With so many choices on the market, what are the best shoes to wear with snowshoes? We break it down for you in this blog post.
Checkout this video:
Checkout this video:Snowshoeing For Beginners
If you’re new to snowshoeing, you might be wondering what type of shoe is best to wear with your snowshoes. In general, any shoe that is waterproof and provides good insulation will work well. Boots with a high ankle are ideal, as they will provide support for your ankles as you walk through the snow. If you don’t have boots with a high ankle, you can still snowshoe in regular hiking boots or even sneakers, but be aware that you might not have as much support and could slip more easily. When choosing your footwear, make sure to also select socks that will wick away moisture and keep your feet warm and dry.
Now that you know what type of shoe to wear with your snowshoes, it’s time to hit the trails!
What to Wear Snowshoeing
Choosing the right footwear is important when snowshoeing. You want to make sure you have enough traction to keep from slipping, but you also don’t want shoes that are too bulky or heavy.
Most snowshoeing shoes are made to be lightweight and have a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer. This helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable while you’re out in the cold. Many shoes also have a liner that helps to keep your feet warm.
When choosing shoes for snowshoeing, it’s important to pick a pair that will fit comfortably with your snowshoes. Most snowshoes have straps that go over the top of your shoe, so you’ll want to make sure there is enough room for the straps to go over your shoe without being too tight.
It’s also a good idea to choose a shoe that has good ankle support. This will help to prevent any injuries if you should happen to slip while you’re out on the trails.
What to Bring Snowshoeing
When you’re planning a snowshoeing trip, it’s important to think about what you’ll need to bring with you to make the most of your experience. Here are some essentials:
-Snowshoes: Of course, you’ll need a good pair of snowshoes! If you don’t have your own, many companies that offer guided snowshoeing tours will rental gear for you.
-Warm, waterproof boots: Your feet will be in contact with the snow for long periods of time, so it’s important to make sure they stay warm and dry.
-Clothing in layers: You’ll want to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as needed to stay comfortable as the temperature changes throughout the day.
-Water and snacks: Keeping your energy up is important when you’re out in the cold, so be sure to pack plenty of water and some high-energy snacks.
-Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun reflects off the snow, so it’s important to protect your skin and eyes from its harmful rays.
How to Put On Snowshoes
Most snowshoes will have an interchangeable binding system that will allow you to use the same pair of shoes or boots that you would normally wear hiking or walking in the snow. The main thing to consider when choosing footwear is whether or not you will need extra traction. Snow and ice can make for slippery footing, so if you are planning on doing any off-trail adventuring, it might be worth investing in a pair of shoes with built-in spikes or studs.
Another thing to consider is how well your shoes or boots will fit in the snowshoe bindings. Some bindings are designed to accommodate larger footwear, while others are better suited for smaller sizes. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing recommendations before making your purchase.
And finally, keep in mind that you will likely be walking through deep snow, so choose footwear that will help keep your feet dry and warm. Waterproof hiking boots or insulated winter boots are usually a good bet.
How to Take Care of Your Snowshoes
If you’re going to be spending any time out in the snow, it’s important to have a good pair of snowshoes. But once you’ve got them, how do you take care of them? Here are a few tips:
– First, always make sure your snowshoes are clean and dry before you put them away. This will help prevent rust and other damage.
– If you’re going to be storing your snowshoes for more than a few days, consider giving them a light coating of oil or wax. This will help keep the metal parts from rusting.
– Be careful when using your snowshoes on icy surfaces. The spikes on the bottom can damage the ski bases, so it’s best to avoid using them on hardpacked snow or ice.
– When not in use, store your snowshoes in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
How to Store Your Snowshoes
When you’re not using your snowshoes, it’s important to store them in a way that will preserve their shape and prevent them from rusting. The best way to store your snowshoes is by hanging them on a wall or in a closet. You can purchase special snowshoe hangers that are designed to hold the shoes without damaging the bindings or the frames.
If you don’t have room to hang your snowshoes, you can also store them in a dry, ventilated space such as a garage or shed. Be sure to keep them away from any sources of heat, as this can cause the plastic and metal parts of the snowshoes to warp.
FAQ about Snowshoes
Q: Do I need to buy special shoes to wear with my snowshoes?
A: While you can purchase shoes specifically designed for snowshoeing, almost any type of boots or winter shoes will suffice. Sturdy hiking boots or cross-country ski boots work well. You’ll want to avoid running shoes or other flimsy footwear because they won’t provide enough support.
Q: Can I snowshoe in my regular winter boots?
A: Yes, but it’s not recommended. Boots that are too bulky can make it difficult to maneuver your snowshoes, and you may end up with cold, wet feet if your boots aren’t waterproof.
Q: What are the different types of bindings for snowshoes?
A: The three most common types of bindings are ratchet bindings, which allow you to quickly adjust the tightness of the straps; nylon webbing bindings, which are more durable and offer more support; and quick-release bindings, which offer the easiest on and off.
Q: What should I look for when buying snowshoes?
A: When choosing a pair of snowshoes, consider the type of terrain you’ll be using them on, as well as your own weight and stature. If you’re planning on doing mostly flat walking or light hiking, look for a smaller pair of snowshoes. If you’re taller or heavier, or if you plan on doing some serious backcountry trekking, opt for a larger pair.
The Different Types of Snowshoes
When you’re looking for the right pair of snowshoes, it’s important to keep in mind what kind of terrain you’ll be using them on. Snowshoes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. Here’s a quick guide to the different types of snowshoes on the market:
Recreational snowshoes: Recreation snowshoes are designed for easy walking on packed snow or gentle terrain. They’re usually smaller and lighter than other types of snowshoes, making them easier to carry when you’re not using them.
Running snowshoes: As the name suggests, running snowshoes are designed for running on packed snow or gentle terrain. They tend to be smaller and lighter than recreational snowshoes, making them easier to maneuver.
Hiking snowshoes: Hiking snowshoes are designed for use on any type of terrain, from packed snow to deep powder. They’re usually wider and longer than recreational or running snowshoes, providing more floatation and stability on uneven ground.
Backcountry or mountaineering snowshoes: These are the largest and most versatile type of snowshoe, designed for use in deep powder or off-trail hiking. They offer the most floatation and stability of any type of snowshoe, but they can be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
How to Choose the Right Snowshoes
When you’re shopping for snowshoes, the first thing you need to know is what type of snowshoeing you’ll be doing. That’s because there are three main types of snowshoes: walking, running and backcountry. Each type is designed a little differently to give you the best possible experience based on your chosen activity.
Walking snowshoes are generally the most versatile because they can be used for a variety of activities, from gentle walking on packed trails to snowshoeing in deep powder. They’re also usually the least expensive option. If you’re just getting started with snowshoeing or you’re not sure what type of snowshoeing you’ll be doing most, walking snowshoes are a good place to start.
Running snowshoes are designed for – you guessed it – running in the snow. They’re smaller and lighter than walking snowshoes so they won’t slow you down, and they have a more aggressive traction pattern to help you keep your footing on icy or slippery surfaces. If you already love running and want to keep up your training during the winter, or if you want to try a new winter sport that will give you a great workout, running snowshoes are worth considering.
Backcountry snowshoes are made for adventurers who want to explore beyond the groomed trails. They’re typically larger and heavier than other types of snowshoes so they can provide floatation in deep powder, and they often have features like crampons or heel lifts to help with steep ascents or descents. If you love hiking and camping and want to extend your season into the winter, backcountry snowshoes are a good option for you.
Once you know what type of snowshoeing you’ll be doing most, there are four main factors to consider when choosing the right pair of shoes: fit, function, traction and budget.
Snowshoeing Tips and Tricks
Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the winter scenery, but it’s important to make sure you have the right gear. One of the most important pieces of gear for snowshoeing is your shoes. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on what shoes to wear with snowshoes.
First, it’s important to make sure that your shoes are waterproof. Snowshoes can be used in all sorts of weather conditions, and you don’t want your feet to get wet and cold. If your shoes are not waterproof, consider wearing socks that are made specifically for snow activities. These socks will help keep your feet dry and warm.
Second, make sure that your shoes have good tread. Snowshoes can be used on all sorts of terrain, including icy or slippery surfaces. Having good tread on your shoes will help you keep your footing and avoid falls.
Third, consider wearing shoe covers or gaiters. These items will help keep snow from getting into your shoes and making them wet and cold. They will also help keep debris from getting into your shoes and injuring your feet.
Fourth, make sure that your laces are tied securely. You don’t want your laces coming undone while you’re out on the trail. If you’re using shoe covers or gaiters, make sure that they are securely fastened so that they don’t come off while you’re walking.
Finally, consider bringing an extra pair of socks with you in case your feet get wet or cold. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when you’re out in the wilderness.
Following these tips will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience when snowshoeing.
