Walking through deep snow on soft paws with snowshoes

Snowshoes are not shoes that you put on, but sports equipment that you strap under your winter shoes or mountain boots. With snowshoes, you can walk through deep snow and over icy frozen snow much more easily than with normal winter boots. The trick is that the contact surface of your shoes is increased and your weight is distributed over a larger area. This means you don't sink as deeply into the snow and can walk through the winter landscape more effortlessly and with less energy

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What different types of snowshoes are there?

A snowshoe prevents your shoe from sinking too deeply into the snow. To do this, the contact surface of your winter boot is increased. However, snowshoes are also used to traverse hard-packed snow surfaces. This requires claws, spikes, and crampons. Here, too, there are differences in shape and design. Some snowshoes have aggressive stainless steel front spikes for maximum grip even in difficult terrain. If you want to go snowshoeing in moderate, hilly terrain, aluminum spikes have proven to be effective

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It depends on the material

Snowshoes are made from different materials. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages:

Aluminum snowshoes

The lightweight material is also very durable. Aluminum snowshoes are usually wider in design and therefore offer very good buoyancy in the snow. Buoyancy means that you don't sink in as deeply, making it much easier and more ergonomic to move around. However, aluminum snowshoes are usually coated with plastic because snow and ice do not stick to plastic as easily.

Plastic snowshoes

The biggest advantage of plastic is its flexibility. These plastic models offer a high level of walking comfort as they follow the natural rolling motion of the foot. High-quality models are durable. Plastic snowshoes are particularly suitable for hard terrain.

Pay attention to the binding!

The binding connects the snowshoe to you and your power. It must provide a strong hold and be able to follow your movements flexibly. A snowshoe binding is always already mounted on the snowshoe and can be adjusted in size from small women's sizes to large men's sizes.

What does the weight class mean for snowshoes?

How far you sink into powder snow depends heavily on your body weight. Animals leave very different track depths in the snow. A bird's tracks on powder snow are only faintly visible, while the prints of deer are deeply imprinted in the snow. Snowshoes always have a weight class specification. This refers to the total weight that you bring to the snowshoes with all your equipment. So you also have to include your clothing, your backpack, and everything else you want to take with you.

Accessories – make life easier

Snowshoe service kit – you should always have it with you! The maintenance kit usually contains bolts, screws, nuts, pull tabs, snap rings, replacement straps, strap fasteners, and washers. Ideally, this service kit will fit many different models. Snowshoe bag – in the Transa shop, you will find practical and robust bags for your snowshoes. Make sure there is good ventilation with a mesh insert. The bag can often be attached to your backpack so that you can easily take it with you. The snowshoe bag is just as suitable for storage during the summer months. Gaiters – prevent swirling snow from touching the lower part of your pant legs and getting wet when it melts. Gaiters keep your feet dry and comfortable.