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Dick's Sporting Goods, on its website at www.dickssportinggoods.com, offers a section on how to buy snowshoes that includes some great information on proper sizing.

To find the right size snowshoe, determine what your approximate weight with gear will be. A heavier person, or one with a heavy pack, will require larger snowshoes than a smaller person or one carrying a light load.

Size is also determined by terrain and snow conditions. You will likely need more floatation in fluffy powder than on wet, packed or icy snow. You will probably want more compact snowshoes if you plan to frolic on packed trails or negotiate steep slopes or tight spaces. Conversely, open areas with large, deep drifts require better floatation and hence larger snowshoes.

As a rule of thumb, get the smallest size that will support your weight for the type of snow and terrain you plan to snowshoe in. Smaller snowshoes are less awkward and easier to deal with.

Use the information and chart below to help determine the proper snowshoe size: (Snowshoes usually come in three sizes: 8"x25", 9"x30" and 10"x36." Women's-specific models are also on the market, and many come with smaller (8"x21") contoured frames as well as bindings that accommodate women's generally smaller-sized footwear. Youth models usually come in 6"x15" and 7"x18" sizes.

Snoeshoe Size Guide

Your Weight                    Snowshoe Length

75-140 pounds                8" x 21"

120-180 pounds              8" x 25"

160-220 pounds              9" x 30"

over 200 pounds             10" x 36"

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