Snowshoes have been used for 6,000 years, originating in a rudimentary, functional design. They were essential to survival in a cold, snowy world. Throughout the millenia, the structure of snowshoes has changed, as have their use. They have evolved from cumbersome, wooden slats to sleek neoprene and stainless steel contraptions.
History
The first snowshoes were strapped on feet in central Asia by people thought to be the ancestors of Inuits and American Indians, according to the United States Snowshoe Association's website. These ancient people supposedly migrated to North America, bringing with them the first snowshoe. These contraptions were just modified slabs of wood, which strapped onto the foot. Although unwieldy in some respects, they did allow for a person's weight to be distributed over a broader area of snow, preventing sinking. Totalsnowshoes.com states that the Algonquin Indians of the Ottawa and St. Lawrence River valley areas brought the snowshoe to the greatest peak of perfection. They invented the "bear claw" and hundreds of variations that suited their every need, from walking to hunting buffalo.
Original Purpose
When the snowshoe was invented, it was likely used for survival while foraging and hunting for food in frozen landscapes or migrating to better hunting territory. The actual purpose of the shoe is to prevent you from sinking too deeply into the snow. When you just use your foot to step into a drift of snow, it will sink down to the ground. However, if you were to distribute your weight over a larger surface, you will not sink as far. This discovery was a significant leap in technology, allowing native peoples to move and occupy the northern hemisphere.
Evolution
The evolution of the snowshoe correlated with the users' purposes. Many American Indians moved into forested temperate zones where snowshoes were essential. They encountered new landscapes such as steep climbs, deep valleys and rolling hills. They also needed to hunt, which required a certain amount of quickness and dexterity, making the contour and lightness of a snowshoe important. According to Totalsnowshoes.com, snowshoes were even a standard item in the outfitting of the militia. The State Papers of Vermont reference the payments made to buy the companies snowshoes. Snowshoes made winter warfare possible.
Modern Technology
The United States Snowshoe Association website states that in the 1960s, neoprene was used for lacing, rather than the original rawhide. Neoprene required less maintenance. It didn't stretch like rawhide and did not require an annual coating of shellac. However, the frame still did not allow you to climb steep ascents or lateral traverses. In the 1970s, oval, aluminum frames were introduced along with the steel-hinged rod, which allowed you to tackle tough ascents. These snowshoes quickly became preferred by mountaineers, rangers, trappers and the military.
Recreational Sports
Snowshoeing finally became popular as a recreational sport when it was picked up by a group of well-known runners looking to train in the winter. With people clamoring for shoes that were lighter and sleeker, the sport of snowshoe racing was born. If you plan on running in the snow, Wildbound.com recommends the racing snowshoe. It is designed for use on harder-packed snow surfaces, rather than fresh, deep powder. No matter your experience level or purpose, from the serious mountaineer to the occasional snow-trekker, a snowshoe is available to suit your specific use.
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