Snowshoes for All Feet

La Cordée

September 22, 2025

6 minutes

The world of snowshoes has evolved dramatically in a short period of time. Since the 1990s, the sport has grown in popularity and manufacturers have continually introduced models that are more advanced and diverse. Frames have changed in shape and materials, bindings have improved, and decks are now mostly made of synthetic materials. Traditional rawhide snowshoes, once popular, have largely been replaced by lighter and stronger aluminum or composite options. These require less maintenance and provide better traction. With so many varieties available, standing in front of a snowshoe display can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right pair.

What to keep in mind

The first step is to ask yourself what kind of outings you’ll be doing with your snowshoes. Just like cross-country skiing, you need the right equipment for the right use. You wouldn’t take skate skis to head off-trail, and you wouldn’t go into the backcountry without snowshoes designed to handle deep, loose snow. Ask yourself: where will I be snowshoeing, and for what purpose? Do you practice this sport casually on groomed trails, in deep snowy and mountainous terrain, or with the goal of pushing your performance further each time? With these answers in mind, it will be much easier for our advisors to guide you toward the right models.

What size?

Snowshoe size can guide you toward the use for which they’ll perform best. The most common sizes are 8 x 24 inches (20 cm x 65 cm), 9 x 30 inches (27 cm x 76 cm), and 10 x 36 inches (25 cm x 91 cm). Of course, variations exist depending on the manufacturer and model, but these three sizes cover most snowshoeing needs.

Smaller snowshoes, such as the 8 x 24, are excellent on hard-packed surfaces, groomed trails, or for kids walking through softer snow. To avoid sinking into deep, powdery terrain with snowshoes this size, you’ll need to be light and carry very little. If you plan to head off groomed trails, larger snowshoes are recommended. Keep in mind, however, that sometimes struggling with oversized snowshoes can be more tiring than sinking a bit deeper with smaller, more maneuverable ones.

<div>It’s likely for this reason that the 9 x 30 models are the most popular. Lightweight and easy to handle, these snowshoes are highly versatile and often just as effective in deep snow as they are on harder surfaces. Of course, there’s another way to achieve this level of versatility, which we’ll cover later in this guide.

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</div><div><br></div><div>Then we get to the 10 x 36 models. These are usually intended for people weighing around 160 pounds (80 kg) or more. The basic idea behind such large dimensions is simple: the greater the surface area, the more flotation you get. They’re perfect for very fine, deep snow conditions, but much less practical on hard-packed terrain. With their larger size, they are inevitably heavier and less maneuverable.

</div><div><br></div><div>Very often, the same type of snowshoe can serve two different purposes—on trails or off-trail. It all depends on the user’s weight, the kind of outings planned, and how much gear is being carried. Smaller snowshoes, like the 8 x 24, are excellent on hard-packed surfaces, groomed trails, or for kids walking through softer snow. To avoid sinking into very loose snow with snowshoes of this size, you need to be light and carry very little. If you plan to venture off groomed trails, opt for larger snowshoes. However, keep in mind that sometimes struggling with oversized snowshoes can be more tiring than sinking a bit deeper with smaller, more maneuverable ones.</div><div>

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When Cheating Isn't Really Cheating

<div>For certain models, MSR snowshoes give you the option of adding tails. This lets you increase the versatility of your snowshoes and expand your adventure destinations. It’s a dream solution for those who don’t want to make any compromises—or for larger users tackling deep snow.</div><div>

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Some tips and tricks

<div>The world of snowshoes is constantly evolving. Stay up to date with the latest technologies. Just like cross-country skiing or cycling, there are snowshoes for every winter scenario. What’s your dream outing or your ideal snowshoeing day?</div><div>

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