Snowshoes were originally designed for the practical purpose of walking through various snowy terrains to hunt, explore and exercise. Snowshoes now come in many forms for different purposes. You can buy snowshoes for causal winter walks, or you might go snowshoeing as part of an active, rigorous outdoor lifestyle. Snowshoes are designed for different kinds of snow, different landscapes and different levels of athletic ability.
The Bear Paw
The oval-shaped bear paw snowshoe does not have a tail. It somewhat resembles a bear's paw when compared to other kinds of snowshoes that are longer and narrower. The bear paw is recommended for snowshoeing in woods or hilly settings, because its relative short and compact size makes it easy to move around with. These snowshoes are not recommended for deep snow or fast-paced snowshoeing
The Alaskan
The Alaskan snowshoe is long and narrow. It has a turned-up toe, which is helpful in deep snow. The long, narrow tail of the snowshoe helps keep you from sinking. Alaskan snowshoes, also called Trail or Yukon, excel at fast-paced and long distance snowshoeing, and are therefore recommended use in the back country. They do not work well in wooded areas because of their length.
The Michigan
The teardrop-shaped Michigan snowshoe, sometimes called the beaver-tail, is one of the most widely used snowshoes. It is good for all levels, including general purpose snowshoeing on trails. The lifted toe helps keep you moving forward, and the narrow tail in the back gives you traction. The Michigan is a smaller, less extreme version of the Alaskan snowshoe.
Additional Considerations
Bear paw, Alaskan and Michigan snowshoes used to be mainly made of wood, but now come in many aluminum and plastic versions. Your athletic ability and goals, snowshoeing location, budget and weight should determine which snowshoe you choose. Recreational snowshoes like the Michigan work well for beginners. Back country snowshoes provide better mobility in wooded areas.
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