Snowshoes, like many useful human inventions, are based on the adaptations seen in nature. Animals that live in cold and snowy climates, such as the snowshoe hare and the snow leopard, often have oversized feet. It is their feet that allow them to move quickly and efficiently over snow without becoming mired down. The additional distributes the animal's weight over a larger area, preventing the feet from sinking very far. Snowshoes operate on exactly the same concept, and they are just as effective. Humans have used snowshoes for thousands of years to aid in survival; today, however, they are popular primarily as a form of recreation.

Modern snowshoes usually have an aluminum or stainless steel frame and neoprene/nylon or polypropylene decking; the toe is generally tilted upward to allow for easier maneuverability. In order to work as intended, snowshoes must not be allowed to accumulate snow on the tops. This is usually prevented by use of a latticework, which allows any snow to fall through the snowshoe. Some snowshoes use no latticework, having a solid, plastic decking; however, these models do not appear to have a problem with accumulated snow. If they did, they would not be as popular as they are. Many modern snowshoes also incorporate crampons, which are essentially spikes that protrude from the bottoms of the shoes. Crampons help with mountaineering and glacier travel, providing additional traction in snow and ice.

Snowshoes are seeing a resurgence in popularity. Today, these pieces of equipment can be divided into three types: aerobic, recreational and mountaineering. The first, aerobic, are small and lightweight. They are not intended for use over rough terrain, but rather on groomed trails. Such snowshoes are commonly used by runners who want to be able to exercise even when there is snow on the ground. Recreational snowshoes and a bit larger and, as the name implies, most often used on snow hikes. Such hikes are usually three to five miles, as anything beyond that is considered mountaineering, which requires the largest and toughest kind of snowshoe.

There are two kinds of snowshoe bindings: limited rotation and free rotation. With limited rotation, the toe is not permitted below the level of the decking; with free rotation, it is. Both types utilize straps to fasten the foot to the snowshoe. These straps are fastened so that the lose ends are on the outsides of the feet. This prevents the wearer from stepping on them.

Snowshoeing is extremely beneficial exercise, especially since they allow people to get outdoors when it would otherwise be impossible. Snowshoes also have the added benefit of being quite environmentally friendly. A snowshoer is able to pass through his or her surroundings while making virtually no impact, adverse or otherwise. Snowshoes even allow skiers and snowboarders to access hills they would otherwise be unable to get to. As a result, many winter sports enthusiasts have adopted snowshoes as a complimentary sport, one that allows them to practice their main pastime in new and different surroundings.