Snowshoe Uses

Snow shoes are extremely useful footwear. They have been used by many cultures and organizations to better traverse snowbound environments.

Used since olden times by both Native American peoples and Siberian hunters, snow shoes improve mobility across snowy landscapes. It does this by spreading the weight of the wearer over a wider area. This is achieved by lowering the ground pressure that is exerted by the wearer, enabling the traveler to avoid sinking into deep snow drafts and expending extra energy to pull out of deep snow drifts. Hunters, alpine soldiers, and skiers will all testify that the sinking feeling that comes when walking on snow creates a very disorienting effect. The deeper the snow, the deeper you will sink. When wearing snowshoes, you do not sink into the snow, but will always move along on top of it.

Snow shoes are an important piece of military equipment as well. Every country that is placed along the rim of the Arctic circle has vast areas of tundra that are often encased in snow. Most military and civilian vehicles are next to useless out in such terrain and conditions, as wheeled vehicles lack the traction necessary to move efficiently, and most tracked vehicles are too heavy, and end up getting stuck in the snow. Snowshoes (along with skis) allow the military of these countries to patrol vast areas of desolate winter terrain with only equipment carried on their back. They are critical for allowing units of men to travel significant distances in extremely unfavorable terrain.

When snowboarding, snow shoes can greatly speed the snowboarder’s ascent back up the mountain. Trying to get up a decent slope without snowshoes is a time consuming and energy draining process. A snowboarder should seek out a light and portable pair of snowshoes that are suitable for snowboarding. Look for light weight, and secure straps that will hold the snow shoes on your back for the downward trip.

With all of these uses, it is certain that snow shoes will continue to aid mobility, for hunters, skiers, alpine troops, and snowboarders for a long time to come.