Snowshoes are a type of footwear used for walking on snow. Original snowshoes were utilitarian devices modeled after animal prints and made with wooden frames and leather straps. Today, snowshoes are made for sport with synthetic materials that are lightweight and durable. According to an article by "Canadian Geographic," showshoes distribute your weight over a large area so that your feet remain on the surface of the snow rather than sink into the snow.
Types
The three types of snowshoes are for recreational hiking, aerobic/fitness and mountaineering. Recreational hiking snowshoes, for distances up to 3 to 4 miles, are a basic type of shoe used for flat or moderately steep terrain, with few inclines or descents and groomed trails. The recreational hiking snowshoe is appropriate for novices. Aerobic/fitness snowshoes are designed for runners and cross-trainers. These shoes are lightweight, flexible and secure. Mountaineering snowshoes are designed for experienced snowshoe athletes, long distances, climbing and bushwhacking.
Buying Snowshoes
One of the mistakes novices make when buying snowshoes for the first time is choosing inexpensive shoes. Snowshoe Magazine recommends buying new snowshoes, but explains that if you do buy used shoes, you need to inspect the frames for chips and be sure the bindings are not overstressed. The size shoe you will need depends on your weight. The most common adult snowshoes are 25 inches, 30 inches and 36 inches.
Warnings
Wearing snowshoes will not protect you from falls, avalanche or other accidents. In 2009, several accidents on Goat Mountain in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, British Columbia, Canada, involved people new to the sport. According to rescue team leader, Tim Jones, wearing snowshoes may give people a false sense of security. Some terrain calls for mountain boots an ice axe and crampons. Before heading out on a snowshoe expedition, call first to find out if you have the correct equipment before risking your life.
Popularity
Dozens of organized snowshoe clubs are in at least 16 states and most Canadian provinces. While humans have been using snowshoes for at least 6,000 years, the sport hit a new level of popularity in 1974 when it was included in the Arctic Winter Games, attracting athletes from every continent. The United States Snowshoe Association was founded in 1977 to host events and promote the National Snowshoe team. In 2006, a "USA Today" article reported that a growing number of schools in the Northeast are including the sport in their physical education curriculum. From 1998 to 2004, the Outdoor Industry Foundation reported a 50 percent increase in showshoeing in a six-year period to 5 million Americans and is a top emerging, non-mainstream activity.
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