Can I snowshoe in trail hikers?
What is the best type of footwear to wear when snowshoeing? Do I wear my hiking boots (kind of stiff but durable)? Or my low-cut trail hikers (comfortable but less durable)? Or something else? Katie Gold Boston, Massachusetts
Myself, I tend to prefer heavier footwear. I like to wear light plastic boots when snowshoeing, such as Koflach's Degre ($250). My own boots are Asolo Guides, which now are called the AFS Guides, and have uncertain availability in the U.S. Still, that's probably more boot than you want to fiddle with.
In general, though, I think you're best off with a good-quality rough-terrain hiking boot with all-leather construction. Whether the boot is insulated is of no matter to me, good wool socks (SmartWool Mountaineer ($20), over-gaiters (REI Mountain Gaiter, $40) and even insulated insole inserts (Insolator insoles, $10) all can ensure that your feet stay warm. I would advise against low tops -- you'll have soaked, cold feet in a matter of minutes, unless the snow is so hard that snowshoes themselves are somewhat superfluous.
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