Towle, her husband, Mike, and the half-dozen friends they've turned onto the sport are among a growing group of snowshoe enthusiasts. In some parts of the country, snowshoers are the fastest-growing group of outdoor recreationists. Morlock said that while she sells a fair number of shoes in a good snow season, especially if it coincides with hunting, she wouldn't rank North Dakota among places where interest is surging. There is interest, though. Most have a metal claw beneath the foot that bites into icy hard-pack.
Shorter shoes are good for recreational hiking.
Longer snowshoes are better for heavier people or for hunters, who may end up carrying big loads. And off you go. Kate Walth, assistant manager at Scheels in Bismarck, said she's seen a definite increase in interest. It's so fun. You can be out enjoying winter instead of being cooped up inside.