How to Measure a Snowshoe's Weight and Rating

Snowshoeing is a fun way to pass the long and snowy winters. You burn calories, improve your aerobic conditioning and see the trail from a different viewpoint. When you think of snowshoeing, you may envision the large, wooden showshoes that are laced with rawhide, but in the 20th century, showshoe construction materials changed to metal, plastic, nylon and rubber. The weight of these materials affects the rating of the shoe. The rating indicates which terrain the shoe is best used on, such as flat trails or mountains. If you have a pair of snowshoes and are unsure which terrain to use them on, you can feel, measure and look at the components to rate the shoe.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the width of the snowshoe to determine if it is a men's or a woman's shoe. Men's shoes are typically wider to accommodate larger boots. Women's shoes are generally narrower to fit smaller boots.

    • 2

      Feel the weight of the snowshoe. If it is extremely lightweight, up to 1 pound, it is made for fitness activities such as fast trail walking or running and is most likely made of aluminum. If the shoe weighs between 1.25 and 2 pounds, it is the best all-around shoe for hiking on packed snow and settled snow. If the shoe weighs over 2.5 pounds, it is designed to carry a lot of weight over deep snow.

    • 3

      Use your measuring tape to measure the length of the showshoe, which tells you how much weight the shoe supports and gives you a better indicator of the terrain the shoe can be used on. Rate the weight of your shoe according to the following: 21 inches long supports 80 to 150 pounds and is best used for trail or mountain running; 25 inches long supports weights between 120 and 200 pounds and is best for day hikes on a firm base of snow; 30-inch-long shoes support between 170 and 250 pounds and can be used on mixed terrains; 36 inches supports between 220 and 300 pounds and is best on deep snow.

    • 4

      Look at the toe crampons on the bottom of the snowshoe to get an idea of the terrain for which the shoes are designed. Use the shoes on flat terrain if the crampons are not large. Use the shoes on mountain terrains, rolling hills or in icy conditions if the crampons are bigger. Rotate the bindings that move the crampons. If you can move the crampon easily front to back, use the shoes to climb hills. If the binding is fixed, use the shoes on flat terrain.