How to Size Snowshoes
Mackenzie walks you through how to put on a snowshoe in five simple steps so you can be ready for your next snowshoe adventure.
4 Min. Watch | Winter

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[00:00:00.00] A woman sits next to a glowing fireplace reading a book.

[00:00:01.89] Text, L L Bean, How to size snowshoes.

[00:00:06.15] She lowers the book and smiles. Mackenzie, Snow-it-all

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[00:00:08.05] Hello there. My name is Mackenzie, and today we're going to look at how to properly size snowshoes. Snowshoe size is generally based on weight. And most snowshoes come with their own sizing guide. That's a great place to start, and it could be all you really need to do. But if you really want to fine tune your snowshoe fit, use these four tips to help you make the best choice.

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[00:00:27.88] A chalkboard rolls toward her. Text, 4 Tips for a Great Snowshoe Fit

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[00:00:31.09] I take this thing with me everywhere. You know how in real estate they like to say location, location, location? Well, with sizing snowshoes, we're talking about flotation, flotation, flotation, flotation is the snowshoe's ability to keep you from sinking into the snow. The bigger the snowshoe, the more surface area it has which means more flotation. You want to snowshoe that has enough flotation, but bigger doesn't always mean better. If you go too big, you'll feel like you're walking through the snow in clown shoes.

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[00:01:01.19] The chalkboard shows a clown drawing.

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[00:01:02.17] A snowshoe is generally sized based on your weight. However, it's important to keep in mind how much gear you'll be carrying when using them.

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[00:01:09.25] Text, 15 lbs versus 20 to 35 lbs

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[00:01:09.76] If you're planning to go on a longer day hike or an overnight trip, you could be carrying a lot of extra gear, especially in winter. So if you're in between two sizes, you might want to think about sizing up. Another important variable is the snow conditions.

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[00:01:24.22] Packed snow versus fluffy snow.

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[00:01:25.06] You need less flotation when hiking on packed trails versus walking through knee deep snow.

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[00:01:29.59] In a drawing on the chalkboard, a snowshoe sinks deeper in the fluffy snow.

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[00:01:30.13] Sometimes where you live plays a big factor in this. Like in the US, out west, you may have drier, deeper snow and need to think about staying on top of it, so you'll want a bigger snowshoe with more flotation.

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[00:01:41.41] A drawing shows an outline of the United States.

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[00:01:42.01] Here in the east, the snow tends to be wetter and tends to pack down more easily, so a bigger snowshoe might just get in the way.

[00:01:48.82] A good rule of thumb is to think about the conditions you'll wear them in the majority of the time. For a lot of us, that's probably closer to home for day hikes on packed trails. Unless you're planning for a big trip with a lot of gear, like I mentioned earlier, or you want to try something like snowshoe running-- it's a real thing-- you're probably best off following the standard sizing recommendations.

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[00:02:10.81] Text, Standard sizes are between 25 inches and 27 inches long.

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[00:02:11.65] And that's it. Although there can be a lot to think about, finding the right size doesn't have to be complicated. With the right snowshoe, you can experience all the beauty winter has to offer.

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[00:02:21.24] She shoves the chalkboard and it rolls away.

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[00:02:22.89] Happy trails.

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[00:02:23.88] Text, For more outdoor tips and inspiration, visit our Get Outside Guide at L L Bean dot com slash outside.

[00:02:32.58] Flames flicker in the fireplace.


Have you ever wondered how to size a snowshoe? Most snowshoes come with their own sizing guide, but sometimes the snow conditions or the amount of gear you’re carrying means you should size up or down. Follow these four tips to find the perfect snowshoe for your next adventure.

Tip 1: Flotation, Flotation, Flotation

Flotation is the snowshoe’s ability to keep you from sinking into the snow. The bigger the snowshoe, the more surface area it has, which means more flotation. That doesn’t necessarily mean bigger is always better. Go too big, and it’ll feel like you’re walking through the snow wearing clown shoes.

SHOP SNOWSHOES

Tip 2: How Much Gear Are You Carrying?

Make sure the straps are open and position the ball of your foot over the pivot point in the center of the snowshoe. Be careful to make sure the front of your boot doesn’t overlap the front of the snowshoe. Otherwise, your foot won’t be able to pass through the hole.

Tip 3: What Are the Snow Conditions?

You need less flotation when hiking on a packed trail versus walking through knee-deep snow. In drier, deeper snow, you need to think about staying above it. So, you'll need a bigger snowshoe with more flotation. On packed trails or wet snow, a bigger snowshoe might just get in the way.

Tip 4: The Majority Rule

Think about the conditions you’ll wear your snowshoes in the majority of the time. For a lot of us, that’s probably closer to home for day hikes on packed trails. Unless you’re preparing for a big trip with a lot of gear, or want to try something like snowshoe running, you’re probably best off following the standard size recommendations on the box.

Get ready for your next snowshoeing trip with snowshoes, insulated boots, men's outerwear and women's outerwear designed to make it even easier for you to get outside.

Need some inspiration or advice? Explore our Get Outside Guide to learn how to put on a snowshoe or find the perfect base layer, outerwear or winter boots and so much more.