Today's sport snowshoes are made with a solid decking of durable rubber known as neoprene - the same material used in wetsuits. This decking keeps you from sinking in the snow and creates a feeling of floating on snow as you stride along. It also eliminates the buildup of snow and ice on the shoes. The narrower, shorter length of sport snowshoes reduces the risk of falling over your feet as you run. Recommended models for adult runners range in length from 22 to 30 inches, are less than a foot wide, and typically weigh about 3 pounds per pair.
Most training shoes are symmetrical in shape, though asymmetrical racing shoes are also available.
Steel traction spikes, often called claws, cleats, or crampons, complete the technological evolution of the modern snowshoe. These devices allow you to step securely over a wide range of surface conditions, including ascents, descents, and ice. As with running shoes, there is no one best snowshoe model. As a rule, get the smallest and lightest pair to satisfy your needs. And the needs of a runner who snowshoes for cross-training and fun, in moderate snow depths, on packed and semipacked trails will likely be met by smaller, lighter models.