Wooden Snowshoes Vs. Aluminum Frame Snowshoes

Wooden snowshoes have been around for a long time, but the concept of substituting aluminum tubing for wood is a twentieth-century idea still gaining in popularity. Many outdoor adventurers enjoy using the lightweight and rot-free aluminum gear.

  1. Natural Materials vs. Plastic and Metal

    • Old-fashioned wooden snowshoes with rawhide webbing and bindings have long been the standard fare for hunters, trappers, explorers and winter mountaineers and are still made today by skilled craftsmen who value the traditional design. More common are the new metal and plastic models, which are very popular and used by many hikers and fitness enthusiasts.

    Snowshoe Care

    • Someone who owns wooden snowshoes needs to be particularly careful that their gear is properly sealed and stored in a dry, cool place after use in the snow, but a pair of aluminum shoes needs no maintenance and can be placed anywhere after use.

    Snowshoe Weight

    • Aluminum shoes weigh less than wooden shoes, and are less tiring to walk with.

    Buoyancy

    • Because of diminished weight and improved design of the webbing, aluminum shoes are more buoyant when walking in deep snow.

    New Varieties

    • A lightweight carbon variety are a new type of snowshoe. Commonly referred to as aerobic snowshoes, these are comparable to "running shoes" used by joggers. These small snowshoes are great for following a packed trail through the park or hiking up the side of a mountain, but provide little benefit in deep snow.

    Crampons

    • Aluminum snowshoes usually have a small set of crampons built into the bottom of the webbing that enhances traction.