Do Snowshoes Have a Left and Right? (All You Need to Know)

Do you want to experience the snowy mountains without damaging your feet and shoes? Walk on the snow with a snowshoe to make the dream come true. Snowshoes are a must if you love to stroll around the snow.

If you are a newbie, you might get confused when you see a snowshoe with no Left and Right marking or label. That is how it is in general. Universal snowshoes do not have left or rights. It is common for the unisex shoes. Though there are exceptions.

Do snowshoes have a left and right?

It is not very common for snowshoes to have a left and a right shoe. Usually, you can wear anyone of the shoes on any foot. The universal snowshoe will fit on either of the foot. Some brands do have specified left and right shoes, but they are labeled. But in general, a snowshoe fits in both feet.

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When you go to buy snowshoes, a confusion that you might encounter is whether the shoes are specified for left and right foot. This is a common question for new customers.

There is no need to worry about this because the general snowshoe does not have a left and right shoe. You can use any shoe for any foot.

It is true that some manufacturers make snowshoes like normal shoes and specify the left and right foot. You will find labels on the shoes indicating which is which. But for a universal snowshoe, there is a need for a label as they can fit in any of the feet.

Where can the L and R markings on snowshoes be found?

Most of the snowshoes do not have a left and right shoe. But if you have a shoe that has a specific left and right shoe, then you will find a label on each shoe. There are some common places to add the L and R marking-

At the very top of the binding, where your foot will be placed.
At the under sides of the shoe binding.
On top of the binding, which is near the tip.
Near the trail of the shoe, this is also at the top of the binding.

Snowshoes that do not have a left and a right tend to look identical. This means both the shoes of the same set will look the same and you will have no trouble putting them on.

If you find any difference in the shoes, then the L and R on the shoes are different. Try to find a marking for the left one and the right one.

What if there are no L & R markings on snowshoes?

If you happen to have a snowshoe that has no L and R marking on it, then it must be a shoe that can be worn on both feet. However, it might always not be the case. Sometimes the labels are not necessary. Check for the following things when you face a trouble like so-

To avoid excessive fastening, wear the snowshoes with straps facing towards the outer edge of the snowshoe.
You can tuck the excess straps in the shoe, but they will eventually come off.
Taking wider steps while walking is a common advice which comes with a bit of back pain.

It is best to fasten the straps towards the edge of the shoe. This will keep the contact of the straps far from each other. There are many straps of the snowshoe. It is important to fasten the straps tightly and properly to avoid any serious accident.

Which snowshoe goes on which foot?

As the universal snowshoe has, you do not have to worry about putting the shoe on the wrong foot. The shoe is made for any of the feet.

But if you buy a snowshoe that is designed for a left and right side, you should check the label or the marking before putting the shoe on.

Keep the binding buckles towards the edge and look for a L and R marking. There should be markings on various places of the binding.

Check the outer sides of the binding as well. Some shoes are designed by the manufacturer with left and right side shoes. Check for a label on the sole of the shoe or any other marking.

The universal snowshoes have identical shoes in the same set. Both the shoes of a set are similar and straight in shape. This is why you do not have to worry about putting on the wrong shoe. However, if you see a slight difference in the shapes of the shoes check for a label or a marking.

Are snowshoes unisex?

The universal snowshoe can be used as an unisex shoe. The manufacturers of the snowshoes do not make different shoes for men or women. As the main structure of the shoe is to be maintained for both, it is a waste to differentiate according to gender.

There are some shoes that are a bit smaller and less wider. Women tend to buy them most as it is a good fit. But this does not mean that the shoes are made for women. Anyone with short feet can buy and use the shoes. What matters in case of the snowshoe is the fit.

How should you wear snowshoes?

Once you have your snowshoe at hand, you should put it on and try the fit. Putting on a snowshoe is not very difficult.

But there are a lot of straps that you need to be aware of. For a first timer, the process can be a bit confusing There are a few basic steps for beginners to put a snowshoe –

Place the snowshoes on a flat surface to make the process easier;
Place your foot on the binding of the shoe. Keep the foot up to the pivot point to help the foot flex while walking. This is for your comfort;
Tighten the binding once you have properly placed your foot;
Tighten all the straps to keep the shoes in place. Start with the middle point and heels. Do not forget to fasten the straps of the toe as well.
Tuck the straps away once you are done with the binding. This will prevent any accidents. The loose straps can be very annoying while walking.

Putting on a snowshoe is very easy. Tightening the straps is a very important part of it. Try to make the fastening a bit tight and you will be good to go.

How tight should snowshoes be?

Your snowshoe should be tight enough but not too much. Make sure the binding is snug and you are flexible while walking. As your feet will be a bit farther apart than your usual stride, it is best to keep the binding as comfortable as possible.

Do not make your shoes too tight and keep them snug. Not too tight and not too loose.

What is the difference between women’s and men’s snowshoes?

Snowshoes are in generally unisex. But some of the manufacturers have started to make different shoes for the two genders. There are only a few differences without altering the main shape and design-

Length

The average length of the shoes made for females are kept a bit shorter than the ones made for males.

Width

The manufacturers make the shoes for females a little narrower than average.

Weight

The shoes made for women are often lighter.

Bindings

The binding on the female snowshoes is often narrower than the ordinary shoes.

The main difference is that the shoes are a bit smaller and narrower in shape.

What kind of shoes do you wear with snowshoes?

Snowshoes are worn over another shoe. It is important to choose the right type of shoe to wear underneath the snowshoe. The best kind of shoes for this are any type of waterproof boots.

Boots will keep your feet dry and warm in the snow. Make sure whichever boots you use, they are waterproof. Synthetic and leather boots are breathable and water repellent. Double check the material before going out into the snow.

Do not go for full high knee boots though. They are not comfortable enough to walk around in when attached with a snowshoe. Try to wear boots with a sturdy upper to keep the bindings tight.

Snowshoes are a great footwear to walk over snow. These amazing shoes make your snowy adventures more enjoyable and livelier. The shoes help you keep on top of the snow.

Universal snowshoes look the same and do not have any left or right. Binding of the shoe is very important to avoid any accident or unwanted injury.