What Size Snowshoe Do I Need?

Snowshoes typically come in three sizes: 8″ x 25″, 9″ x 30″, and 10″ x 36″.

There is also a slightly smaller shoe built with women in mind: 8″ x 21″, and even smaller shoes intended for children: 6″ x 15″ and 7″ x 18″.

These measurements are often stated, in some form or another in the snowshoe name, and are the width of the snowshoes in inches by the length of the snowshoe in inches. This will help you visualize the snowshoe when it is not sitting in front of you.

There are general sizing charts associated with all snowshoe brands, but don’t use these as a strict guide to your final sizing decision. IN GENERAL, an 8″ x 25″ snowshoe fits snowshoers weighing 120lbs – 180lbs. A 9″ x 30″ snowshoe fits snowshoers weighing 160lbs – 220lbs., and a 10″ x 36″ shoe fits snowshoers weighing over 200lbs.

Again, these are not hard and fast rules, so let’s consider some different scenarios.

You say:

I weigh 170 pounds, but I typically use my snowshoes in the backcountry with a 20-pound pack.

If your answer sounds something like this, you need to consider your total weight with gear. It is important to first determine how much you will typically weigh when you are ready to hit the trail. This includes excessive weight linked to footwear, hydration, a loaded pack, extra clothing, etc. If you will typically weigh an extra 20 pounds when you hit the trail, you will be more likely to sink if you are wearing a snowshoe that only holds your weight.

You say:

I weigh 170 pounds, but I never venture off packed trails.

If your answer sounds something like this, you need to consider your snow conditions and terrain. These are very important considerations, because of the link between snowshoe size and flotation. The purpose of a snowshoe is to keep you afloat and provide traction when you are walking on snow. If you typically stay on packed trails, you will be a lot less likely to sink with each step than you would if you were walking off the trail into deep snow.

Once you get off the trail, what type of snow are you stepping into? If you live in an area with thick, heavy, wet snow, you will be a lot less likely to sink deep into the snow, than if you are stepping into dry, light, powder. The general rule to take from this scenario is the harder the snow pack, (a packed trail being one of the hardest), the less likely you are to sink, and therefore the less flotation you need.

So, you have decided on your activity and snowshoe size, what’s left? FEATURES. And we will cover that in our next article.

This is part of a larger article covering all aspects of purchasing snowshoes. This is one section of that series on how to pick the perfect pair of snowshoes. To read the entire article, please click here.

88 Comments

  1. I’m thinking about getting a recreational snowshoe for my wife. She likes to go out and feed the birds and walk around our yard. She’s about 5’0″ and weight around 100 lbs. You say, “There is also a slightly smaller shoe built with women in mind: 8? x 21?, and even smaller shoes intended for children: 6? x 15? and 7? x 18?.” Shoe size is 6 1/2. What’s your recommendation?

    1. Author

      Hi John – If you wife is going to be primarily using the snowshoes to venture through the yard, etc I would highly suggest a women’s size 8×21 (ish) for her. That should work perfectly with her weight, height and shoe size. If you have any future plans to take it a step further into hilly terrain, or carrying a backpack, she might want to consider a 25 inch snowshoe, but for what you described, the 21 inch version should work great!
      Here are a few of my top choices.

      Of these, the Atlas 923 would probably be my top suggestion. Enjoy!

  2. My husband and I are researching snowshoes. I already have a pair, but he is looking to buy now. I’m not sure what size he needs and we want to buy used. He weighs about 165-170.

    1. Author

      Hi Luanne – We will need a little more information to give you a concrete suggestion, but here are my thoughts on what you’ve said. Assuming that your husband is taller than 5’5″ or so, I would probably suggest a 9×30 snowshoe for him. It really depends on what you’re doing though and where you’ll be going. If you’re looking for something on more packed trails or heavier snow, an 8×25 may be adequate. The deeper the snow as well as the heavier the load and the faster you plan to walk, the larger shoe you’ll want. I would suggest a 9×30 more than likely, but an 8×25 may work. If you’d like to tell us more about what kind of terrain you anticipate as well as height and goals for the use of the new snowshoes we can narrow it down even further for you. Thanks for your interest in esnowshoes.com!

  3. What will happen if my snow shoe is too small? Will I sink into the snow?? Help

  4. I want to buy snowshoes for my neice (12 years old) and nephew (10 years old) for Christmas but don’t know what size I should get? Can somebody tell me?

    1. Author

      Hi Kim – It really depends on the kind of use they will be getting, how tall the kids are, etc, but for the most part, I would suggest somewhere in the 8×21 range. You could probably go a little smaller with the 10 year old boy if he’s not very tall. Best bet would be to contact one of our premier retailers like Altrec.com or Backcountry.com. Good luck!

  5. I weigh 130lbs and I’m 5’5″ My husband is 5’8″ and weighs 133lbs.

    I can’t decide on which snowshoes to get so I want to get 2 different models. Will my husband be able to use a pair of women’s snowshoes given our similar weight?

    My husband takes a size 9 shoe.

    I like the earlier comments about getting beginner snowshoes, only to regret it later when I want to venture into the backcountry.

    1. Author

      Hi Julia –

      Yes, your husband can get away with wearing an 8×25 women’s model. The challenge will be the boot. Typically woman have narrower feet and thus narrower boots so the bindings are designed as such. Our only concern would be getting your husbands boots to fit within the binding. If you are looking at two different models, I would suggest getting a men’s and women’s and seeing which one works best for your particular boots and feet 🙂

      Here is a good place to start: Snowshoe department

      Happy snowshoeing!

  6. Hi, thanks for offering your expertise here! I’m little confused as to which size snow shoe I will be needing.
    I’m a 144lb female; about 5’5”. The heaviest pack I would be carrying would be my camera bag and some water, which will never weigh more than 10lbs (we plan on going out in a group and distributing weight that way). Any suggestions? There are some great deals coming up at Canadian Tire!
    Thanks.

    1. Author

      Hi Kerry –

      Sounds to me like you are going to need an 8×25. That seems to be the size that will offer you the most versatility and ease of use. Enjoy!

  7. We have been looking at the Atlas Electra 8 series. I really wish there was a 25, but I have to choose between 23 and 27. I weigh about 144 and am 5’6″, but I would have on some outdoor gear and maybe
    a water bottle. Better to be on the high end or low end. I will be doing mostly parks and trails . thoughts?
    thank you

    1. Author

      Hi Cathy –

      I can see you’re dilemma there! You are right on the edge between sizes. Here is what we would suggest. You mentioned parks and trails which makes me think a more mellow terrain. If that is the case, that is a plus toward the smaller. BUT, depending on where you live, if you have light fluffy snow, I’d suggest the larger size, if you typically have more dense snow, I’d lean toward the smaller. Overall I’d say if you live in a humid climate, go smaller, if you live in a dry climate, consider the larger, but you might still be fine with the smaller if you are trekking moderate to mild terrain.

      Hope that helps!

  8. My husband has wanted snowshoes for a long time. The problem is his size. He wears a size 15 shoe. He is 6’4 and about 200 pounds. We live in MA, and he wants to hike trails etc. What is the best size for him?

    1. Author

      Hi Kristy –

      There are snowshoes out there that will work great for your husband’s larger boots. Here is what you’ll want to look for. You need to look for a snowshoe with a binding with an open (or mostly open) toe. This will allow for a larger boot. These bindings are typically found on the most advanced series of snowshoes as the users usually wear larger boots. Size wise, I’d probably lean toward a 10×36 since he’s so tall (and the binding may be larger) but if the snow in MA is super dense and you don’t sink a ton, he might be able to get away with a 9×30.

      Backcountry.com seems to have the best selection at this point in the holiday shopping season, here’s a link to their

      snowshoe department

      . Enjoy!

  9. Hi, I’m looking to buy some snowshoes for this winter, but totally confused on the size situation. I’m 5’8 190lbs and I use different packs ranging from 10lbs-30lbs depending on the trip.

    Could you please help on what size I’d need?

    Thanks

    P.

    1. Author

      Hi P –

      Sounds to us like the best fit for you will be a 9×30 snowshoe. There are variables that would make an 8×25 work, but only if you are in fairly wet snow. Happy Holidays!

  10. Hi there,
    I’m a runner and would like to try running in snowshoes this winter; I’m told this requires a slightly smaller shoe. I am 5’0″ and just over 100 lbs. Can I get away with wearing a child’s model?
    Thanks!
    Melanie

    1. Author

      Hi Melanie – Great Question. If you were just going to go walking I would say that you could potentially get away with a decent child’s snowshoe, but given the fact that you are going to be running with them I would suggest another option and not kids snowshoes. There are two reason for my thoughts. 1) Running is extremely hard on equipment (including knees sometimes 🙂 ) and kids snowshoes are not designed for that kind of repetitive abuse, especially at their maximum weight threshold. Secondly, and this will apply to all snowshoes, running snowshoes are designed differently than all other snowshoes. They have a more contoured design that allows for a more natural stride when you are running. Typically they have a tapered tail and the tail is bent slightly upward creating less pounding on each stride.

      I would highly suggest looking at a good pair of running snowshoes if you are serious about running this winter, but if you are still unsure about whether you will enjoy it, try calling local sports rental shops and ask if they rent running snowshoes. The really good stores will be able to rent you a nice pair of running snowshoes for the weekend for a fraction of the cost to buy them, so it’s a nice way to try before you buy.

      Good luck on your adventures and have a Happy New Year!

  11. Hi, I am an overweight woman and from what I understand snowshoeing is an excellent exercise form to help lose weight because it ii so low impact. What would you recommend for a woman around 250lbs who plans on doing some back country and some more suburban snowshoeing?

    Thanks

    1. Author

      Hello Sue – I think the final decision on size for you will be based on your height. If you are 5′ 7″ or taller, I’d suggest a snowshoe in the 9×30 range for the deeper snow especially, but if you are under 5′ 7″ the width of the larger shoes could become cumbersome, so I would then lean toward an 8×25 size. It will also depend on whether you are typically in light/dry snow or heavy/wet snow. If you are in heavy/wet snow, you might be fine in an 8×25 regardless of your height. Hope that helps and have a great time out there snowshoeing!

  12. Hello,
    I am looking at buying wooden Indian snowshoes. What size should I consider, as they seem to vary greatly. I am 130 lbs. Also, if I think I will be blazing my own trails along with regular packed trails, would bearpaw style be better than the “tennis raquet” style?
    Thanks,
    Sara

    1. Author

      Hi Sara – I’m super sorry, but to be honest, we are not familiar at all with the traditional wooden snowshoes. I would hate to even take a guess 🙂 I would however suggest asking the folks at snowshoe.com, they are the wooden snowshoe experts!

      Happy Snowshoeing

  13. hi, I’m looking for some shoes but looking for help on the size.
    I am 5’9″ female, 155 pounds. Mostly going to be using to supplement running on the snowiest days, so probably not carrying much of anything.
    Also, do you have brands that you absolutely love or brands that I should stay away from?

    1. Author

      Hi Em – your size would be perfect for a standard 8×25 size. Are you running on your snowshoes? or just snowshoeing instead of running? If you’re running, I’d highly suggest considering a pair of running snowshoes, Atlas’ and Crescent Moon are my fav’s, or if you are just going out snowshoeing, I’d look at Atlas, Tubbs and Crescent Moon. All great brands with many price and feature options. Have a great time!

  14. Hello. I am interested in buying snowshoes for myself and my husband. There are looks of woods in the neighborhood we live in so they would be used for more leisurely winter walks, probably not much mountain hiking.

    I am between 125-135 female and he is around 170-185. Which size would you recommend? Do I have to be women specific shoes?

    THANKS!

    1. Author

      Hi Megan – sounds like you would need an 8×25 and your husband could use a 9×30. Those should work great for you both. As far as women’s specific go, no, you don’t have to have a women’s specific snowshoe. The main differences are in the binding (they are narrower for smaller feet) and sometimes they are not quite as wide so you can take more natural strides. And color 🙂 Either a unisex or a women’s will work great.

      Enjoy!

  15. Hi,
    i weigh196 pounds and 614 feet tall, and i’m looking for snowshoes that would be used for fun, but not used on trails. I walk mostly in the country on flat fields.
    I currently have Faber 28inch snowshoes (23x77cm), but every time i use them i sink in at least 3/4 of a foot into the snow.

    Do you have any suggestions on what kind i should get? I bought my last ones at Canadian Tire but i’m just not sure if I bought the right ones for me.

    Thanks!

    1. Author

      Hi Diana – That’s a tricky one in some cases. If you came to us with no back story at all, we would steer you toward a 9×30 snowshoe (which is bigger, but not much than what you have now). It sounds like you are walking in untouched snow and it must be fairly light (dry) snow, so if that is the case, you might want to consider a 10×36. The best thing to do would be to rent them first to see if you like them and if they work for your needs. That way you don’t need to spend another $100 to $250 on a new pair only to feel disappointed again. I would consider keeping your other pair though vs selling them as you may find yourself in situations where you will want a smaller snowshoe (more packed trails, wetter snow, etc).

      Hope that helps, we would love to hear how the 10×36 works out for you if you try those!

      Have a great day.

  16. Hi,
    My two children have been using snowshoes during their after school program and love it! I would like to turn this into a family activity. What size snowshoes would you recommend for my husband and myself? I am 5’5″ and weigh 160 lbs. My husband is 6’1″ and weighs about 170 lbs. We’ll probably just be trekking around the bike trail (unplowed in winter) that runs through our town and “easy” places like that to start. Thanks for the help!
    Roxanne

    1. Author

      Hi Rozanne – That’s great that your kids have been able to enjoy snowshoeing as part of an after school program! Very cool. I think you will find snowshoeing to be a really fun family activity, especially if your kids already love it!

      Size wise, I would suggest the following based on what you wrote:

      For you, I’d look at a womens 8×25 snowshoe and for your husband, I would suggest a 9×30. Those sizes should work great for both of you on the bike trails, etc.

      Have a great time out there!

  17. I have a pair of Yukon Series 930 mens snowshoes. Can my husband who is 300lbs. use these snowshoes

    1. Author

      Hi Kristy –

      Good question. The answer will depend on a few additional factors. Technically, yes, the 9×30 can work for your husband, but only if you are snowshoeing on fairly wet snow and either decently traveled or somewhat compressed (sun’s been shining and melting it a bit) conditions. If the snow is deep and dry, I would suggest a 10×36 size. That will do a better job for him.

      Hope that helps a bit!

  18. A local store has snowshoes on sale right now and I believe they are 25″. Would they work for me (5’4″ 155 lbs) and my boyfriend (6’0 170 lbs). We would probably be using them on trails or packed snow.

    1. Author

      HI April – The 25″ snowshoes will work great for you, although they might be a little small for your boyfriend. He’s in the weight range, but at 6’0 they might be a little tiny. He’ll be right on the edge though, so you might be just fine. If you stick to the packed snow and trails, no problem at all 🙂

      Have a great week!

  19. Hello: I just rented a pair of snowshoes to see if this is an activity I might enjoy. I was given a pair of Atlas 25″ snow shoes (not sure on the actual name of these snowshoes, I looked all over them but don’t see anything other than “Atlas”). I went outdoors in my back yard and sunk in the snow. The snow is about 16″ deep, powdery, and fresh (not packed) so I’m not sure if it is normal to sink so much (about 6-8″) or if I need a bigger snowshoe. I’m 5’3″ and 150lbs. I’d probably be wearing about 10lbs more with all of my snow clothes and gear. Thanks for your help!

  20. I just bought a pair of women’s 21 ” snowshoes and, at 128 pounds (5’2″‘), I’m within the recommended range of 80-150 pounds. I snowshoed on our lake yesterday just after a snowstorm and sank deeper than I expected. Should I buy for a larger size or was the weather the problem? I really want something light and easy to maneuver in.

    Thanks

  21. So… I am looking for snow shoes and am confused about the size….I am 6’6″ and 225lbs. I will more than likely stick to packed snow trails and our snow out here in Oregon is called ‘Oregon Cement’ for its wet and dense consistency. What size would suggest????

  22. Greetings,

    I am interested in buying a pair of snowshoes. I’m about 5’7″, and weigh around 160lbs. I live in Amherst, MA. The snow is sometimes puffy and light, and other times heavier. I borrowed my friend’s Tubbs Frontier 30’s and they seemed bulky to me. I like to walk in the nearby golf course, and also in surrounding small hills, usually with just a small bottle of water and my small camera. What size snowshoes would you recommend? Is the Tubbs Frontier appropriate for me? Also, could I use a man’s snowshoe, and what size would I buy in that case? Thanks and happy March!

  23. Hello

    Does the style of the toe matter on the snowshoe. I notice some are like a ‘cap’ that holds the toe in while others seem to just have straps across the top of the foot. Will my toe slide forward if there is no ‘cap’ there? I currently have ladies Tubbs but I wear a size 10 Kamik boot and the sides of the toe ‘cap’ speads and sometimes catches on the snowshoe making a clicking sound or getting stuck under the top of the snowshoe. When I switch to my husbands Tubbs the cap fits nicely and I have no problems. Should I stick to a mens shoe instead? I had no troubles walking in them. What would you recommend for me at 5’7 190 pounds, no gear, walk 2 hours per day 5-7 days per week, up and down short but very steep hills. Some snowmobile trails, some trail breaking in heavy wooded areas (bushes, roots etc under snow), walking on frozen creeks, snow very dry to full slush depending on time of year. Snow often is 5 foot deep in drifted areas. Usually out no colder than minus 25 celcius.
    Noreen Fort St. John, BC

  24. When would you recommend buying composite snowshoes?

  25. Hi – I’m visiting friends in Vancouver this Christmas and may be doing a spot of trekking around the ski slope area and across at Whistler. I have no idea what tyoe of snow whether it i will be packed or untouched snow and I have no idea where to start looking at snow shoes. Any help given will be great. I’m 5,7in and about 140lb although would like to lose 7lb before I travel. I also have a problem with my left knee so light weight snow shoes would be helpful, kind regards Marie

  26. Hello, looking forward to a new season! I’m located in MA and trying to decide between the 21″ and 25″ Tubbs Wilderness model. I weigh about 110 without gear. I think that I would mostly be doing daytrips but perhaps sometime in the future would like to do some winter camping. I tend to enjoy more woodsy backcountry hikes, so maneuverability is important. However, I experience a lot of “mountain fear” and “snow/ice fear” so traction/floatation is also important. Obviously I’d like to go with the most versatile length. Overall traction is probably the most important factor to me….no one wants to have an anxiety attack at the top of a trail in the snow! Your thoughts?

  27. Hi! I would like to take my kids out snowshoeing this year but am not sure which size to buy. My daughter is 5′ and weighs 75#, my son is 4’2″ and weighs 60#. We live in the Northwest so the snow can be wet and heavy. Would a 7×16 be appropriate for both of them?

  28. Hello,

    I just went to a snowshoeing lecture and the presenter strongly suggested that women purchase women-specific snowshoes because woman have narrower hips (????), smaller feet, and a shorter gate. That women’s snow shoes are narrower than men’s to accomodate our body type. I am a woman standing 5’10” tall, weighing 150 lbs, and a size 11 shoe (men’s 9.5). However, I am a fairly slim build taking a size small/medium in clothing. I have a long gait but not a wide gait, at least that’s what I think. Will I be comfortable in a men’s style snowshoe? I’m looking at the MSR Evo Ascent 22 Snowshoes, which states that it accommodates up to 180 lbs and is 8″ x 22″. I like them because I want something that I can hike in if I choose to (live in Boulder, CO). What would be your recommendation for length and width, men’s vs women’s snowshoes in my situation? Thank you for your help!!

  29. Hi,

    I am a male and am approximately 240 lbs and I am 6 feet tall. I live in Michigan’s upper peninsula. I plan to o back into the wood on hikes and to take pictures. I do not plan to stay on trails too often. I am deciding between a 30 or 36 size. What do you recommend?

    Thanks

  30. Hello, I am purchasing snow shoes for my mom. She is about 5’4″ and weighs about 120. Should I get the 8×21 or the 8×25. We have a cabin in the mountains, so she will mostly be using them on trails in the mountain and hills. I would suspect more powder than compact snow, but also some compact snow as well. Help!!!

  31. I am 5′ feet tall, size 5 and weigh 115 lbs. Do you think I can snowshoe in a 7 & 16? It’s just for recreational and I am not planning to run.

    Thanks!

  32. I have a pair of men’s 8″ by 25″ lightweight all terrain snowshoes, but I am a woman with fairly small feet, though wide. I often wear boys sport shoes as they fit better. I’m 5’6″ 160 lbs + gear so I believe the general size is okay, however the foot placement area is too long. can I adjust them by placing the toe pad lower, or heel area higher, or will this cause balance or other problems? please help

  33. I am a 125#, 5’5″ female. I purchased a set of Tubb’s 8 X 21 snowshoes ( rated at 150#) and I am concerned that these are too small for me since I am sinking quite a bit in the fresh Colorado powder in my backyard.

    These will be beginning recreational snowshoes, with only a daypack around 10 pounds. Any suggestions?
    Thanks!

  34. question….im interested in getting my first pair of snowshoes……im 5’6″ and 245 lbs…..as far as terrain, itll be mixed….im wondering is there a “safe bet” size for me so i can go in all conditions?

  35. Hi! My name is Leah, and I am looking for snowshoes to enjoy our beautiful Colorado outdoors! I am trying to decide between a 21″ and 25″. I am 5’2″ and weight 120 lbs. Most of our snowshoeing is on packed trails with some venturing into powder. Thanks for your help! I don’t anticipate ever carrying a very heavy pack. Thanks!

  36. Hello, I am looking into getting 8×25 size snowshoes for myself, but I want to make sure I am making the right decision. I am 5’5″, 140lbs, and wear a size 9 shoe. Would it make a difference in size if I would use them going across fields where the snow can become stiffer, on non-groomed lighter snow on trails around our house, or on groomed trails at the state park? I am looking for a pair that does everything but the dishes. Do I fall into the same category regardless? I would not be carrying much of anything. I guess I am thrown off by the 27″ option. I don’t know what that would be ideal for. Also, my husband is 5’8″, 165, size 10 shoe. He would be going the same places. 9×30?
    Thanks!

  37. I’d like to start snowshoeing but need to know what size would work best for me. I’m 190-195lbs and 6’2.
    Mostly trailed but some powder.

  38. I am a 170 pound female 5’9″. I found a pair of gv snow areolight 180 at a local garage sale. They are the mens and I am wondering if they will work for me. I am pretty new to snowshoeing and will be doing trails with some incline.

  39. Hi! You’ve got a great comments section, and we love your speed to reply to all of your readers!

    My fiance and I are both looking for snowshoes. We both:
    Myself – 190lbs, 5’11
    Fiance – 148lbs, 5’10

    I’m sure finding my perfect fit will be simple (any hints?), but my fiance has size 9.5 ladies feet – will this be a factor in determining what showshoe will fit her foot, regardless of her weight? We see that you’re offering some great insights and answers.

    Thanks in Advance!

  40. Hi!

    I am 5’4 and weight 115 lbs while my friend is 5’2 and around 200 lbs. We’re both girls that wanna buy snowshoes.

    We probably would start in easy trails, nothing too extreme but we’d like versatile snowshoes. Do you have suggestions about the size we’d need. We’re looking at aluminum snowshoes.

    I’ve look online but I found conflicting charts.

    Thanks!

  41. Hello!

    We live in northern Maine where we have plenty of snow all winter. We are active into skiing as a family and my children all love snowshoeing in school. I am purchasing snowshoes for the whole family for Christmas for us to have outside fun on days we can’t go skiing. We have 38 acres with trails through it. Mostly flat and slight slopes up or down. I have most of us figured out I think for size but a few are on borders…

    Husband – 5’10 & 200 pounds – size 10/11 shoe = 30″ snowshoe?

    Me – 5’8″ & 155 – 160 pounds – size 10-11 women’s shoe = 25″ OR 30″ snowshoe? Does shoe size and height matter or just weight?

    15 year old – 5’10” & 125 pounds – size 11 mens shoe = He is so lightweight but tall with big feet… Do I go with the 25″ snowshoe or does he also need the 30″ just because of size (but not weight)?

    11 year old – 5′ & 75 pounds – size 6 shoe = Again so tall and big feet but weight wise is so small… I have found a small adult 22″ snowshoe… Would that work well?

    8 year old – 4″4 & 55pounds – getting youth size

    Thank you for all your help!!!

  42. I weigh 150 but I only wear a child’s size 3 would I still fit into a women’s snowshoe with even though my boots are so small.

  43. Hi, I’m looking for a snowshoe that i can use when I’m snowboarding. I like to hike to places that you need snowshoes, so i can snowboard. The issue i ran into is that my snowboarding boot is HUGE and doesn’t fit normal size snowshoes. Im wondering what size would fit a size 11 snowboarding boot? Any input would be great, Thanks

  44. Hi,
    I was wondering if you could tell me what size snowshoe I should get. I am a female, approx. 118 lbs., 5’4″ tall and am interested in purchasing my first pair of snowshoes. At this point I only plan on not going too far just for recreational fun, so I don’t want to spend alot of money at this point and time. I was even considering purchasing used, but not sure what size I should be looking at. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!

  45. Hi,

    I am 5’0″, weight 140 pounds and shoe size is 6.5. I am interested in buying a set of snowshoes but unsure of the size to buy. I would be using these in moderate snowfall. More than likely packed trails. What size do you recommend, brand etc. Thank you

  46. Hello,

    I’m looking at buying snow shoes for my parents who have expressed interest in going snow shoeing on trails in a local state park in Wisconsin that is fairly hilly in terrain. The snow is normally a little wetter and more dense, but can still be a bit powdery at other times. My mom is 5’5″ and 135lbs and my dad is about 5’9″ and about 145lbs. What size shoes would you reccommend? I’m leaning towards the 25″ for my dad, but am trying to decide between the 21″ or 25″ for my mom. Thanks a bunch for your help!

    -Ryan

  47. I’m 5-5, weigh 155 and have size 5 feet. How should I choose snowshoe size? I’ll just want them for hiking.

  48. Hi…I want to take up snowshoeing as a winter hobby but seem confused about what size of shoes to buy. I am a woman about 5’8″ weighing 220 lbs. I am on a plan losing weight as I have lost 70 lbs in the last 7 months and want a pair that will do me during this transition. I will not be doing hard terrain but on trails already made or making my own on flat land.

    Thanks

  49. My husband is 165 lbs & 5′ 9″ and I am 130 lbs & 5’6″ which snowshoes size 8 x 25 or 9 x 30 for trails in the Kawartha Region of Ontario (seasonal unmaintained country backroads and snowmobile trails). We would be carrying a thermos and energy bars. Thnx

  50. Hi,

    I am looking to buy snowshoes for both me and my husband. We will be using them to hike. I am 5’4″ and 130 lbs. my husband is 6’0″ and 190 lbs. what size woul you suggest?

  51. Also, what are your thoughts on: Yukon Charlie Pro-Guide aluminum snowshoes?

  52. Hello,

    I am wanting to get a pair for snowshoes for myself, but I’m not sure what size to get. I’m 5’3″ and way around 115-120 lbs. Can I get away with a size 21 or should I do a size 25? Can you advise? Thanks!

  53. I am 6’1″ and 212 lbs. I am going to be using snowshoes mostly on packed snow in nordic centers and on spring corn in the backcountry. I will probably use them sparingly in Vermont powder which is typically on the dense side. What size would you recommend for me?

  54. hey im a boy scout that needs snoeshoes for hikes and and campouts im 5’5 weight about 95 pounds size 11 m hopeing to keep them till im about a size 13 what size should i get?

  55. I’m looking at some used snowshoes that measure 7.5″ x 30″. I’m 5’4″ and weigh 105 lbs. My husband is 5’10” and weigh 180. Are these a good size for us? We live in snow country so could use them under various conditions.

    Thank you!

  56. Hello, I’m looking to pick up a pair of snowshoes for winter mountain hiking. I will be on a mix of ascending trails and possibly some high altitude powder/ loose pack. I’m 5’9″ weigh around 185 and wear a size 10 boot. At most I will be carrying a 25-30lb pack.

    I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on shoe size and brand/type of snowshoe for this type of use. Thank you in advance.

    Chris

  57. Hello!

    I am about 250 and 5’8 , I am assuming I would need a 9×30? I will mostly just be snowshoeing on the country no extra pack or weight.

    My mother is also looking at getting a pair and she is about 5’3 and 125-130 pounds with a size 6-7 foot. Would she be better with the 8×21 or the 8×25?

    Thanks!

  58. I recently bought a pair of tubbs snow shoes size 25. I went to try them out off trail. The now was light and fluffy and I sank about 12 inches. I an 5′ 3″ and weigh 170 without boots, and winter gear. Should I get a larger size? These were to range up to 200 pounds.

  59. Happy 2014. I am looking to upgrade my 9×30 snowshoes. They are low grade and the bindings are poorly made. I’m Male, 225 lbs, 6′ 3″ tall…. I mainly hike atv trails behind my house. I notice my current shoe does not float well. So I think the next size larger. Will I find the larger shoe hard to maneuver? Or clumsy? If I walk other more compressed trails would I be wishing I had a smaller shoe if I get the 36?

  60. I am a female who weighs 232 lbs and I am 5’1, I want to do both trail and off trail snowshoeing. I want the versatility to go in both packed and deep unpacked snow, through woods and up hills. I have been researching snowshoes and had settled on a women’s 9 x 30 pair. Are they going to be to big for me?

  61. My husband is 6’9… 270lbs… Trekking around parks and fields.. Just for fun with the family… His foot is size 15… Do you think the MTN Hercules 8.5 x 34 would be a good fit. I found them for a grea price.

  62. Hi there,

    My name is Devan and I was wondering about the ideal size for my snowshoes.

    I’m 6.1″ and I weight 200 lbs and will do mostly backcounty if not always. I live in quebec in the laurentians so that calls for deep snow.

    Thank you for your time

    Devan

  63. Hi
    I am having a hard time deciding on the size of snowshoes to get. I really like the ease of movement with a 25″ but may be only able to where a 30″ I am 5’10 182IBS. I will not be wearing a pack, just my clothing. I live in northern Washington and will be snowshoeing in the cascades. Any advice?

    Thanks a bunch.

  64. I’m about 5ft 6 inches 210lbs and just getting started snowshoeing. Starting around the area just in the woods off the beaten path. I was thinking 25 inches might be what I should use, but just not sure.

  65. I just purchased a pair of 9 x 30 whitewoods snow shoe. Where I live the snow is dry and deep currently. The shoes sank quite a bit and made walking the untraveled woods quite a work out. I hate to purchase another pair so soon – but
    I’m thinking a 10 x 36 should have been the ticket. I’m 6 feet and 212lbs. is that your consensus? thank you

  66. Hi, I am considering snowshoeing for the first time this winter to keep myself exercising during the long snowy months where I live. I am a 220-lb woman- I should be slightly lower by the time snow hits- but I have wide feet. My question is, should I buy a men’s snowshoe for the weight/ wide boot or will a bigger women’s (Atlas 1227, for example) work?

    Thanks in advance for the answer. I see there’s been awhile since anything was posted here.

  67. Hi.
    I’m 5’1 and weight 115. I would like to use them for exercise as well as leisure. Could you please suggest the 21 or 25?

  68. i have an old pair of tubbs snowshoes.. wood and leather.. the size is 10×36 s8.. im wondering how much weight these are capable of carrying. i saw a chart that had sizes and weights, but i am not sure if that is just for current models composed of newer materials, or just an overall lbs/in^2. thanks

  69. I’m looking at buying a traditional style snowshoe for hunting in the prairies. Open fields of deep snow, also walking across lakes for ice fishing. I’m short and fat though….5’4, 220lbs…what size would I need? Seems the traditional ones are bigger.

  70. Hi, I am new to the snowshoeing activity and would love to try this out with my kids, I am 5’11” and weigh 220lbs, my children are 10 and 8 and I am not sure of their height and weight but I would also probably be carrying a 20 – 30lbs pack for trail supplies. Please let me know of suggested snowshoe sizes and brands for both trail and back country

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