August 08, 2023 10 min read

Everything you need to choose your next pair of snow shoes for this winter holiday

Introduction

Person wearing blue denim jeans and brown leather boots

In this blog post from GILI Sports, we'll go over everything from different types of snow shoes to what features to look for when buying them. We even have a list of our top 5 snow shoes on the market today! So sit back, relax, and get ready to find your perfect pair of winter kicks.

The Different Types of Snow Shoes

Aluminum frame snow shoes

Let's start with the traditional wooden snow shoe, which has been used for centuries by indigenous people in snowy regions around the world. These shoes have a classic look and are still popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Another type of snow shoe is the aluminum frame snow shoe, which is lightweight yet durable. They often feature crampons underneath for added traction on icy or slippery surfaces. Some also come with adjustable bindings that can fit multiple boot sizes.

For those who enjoy backcountry skiing or mountaineering, there are also hybrid ski snow shoes available. These allow you to ski downhill while wearing them but then easily convert into snowshoes when necessary for uphill climbs.

There are also specialized snow shoes designed for running or racing in snowy conditions. These typically feature a sleek design with minimalistic crampons and lightweight materials for optimal speed and agility.

No matter what your winter activity may be, there's sure to be a snow shoe option that will suit your needs and help keep you safe out on the ice and snow-covered terrain!

What to Look for When Buying Snow Shoes

It's essential to purchase the right pair of shoes that fit your needs and provide comfort, warmth, and stability.

Firstly, check the material used in making the shoe. Snow shoes should be made of waterproof materials like Polyester, Nylon, or Leather with durable and breathable features. These materials help keep feet warm and dry while providing adequate ventilation for breathability.

Secondly, traction is crucial when it comes to snowshoes. Look for a flexible sole with impervious rubber that provides excellent grip on slippery surfaces such as ice or hard-packed snow. The surface area of the shoe should also be considered since larger surface areas distribute weight more evenly over soft powdery snow than small ones.

Thirdly, size matters! Choose a size that fits well but has some room left over so that you can wear thick socks if necessary without feeling cramped inside your boots.

When purchasing winter boots for hiking or walking during cold weather conditions; look out for waterproofing properties (Polyester/Nylon/Leather), good traction (rubber sole), and appropriate sizing based on personal preferences & activities undertaken.

The Best Snow Shoes for Different Activities

Person wearing a black snow shoes

Different activities require different types of snow shoes to ensure comfort and safety.

For those interested in hiking, the Columbia Men's Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat offers a durable leather and nylon construction with an impervious rubber sole for excellent traction on various surfaces. It also features insulation and temperature ratings suitable for winter conditions.

If you're looking for something more versatile, the Sorel Women's Joan of Arctic Boot is a great choice. With its stylish design and fleece lining for added warmth, it can be worn while walking around town or trudging through deep snow.

For runners or those seeking a lightweight option, the Trespass Unisex Dodo Snow Boots offer flexibility and stability without sacrificing functionality. The neoprene material provides protection against wetness while the soft tread ensures grip on slippery surfaces.

If driving is part of your winter activity lineup, consider the Ugg Men's Butte Snow Boot. Its snug fit keeps feet warm during long hours behind the wheel while providing ample traction outside of the vehicle thanks to its grippy sole.

No matter what your favorite winter activity may be, there is a perfect pair of snow shoes out there waiting to keep you comfortable and safe throughout your adventures.

How to Care for Your Snow Shoes

Properly caring for your snow shoes is crucial to their longevity and performance. GILIs' top 5 tips:

1. Cleaning: After each use, remove any dirt or debris from the surface of your snow shoes using a soft-bristled brush or cloth.

2. Drying: Make sure your snow shoes are completely dry before storing them, as moisture can cause damage over time. Avoid exposing them to direct heat sources like fireplaces or heaters, as this can warp the material.

3. Storage: Store your snow shoes in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and extreme temperatures.

4. Maintenance: Check the condition of the laces, soles, and other components regularly, and replace any damaged parts immediately.

5. Treatment: Apply a waterproofing spray designed for outdoor gear to keep your snow shoes impervious to water and reduce wear and tear on the material.

By following these simple steps you will ensure that your snowshoes remain in top condition throughout many winters of use!

Our Top 5 snow shoes

After thorough research and analysis, we have compiled a list of our top 5 snow shoes that are perfect for your next winter holiday.

1. Columbia Men's Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat Snow Boot

These boots are waterproof, lightweight, durable, and breathable thanks to their leather and nylon construction. They also feature a fleece lining for added warmth in cold winter conditions.

Columbia Men's Bugaboot Celsius Plus Snow Boot

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Material: These boots are constructed with a combination of leather and nylon, providing a balance of durability and breathability.
  • Waterproof: The boots feature a waterproof design, keeping your feet dry in wet and snowy conditions.
  • Lightweight: Despite their rugged construction, these boots are surprisingly lightweight, allowing for comfortable all-day wear.
  • Omni-Heat Technology: The boots are equipped with Columbia's Omni-Heat reflective lining, which helps retain body heat for added warmth.
  • Fleece Lining: The boots come with a cozy fleece lining, providing extra insulation and comfort in cold winter weather.

What we like:

  • Excellent durability and longevity due to the high-quality materials used in construction.
  • Effective waterproofing keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
  • The lightweight design ensures easy mobility without compromising on protection and insulation.
  • The Omni-Heat technology and fleece lining provide exceptional warmth, making them suitable for extremely cold conditions.

What we don't like:

  • Some users may find the sizing to be slightly larger or smaller than expected, so it's advisable to try them on or consult the sizing chart before purchasing.

2. Sorel Women's Joan of Arctic Boots

Made with impervious rubber soles and warm insulation, these boots are perfect for hiking or walking on different surfaces during the winter season. The exterior D-rings add extra features while the wool liner ensures a snug fit.

Sorel Women's Joan Of Arctic Boot

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Material: These boots are designed with a combination of durable materials, including a rubber sole and a leather upper.
  • Waterproof: The boots feature a waterproof construction, allowing you to navigate wet and snowy terrains with ease.
  • Insulated: They are equipped with warm insulation, keeping your feet cozy in colder temperatures.
  • D-Rings: The exterior D-rings provide added support and versatility, allowing you to customize the fit and lace them up securely.
  • Wool Liner: The boots come with a removable wool liner, which adds extra warmth and ensures a snug and comfortable fit.

What we like:

  • Excellent traction and stability on various surfaces due to the durable rubber soles.
  • The waterproof design keeps your feet dry, making them suitable for outdoor activities in snowy or wet conditions.
  • The insulation and wool liner provide excellent warmth, keeping your feet comfortable in colder temperatures.
  • The D-rings add a stylish touch while offering additional support and customization options.

What we don't like:

  • Some users may find the boots slightly bulkier compared to other winter boots, which could affect flexibility and agility.

3. Trespass Unisex Adults' Dodo Snow Boots

These stylish yet practical snow boots feature impervious rubber soles that offer great grip on any surface. Their synthetic materials make them lightweight and flexible enough to wear throughout the day without causing discomfort.

Trespass Unisex-Adult Dodo

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Material: These snow boots are made with synthetic materials, offering flexibility and lightness.
  • Waterproof: The boots feature a waterproof construction that protects your feet from moisture.
  • Impervious Soles: They come with impervious rubber soles, providing excellent grip and traction on various surfaces.
  • Stylish Design: The boots boast a stylish design that combines practicality and fashion.

What we like:

  • The impervious rubber soles offer outstanding traction, ensuring stability on icy and slippery terrains.
  • The synthetic materials used in construction make the boots lightweight and flexible, allowing for comfortable all-day wear.
  • They provide adequate waterproofing, keeping your feet dry in wet conditions.
  • The stylish design adds a fashionable element to your winter outfits.

What we don't like:

  • The insulation may not be as thick as some other snow boots, so they may not be as suitable for extremely cold temperatures.

4. Kamik Men’s Nationplus Snow Boots

These boots are made with waterproof materials and feature built-in insulation to keep your feet warm. The midsole is designed for arch support and the outsole provides great traction in snow and icy conditions.

Kamik Men's Nationplus Boot

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Material: These boots are made with waterproof materials, including a leather and synthetic upper.
  • Insulated: They feature built-in insulation, providing warmth in chilly conditions.
  • Arch Support: The boots have a midsole designed for arch support, enhancing comfort during extended wear.
  • Traction: The outsole is designed to provide excellent traction on snowy and icy surfaces.

What we like:

  • The waterproof materials keep your feet dry, even in wet and snowy environments.
  • The built-in insulation ensures warmth, making them suitable for cold weather conditions.
  • The midsole with arch support enhances comfort, particularly during long walks or hikes.
  • The outsole offers reliable traction, reducing the risk of slipping on slippery surfaces.

What we don't like:

  • Some users may find that the boots take a bit of time to break in and conform to the shape of their feet.

5. Adirondack III Tall Boot

A versatile and rugged winter boot designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. These boots feature a full-grain leather upper with a waterproof eVent membrane, ensuring both durability and protection from moisture.

UGG174 Adirondack Boot Tall III Womens Boot

Where to buy:

Features & Specs:

  • Material: The boots are crafted with a full-grain leather upper, providing durability and a stylish look.
  • Waterproof: They feature a membrane, offering excellent waterproofing to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
  • Insulation: The boots are lined with UGGpure™, a luxurious wool lining that provides superior warmth and comfort.
  • Temperature Rating: They have a temperature rating of -32°C (-25°F), making them suitable for extremely cold temperatures.
  • Stability: The boots come with a rubber outsole, which provides exceptional traction and grip on various surfaces.
  • Tall Shaft: With their tall shaft height, these boots offer added coverage and protection against the elements.

What we like:

  • The full-grain leather upper offers both durability and a stylish appearance, making them versatile for different outfits.
  • The membrane ensures excellent waterproofing, keeping your feet dry in wet and snowy conditions.
  • The UGGpure™ wool lining provides exceptional warmth and comfort, keeping your feet cozy in frigid temperatures.
  • The temperature rating of -32°C (-25°F) guarantees reliable insulation, making them suitable for extreme cold climates.
  • The outsole delivers excellent traction, providing stability on slippery and icy surfaces.
  • The tall shaft height offers additional coverage, protecting your legs from snow and cold winds.

What we don't like:

  • The boots can be relatively expensive compared to some other winter boot options on the market.
  • The tall shaft height may not be suitable for those who prefer shorter boots or have specific style preferences.

Each of these top-performing shoes has unique features tailored toward specific winter activities while providing a good fit, flexible sizing options, synthetic material choices as well as durable leather materials which guarantee long-term use. Whether it's hiking, walking, or simply exploring the outdoors in colder climates - there's always an ideal pair of snowshoes from GILI Sports available to cater to your needs!

Conclusion

Factors like material, insulation, temperature ratings, and tread design all play a significant role in determining how well a pair of snow shoes will perform under various conditions. And with so many reputable brands out there - from Columbia to Sorel - finding a high-quality pair shouldn't be too difficult.

So whether you're looking for something stylish yet functional or simply want top-performing boots for harsh winter conditions, there's sure to be a perfect fit out there waiting for you!

A final note from us at GILI Sports - When buying, remember to consider factors such as fit, temperature ratings, and surface area covered by the shoe's sole among other features mentioned above. Always prioritize durability and functionality over style since outdoor activities require practicality first. Happy shopping!

FAQ’S

🏆 Can I wear regular boots in the snow?

It is not recommended to wear regular boots in the snow as they are not designed for winter conditions and may not provide enough traction or insulation.


👍 How can I stay warm while skiing?

Wearing multiple layers of clothing is the best way to stay warm while skiing. It is important to wear a base layer of lightweight, moisture-wicking material, followed by an insulating mid-layer, such as fleece or wool, and finally a waterproof outer layer. Additionally, wearing a face mask or scarf will help protect your face from the cold and wind.


🏝️ Are snow shoes necessary?

Snow shoes are highly recommended if you plan on hiking, walking, or running in snowy conditions. They provide better traction and stability than regular footwear and keep your feet warm and dry.


❓ What material is best for snow shoes?

The best materials for snow shoes are durable, waterproof, and breathable materials like polyester, nylon, or leather with a fleece lining.


📦 What should I wear while skiing?

It is important to wear proper clothing while skiing, including waterproof jackets and pants, multiple layers of warm clothing, a balaclava or hat, ski goggles, gloves or mittens, and insulated boots.


📦 How can I keep my hands warm while skiing?

The best way to keep your hands warm while skiing is to wear a pair of insulated gloves or mittens. They should be waterproof and breathable, with a fleece lining for extra warmth and comfort.

Jay Regan
Jay Regan

Chief Paddler - Jay has been surfing and paddling for over 5 years. When he's not dreaming up new stuff at GILI, he's writing articles about paddling, out paddling, or often traveling.


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