How to Size Snowshoes

Snowshoeing is an easy way to take in the sights and get in some healthy exercise at the same time. Since the sport only requires you to walk, learning how to snowshoe is rarely an issue. However, a key ingredient in being able to participate is having the proper gear. Snowshoe sizing depends almost entirely on weight, so if you have the wrong size snowshoe, you will not be very successful. You must represent your weight accurately when purchasing this kind of equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Home weight scale
  • Access to the Internet or a sporting goods store
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Weigh yourself wearing the clothes you wear to snowshoe and all of the gear you intend to carry. This will give you a better idea of what size snowshoe you need to purchase.

    • 2

      Check the selection of snowshoes on the market either in your local sporting goods store or online. Snowshoes often come in three or four different sizes based on weight. The smallest is 8 inches by 22 inches designed for those weighing up to 150 pounds (including gear), the medium is 8 inches by 25 inches for up to 200 pounds, and the large is 9 inches by 34 inches for up to 250 pounds. The children's size only carries up to 80 or 90 pounds, including gear, and the largest shoes available are 9.5 inches by 36 inches to carry up to 300 pounds.

    • 3

      Determine which type of hiking you are aiming to do before purchasing snowshoes. If you are more interested in a nice stroll in the mountains, look for your size in a recreational/trek shoe. If you are considering tougher terrains, check out the backcountry shoes. If speed is the name of the game, consider race snowshoes.

    • 4

      Combine the type of snowshoe you are looking for and the proper size based on weight to purchase the correct size of snowshoes.