Editing Snowshoe (section)

===North American Indigenous peoples===
[[File:Ojibwa dance.jpg|thumb|left| Plains [[Ojibwa people|Ojibwa]] performing a snowshoe dance. Note double-pointed snowshoes. Drawing by [[George Catlin]]]]
[[File:FMIB 41386 Types of snowshoes used in the Yukon Valley The smaller sized ones are used when breaking a trail The broken portion shows.jpeg|thumb|Traditional snowshoes of the [[Yukon Valley]].]]
[[File:Beaver-tail snowshoes, Montagnais, 1800s, wood, gut - Château Ramezay - Montreal, Canada - DSC07387.jpg|thumb|Traditional [[Innu|Montagnais]] Beaver-tail snowshoes. Note fine weave.]]
[[File:Traditionally crafted Athabascan hunting-style snowshoe using local birch for the frames. The red paint on these snowshoes is in (4a44247d-1720-46c1-bfe9-05866a1f4ead) (cropped).jpg|thumb

|Modern Athabaskan hunting-style snowshoes]]
[[File:RBCM - Dene Snowshoes.jpg|thumb|[[Dene]] snowshoes]]
The Indigenous peoples of North America developed the most advanced and diverse snowshoes prior to the 20th century. Different shapes were adapted to the different conditions in each region.<ref name=back>{{cite news |last1=Gillespie |first1=Craig |title=A Look Back – An Overview of Traditional Snowshoe Design In Canada |url=https://www.snowshoemag.com/a-look-back-an-overview-of-traditional-snowshoe-design-in-canada/ |work=Snowshoe Magazine |date=18 October 2004 |access-date=8 January 2023 |archive-date=8 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108223931/https://www.snowshoemag.com/a-look-back-an-overview-of-traditional-snowshoe-design-in-canada/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite their great diversity in form, snowshoes were, in fact, one of the few cultural elements common to all tribes that lived where the winters were snowy, in particular, the Northern regions. Nearly every [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas]] culture developed its own particular shape of shoe, the simplest being those of the far north.<ref>[https://www.penn.museum/sites/journal/184/ "Snowshoes"] ''The Museum Journal'' vol II #4:82-94 (December 1911) Penn Museum</ref>

The [[Inuit]] have two styles, one being triangular in shape and about {{convert|18|in|cm}} in length, and the other almost circular, both reflecting the need for high flotation in deep, loose and powdery snow. However, contrary to popular perception, the Inuit did not use their snowshoes much since they did most of their foot travel in winter over sea ice or on the [[tundra]], where snow does not pile up deeply.

Southward the shoe becomes gradually narrower and longer, one of the largest being the hunting snowshoe of the [[Cree]], which is nearly {{convert|6|ft|m|abbr=on}} long and turned up at the toe.

Athapaskan snowshoes are made for travelling quickly on dry powder over flat, open land in Alaska and the Canadian northwest. They were used for keeping up with [[dog sled]]s, and breaking trail for them. They can be over {{convert|7|ft|m|abbr=on}} long, and are narrow with an upturned toe.<ref name=back/>

[[Ojibwa]] snowshoes were designed for manuverability, and are pointed at both ends, making it easier to step backwards. They are also easier to construct, as the outer frame is made in two pieces.<ref name=back/>

Huron snowshoes are tailheavy, which means they track well but do not turn easily. They are broad enough that the maximum width has to be tucked against the tail of the other snowshoe with each step, or the straddle will be too wide for the wearer. They are also meant for open country, and can carry heavy loads.<ref name=back/>

Snowshoes developed by the [[Iroquois]] are narrower and shorter, reflecting the need for maneuverability in [[forest]]ed areas.

The Bearpaw style was widely used in the dense forests of [[Quebec]] and [[Labrador]]. It has no tail, and turns easily.<ref name=back/>

The [[Plains Indians]] wore snowshoes on their winter season [[American Bison|bison]] hunts before [[horse]]s were introduced.