We never thought snowshoes needed a re-invention since the tech upgrade from the old school wicker and wood models. At least not until we saw the new Fimbulvert Snowshoes ($450). These look straight out of the mind of sci-fi director Alfonso Cuaron, with a name to match. Turns out Fimbulvert is old Norse for “The Great Winter,” and these snowshoes are trying to help you explore the wild, snow-covered beyond easier than ever before. The shoes are made from Dupont Hyrel—a thermoplastic elastomer typically used in car engines and shock absorbers that provides both strength and flexibility. The footprint itself looks about the same as most existing snowshoes, but the honeycombed pattern is said to provided natural flexibility while evenly distributing your weight. The single-body construction should reduce potential break points, the Achilles’ heel of most models currently on the market. The rest of the shoe—a uni-directional hinge, a stainless steel crampon, metal bolts and bindings—take the more conventional construction route. Despite these advances, there are lighter snowshoes on the market. The true test will be in performance and seasons-long durability, but we think these Norwegian designers may be onto something.
—Nathan Borchelt
