Types of Snow Shoes

Recreational

Looking to get some moderate exercise on your local groomed trails, walk the dog and have the capability to break your own path on occasion, recreational snowshoeing could be for you. One of the most popular categories because of the limitless capabilities of a recreation snowshoe and the fun that can be had. A recreational snowshoe will be very easy to walk with on any flat or rolling terrain have very easy adjustments for anyone to use and are slightly less aggressive than others in varying categories. The crampons, which are the metal pieces that grab the ice and snow, on this style are moderate to not inhibit walking but enough to offer good grip on icy, snowy terrain. These are typically considered an entry level style and can be found at a good price for someones first pair of snowshoes.

Mountaineering and Backcountry

Feeling like breaking your own trail through the woods and deep snow, how about hiking and backpacking up some steep and icy terrain, backcountry or mountaineering snowshoes may be right for you. These snowshoes are beefed up with larger crampons to offer that extra grip and security that you need when your summiting that peak you have wanted to climb for years. The bindings on these models will also be bigger and sturdier to accommodate bigger hiking and outdoor boots. Backcountry and mountaineering snowshoes are also constructed in a whole bigger and beefier to withstand anything you wish to throw at them. A great choice for any serious snowshoe enthusiast looking to go in the deepest snow and in all the varying weather conditions.

Race and Fitness

If your an active runner and cannot run your favorite trails due to the winter weather change, run all the same trails and keep your heart pumping all year around with race and fitness snowshoes. Much smaller than regular style snowshoes these are lightweight with different and adjustable crampons for varying trails and snow types. The bindings on these styles will cradle and wrap around athletic and running shoes. These snowshoes are not intended for use in off trail situations and perform best on groomed and kept paths. Great for the athletic runner or outdoor enthusiast looking to excel in the winter and take advantage of all season's and enjoy scenic landscape along the way.

Women's

A no brainer, women are made different than men and need a specific product for certain sports, snowshoeing is one of those where a woman will benefit from having the proper equipment. Women's snowshoes are designed with a woman's foot in mind, built narrower with a more contoured frame to fit their natural foot type. Bindings are also built specific with a smaller foot in mind to ensure that they are getting properly snugged in all activities and situations. The women's category of snowshoes will have backcountry, racing, recreational and all other types of snowshoes fit specific to a woman's foot type.