Snow shoeing is a fun activity that all members of the family can enjoy outdoors. However, choosing the right snowshoe is important. You may think that men and women's snowshoes look the same, and they sometimes do, but the gender of the snowshoe makes a big difference in function and comfort, and most important, support.
Width
If you look at men and women's snowshoes on a rack, you'll most likely notice that men's snowshoes are a little wider than women's are. This is because men usually weigh more than women do. The wider frame of a man's snowshoe distributes the weight over a larger area, offering increased stability and strength.
Bindings
Bindings in women's snowshoes are generally smaller and narrower than men's, designed to fit over and snugly hold smaller shoes in place than the bindings offered in men's snowshoes. Check the width and length of the bindings offered in men's and women's snowshoes, and note the size from the toe binding to the heel binding. It's going to be longer in a man's snowshoe than a woman's.
Frame
The outside frame or side rails of men's snowshoes are generally longer than those made for women. This is because their stride is longer, and to more evenly distribute weight. When choosing a snowshoe, be honest about your weight. The more you weigh, the larger or longer the frame of the snowshoes will be. That's why children's snowshoes are shorter than women's or men's snowshoes.
Size
Several weight guidelines offer the optimal size or overall length of your snowshoe, which will differ between men and women. For example, a woman who weighs between 70 and 155 lbs. may need a snowshoe of at least 21 inches in length, while a man weighing 200 lbs. may need a 30-inch frame or length.
Function
Men and women's snowshoes are designed to function the same way. They all offer a flotation design that spreads weight out evenly over an area designed to offer support and stability on fresh or packed snow depending on weight. Men and women's snowshoes are made of a number of components, the most common being aluminum for its lightweight. Plastic snowshoes are also lightweight and offer the same features, such as crampons, bindings and design.
Design
The difference in design between men and women's snowshoes is minimal. Overall, adult snowshoes made for hiking, fitness and climbing offer the same design structure, with only differences in binding styles, types and colors.
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