bindings of my snowshoes in the past. But I was able to make it work.
And, the snow boots I was using at the time actually were quite wide for a pair of snow boots. And they weren’t necessarily designed to be used with snowshoes, but rather as just a snow boot by its self. Given the fact that my snow boots at the time were so wide, I don’t believe they had the intention of pairing them with a pair of snowshoes at the time of manufacturing. But rather had the intentions of making them work as if it were like a small pair of snowshoes by themselves. Given the amount of surface area they had on the bottom.
But over the years I’ve figured out what boots are ideal to be used with snowshoes. If you’d like, I have written a post specifically on the topic of “What boots to wear with snowshoes”. If your questioning your current snow boots, be sure to give this post a look. As I dive deep into the topic of snowshoe footwear to wear with your snowshoes.
But back on topic, there are different styles of snowshoe bindings you can look into that may better suit your needs… I’d suggest you take a look at the different options out there and choose a snowshoe that fits you for both snowshoe size as well as binding style.
Conclusion
In
Either way, the process shouldn’t be too difficult just simply be sure to do your research so you know what you are getting. But in most cases, it is actually quite straightforward, as most on the internet who sell snowshoes do a good job at specifying size and weight recommendations as well as recommended terrain use and so on.
Simply the biggest factor you need to consider is your personal weight, plus pack weight / gear weight. As well as the terrain you expect to be hiking in. As in most cases, snowshoes are specified for either flatlands, rolling hills, or steep mountains. And each is sized & designed to be used in it’s recommended terrain.
Lastly I want to recommend a pair of snowshoes that I think you will like. In my time spent around snowshoeing, I have heard a lot about MSR’s snowshoes. They seam to make some of the best snowshoes available today. Thought their Mountaineering snowshoe is going to best suit you if you want a very versatile snowshoe. Check out the MSR lighting ascent snowshoe HERE on Amazon. Though it is quite expensive.
The next recommendation would be the MSR Revo (On Amazon) as its a much cheaper option but still a top of the line snowshoe!
This Is Colt Signing Off!