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Snowshoeing Equipment Securing proper equipment is essential for good, safe snowshoeing, so getting the correct type of snowshoe is the most important decision to make. There are two types of snowshoes: traditional wooden-framed snowshoes and metal snowshoes which are made from aluminum, rubber, and other "high tech" materials. To be competitive, it is recommended that a snowshoe specifically produced for competition be used. These snowshoes are lighter, smaller and asymmetrical (see explanation below).     Snowshoes Shoe weight and size are critical in snowshoeing. It is estimated that one extra pound on the foot equals 5-10 pounds of weight on the back. Also, a narrower frame is better to keep the weight centered and the legs directly beneath the torso, so that the frame will not hit the lower legs as much. Body weight is a very small factor. Everyone will sink in dry, powdery snow no matter how big the snowshoes are, but even the heaviest athlete will be able to snowshoe in moist, compacted snow in smaller shoes. Keep the snowshoe as small as possible for the snow conditions. Rules state that the snowshoe must be at least eight inches wide and 25 inches long (20.5cm by 64 cm). This size works best for most adult athletes.       Snowshoe Anatomy There are six parts to any snowshoe.         Frame This is the outside of the snowshoe that gives it shape. It is made of aluminum, wood or extruded synthetic materials and may be in a symmetrical or asymmetrical form. The symmetrical frame centers the foot in the middle of the shoe while the asymmetrical frame is more in the shape of the foot, with a right and left shoe, allowing the feet to be closer together and eliminating the "snowshoe waddle." The toe of the frame is raised up and the tail is weighted to ensure better movement and make sure that snow does not collapse on the shoe. Generally, the smallest frame that allows flotation on the snow is best for racing.   Binding System This secures the athlete's shoe to the snowshoe. Look for a solid landing platform, little movement inside the binding, comfort and no contact with the frame. Wooden snowshoes have a binding that is typically made of leather and attached at the toe cord. The alternate form of binding for wooden snowshoes is lamp wick (1 ½-inch flat cotton cord); the use of lamp wick requires the footwear to be modified to include loops on each side.     Pivot System This allows for normal walking motion. There is a hole in the decking that allows the toe of the foot to go into the snow and push off while the frame remains on the surface of the snow. The pivot system on a wooden showshoe is formed when the binding is attached to the snowshoe.   Toe Cords Toe cords are the part of snowshoes that connect the outer frame to the binding.   Crampons/Cleats or Claws (Metal Snowshoe Only) Spikes and claws grab the snow and provide traction when conditions are slippery. They are located beneath the binding, which also allows them to aid in pushing off. Rear traction devices under the snowshoe where the heel strikes are important for downhill traction and safety.   Decking The decking material is attached to the frame and provides the majority of the flotation.     Poles Most snowshoers do not use poles. Snowshoes provide much more traction, flotation and stability than a regular shoe, which helps most athletes negotiate slick, loose, deep and uneven snow with ease. Try to get your athletes to snowshoe without poles, if possible. Using poles is another action to coordinate when snowshoeing, and this will take more energy and motor control. If an individual can walk and run without poles when not wearing snowshoes, then he or she can snowshoe without poles. Certain athletes with very poor balance, strength or coordination may benefit from using poles. Ski poles that are long enough to reach from the ground to the elbow when the arm is hanging at rest are the proper length.

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