What To Look For
Snowshoeing is an ever popular winter sport activity for children. It allows kids to participate in a winter sport without having to take a lesson or rent a ton of equipment such as skis and poles. When purchasing or renting a pair of snowshoes for kids, there are a number of things to consider. Look for snowshoes that are 7 by 18 inches in size for children who weigh under 70 pounds. For older children, a pair of small adult shoes will work perfectly. Kids snowshoes should also be composed of very lightweight materials such as aluminum or plastic. This will allow the children to move more freely on their walks.
Common Pitfalls
When looking for the right pair of snowshoes for your child, it is best to rent a few different pairs before committing to a purchase. This way, your child can get a feel for whether he enjoys snowshoeing and determine which style and model is most comfortable. Many shoppers also do not consider the weight limits of snowshoes. Once a child is more than 70 pounds, he may be able to fit into adult snowshoes. Again, for snowshoes it is important to "try before you buy."
Where To Buy
Kids snowshoes are now produced by most major snowshoeing manufacturers. They are available at large sporting goods retailers but are best purchased at ski- and snowboarding-specific shops. These retailers will offer a wide array of options, and the staff should be knowledgeable enough about each of the products to make recommendations to you and advise which snowshoe will work best for your child. When renting snowshoes, again, a ski shop will provide more options than a ski resort, allowing you to find the best shoe for your child.
Cost
Kids snowshoes can be expensive, often running anywhere from $75 to $250. This is why it is important to rent and test the snowshoes on the children prior to investing such a large amount of money. Snowshoes made of lighter weight materials, such as aluminum, will be more expensive just as snowshoes with extra bindings and secure fasteners will lean on the more expensive side as well. The shape of the snowshoe's frame will also impact the cost. A more tailored shape will be reflected within the price tag.
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