While there are common elements to every snowshoe, the frame, size, and materials used in construction can make all the difference while running in the local town series or venturing into the powdery wilderness. This review covers the basics of snowshoes and gives our top picks for getting into this easy and adventurous sport. Snowshoe purchases are based on three key factors: (1) type of use, (2) size, and (3) gender. Understanding the nuances of these three factors will help you get our into the winter wonderland and enjoy the terrain of the Rocky Mountains. The three general types of snowshoes are general purpose, running, and backcountry. General purpose snowshoes tend to be cross-functional and designed for use with more traditional footwear. Running snowshoes are lighter, smaller size, have a narrower, streamlined shape -- tapered to prevent hitting your feet together while running. The bindings of running snowshoes are set up for smaller running shoes and have flexible materials to allow for blood-flow and foot bending. The biggest in the pack, backcountry shoes are generally wider and longer frames with larger bindings for bigger, harder footwear. Backcountry snowshoes are designed for more float for deeper, untracked snow but can be cumbersome on a packed trail because of their size and poor maneuverability. Sizes typically range from 22, 25, and 30 (cross-gender). Essentially, the size of the snowshoe determines the amount of float a shoe has. Size 22’s are made for walking on packed trails where the snow is not as deep. 25’s tend to be more general purpose or for a lighter weight person in deep snow. And 30’s are designed for untracked powder and provide the biggest degree of floatation. Weight, however, is a factor (a heavier person needs a larger surface area). Consider your fully loaded weight if you are carrying packs, gear, etc. Gender affects the shape of the snowshoe. Ladies snowshoes are tapered in the tail so your stance does not have to be as wide and delivers the best clearance for a woman’s natural stride. Men’s snowshoes tend to be straighter tails to support a wider stance.     1. Tubbs, Altitude 21 WF (Women's Specific) The Day Hiking/All Terrain Altitude Series is built for go anywhere performance. It delivers maximum performance through patented technologies, an aggressive crampon system and durable decking materials. 2. Atlas, Dual Track Super Light (Running) Complete with a titanium toe and heal crampon, the Atlas Dual Track Super Light is the lightest weight snowshoe on the market. It has a lightweight frame specifically shaped for running and is constructed with a urethane decking (30% lighter than normal decking) for incredible strength and durability. Only 1.8 pounds per pair. Spring loaded binding allows the foot to roll naturally from heal to ball -- a more natural running motion. 3. Atlas, 719 Junior (Youth) Enhanced with a new size for kids and youth weighing up to 120 lbs., the Atlas Junior Series Jr. Snowshoe is the perfect platform for introducing young backcountry enthusiasts to the wide, wintery white spaces beyond the shoveled walkway. Just like the smaller-sized Mini, this Jr. Snowshoe has a versatile kid-friendly binding system that won't give shoes and boots the slip like some cheap kid snowshoe designs. 4. Kahtoola Traction System For those that want to hike on packed trails only, Kahtoolas are the perfect choice. Kahtoolas are small, portable traction systems that attach to the bottom of your footwear -- from a small running shoe to a large mountaineering boot. Similar to crampons, they are lightweight, adjustable, and very compact for easy to carry and storage. 5. Atlas, Elektra 1022 (All-Purpose) Lightweight and tapered with a small frame tubing for lighter weight. Arch flex binding. Narrower hip-alignment for a more natural, narrower gate. One-pull binding designed specifically for a woman’s foot shape. Anatomic design.	Ptarmigan demos all of their shoes $12 per day, 2 days applicable to the purchase of the shoe. It is actually harder to climb a steep grade with a longer snowshoe. Size 30 backcountry snowshoes can sometimes be more difficult than a size 25 if the terrain is rolling. Ptarmigan Sports is open for business 7 days a week - Monday-Saturday: 9am-7pm - Sunday: 10am-5pm 137 Main Street Edwards, CO 81632-8118 (970) 926 8144 Contact us