Choosing snowshoes is rocket science

Since I started selling snowshoes on my other site, I keep being asked the same questions : " What size are the snowshoes you are selling ?"

"Do you want the dimensions ? " That's not how you choose your snowshoes.

In my opinion the most important factors you need to take into consideration are the weight that your snowshoes will be supporting and the snow conditions. Though ,every snowshoe manufacturer has a recommended weight range for each model of snowshoes, the common sizes are :
22 - for user 75 - 140 lbs
25 - for user 140 - 180 lbs
30 - for user 160 - 220 lbs
36 - for over 200 lbs

Also, don't forget the gear you'll be carrying ( if any). The more you and your gear weigh the bigger the snowshoe you'll need.

When it come to snow conditions, dry, powdery snow requires more flotation, and thus larger snowshoes, than firm or packed down snow.

So, basically, the rule of thumb is the larger a snowshoe's dimensions (length and width), the greater the amount of surface area underfoot, which is the key to not sinking into the snow. The more surface area your snowshoes have, the more flotation you have.

On the other hand the bigger the snowshoes the heavier and less maneuverable they are for hiking through trees or running.

Which bring us to another important factor - the type of snowshoeing you'll be doing.

The manufacturers design the snowshoes based on what level of activity and type of terrain you'll be tackling most of the time :
Recreational
Hiking
Backcountry
Running
Women-Specific
Youth

The final factors that you will need to consider before buying the snowshoes are :

Bindings- the bindings should be easy to use so you can get snowshoes on and off without having to remove gloves or mittens in the cold. Most bindings will work with a wide variety of footwear, however some are designed specifically for larger mountaineering or ski boots, or to snugly fit running shoes. So make sure the bindings will work with your preferred footwear.

Crampons (traction bars, cleats)- heel and toe crampons underfoot allow you to climb or descend steeper slopes by biting into the snow and ice. Mountaineering snowshoes , with traction bars on the underside of the snowshoe decking, offer the most aggressive traction of all ( but, do you really need those ?).