Boots for snowshoeing buying guide

Nothing is more entertaining than playing in the snow in the winter season. Going for long walks, hiking, racing up the snowy mountains, you can easily enjoy with your family and loved ones in the season. To facilitate all these activities, you must invest in some good boots for snowshoeing.

The boots will allow you to easily walk over the powdered snow and indulge in different activities. You can easily move around without getting stuck in one place.

Why go snowshoeing? Why opt for snowshoes?

Snowshoeing is a very popular recreational sport and considered a good exercise during snowfalls. Also, snowshoeing allows you to become socially more active.

In terms of expenses, it is within your reach.

Boots for snowshoeing have some special advantages, which make them different from a regular boot. Snowshoes are capable of floating that sets a limit for your feet to sink into the snow.

They provide a stronger grip and traction so that you do not slide on the slippery snow. The snowshoes have extra length and width to maximize your stability.

Traditional VS Modern shoes

If you are planning to buy boots for snowshoeing, you should know the basic differences between traditional and modern shoes. Both of them come with different benefits.

1. Traditional snowshoes

This type is suitable for regular use. They are wider and able to carry heavier loads in snowy trails. Made of wood, they do not make much sound while walking on the snow.

Moreover, these traditional snowshoes are able to deal with minus temperatures effectively. However, you have to maintain the wooden shoes properly for better performance.

2. Modern snowshoes

Aluminum frames are used to design modern snowshoes, which make them ideal for different recreational activities.

These snowshoes have a smaller surface, which supports better aerodynamics on the slippery trail. But one downside is that they are not compatible with heavy loads. You can look for some accessories like heel bars, crampon systems, etc. for more support.

Modern snowshoes come with running or racing models that are lightweight.

Things to deem about while selecting an appropriate shoes

Types of snowshoes

When you go to buy boots for snowshoeing, you will find three major types. Each style has separate models for women. You should be aware of the different styles and their specifications before choosing your snowshoes. Three types of snowshoes are given below—

1. Recreational snowshoes

Recreational snowshoes can withstand different situations. Less aggressive models are appropriate for flat surfaces or just walking on the snow-covered terrain. You can carry the shoes in your car for snow emergencies.

These shoes can be a good choice for hard-packed snow, but you can also use them on deeper snow. The moderate crampons help you to get a stronger grip on the icy terrain.

Recreational snowshoes are not so expensive, and they are absolutely perfect for beginner and intermediate levels.

2. Backcountry snowshoes

If you want to break the trail to get through rougher terrain, you must opt for backcountry snowshoes. These shoes support you the best for packed down trails. With these shoes, you can enjoy deeper snows without any difficulties.

They have a tank-like look because of the tougher bindings and bigger crampons, which ensure a high-level performance as well as the longer lifespan of the shoes.

So, in case, you are planning to visit colder areas or simply want to create your own trail backcountry, snowshoes will be the best option for you.

3. Running snowshoes

Running snowshoes are made for fitness purposes that offer you great speed with easy control. They are suitable for harder packed snow because of the streamline structure. These running also come with a lightweight design.

So, when performance is the main concern, you should pick up running snowshoes for running, training, and winter marathons as well. The smaller bindings and tighter wrap provide a snug fit for the users, which is essential for training and running.

You should choose running snowshoes for hard-packed terrain instead of adverse terrain or deeper snow.

Material

The quality of the materials used in making snowshoes should be the primary consideration while choosing boots for snowshoeing. You must remember that the best quality material is essential to design durable and high-performing snowshoes. The composition materials of modern snowshoes have a wide range of variety. Know the three major materials used to design snowshoes –

1. Aluminium-frame snowshoes

You will find the frame come with a decking material for the support, which makes it strong without increasing the weight. There are different types of materials used in decking, such as Plastic, PVC coated polyester, coated nylon, urethane, synthetic rubber, etc.

2. Composite snowshoes

In composite snowshoes, a tougher and harder material is used for decking, which is also used in designing the outer frame of the shoes. However, when it comes to the hard-packed trail, they are not as quiet as other materials.

3. EVA foam snowshoes

These shows are new in the market. They do not create any noise while walking. In addition, they can keep your feet warm and ensure maximum flexibility. Though they are not very good to provide integrated traction like other shoes, you can consider them if you go on the snowy trails with your dogs.

Bindings

Before buying the boots for snowshoeing, you must check the bindings properly to make sure the snowshoes will be secured with the boots. Usually, a platform and some straps are used for bindings.

Needless to say, the higher quality of boots you choose, the better bindings you will get.

1. Rotating bindings

You will find some design of snowshoes where the bindings rotate around the balls of the feet. With a rotating or floating model, you can get relief of leg fatigue and pain while hiking in the mountains.

You are also allowed to remove powdery snow and take steps properly on steep trails.

2. Fixed bindings

As the name suggests, the fixed bindings do not move much. This binding is found on some boots that cover the full foot length up to deck.

They can not win over the rotating bindings for climbing and deeper snow. However, you can choose fixed bindings for hard-packed snow for a more comfortable movement.

3. Binding closures

There is a wide variety available for binding closures. Starting from ordinary nylon straps, you can go up to ratcheting cables.

All the closures work more or less in the same way. But if you look for an advanced system, it will be easy for you to adjust quickly.

Binding straps

Different types of materials are used for making different binding straps such as:

1. Nylon webbing straps

These lightweight straps are used in entry-level shoes that provide better adjustability. But, they become stretchable after getting wet in water and thus do not offer much support like other straps.

2. Rubber or polyurethane straps

This type of straps is used in most of the models. You can have a wide variety of bindings with these straps. They are not likely to stretch when they get wet and also do not get frozen in lower temperatures.

3. Ratchet straps

These straps are very user-friendly. They are renowned for their higher adjustability. Besides snowshoes, you can also find these straps on the snowboard bindings.

4. Boa closure

This is the newest invention, which has become popular for secure bindings. Moreover, they are easier to use. But as the materials get direct exposure to ice and snow constantly, you should maintain them properly.

Frames

The frame of your snowshoes is very important for the overall stability. It means if you do not choose the right material, you may have a bad experience of snowshoeing.

Therefore, when you are about to buy the boots for snowshoeing, you must check the frames appropriately. Know the different types of frames and their benefits in advance.

1. Tubular frame

This is a traditional kind of frame which is mainly designed for softer terrain. Usually, when you are snowshoeing on softer surfaces, you will not need much traction. With a view to that, recreational snowshoes are made of this frame. Also, backcountry snowshoes have tubular frames that make them suitable for deeper snow.

2. Flat stock frames

This is a new style of frame. The specialty of this frame is that it is made up of metal and have serrated edges. This frame also has a rubber decking, which is durable enough. Because of the metal, this frame is a little bit heavier, but when it comes to getting through an icy patch or a steep trail, this frame shows its excellence.

3. Plastic decking

This design is lightweight and does not come with any specific frame. Typically, plastics or other rigid substances are used for decking to make them stiff. But, it may slip on a slick surface. It is not ideal for flotation, but if space is the issue, you can easily go for this plastic decking.

4. Plastic decking + partial tubular frames

Plastic decking is appropriate for a stronger grip. On the other hand, tubular frames are used for better flotation. So, naturally, when both these materials combine together, they ensure good grip and float as well.

Weather conditions

Before you are going to buy boots for snowshoeing, you must consider the weather conditions so that you can pick up the right pair of shoes for your favorite winter activity. As people go for snowshoeing during the winter season, the condition may vary according to the region.

1. Extreme winter

You should be serious about the extreme weather conditions to find out the perfect snowshoes for you. For the coldest situation, you should look for the boots which are compatible with lower temperatures and deep snow.

But make sure the boots you have chosen offer the highest comfort. For the severe weather conditions, it is reconditioned to buy boots that are designed with EVA foam and waterproof materials for higher performance.

2. Backcountry winter

When you decide to go for backcountry hiking, you must choose the snowshoes that are specially made for backcountry winter conditions. You will hike on a higher terrain where the weather is not cold like extreme winter.

Therefore, you can choose a model designed with waterproof material and better insulation. Though these shoes are heavier, they can cover a large portion of your leg effective for the backcountry winter.

3. Normal winter

Light or normal winter is perfect for snowshoeing. You can sustain in these winter conditions without any hassles. So, different styles are available in the market for lighter winter conditions. These shoes are very lightweight and covered with features that can withstand the toughest elements.

Most of the snowshoes used in normal winter are made of either synthetic or leather, which make them extremely durable and long-lasting.

Stiff sole

It is unreasonable to overlook the features of the sole while buying your snowshoes. You should look for a stiffer sole to make sure you do not need to use up much energy at the time of snowshoeing. A stiffer sole is always a better choice to reduce your effort for hiking.

With a stiff sole, you can easily stop the flexing of the boots inside the bindings, which means it will be easier for you to concentrate on moving forward.

For the stiffer fit, you should go for rubber materials. Because rubber not only does ensure complete protection from water but also gets dry quickly. So you can clean your shoes easily. In addition, the rubber offers the maximum durability of your snowshoes.

Tractions and crampons

Commonly, different boots for snowshoeing are available with different tractions. The snowshoes used for flat surfaces have a decent amount of traction. But the snowshoes designed for icy, rocky terrain come with more crampons. With time, the design of traction has evolved a lot.

1. Toe crampons

These are placed inside the bindings of the boots. The bindings help them to rotate when you walk. This works as the basic level of traction in many snowshoes.

2. Heel crampons

These are found below the decking. These are located near the heels of your snowshoes.

3. Side rails

Side rails are also known as traction bars, which are placed under the decking to enhance lateral stability. Moreover, they reduce the chance of slide-slipping when you are crossing slopes.

4. Braking bars

Braking bars are useful to protect you from backsliding while you are walking through a downslope. They are usually found on the underside of the composite deck in the snowshoes.

Weight

It is always better to choose lightweight snowshoes. Lighter shoes have several benefits. In case you have found bulky and beefy shoes, you can go for layering techniques. Lightweight shoes can adapt to various situations effectively.

For example, you can wear two pairs of socks made of polypropylene or neoprene, then put on the shoes with a stretchable bootie and an excellent gaiter. You can choose the layers according to the weather conditions and duration. Snowshoeing boots help to keep you warm and dry, and they ensure more stability without adding any extra weight.

Bear it in your mind that not all the people have the same body mass, cold resistance capacity, blood flow patterns, or metabolic rate. So it will be wise to select your boots that suit your condition the best.

Comfort

Another very crucial factor to look for while buying your boots for snowshoeing is comfort. Put simply, the right fit of your boots is important for maximum comfort. Besides, you can keep your toes and ankles protected in a proper way. Make sure the boots you are choosing can cover your ankle height.

Moreover, a higher shaft is very helpful to keep the snow out when you are snowshoeing on deeper snow. If your snowshoes have the length up to your knee, it will save you from getting deep into the powdery snow.

If your feet move frequently, it will make your feet tired quickly. So get a pair of thicker socks that will not prevent the circulation.

You should never compromise with comfort even if it costs a little higher.

Waterproof

In the snowshoeing boots, the sole works as the bottom layer, where the materials remove water from the upper surface. Usually, leather or synthetic fiber membranes are used to make the upper part waterproof.

However, snowshoes are very effective in protecting the shoes from snow, ice, or slush instead of rain and water. It means these shoes are better to deal with frozen water than liquid. Sometimes, the tongue of the snowshoes helps to remove the frozen water.

The combinations of leather and synthetic fibers are also ideal for increasing the breathability of the upper part.

Warmth

You will be using your snowshoes in winter conditions. It is very natural that you want to keep yourself warm at such low temperatures.

Snowshoes are designed in a significant way so that your feet remain warm with the help of a liner and insulation. The materials used in these shoes are very appropriate to hold your body heat and keep away the cold.

Usually, the amount of synthetic used in shoes varies from 100 grams to 400 grams. There are some models that are designed with a reflective liner to increase warmth.

You must also take care of the fit and free space so that it does not prevent the blood circulation to your feet. Thus, you can keep your feet warm even in the coldest weather conditions.

Additional accessories

Some people are likely to have additional accessories with their boots for snowshoeing. Though you do not need a lot of winter gear for snowshoeing, it will be helpful to have some essential gear like ski pants, ski jackets, hand gloves, etc.

Some of those accessories include:

1. Snowshoe poles

You can enjoy your snowshoeing confidently if you have the snowshoe poles. They are very useful to improve the stability of your upper body.

No matters how difficult and rough terrain, you will get the maximum support to stay stable in the toughest situations. These poles give relief to your feet, ankles, and knees.

2. Boot gaiters

If you are going snowshoeing in an adverse winter condition, you must keep yourself dry and warm. Therefore, you need some extra protection like boot gaiters. They are very effective in saving your boots from snow and ice.

Furthermore, these boot gaiters act like a shield to protect your legs from cold winds.

3. Floating tails

When you plan to trip to new or unfamiliar terrain, it will be better to go for the floating tails. They help to increase the float in powdery snow.

A floating tail is like an extension of the snowshoeing boots that makes the boot a little longer. With the floating tails, you can have a better float in the deeper snow.

4. Carrying case

Carrying case is important in terms of portability, which means it will be a great addition to your snowshoes that enables you to carry different gears from one place to another.

Also, these cases protect other gear from getting damaged by the metal teeth of the snowshoes.

FAQs

1. Should I carry cotton socks with these boots?

No, we never recommend wearing cotton socks as they do not impart warmth and absorb your sweat for a longer duration of time, making your feet swollen. It is preferred to opt for woolen socks that impart the necessary warmth.

Pro tip: Always carry an extra pair of socks to avoid wearing the same wet socks for a long time.

2. Why are the proper insulation and straps important?

Having straps, along with proper insulation, is crucial for the health of your feet. Snowshoeing is an enjoyable activity. However, there will be no fun left if your feet will suffer from some critical issues. If you completely insulate and put straps on the boots, you will be saved from many injuries and other health issues. Also, you will never face the problem of cold feet.

3. How to take care of the boots for snowshoeing?

The first thing is you should always clean your boots if you wear them on the road. It will help to remove any chemical or salt that may come in contact while walking on the road. The second thing is if your boots are wet from the inside, keep them on the side to let them dry for a while. Also, you may even add a newspaper to soak the moisture.

4. As a beginner, which feature should be on my priority list while buying these boots?

If you are a beginner, you should always focus on comfort first. Once you have got your ankles covered, you should look for excellent stability, warmth, and waterproof features. Also, you must opt for boots that have a thick sole to ensure the excellent transfer of energy.

Final Verdict

With the right boots for snowshoeing, you will find walking on snow as a piece of cake. It is just you need to find the best fit for yourself.

In this buying guide, we have presented all the essential elements of the product. Go through them and make an informed decision while purchasing a suitable product.