In most cases, traversing snow can be a fun experience. But in some instances, this activity can also become uncomfortable and miserable if we use the wrong footwear. If we make a bad decision in our choice of snowshoeing footwear, we will be sinking into the snow with every step we take. With each step, we will have to hold on to something or someone, and the effort we will use to move will be exhausting.
According to snowshoe experts, the best shoes to wear while snowshoeing are winter boots, hiking boots, and alpinism boots. What these boots have in common is that they are rigid but comfortable at the same time and very resistant. However, other types of footwear would work with snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing boots have been offering the possibility of moving through the snow for a long time. Today’s snowshoes have better features and varieties than those of years past. Snowshoeing exists to facilitate travel in different types of terrain and conditions.
In addition, snowshoeing is no longer an activity reserved only for people who live in the mountains. Now people are using it as a sport or recreational activity. But for this experience to be genuinely productive and entertaining, we must know how to choose the proper footwear. Follow us, and we will explain everything you need to know to select the right shoes for snowshoeing.
What Is A Snowshoe?
Snowshoes are a type of footwear specially created to support a person’s weight and allow them to stand and walk on snow. The snowshoe is ideal for various winter activities, such as running, exploring the terrain, walking, and hiking.
Some of the advantages of snowshoeing are:
- For being a winter-specific activity, it is easy to learn.
- It helps us discover hidden places.
- Snowshoeing allows us to access the outdoors all year round, especially if we live in places where the winter season is tough.
- It is a very economical exercise that we can do with the whole family.
- Of the winter sports, it is the easiest to practice.
Snowshoe Considerations
The footwear to use is key to the successful practice of snowshoeing. A good boot should keep the feet dry and warm; this will avoid unnecessary force and energy. The boot fit is another critical factor, as a good fit means that your feet will not slip out of the boot. Now we will review in more detail each of the features that boots should have.
Boots Must Provide Warmth
When we are in winter, we necessarily need to keep warm. If we have the right boot, it will help us stay warm, thanks to the insulation offered by the inner lining. This material should trap the heat and carry it to the body while preventing the cold from penetrating.
Today, manufacturers are producing lighter boots by using synthetic materials. Specific models have a reflective material to raise the heat even more. Remember that blood must circulate to keep the feet warm, and one way to achieve this is for the boot to have enough room.
Boots Should Be Waterproof
When buying boots for snowshoeing, make sure they are waterproof. The material of the soles repels water. Many of today’s models have a combination of synthetic fabric and leather, which aids breathability.
The tongue of the shoe also helps keep water out of the boot. The most dangerous thing that can happen is moisture entering the shoe; this will cause the feet to get cold.
Boots Should Be Comfortable And Have Foot-fit Options
A proper fit in boots is essential for comfort and toe and ankle protection. Boots must cover and secure the ankle. The deeper the snow, the higher the top of the boot should be.
If your feet are too loose inside the boot, you will tire faster when snowshoeing. Space inside the boot is needed to wear thicker socks to maintain circulation.
Boots Should Be Stiff And Stable
The boot top should be sturdy. The snowshoe bindings can be tightened firmly and securely, thus preventing the shoes from slipping.
Boots Must Have Traction
Traction will always depend on the equipment. A sole that is stiff and thick helps transfer energy better. If we look at what winter boots look like, we will notice that their sole is similar to a snow tire. It has a large surface area, sticky rubber, and deep lugs.
Boots Should Be Light
The ideal is to look for the lightest boot possible. We should get a shoe that can flex at the toe. Because of this, many people snowshoe in hiking boots or running shoes.
Boots Must Have A Specific Design
It is helpful to use boots that have a notch at the back of the heel. This protrusion will help to secure the snowshoe.
What Are The Ideal Shoes To Wear While Snowshoeing?
As we have seen so far, certain types of shoes are very well suited for snowshoeing. We will now review which are the ideal shoes for this activity.
Can You Wear Hiking Boots Snowshoeing?
Hiking boots are one of the best options to combine with snowshoeing. These boots are always insulated and very warm. Hiking boots keep the foot dry despite the snow and also have an excellent grip on the ankle. The feet can breathe, and the design allows the hike to be comfortable and natural.
Can You Wear Alpinism Boots Snowshoeing?
If you are planning a large expedition or the terrain is challenging and icy, it is best to use alpinism boots when snowshoeing. These boots offer good protection against moisture and cold, but on the other hand, they are not the most comfortable option.
Insulated Winter Hiking Boots
In classifying the best footwear for snowshoeing, insulated winter hiking boots are the best option. These boots have all the advantages of the previous boots, plus their extraordinary ability to insulate against the cold.
What Are The Shoes Not To Wear While Snowshoeing?
Just as we have the best footwear options that combine perfectly with snowshoeing, we also have the other side of the coin. Below we will review those types of footwear that are not so practical for snowshoeing.
Can You Wear Winter Boots Snowshoeing?
Suppose you are an occasional snowshoeing user, and you are used to traversing not very uneven terrain. In that case, winter boots will suffice for your journey. Standard winter boots are usually stiff, heavy, and do not have much ventilation for the foot. In addition, the fit is not always secure, so there is no guarantee that your foot will slip out of the shoe.
Can You Wear Rain Boots Snowshoeing?
There are very nice models of rain boots. Still, the reality is that rubber is the primary material of rain boots, and this material does not offer insulation or warmth. They are boots that do not have ankle adjustments, allowing the cold to enter without any impediment. Another problem is that rain boots are not suitable for icy conditions. It is very easy to slip and injure yourself with this type of footwear.
Can You Wear Blundstones Snowshoeing?
Among the most noteworthy advantages of these boots are their excellent design, the warmth they provide the feet, and their height, which can reach above the ankle. You may be able to use them with snowshoeing in not too cold weather conditions and on relatively flat surfaces. However, we must be clear that this is not a shoe designed for this type of activity. If we want to enjoy the experience, we should look at other kinds of boots.
Can You Wear Uggs Snowshoeing?
You should not use uggs as footwear while snowshoeing. These boots are not waterproof; they do not absorb water or snow. Ugg boots are not recommended for snowshoeing. Your feet will be cold, and this is the type of situation you should avoid when practicing this activity.
Can You Wear Sneakers Snowshoeing
Sneakers are very likely to be adaptable to snowshoe bindings. But you have to be very careful, as not all sneakers are suitable for this practice. In any case, you should look for sneakers that are specialized for winter and are water-resistant to snowshoe with.
A Final Thought On The Ideal Footwear For Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a perfect winter recreational activity or sport that is easy and fun. We need to have the snowshoe, suitable winter clothing and above all the right shoes. The decision of which shoes to wear is almost as important as the snowshoe.
The decision of which shoe to wear cannot be a simple aesthetics or fashion decision. You must take the time to thoroughly research the pros and cons of each type of shoe to make the best decision possible. This decision will allow you to be confident and enjoy the snowshoeing experience to the fullest.