You Don’t Exactly Need Special Shoes For Snowshoeing (Here’s Why)

Many people wonder if they need a special pair of shoes to pair with their snowshoes. And sense your here I’m assuming your wondering the same. I totally understand why this question arises so much in the community! I mean, snowboarders & skiers know firsthand that they need special foot wear when it comes to selecting footwear to pair with their snowboard / skis.

For this reason it is totally understandable to wonder whether or not you need a special pair of shoes for your snowshoes. To be honest, when I initially got involved in snowshoeing I wondered the exact same thing. Come to find out snowshoes don’t exactly require a special shoe, or boot to be worn with them, well to a degree.

For example, trying to pair a ski boot with a pair of snowshoes very likely will not work. This is because ski boots are designed specifically to mate with the attachment points on a ski. For this reason a ski boot will likely not pair well with a snowshoe. Same story with snowboard boots. However, snowboard boots likely would pair better with snowshoes then that of ski boots. But truly neither would be a good option as they do not allow for any mobility in the ankle, also they are much to large and oddly shaped to pair well with a snowshoe binding.

Okay, now that we’ve gone on a rant for a little bit, let’s get into it!

Do You Need Special Shoes For Snowshoeing?

The simple answer, Yes, to a degree. You see the wonderful part about snowshoes is that the binding is not specifically designed to fit one model of boot, like with other major snow sports. Rather, the bindings on a snowshoe are made to give the user a greater array of options in terms of footwear that can be paired with the snowshoe. This is achieved by using a simple strap cinch binding system, to which the majority of snowshoes have. 

The reason why I say you need a somewhat specific shoe, or boot is simply because you can’t exactly pair a boot that is specific to another activity with a snowshoe (like we discussed above about the snowboard and ski boot idea). Though this does depend heavily on the footwear design of the activity. 

Rather you should look for specific features when it comes to selecting a boot, or shoe to pair with your snowshoes, such as Waterproofed, and Well Insulated.  We will talk more on the specific features to look for when selecting a boot later.

But for now: snow boots, hiking boots, running shoes / tennis shoes, and shoes alike will typically pair well with your snowshoes. However for the most part running shoes / tennis shoes, hiking boots, and sometimes snow boots are not waterproof.

Selecting a Waterproofed piece of footwear to pair with your snowshoes is vital, especially if you intend to go snowshoeing in deep, fresh snow.

Why Choose A Boot Over A Shoe Or Vise Versa?

Well a lot of it is personal preference. However, typically with a hiking boot, or running shoe you have greater mobility in your ankles. Where as with a mid calf snow boot typically mobility is restricted to a degree (Depends on the boot). However, waterproofing is a must when it comes to doing anything in the snow. And for the most part Running shoes, and Hiking boots are not waterproof.

Though, when you do come across a pair of shoes that are advertised as waterproof, another issue with shoes, or low cut boots is that they allow snow to fall in through the tops much easier than that of mid calf boots. But this issue can be solved with a pair of gaiters.

Features To Look For In A Snowshoeing Boot

Given the nature of snow, it can be quite uncomfortable when it gets inside your boots, or under your clothing. Doesn’t matter if it is still crystallized, or has returned back to liquid… Either way it is uncomfortable and can be for hours at a time. If you use footwear that does not keep the moisture out. You likely won’t be spending a lot of time out in the snow, and you definitely wont enjoy your time in it. I’m sure you can see where I’m going with this.

1. Waterproof! (You need your boots or shoes to be waterproof)
2. Narrow (Avoid boots with an excessively wide sole)
3. Aggressive Tread On The Sole
4. Insulated & Comfortable

The most important feature to look for is Waterproofed! Next in line, You want to avoid excessively wide soled boots, simply because if your boots are to wide they wont fit in the bindings of the snowshoe well. And in many cases if you are able to get the snowshoe on, odds are the boots will force the binding straps out so wide that they will contact the decking of the snowshoe as the binding pivots through the duration of each step.

Which could eventually lead to the decking of the snowshoe becoming mingled and damaged. That being said as long as you go with a typical sized boot you should be fine.

Why Boots Are Best To Be Worn With Snowshoes

Snow boots, Hiking boots, Running shoes… There is definitely a variety of footwear out there, and for the most part many of the options available today will likely work with snowshoes. However, Snow boots, or at least Hiking boots are likely going to be the best option to pair with snowshoes. Simply because boots not only are easy to find waterproofed.

But also, boots provide the insulation necessary for those who intend on heading out in the snow. Simply due to the insulating factors of boots, you will be able to spend a lot more time out snowshoeing, and a lot less time freezing your toes off…

Now, when it comes to selecting a pair of boots, there is definitely no shortage of options available! Of course select a boot that meets the requirements listed above. But out side of that there are still options that can make you feel stumped as to which option or design you should go with. One major difference in boot options is the options you have in terms of shaft length. (This is the section of the boot located between your ankle to mid calf.)

Should You Get A Mid Calf Shaft, Or Ankle Shaft

Basically the Shaft of a boot is located between the opening of the boot, and the ankle of the boot, dependent on the boot you select. The Cuff can be located near your ankle (When you have the boot on) or near your mid calf. There are pros and cons to each. As Mid Calf boots will better keep the snow out, but will restrict ankle movement as you snowshoe.

Ankle Cuff boots will allow for better ankle mobility. However, will make it easier for snow to fall inside the boot. Given the cuff is so much lower. Now, to get around this you could simply get yourself a pair of gaiters, which will prevent snow from falling inside the boot.

My suggestion would be, If you prefer to go with an ankle cuff boot, you should also pair it with a gaiter. This will allow you to have better mobility of your ankles, as well as keep the snow out!

If you prefer to go with a mid calf boot. The likelihood of you needing to pair the boot with a gaiter would be slimmer. So you could potentially avoid the need for gaiters, but ankle mobility will be lessened to a degree.

Conclusion

Though snowshoes do not require a specific boot to be paired with them. It is best that you go with a waterproof boot, as for the most part snow boots will pair well with snowshoes, and they provide the warmth required in order to be trekking out in the snow for an extended period of time.

My 2 recommended “Boot setups” for Boots to pair with your snowshoes would be as follows:

• Boot Setup 1: Ankle Cuff Snow Boots With A Gaiter. My recommended Ankle Cuff Boot Is Listed Here on Amazon
• Boot Setup 2: A Pair Of Mid Calf Boots. My Recommended Mid Calf Boot Is Listed Here On Amazon
• Gaiters: My Recommended Gaiters To Pair With Your Boots Are Listed Here On Amazon

I hope you were able to find some value here! If you have any further questions or concerns regarding snowshoeing then be sure to checkout the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge, where we cover questions asked by many, provide tips, as well as offer gear recommendations. I Wish you good luck out there on the trails!

This Is Colt Signing Off!