Snowshoes let you cover terrain that would be impassible in boots. You can use skis to stay on top of the snow, too, but snowshoes are smaller, more maneuverable, and have a lower learning curve. This makes them ideal for use in confined spaces, like snowy forest, and for beginners that may not want to invest the time needed to learn how to maneuver on skis, especially in confined spaces.
If your snowshoes don't fit right, you're in for a nightmarish slog as your boots shift around inside the bindings. But most snowshoes will easily accommodate a wide range of footwear if you take the time to adjust them properly.
Step 1
Put on your snowshoeing socks and boots. A good snowshoeing outing starts with well-fitted boots. If your feet, especially your heels, shift around inside your boots, snowshoeing will be extremely awkward.
Step 2
Sit down to put your snowshoes on. Loosen the snowshoe bindings enough to slide your feet between the straps.
Step 3
Move your boot as far forward in the bindings as possible. It should be centered over the pivot point where the bindings join the snowshoe decking. If the ball of your foot isn't properly centered, adjust the binding toe strap, or the furthest-forward strap if your snowshoes don't have a toe strap, until your toes are properly positioned.
Step 4
Attach and tighten the heel strap. On most snowshoes, the heel strap is built to lay roughly horizontal against your boot. It shouldn't sag down near the snowshoe decking or ride up near your Achilles tendon. Once the heel strap is tightened, your boots shouldn't move forward or back within the bindings.
Step 5
Tighten any other remaining straps. Some snowshoe binding systems have as many as three adjustable straps running across the top of your foot. Once these straps are tight, your boots shouldn't shift inside the snowshoe bindings at all.
Tips and Warnings
- Depending on which company produced your snowshoes, your bindings may fasten or adjust with plastic buckles, ratchet-release straps, laces or sliding tensioners. If you have very small feet, consider trimming away excess length from your snowshoeing straps to avoid awkward tangles or flapping straps.
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