The Proper Footwear To Wear With Your Snowshoes!

So you’ve just picked yourself up a pair of Snowshoes, But now you’re wondering What kind of shoes should be warn with them? Or should you avoid shoes, and go with snow boots, or even snowboard boots?? Nah, no need to go as far as to wearing snowboard boots with your snowshoes. Though it can be done, just not necessary simply due to the nature of snowboard and ski boots they will likely make snowshoeing more difficult…

Here we will be going In-depth on the topic of Footwear to be warn with your snowshoes. As it is a quite common question, and frankly the question makes complete sense. I mean, Me personally I found myself asking the question when I was beginning to get into the Sport of snowshoeing. So don’t feel like your an anomaly, As I’m sure many ask the question.

Anyway, In Simple terms, The best footwear to wear with snowshoes are snow boots, but not just any pair of snow boots. Rather a pair with good tread on the bottom, Waterproof, and tall enough so snow doesn’t fall inside the boots as you snowshoe through the deep snow.

Proper Snowshoeing Footwear

Ideally, you want to wear footwear that is waterproof.  Otherwise, you will likely end up with cold wet feet.  Which is definitely not ideal given the fact that you will likely be in freezing temperatures. 

Secondly, you want to wear boots that will cover the lower portion of your leg.  This will keep a lot of the snow out of your boot.  Which will in turn, help you to stay warm.  But say for example you don’t have a pair of taller boots you could simply try wearing a pair of Gaiters with your current boots.  We will discuss more on the topic of adding gaiters to your setup later.

Now when it comes to footwear types. It may be obvious to some, but ideally you want to wear boots.  Preferably boots that meet the requirements below. Ideally, you want to avoid wearing shoes as your feet will likely end up getting wet.  Due to the wet snow seeping in through the sides (Because most shoes are not waterproof), and falling into the top.

Below we will go into greater detail as to what you want to look for in a snowshoeing boot.

Things To Look For When Selecting Snowshoe Boots

1) Waterproof

You will no doubt want a pair of waterproof boots, otherwise your feet will likely end up very cold due to the water that is slowly seeping in.  Me personally I have a pair of Columbia boots that I wear.  They are waterproof until about 6 inches up my leg.  But this is enough for me, as I also where Gaiters with them.

2) Aggressive Tread

A good pair of aggressively treaded boots would probably work the best to pair with your snowshoes. As the tread on the bottom of your boots will provide a decent amount of traction on the binding platform of the snowshoe.  This will keep your foot from slipping around on the snowshoe and allow you to have a much better experience.

Typically when you go snowshoeing the ground isn’t always level. When you’re walking on uneven ground on a smooth surface (Such as the binding platform, and the sole of your shoe) you typically will likely end up with a small amount of movement between the foot platform of the snowshoe, and the sole of your shoe… Now, of course you likely wont experience this much at all if you have a tight fitting binding.

But why not lessen the likely hood of movement between the surface of your snowshoe bindings, and the under surface of your snow boots by adding aggressive tread to the boots you pair with your snowshoes.

3) Narrower Toe

Preferably opt for a boot that has a somewhat slimmer toe. As this will allow for easier access when it comes time to put on your snowshoes, as well this will lessen the likelihood of contact between the bindings of your snowshoes, and the decking of the snowshoes. Let me explain better: You know how most snowshoes with a pivoting binding will have a large hole where the toes of your feet will be?

Well this is because the bindings of your snowshoes will pivot as the angle of your foot changes during each stride. The reason you don’t want to use a boot that is excessively wide is because it will cause the binding straps of your snowshoes to expand past the boot platform of your snowshoes, which will in turn cause the straps to contact the decking of the snowshoe. Which can later result in the decking of the snowshoe becoming worn and damaged.

However, this does not mean go after a pair of skinny, slim boots that are uncomfortable. Simply just don’t go with a pair of boots that are excessively wide. But keep in mind this will completely depend upon the snowshoes you are using. As typically the size of the snowshoe will work well based on the shoe size you wear, but depending on the manufacturer of the snowshoes you could have a larger or smaller binding… Just depends.

4) Proper Fit

Obviously you will want a boot that fits you properly. Otherwise you will probably experience a lot of discomfort due to friction build up inside of your boot during the process of walking, or a lot of pressure on different points of your foot.

If your foot has any movement inside your boot you will likely end up with blisters which can be very uncomfortable.

Now, that is not to say that you won’t get blisters if you have the proper size boots however you can mitigate the risk of blisters.  Along with provide yourself a much better more prideful experience.

However, it is probably a good idea for me to also mention that wearing an improper sized boot on the incorrect size pair of snowshoes could result in a damaged pair of snowshoes, as this will be putting a lot of stress on components where it shouldn’t. Just like we discussed above about opting for a narrower toed boot.

Keep in mind that proper fit doesn’t only apply to the boot fitting correctly on your foot, but also on the binding of the snowshoe as well. Given snowshoe bindings are quite versatile. It is still important that you ensure the boots you select will connect with your snowshoes well.

Proper Socks To Wear

Most prefer to wear wool socks, as they typically do a great job retaining body heat. As well as, do a good job in wicking away sweat.  It is best to have a pair of socks that will wick away the sweat, otherwise, you could end up with freezing cold feet… Another option would be vapor barrier shocks. I have never personally used these. However they are said to work wonders when playing out in the snow.

A material you do not want to go for when considering socks is cotton.  Cotton will absorb the moisture from your feet and retain it, making you feel almost as if you’re walking in swampy like conditions.

Plus, the fact that you will be standing in moisture will cause your feet to freeze… Ideally it is best that you opt for a sock that will provide you both warmth but is also designed to wick moisture away from the body.

Footwear Accessories To Consider

Gaiters

Gaiters, these are probably one of the best accessories that you can purchase for snowshoeing.  They do a great job in keeping all the snow out of your boots and away from your body!  Which is always preferred when out in the snow.

I use to have troubles with snow falling inside my boots all the time, however now days using gaiters I rarely ever gets snow inside my boots.  If you are going to be doing a lot of snowshoeing, or outdoor snowy activities? Probably one of the best things that you can purchase is a pair of gaiters.

They’re basically like having an extension on the cuff of your snow pants, with a strap that wraps around the sole of your boots to block any snow from sneaking through the opening of your boot, and freezing your feet / lower legs.

If you haven’t got yourself a pair of gaiters, I strongly recommend you pick yourself up a pair! You will thank me later. Amazon has a large supply of gaiters. However, I have found These Ones to be the best. Also many people in the snowshoeing community say great things about them.

Importance Of Proper Snowshoe Footwear & Recommendations

Probably the most important part of having the proper footwear is your overall comfort.  Obviously, you will not want to wear running shoes with your snowshoes, otherwise, you will probably end up with freezing cold, wet feet.  Which is never comfortable to experience.

If you’d like to check out the boots I currently wear snowshoeing, “Here” is a link to them on Amazon. However, They don’t really comply with the “Narrower Toe” portion of the check list, at least the older version of these boots that I have don’t. But they may work well with your snowshoes. If so, I’d strongly recommend these boots, as they are very comfortable, and do a wonderful job at keeping your feet warm.

Another option to consider would be getting yourself a pair of Overboots. These are simply like a shell that can be placed over your regular running shoes. The pro to this type of set up is that you can wear running shoes, which will allow for more movability in your ankles. I haven’t personally tried this setup so I can’t exactly recommend you anything. Though I have heard of others using this setup and it going good.

But for the most part, literally any snow boot will likely work well for snowshoeing, as long as it meets the above requirements.

Conclusion

Selecting a pair of boots to wear with your snowshoes is quite simple.  Just simply make sure that you get a pair that aligns with the above-discussed topics.  If you already have a pair of snowshoes that is best, as you can take them along with you when you go to purchase a pair of boots to go with them. Though, most snow boots will work well with any snowshoe, the most important portion of the equation is that you ensure your new, or current snow boots fit you well.

If you are going to be ordering online is suggest you take some measurements of the binding platform of the snowshoes you intend to pair with the boots, as well as search the internet for sole measurements of the boots you intend to get. Based on the measurements of the two you should be able to get a good idea as to if they will mate well or not.

But if you intend to go to your local outdoor store. I suggest you take your snowshoes along with you to the store, as this will allow you to test, and ensure your chosen boots will mate well with the snowshoes you intend to wear.

Overall, given the versatility of snowshoe bindings, you could probably wear whatever you’d liked, it all just depends on your comfort level with that selection.

I hope you were able to find some value here. If you have other questions regarding snowshoeing, be sure to checkout the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge for more Information surrounding snowshoeing!