How to Use Snowshoe Bindings

Snowshoe bindings are relatively simple things; there's usually a part that cinches around the front of your boot or shoe and another part to keep your heel in place. However, the rush is under way to optimize snowshoe binding performance as much as for any other sort of outdoor gear. Whether your bindings have laces, straps or buckles, make sure that you don't get overwhelmed by the variety of options. Just remember that the real purpose of snowshoe bindings is to secure your foot firmly to the snowshoe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Lay the snowshoes out in front of you, oriented with the tail of each snowshoe pointing toward your feet. Make sure any buckles or snaps on the bindings are facing toward the outside, where it's usually easier to get at them, as opposed to the inside (between your feet).

Step 2

Untie, loosen or unbuckle the toe section of the bindings enough that you can work the front portion of your boot or shoe all the way into them. You're going to go through the entire binding process on first one foot, then the other, so pick a leg to start with.

Step 3

Place your chosen foot all the way into the front section of the bindings; depending on how the the bindings are made, there will be either straps that go across the top of your foot or laces that bring the edges of the binding together over your foot. Some snowshoes will also have a strap that goes down the very front of your shoe, around the toe. Buckle, tie or fasten these loosely.

Step 4

Fasten the heel-strap around the back of your boot or shoe. Almost all snowshoe bindings will feature a strap that helps keep your boot from slipping backward out of the binding. Snug the strap down so that your foot is firmly pressed forward into the binding.

Step 5

Tighten the fasteners or laces on the front-portion of the binding. Note that when you stand up on your toes, the toes of your boots should point down into the hole made for them at the front of the snowshoe. Adjust the heel-strap and front straps as necessary to get your feet properly oriented; this is the easiest way of making sure you're centered on the snowshoe.

Article Written By Marie Mulrooney

Marie Mulrooney has written professionally since 2001. Her diverse background includes numerous outdoor pursuits, personal training and linguistics. She studied mathematics and contributes regularly to various online publications. Mulrooney's print publication credits include national magazines, poetry awards and long-lived columns about local outdoor adventures.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...