Frame: The material that makes up the skeletal shape of the shoe and can either be made of wood or metal. It serves to suspend the decking material of the shoe and acts as the seat for both the binding and the crampons. A strong frame is essential not only for the durability of the shoe but also for its performance.

Decking: The material that comprises the surface area of the shoe. This is the part of the shoe that keeps you from sinking into the snow. It can either be solid or webbed and can be made from a wide range of materials.

Cleat: The teeth that are on the bottom of the shoe that provide traction, and allow for more confident stepping. Cleats are an important accessory and come as either a standard feature or can be purchased and attached later.

Harness and Binding: The connecting system between your boot and the snowshoe. Look for comfort and security. The binding should hold your foot in securily without causing discomfort.

Drag: The amount of snowshoe tail that touches the snow as you walk. Some manufacturers use drag to keep the snowshoe straight by acting as a rudder. This technique, though, creates undue work for the user and should not be necessary with an adequate binding