How to Choose Shoes for Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing's more fun when you have warm, dry, happy feet. Matching the right shoes to the activity and the conditions is the key.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Athletic Shoes
• Hiking Shoes
• Neoprene Booties
• Gaiters
• Snowshoes

1. Decide what snowshoe activity you will be participating in: running and cross-training or walking and hiking.

2. Determine if your snowshoe outing will be on trails and hard-packed snow or in deeper snow.

3. Choose an athletic shoe with support that flexes well for running and cross-training on trails and hardpack. Your first priority here will be comfort.

4. Obtain neoprene booties at a backcountry equipment store or Web site. Use these booties to cover your shoes and keep them from getting wet.

5. Wear a water-resistant hiking boot with ankle and foot flex if you plan to be walking and hiking in deeper snow. If possible, choose a pair that you own and that has already been broken in.

6. Obtain gaiters from an outdoor equipment store. Gaiters are like waterproof outer socks with no feet. They strap on from the top of your feet to below your knee to keep snow out.