What Are Snowshoes Made Of?

Snowshoes have been around since ancient times as a way for people to walk through the snow. Snowshoes help people maintain balance as they move through slippery, deep terrain. Snowshoes have been made of different kinds of materials over the years, though the various materials used now are lightweight and durable.

  1. Snowshoe Bases

    • Traditional snowshoes base are made of hardwoods such as ash, which is able to withstand harsh conditions. To diminish wood shrinkage, snowshoe bases are coated with powdered plastic or polyurethane.

    Webbing Material

    • The webbing material of traditional snowshoes used strips of animal skins, such as moose, deer or caribou. People construct webbing material of modern-day snowshoes out of cowhide, a cheap rawhide material. A few manufactures use imported water buffalo hide because of its durability.

    Frame

    • Snowshoe frames are constructed of an alloy form of aluminum that is both light and strong, and coated with powdered plastic.

    Decks

    • The decks of snowshoes, the section that the foot rests on, are made of different materials such as neoprene, polyurethane and nylon-coated polyurethane.

    Binding

    • Binding holds the snowshoe on the foot, and these parts are made of material used in decks. Other materials used are plastics, aluminum and steel.