What To Look For
When looking for a snowshow for racing, cross-training or just running for fun, a lightweight, durable snowshoe will be your best bet. Snowshoe running requires a binding system that is "optimized for running," meaning the bindings are easy to get on and flexible enough to run in. Look for a lighter weight in the toe section as well as suspension system that provides for extra push from the toe, allowing a more comfortable running stride. Heel crampons--metal cleats that grip ice and hard snow--are also helpful to have in a running snowshoe. Most new, athletic snowshoes have a Nytex decking--the material between the frame and your foot. Nytex is a textured nylon waterproofed with polyurethane.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid buying regular snowshoes and trying to run in them. Regular snowshoes are wider and longer. They are for walking or hiking through soft, powdery snow where there is no base--the snowshoe provides the base. Buy snowshoes that are as small as you can get according to your weight and height. Larger snowshoes are cumbersome and more awkward to wear. Avoid wood and leather snowshoes. While these are durable, traditional choices, leather gets hard in cold, wet weather and is more difficult to run in. A flexible decking will allow you to run more comfortably in very cold weather.
Where To Buy
Snowshoes can be purchased at most outdoor adventure and sporting goods stores. L.L.Bean, Cabela's and Dick's Sporting Goods all offer in-store help and online ordering, depending on your preference. If you are unfamiliar with snowshoes, you may want to go to a store and have the sales associates help you choose your bindings, as these are often confusing to attach at first.
Cost
The Atlas Run snowshoe which is often recommended for those who wish to run and snowshoe, is $200. However, other snowshoes with very similar features are available in the $100 to $150 range, depending on the brand.
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