Guide to Choosing the Ideal Snowshoe Size Based on Weight & Snow Type
- Céline Simard, propriétaire de Simard Sport & Raquetteaneige
- Dec 16, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 21
How to Choose the Right Snowshoe Size
This guide will help you select the correct snowshoe size. Reference tables are provided to guide you — but remember, each snowshoe brand has its own ratio.
Finding the right snowshoe size is essential to ensure stability, comfort, and performance on any terrain.
A snowshoe that’s too small will sink into the snow, while one that’s too large will be harder to maneuver. Here’s how to choose the ideal size based on your weight, shoe size, and activity type.
⚖️ Snowshoe Load Capacity
Every pair of snowshoes includes a recommended weight rating, which represents the total load the snowshoe can support — that is, the user’s body weight plus all winter gear.
💡 Keep in mind:
This weight includes your backpack, clothing, boots, and accessories.
The more gear you carry, the higher the snowshoe’s load-bearing capacity should be — whether for packed trails or off-trail powder.
🎒 Reference Weight Includes
The reference weight (kg) includes:
the user’s body weight,
the backpack and its contents,
winter boots and clothing,
accessories (poles, water bottles, etc.).
👉 Example: A hiker weighing 75 kg with 10 kg of gear should choose a snowshoe
designed for 85 kg or more.
🥾 Match Snowshoes to Your Activity
Packed trails / groomed paths: smaller snowshoes = better agility.
Powder / backcountry: larger snowshoes = better flotation.
Heavy backpack: models with higher load capacity.
⚠️ Simard Sport Expert Advice
Each snowshoe brand (MSR, Atlas, Tubbs, GV, LG, etc.) uses its own weight-to-surface ratio. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimal performance and durability.
❄️ In Summary
✔️ Choose according to your total weight (you + gear)✔️ Consider your main activity (trail or backcountry)✔️ Check the size and adjustable shoe fit✔️ Trust Simard Sport, Canada’s expert in snowshoes, parts, and repairs
💡 Simard Sport Tip
➡️ Smaller snowshoes are ideal for packed snow and trails (better control).
➡️ Larger snowshoes work best in fresh, deep snow (greater flotation).
➡️ Always adjust your choice based on your total weight, shoe size, and adventure type.
-Less than 80 lbs (max 36 kg)
-Adjustable size: XSmall to Junior #4
-Less than 100 lbs (22 to 45 kg)
- Adjustable size: Small to Junior #5
-Trail and Off-Piste: 75 - 160 lb (35 to 70 kg)
24 - 25 inches
-Trail only: 100-220 lbs (44 to 100 kg)
-Trail and Off-Piste: 100 - 170 lbs (44 to 77 kg)
-Universal size 5 to 12
27 Inches:
- Trail Only: 120 - 235 lbs (55 to 106 kg)
-Trail and Off-Piste: 120 - 200 lbs (55 to 90 kg)
-Universal size 6 to 13
30-31 inches
-Trail only: 150-275 lbs (68 to 125 kg)
-Trail /Off-piste: 150- 240 lb (68 to 110 kg)
-Universal size 6 to 13
34 - 35 inches
-Trail only: 140-300 lbs (68 to 135 kg)
-Trail/Off-piste: 140-275 lb (68 to 125 kg)
-Universal size 7 to 14
36 inches
-Trail/Off-piste: 150-360 lb(72 to 165 kg)
-Universal size 7 to 14
Keep in mind that if the snow is packed (hard), you can opt for smaller snowshoes, while for deep and fluffy snow, a larger size is preferable. This way, you can enjoy your snowshoeing experience to the fullest while ensuring safety."
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