Why Snowshoes Keep You From Sinking! (How Snowshoes Work)


If you have ever been snowshoeing before, you have likely wondered how they work or what the secret is that keeps you from sinking deep into the snow like you would without them… Well, I’ve got to be honest, I have wondered the exact same. I mean, the overall concept is fairly easy to see. But what about deeper down. Like what is the reasoning a snowshoe is designed the way it is, and how does each little difference between snowshoes effect the way one performs over another???

Well today we are going to get those questions answered. Plus we’ll be diving into the anatomy of a snowshoe in order to dissect the function of each little part. This way understanding the overall as to “How a snowshoe works” will be easier to understand. Plus by the end of this article you should basically be able to create your own set of snowshoes and have them work, as would a store bought pair. That is if you have the materials, and crafting skills necessary to do so.

Or maybe your simply just curious as to how a snowshoe works? Either way, by the end of this article you will have an extensive understanding as to how snowshoes work and function. Anyway lets get on with it!

So, simply put, How do snowshoes work you ask. Well, it’s quite simple. Snowshoes work, or keep you from sinking in the snow due to a simple term known as Surface Area. Snowshoes use surface area to keep you nearer to the surface of the snow. This means the bigger the snowshoe, the closer to the surface you can float, hence your weight being distributed over a greater amount of surface area. This is why, without snowshoes you sink much deeper than you would with snowshoes, you have less surface area to stand on when without snowshoes…

Now, Surface Area isn’t the only Physical aspect going on in order to make snowshoes work and function properly. As if this was the case, as simple piece of plywood could essentially be classified as a snowshoe, given that it would basically provide you with the surface area required in order to stay closer to the surface of the snow. But if you were to use a piece of plywood by its self, how would you take each step, How would you walk in a natural manner, what’s keeping you from sliding down hills, and on ice…etc..

Simply put: snowshoes have many different aspects at work when you use them and each has its own function. Lets dive deeper into the anatomy of a snowshoe so I can better explain each function.

Anatomy Of A Snowshoe (What Each Part Does)

Now given that snowshoes are designed the way they are, as well as equipped with specific equipment. I think it’s a good idea if we go over each part of a snowshoe so you can get a better understanding as to what each part does, and how it affects the snowshoe, along with the user…

  • Frame
  • Deck
  • Crampon / Cleat
  • Binding
  • Nose
  • Tail
  • Heel Lifts

Lets go in to greater detail of each component.

Frame

The Frame of a snowshoe is simply what gives the snowshoe its structure, and shape. Depending on the snowshoes you choose to use, the frame can very drastically from manufacturer to manufacturer. Given that the frame of a snowshoe is basically the bones that make up the snowshoes shape, the frame is designed the way it is for a multitude of reasons. Anything from sleek designs that are ideal for runners to, large frame designs to help you float better on the surface of fresh, powdery snow.

Snowshoe frames can be made up using many different materials such as: Wood, Aluminum, Carbon fiber, Composites… and so on. Given that snowshoe frames can come in a vast array of different styles, shapes, sizes, and materials it begins to make you question which snowshoes are the best, and will work the best for you. Now that’s a topic for another time, but you definitely will likely find yourself wondering that exact question at some point

If you ever do find yourself wondering as to what type of snowshoe will work best for you, then be sure to checkout my latest post on Selecting the correct snowshoe type for your needs.

Deck

The Decking of a snowshoe is basically what makes up the surface area a snowshoe provides. The Deck is meant to disperse your weight across the surface of the snow under the snowshoe. I guess you could say the decking of a snowshoe is the skin, where as the Frame is the bones. Match the two together and you’ve got a working structure.

The Deck of a snowshoe can be made of many different things. Anything from rigid plastic, or thin aluminum to rawhide, string, or even sticks. You could probably even make the decking of a snowshoe out of a T-shirt… It likely wouldn’t work as well as the preferred materials, but I’ll bet there is a way.

Crampon / Cleat

If you’ve done much snowshoeing in the past odds are you’ve been saved by your Crampons when crossing an Icy section of the trail! You see, the function of the Crampons, otherwise known as the Cleats on the bottom of a snowshoe is to provide traction at a point when little traction is likely to be had. For example, imagine yourself crossing a patch of ice in your regular snow boots. It can get sketchy, and feel as if you have no control as to whether or not you will make it to the other side (At least without falling once or twice that is…).

Now, Imagine you had some large metal, pointy, teeth like spikes mounted to the bottom of each snowshoe that will dig down into the ice each time you take a step… You likely are going to feel much more confident when it comes to crossing that patch of ice then before. Because now you have a way to gain extensive traction, even on the slickest of ice… Well, That is exactly what Crampons / Cleats are designed for.

And given that where there is snow their is likely Ice to be had which makes Crampons a must in most snowshoeing situations. Now, given in fresh snow you aren’t likely to be crossing on the surface of ice you likely wont need them. But other then that, they do a great job at providing traction in situations where little traction is able to be had! Not to mention they also help greatly in the aid of crossing fallen down logs, and over large rocks.

But Do note, not all snowshoes have crampons. Typically snowshoes that are equipped with Crampons are usually made for a vaster array of applications. For example, many traditional wooden snowshoes don’t have Crampons. This is because these types of snowshoes are designed for trekking through deep, fresh, powdery snow where little ice is likely to be seen. Where as most modern snowshoes have Crampons to make them apply to a greater array of uses…

Binding

The binding of the snowshoe is simply meant to hold your feet to the snowshoe. Now, bindings do come in many different shapes, and sizes. But the overall goal is to hold your boot, which keeps your foot mounted to the snowshoe firmly. This allows the user to easily walk with the snowshoe firmly planted under their feet. Snowshoe bindings are likely to have some sort of synch system that is used in order to firmly mount your foot to the snowshoe. At least when speaking of modern day snowshoes.

Traditional snowshoes, or Home made snowshoes will typically utilize string / rope, or even rawhide as the binding.

However, there is a major difference between bindings that need to be considered. Especially if you plan to purchase a set of snowshoes in the future. You see, there are two completely different binding types you are likely to see when it comes to snowshoes. Those that pivot as you take each step, which allows for the user to maintain a natural stride, and those bindings that do not. Meaning they are fixed to the platform of the snowshoe. Let me explain:

Pivoting Binding Vs Non-Pivoting Binding

Simply put pivoting bindings move with the motion of the user. Where as Non-pivoting bindings don’t. For example Let’s use the plywood example above, say you had a 30″ X 10″ flat piece of plywood. There is one way many would assume to mount it to your boot so you could walk through the snow, that way includes: Mounting your boot in a fixed position in the center of the board. But there is a large problem with this, it would seem as if you are walking around in a pair of Fins (You know, Fins Meant For Swimming In. Like What Scuba Divers Wear) due to the sheet of plywood being rigid with your feet.

I don’t know about you but I have tried to walk in fins many times on land, and it just doesn’t seam natural at all… The amount of focus required in order to do so can be quite extensive, otherwise you are likely to fall… Well same sort of idea applies when you are using a fixed binding snowshoe.

But when using a binding that Articulates with the motion of the user it can make snowshoeing a much more effortless, and natural task. As with an articulating binding you can walk with a natural stride as the snowshoe feels as if it is being drug behind you. Really what is going on is the nose of the snowshoe lifts first when you go to lift your foot for another step, as the tail stays on or near the surface of the snow.

This makes getting the nose of the snowshoe up, and over the fresh snow ahead of it effortless, and natural. Now, good thing that most snowshoes nowadays have a binding that articulates with the motion of the user. As it makes snowshoeing much easier, As well as a much better experience.

Nose

The Nose of a snowshoe, well is pretty straight forward. It’s the front end of the snowshoe. The Nose Typically is curved upwards like you would see on the front of a ski. This is so that each step you take the snow stays under the snowshoe rather then the front of the snowshoe scooping the snow like a shovel would. This makes the adventure of snowshoeing much less of a hassle. As snow weighing down the front half of the snowshoe can cause for an excess of used up energy.

Not to mention the odds of tripping over the snow in front of you would be drastically grater then with a nose that lifts upwards in the front. In most cases, that is the biggest reason as to why the nose of a snowshoe is shaped that way. Now, some are shaped differently, and if so it is likely due to the nature of what that specific snowshoe was designed for.

Tail

Like the nose of snowshoes, the tail is also designed how it is for specific reasons. I mean otherwise why don’t we just make snowshoes squared and call it good, right!? You will likely notice on most snowshoes that the tail is quite a bit skinnier than the mid section and nose of the shoe. This is mostly because of the stride people have when they walk. Most walk with their toes facing outward slightly.

This makes the tails of a snowshoe come close together, sometimes even making contact with one another, Even With The Tails Tapering At The Ends. Plus the tail of the snowshoe is easier to drag through the snow when there is less surface area holding it back. Any way the main reason as to why the tail end (Back) of a snowshoe tapers and becomes skinny near the end is due to how people angle their feet as they walk.

Heel Lift

Heel Lifts are more of an optional item / Equipped only on a specific types of snowshoes. At Least in most cases… Typically you are going to see them on Mountaineering, or Backcountry snowshoes. Anyway, heel lifts are small, metal, lift like tabs near the heel of the binding that can be flipped up in order to support the heel of the foot when climbing steep slopes. Typically the Heel lift is in the shape of a Squared Letter U, located just behind, or under the heel of the users boot.

Heel lifts are great if your going to be climbing steep mountains, as it will provide the user with support under the heel of the foot, as well as angle the foot to the point to make it seem as if you are walking on flat land. Where in reality you are walking up a steep hill…

Conclusion

All in All, snowshoes come in many different shapes, sizes, makes, models…etc.. But they all share major traits that have slowly been evolved into what we have today. These traits allow the user to better experience the overall capabilities of snowshoes… Not to mention understanding what is going on under your feet can drastically help you to improve the setup, or snowshoe you are using. Simply knowing what is going on and what each part does can greatly help in the selection process when it comes time to either purchase your first pair of snowshoes, or 10th!

I hope you gained some value from this article. Be sure to check out the following Recommended resources as we dive deeper into the understanding of how snowshoe size effects flotation, along with much more! Otherwise be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge for greater information regarding snowshoeing.

This Is Colt Signing Off!

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Colt

Hi, My name is Colt And I Enjoy the Outdoors. I may not look it, as I am often seen as the only guy wearing Jeans Hiking on a hot summer day. But I can honestly say there is no place I like to be more than out in the Backcountry exploring the landscape around! Learn more about me on the About Page

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