Snowshoes Men: How to Find the Right Size for Your Next Winter Adventure

Introduction

Are you after a memorable snowshoeing winter adventure experience? You need to have the right snowshoes for the winter conditions. Their biggest job is to provide you with flotation.

This will prevent you from sinking into the snowpack. The flotation amount required is what defines your snowshoe size for your next memorable time-of-the-year tour. Experts recommend a pair of snowshoes that will offer enough support.

Also, the right pair should allow you to flawlessly maneuver on the trails. Two main factors determine the correct snowshoes men size that will be most fitting.

You need to first consider your weight plus the gear as well as the kit and clothing you will be putting on throughout your snowshoeing escapades. The conditions of the snow where you’re traveling are the second factor.

Snowshoes Men Sizing by the Snow Condition of Your Destination

You need to consider the type of snow conditions of the destination you’re planning to snowshoe. It’s also vital to consider where you’ll snowshoe within your native environment. Will you be on trails where the snow is compact?

Or will your adventure involve off-trail where the snow is fresh, powdery, and deep? Taking into consideration the situation will help you in choosing the right size and destination for your adventure.

You need to pick a pair that will work perfectly the majority of the time and in different conditions of your destination. The drier and deeper the powder, the larger the shoe size you require.

Additionally, the more compact or wetter the conditions are, the smaller the snowshoe size, and if you’re planning to stick to groomed trails, it is advisable to go with shorter ones.

Shorter gears will help you find it easier to navigate through constricted trails. The weight will be less as well. Get away with a shorter length if you do not plan on floating on deep powder snow.

Snowshoes Men Sizing by Weight

Do you weigh more? If yes, you want more flotation. Greater weight on the shoes requires a large surface area to maintain proper support.

To find the total weight, you need to add your body weight to the estimated weight of your hiking boots, clothes, and additional gear you may, like a backpack.

Types of Snowshoes for Different Winter Tours

Old-Style Wrapped Frame

Initially, snowshoes were made with strong frames wrapped in rawhide strips to create a sturdy deck that perfectly floated on soft snow. The design has evolved to take advantage of lightweight aluminum frames wrapped in a malleable rubber or plastic that provides more flotation and is durable.

Most modern designs from leading providers like TSL Outdoor, including expedition-style models and recreational gears, take advantage of the traditional deck and frame-style construction. Additionally, leading brands like TSL Outdoor use variations on an old-style design by incorporating a hard, molded plastic deck and integrating sharp teeth rows into thinner steel frames.

Composite Construction

Snowshoes with a solid plastic deck, which are more durable, flexible, and lightweight, are increasingly common. This construction style has become common and popular, especially for hiking and expeditions.

Snowshoes with one-piece composite frames are perfect for light hiking and recreational use. Composite ones, in most cases, come in a single size. That means they’re great for kids who’re growing, as well as rentals.

Running Snowshoes

Running pairs are still a smaller part of the market. They’re increasingly growing in popularity and are a perfect way to continue with your running activities when winter hits. They are, in most cases, smaller, with a thinner width that allows for fast movement.

Also, running gears come with bindings that are well-designed to fit running boots or shoes. They also blend smoothly with bindings that rebound with every step to keep the deck closer to the user’s feet.

Important Features to Consider When Purchasing Snowshoes for Your Winter Escapade

To find the right snowshoe men’s size, you’re besides required to consider some additional key features, including:

• Crampons and traction: An important factor that makes it easier to narrow down the search is the traction level you are looking for. You will not require substantial crampons if you are primarily using your pairs for hiking over gently rolling or flat terrain. But if you’re using them for steep approaches or backcountry hiking, forefoot and aggressive toe crampon and extra sharp teeth along with deck and frame are vital.
• Climbing bars: Apart from aggressive traction patterns, many modern pieces designed and created for steep ascents will have a climbing bar. Without climbing bars on steep slopes, it means you’ll have to drop your heels to gain much-needed traction. This is not only unnatural but also saps energy.
• Flotation tails: Support tails allow you to extend the shoe length for extra surface area. These tails are helpful in backcountry situations for hiking via deep snow. They add between five and six to the length of compatible ones, increasing the length of conditions that your equipment is suitable for.

Do You Know?
The global snowshoe market garnered a market value of US$25 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023-2033.

Where Can You Find the Right Snowshoes Men Size for Your Next Winter Trip?

You can find the correct snowshoes men size at top-rated providers like TSL Outdoor. This French leader specializes in the design and creation of high-quality outdoor equipment, especially snowshoes and hiking poles.

All of TSL Outdoor’s snowshoeing products are designed to adapt to different activities and terrains. They also come with optimal traction and flotation in snow.

Also Read: Top 7 Activities to Enjoy at a Winter Snow Park

---