The reindeer has hair growing between its toes that helps improve traction.
Reindeer feet are specialized for snow, ice, and wet tundra. Their broad, spreading hooves support the animal on soft ground, while the flexible pads and intertoe hair help provide grip and reduce heat loss. The hooves also make a distinctive clicking sound as tendons move over bones, although the exact sound can vary with age and movement.
Reindeer are the same species as caribou, Rangifer tarandus. “Reindeer” is commonly used for domesticated or Eurasian populations, while “caribou” is more usual for wild North American populations. Both males and females can grow antlers, an unusual feature among deer.
Their feet are not merely snowshoes: reindeer also use their hooves to scrape through snow and reach lichens, grasses, and other food. Seasonal changes in the footpad improve performance on different surfaces.