This winter has been one of the harshest on record, and while many aspects of life eased back to normal after a few rough months, one sport didn’t, and that’s cross country skiing. Due to the snowy weather and long hours of daylight, many hobbyists and winter sports fans took the opportunity to hit the trails and get some well-deserved exercise. However, one of the things that came with the warmer weather was the removal of snow shoes (also known as ski boots) from the equation. The snow shoe – a staple in the winter sport world for generations – was rendered useless as the snow melted and the ground turned to mud.
The good news is that much like any other accessory in a winter sport enthusiast’s closet, the snow shoe can be easily transformed into an elegant piece of jewelry. Thanks to the rising popularity of alpine skiing in the 1950s and 1960s, many jewelers had the opportunity to become well-versed in the art of creating intricate designs in the shape of a snowflake and other winter sports related themes. Because of this, many shops and ateliers that specialize in the design of snow shoes offer a diverse selection of styles that can be personalized with engraving or the addition of gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, or sapphire.
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The Evolution Of The Snow Shoe
The first snow shoe was likely created by some Native American tribe living on the Appalachian Trail in the 1800s. They would use animal husks as snow shoes due to the soft materials’ ability to grip the snow and prevent slipping. In fact, many ski resorts around the world were actually created by Native Americans who were inspired by their heritage and adapted the sport to the snow and the terrain.
During the early 1900s, the snow shoe as we know it was developed in earnest. The first commercial ski shop opened its doors in St. Anton, Austria in 1906, allowing ski lovers the chance to enjoy the winter sport on the big screen in the comfort of their living rooms.
By the 1950s, the ski shoe had grown to such a large size that it became cumbersome to ski in. The adaption of the plastic boot, which is lighter and more flexible, allowed for a better fit and thus improved balance and skiing performance. Additionally, the injection-molded plastic boots were designed to be worn directly over the ski jump or the ski lift tower, thus preventing any chance of damage caused by a fall. This was largely the case as many resorts around the world were built in the 1950s and 1960s, the era of the plastic boot.
The Importance Of The Laces
While many advancements were made in the field of snow shoes, one design detail that hasn’t changed is the importance of the laces. Yes, the days of double-knotted laces are long gone, and today’s snow shoes are designed to be simply tied or laced up. However, the importance of the laces cannot be stressed enough. Simply tying your shoe can prevent injuries due to slips and falls on icy or snowy terrain, especially if the shoe is untied when you take a fall. In other cases, the laces can become frozen and thus impair your ability to tie or lace the shoe, rendering it useless.
Other Accessories You May Need
Besides the obvious necessity of having the correct pair of snow shoes, other accessories you may need include ski gloves and a ski cap. The former is needed to keep your hands dry and warm, while the latter can help keep the sun off you in case you are skiing at a high altitude. A high-quality ski mask can also improve your skiing experience by keeping the cold air from running into your eyes and making you blink, which in turn can help prevent snow blindness. A good ski suit can also protect you from the cold weather and various abrasions that can occur while skiing. The good thing about a good ski suit is that you can keep all of your clothes once you peel them off in the morning. This way, you won’t have to worry about keeping track of multiple pairs of gloves, hat, and scarf.
How To Remove Boots From Cross Country Skis
If you’re looking to remove your snow shoes, the first step is to take them off. Simply pull off the outer boot and remove the inner boot next to it.
Since the snow shoe is a type of athletic shoe, you’ll want to take it off and set it aside somewhere safe while you work on removing the inner boot. This is where a little bit of handyman work comes in. You’ll need a stool, some tools, and an outer boot to remove the inner boot.
Use a phillips head screwdriver to remove the locking pin from the top of the foot. Then, take the heel of the inner boot in one hand and the toe piece in the other and pull. The main body of the snow shoe will detach from the upper.
A Few Final Tips
Once you’ve removed your snow shoe, it’s time to take a few moments to clean it and set it aside. Make sure to remove all of the snow and ice from the interior of the shoe before you do this. You can use a brush or the palm of your hand to remove any residual snow or dirt. Additionally, you can take a few moments to remove the laces and tie them up, since they can get frozen in the winter and thus make it difficult to lace up your shoe if it’s not cleaned first.
And while we’re on the subject of cleaning, make sure to clean your snow shoe before storing it away. The more you use it, the more debris and dirt will build up on the exterior of the shoe, making it unsightly. So, to keep things looking brand-new, it’s important to clean the exterior of your snow shoe whenever you use it. You can use a little bit of clean water and a dry cloth or brush to clean it. Additionally, since the snow shoe is a type of athletic shoe, make sure to store it in a relatively dry place, away from any direct sunlight or humidity. This will keep the canvas material from rotting and thus preserve the design and shape of the shoe for years to come.