Snowshoeing Basics: Choosing Appropriate Footwear for Snowshoeing

[@fredlaroche6969]

Most of the time I go with high hiking shoes. But, on extreme cold weathers, I pull out my Toundra Pro by Solomon. They are extremely warm and lightweight. I use them mainly for snowmobile, but one very cold days, they work amazingly well for snowshoeing once they are properly broken in

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Fred, Thanks for the comment! Yeah, those Toundras look perfect. I may have to look into them once my two pair of SnowTrips get worn into the ground :)

[@fredlaroche6969]

​@@JaredManninen Looking forward to an eventual review then! Great content by the way! I actually came across your channel as I was about to shop for new gear... I'm a experienced / high endurance off trail snowshoe hiker and eventually, gear just stops taking the abuse. I normally go out and check things out but, because of covid, I thought I'd check out what ''this guy'' (you) had to say and turns out I like the content!

[@JaredManninen]

@@fredlaroche6969 Thanks again, Fred. I totally appreciate the feedback :) Covid has been a big driver of mine to produce more stuff this winter. I work at a rental shop and due to safety precautions, our interactions with customers and guests have been really minimized. But I know people still have questions, so keeping that conversation alive here on KZbin has been a fun way of fulfilling that connection. Thanks again!

[@jayj.manalo2271]

+1 for the toundra pros. Used in -25° c in Hokkaido, and my feet were nice and toasty. Great for snowshoeing too. Do you find you feet going cold with high hiking shoes with goretex? Would love to take my gf without breaking the bank on a new set of boots

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Jay, those Salomon Toundra Pros look like a great choice! Nice looking boots 👍 I do prefer a more dedicated active winter boot for their insulated properties. I think the high-top hiking boots would be fine in warmer winter conditions with consolidated snow, but if the temps were low I'd assume you'd get chilly feet. Especially if you were dealing with colder and deeper snow. But if you're going to be snowshoeing in firm snow during warmer day time temps, use what you have. And then re-evaluate whether or not you want to invest in a dedicated snow boot. Hope that helps. Thanks for tuning in, and for the question 🤗

[@TheAnnunakiwerenotgods-hc7cj]

I am first time snow shoer who after growing up in warm climates (and now in my 50's) am embracing fun ways to stay active in the winter - this clip is a true 101 to snowshoeing! Thank You!

[@JaredManninen]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it :) And I'm glad to hear that you're embracing the winter! I think getting outside in the snow is the best way to experience winter. Once you have some good gear and access to terrain, it's hard to beat it :)

[@peterfagley772]

Just discovered your channel and what a nice surprise to hear an outdoors resource without the ear piercing voice levels, just calm, intelligent information delivered to adults by an adult, I'm subscribed as of now!! Thank you Jared.

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Peter! Thanks so much for the kind words and nice feedback. Yeah, I try to keep my little presentations as straightforward as possible. I think there's a general lack of sincerity online, like people/creators trying way too hard to create some sort of persona that they believe will earn them more clicks or likes or whatever. I just find most of that really off-putting. So from one genuine person to another, I thank you for the support! And let me know if you ever have any questions :)

[@stanleyheath5486]

I backpack and cross country ski, but I'm new to snowshoeing and I loved your simple, straightforward explanation and examples. You obviously have extensive experience, but your approach was down to earth and made sense to a noobie. Thank you

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Stanley, Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate the nice feedback. I try to keep things pretty simple, straightforward, and relatable :) Hope you have a great winter, and let me know if you ever have any questions!

[@SheriPhaffArtPaintBrushed]

I went snowshoeing for the first time yesterday. I bought my winter boots weeks before buying my snow shoes but I made a lucky choice so I was very comfortable and warm all day. Thanks for sharing!

[@JaredManninen]

Glad that you've been out on some winter adventures! And, fortuitous choice and timing with regard to your boots :) Often, when the snow is firm and consolidated (and there's not much worry about having to deal with fresh snow), boot selection isn't too critical. But when you're faced with deeper, fresh snow having good boots can make the difference between being warm and dry and miserable. Anyway, thanks for tuning in and posting your comment :)

[@philsmith2444]

I basically use 3 different boots depending on temps. Down to around 15F/-10C I’ll wear my Lowa Camino GTX hiking boots, heavily beeswaxed to keep the leather from wetting out and freezing. Down to around 0F/-18C I like Vasque ColdSpark UltraDry w/200g Thinsulate, but these are pretty soft so I really have to take care not to overtighten straps. They work great in BOA bindings. For below 0F/-18C I have a pair of Sorel Conquests with 400g Thinsulate that work great. They have a more technical fit than the Sorels you mentioned, but they are looser than hiking boots. I haven’t found them to be too big for the Garneau, GV, or Tubbs snowshoes I have. They’re very substantial boots and you’d really have to crank down on bindings to get them to pinch. Last winter I bought a pair of Oboz Bridger 10” insulated (also 400g Thinsulate) and while I haven’t broken them in yet they were pretty comfortable the few times I used them.

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Phil, Thanks so much for the detailed snowshoe boot suggestions! Many people watching this video will benefit from your approach to choosing footwear and experience. I often forget that there are so many active boot options for winter nowadays. Growing up, it seemed like there were so few to choose from other than "moon" boots and floppy Sorels (like I still own). But it's great that there are so many other choices based on how warm you want your feet to be :) Thanks again for the meaningful comment and to contributing to the conversation! I really appreciate it :)

[@egardner7382]

That was super useful, thank you. Likewise the beginner's tips for snowshoeing video. I love the way you're so thorough and detailed and don't assume any prior knowledge or familiarity with winter sports. As you say, some of us are not used to snow at all!

[@JaredManninen]

Thanks so much for the kind words, and meaningful feedback :) Early in the process of starting this KZbin channel I decided that I'd buck the trend and make slightly longer videos that featured more one-stop shopping type of information. I know that longer format videos aren't as popular with many people. But I just couldn't justify making a specific video for every type of footwear that a person could use with snowshoes, for example. Just include a range of footwear for comparison/contrast purposes, and let the viewer decide if they want to see each type. I've been an athlete all of my life, and I'm a kinesthetic learner (body movement comes pretty easy to me). But I understand that this is not necessarily the norm. So, as much as I like watching bite-sized videos about this or that topic, I find that without having a foundation of knowledge of the topic in question, the information (presented in three minutes or less, for example!) isn't nearly as valuable. So, I like to present some more thorough videos on a subject in an effort to add to a person's base knowledge so that they can benefit more from additional information (presented in a shorter format). Anyway, it's all good stuff. I love to learn. And I love to share what I've learned :) Again, thanks for tuning in and for the nice comments.

[@egardner7382]

@@JaredManninen It helps that you're very articulate! Keep up the good work.

[@JaredManninen]

@@egardner7382 Will do!

[@Cylindropuntia]

Very good video, this is a question I’ve been wondering about. Thank you.

[@JaredManninen]

Thank you for the kind words! And glad the video was helpful for you :)

[@JessicaTPeterson]

I find it helpful how you've broken down the different types of footwear along with pros and cons of each. Thanks. I've used Salomon Toundra boots for several years day trips; they're warm but not too heavy/clunky. Last year I got a pair of boots with removable liners for overnight trips (so I can put the liners in my sleeping bag at night). But those boots turned out to be too loose, floppy, and clunky to snowshoe in. They've become my shoveling/yard "slippers," as you say. I'm on the hunt for a more form-fitting boot with a removable liner. I don't have great circulation in my feet, especially when not moving, so I'm afraid to go out overnight with just a winter hiker.

[@JaredManninen]

Again, thanks for watching! I really appreciate it, along with your comments and feedback :) The Salomon Toundra boots look like a great option! The Snow-trip boots that I feature in this video are also great but, like I say, they've been discontinued. I find that they're actually quite roomy (not form fitting at all), so I think that helps me keep warmer feet as I can wiggle my toes easily. But they're stiff enough to provide a moderate amount of support all around. I wish I had another style to recommend for you, but I just don't keep up on all the manufacturers and designs. You may actually be a bit challenged finding a boot where it's going to provide enough support and you can still remove the liner. If I find or hear about any options, I'll try to get back to you. But unless it's a bigger type of Sorel boot or even a snowboard boot, I'm just not familiar with regular boots of this nature featuring a removable liner. If you happen to find another good boot, let me know what you buy. I'd be interested in knowing. The other thing that you've probably already considered since it sounds like you're pretty experienced is a down boot for in camp at night. Basically some insulated camp slippers. And then making sure that your winter hiker boots don't totally freeze overnight. Thanks again for tuning in, and for contributing to the conversation :)

[@JessicaTPeterson]

@@JaredManninen Thanks very much for taking time to answer thoroughly and thoughtfully. I think you're right about boots with removable liners just not providing enough support for snowshoeing. Mine always feel like they're falling a little bit off my foot during each step. If you make the video on how you use VBLs and boots, I'll be watching that. I have the general idea, but I prefer learning the details to making the mistakes! I may try out some options similar to the Snow-trip boot you showed (or just use my Toundras) once I'm comfortable that I can prevent them becoming iced up overnight. And oh yes, I have down boots for nighttime; they come with me all year, since I prefer to sleep above timberline. For winter, I take the covers, too.

[@JaredManninen]

@@JessicaTPeterson You're welcome. It sounds like you have a pretty clear idea as to what you're looking for, so I know it's just a matter of time before you settle on the ideal option for yourself. What is a VBL, by the way? I'm not familiar with that acronym.

[@JessicaTPeterson]

@@JaredManninen Sorry, I don't normally use acronyms and have no idea why I did that. I was thinking, "vapor barrier liner." I might be mistaken that I thought I heard you mention it as something to use in boots with non-removable liners. I really like your videos. Love the beginning shot coming down through the trees. It doesn't look like you have the extensive beetle kill we do.

[@JaredManninen]

@@JessicaTPeterson No worries. I don't think I referred to the vapor barrier liner as it's not something I recall ever talking about. Maybe I was just describing how some hiking shoes use a separate layer to prevent water from penetrating the boot, but its pores allow sweat to get out. I don't know, maybe I was talking about waterproofing materials? We do have some bark beetle infestation here in Tahoe with various trees, but it's probably not as obvious as Colorado. I hear it's really bad out there.

[@annaq8638]

Attending an Introductory Class to Snowshoeing at 10AM today. Thank you for sharing this video. I hope my Columbia hiking boots will match with the snowshoe bindings they will provide.

[@JaredManninen]

Have a great time, Anna! I'm sure your boots will be just fine for your snowshoeing adventure 👍

[@smaganas]

Yes!!! Dry powdery snow will bleed through a basic hiking shoe. Get something snow ready.

[@JaredManninen]

Indeed! Hiking shoes just don't cut it. Thanks for watching, and for the comment 🤗

[@chezman3892]

I found a pair of boots at a military surplus store that work great. I think they may have been made for skiing---they have a nice built-in spot for the backstrap that keeps it from sliding.

[@JaredManninen]

Excellent! It's always interesting to find different styles of boots that work well with snowshoes. And that part that keeps the heel strap from moving around is great. Thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment. I hope you have a great winter!

[@ericmiddlebrook5047]

Jared, do you have any videos discussing appropriate clothing suggestions? Thanks

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Eric! Thanks for watching, and for the question 🤗 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3Xbf6N8g9SdkKs That's a link to a video I produced a year or two ago regarding choosing appropriate clothing for cross-country skiing. It provides a lot of ideas about clothing options. Generally speaking, though, I dress a lot lighter than for alpine skiing or snowboarding since xc skiing is so aerobic. Like, a lot lighter. Although I pack extra layers if I'm going to be out all day. Let me know if you have any specific questions about clothing once you've watched that one. Again, thanks for tuning in ☺️

[@heatherann4390]

I just got my Oboz Bridger 9's. They are a solid boot. I normally wear something more flexible so hopefully these break in over some use.

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Heather Ann, The Bridgers are great boots! They are pretty firm, though. I have a couple of different Oboz low tops and they're always relatively stiff, but I've never had any issues with them. They seem to conform to my feet just enough. But those Bridgers will make for good snowshoeing boots! Thanks for watching, and for the comment. I appreciate it :)

[@heatherann4390]

@@JaredManninen They run small and I am a size 9 and I ordered a size 10 and good thing I did. I find the bottom of the boot is hard so I put an insole in them and took a walk to the mailbox and they are too tight with the insole so I took them out and they are roomier. I've been walking around my house in them and now my issue is that they are making an annoying squeeking noise when I walk due to the leather. Not so good if you're hunting or trying to sneak up on something in the bush if they are squeeking like that. I am very undecided if I should return them or not since I like having insoles as it gives more cushion, I think I have a love hate relationship with these boots. Not sure what I should do. I also ordered some baffin boots as well but I'm not sure if they would work well with snowshoes.

[@JaredManninen]

​@@heatherann4390 That is a bummer. I always have difficulties finding footwear that fit my feet as I have really wide feet (not just in the toe box, but all the way back to the metatarsals). So when I find some shoes/boots that fit, I tend to buy multiples. But that doesn't really help you! The squeak could potentially be remedied with some sort of leather conditioner/waterproofing agent if it's just the leather that squeaks, but you wouldn't be able to return them if it didn't work. And then the fit with the insoles probably will always be a problem no matter how much they compress after use. Honestly, you may want to consider returning them just for the fit alone. I have found that Oboz have pretty firm soles which makes them good in some respects but not in others. And if you've already sized up on them, I don't know, it doesn't really sound like a good fit (literally and figuratively). That's about all I can offer. Footwear is such a personal thing and, like the saying goes, "whenever there is doubt, there is no doubt." Good luck, and let me know what you eventually decide on!

[@heatherann4390]

​@@JaredManninen I decided to keep them, they are such a durable well made boot. I took the insole out and just put in a super thick wool sock and walked around town for a couple of hours and I put them on the next day and the squeeking was completely gone and the they weren't as stiff. I think you just have to wear in boots like this. I've actually never had such well.made boots.

[@JaredManninen]

@@heatherann4390 Great! I've always liked my Oboz, so hopefully you get a lot of miles out of yours. They're definitely robust shoes/boots, though. A lot more rugged than what I usually use. But I've never had any feet problem in them. Happy New Year!

[@eustacehunte6676]

I used Asolo TPS 520’s for years, then I got Steger Mukluks. Now I just use my Mukluks for snowshoeing, unless it’s “wet” outside.

[@JaredManninen]

Those Asolos were classics! And I really love those Mukluks. Both solid options for snowshoeing. Thanks for watching, and contributing to the conversation!

[@lipsticklodge7526]

Good thing I watched this...I would have realized that my black boots never would have fit into the snowshoes plus they r too clunky...lighter boots r the answer..thanx again!

[@JaredManninen]

You're welcome! Hopefully you found a good set of boots to work with your snowshoes :)

[@sagehiker]

Good conversation on footwear. I have had really good results for me with Columbia Bugaboot lls. They also work well with the universal binding with BD Gildelite Trek skis. My size 11 boot with the Columbia boot gets close to the space limits on my 10 year old Atlas snowshoes.

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Rob, Those Columbia's look like solid boots! And perfect for both modes of adventuring :) Thank you for adding to the conversation and offering another recommendation. It's so weird about winter boots because there seems to be a general lack of awareness for these types of adventure winter boots. Again, thanks for tuning in and offering your advice :)

[@dojocho1894]

do you have a best model of trekking poles for snowshoeing? thanks

[@JaredManninen]

Thank you for watching, and for the question :) Here's a video that I made about using trekking poles while snowshoeing (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX7cia1jmKaVm9E), which may be of some use to you if you hadn't already seen it. As you probably have seen just by doing a quick search, there are tons of different hiking and trekking poles available on the market. But I stick to using better quality brands that you'd find at an REI, for example. I've just found that many off-brands tend to have wonky designs and features. So I'd recommend Leki, Black Diamond, Mountainsmith, etc... over an inexpensive off-brand. But even REI's house brand are solid. For snowshoeing, make sure the style of trekking pole that you use accommodates a wider basket or "snow" basket so that the pole doesn't sink all the way into the snow. I prefer external locking mechanisms in the winter because they're easier to manipulate/adjust with cold hands. I also find a two-section pole (versus three sections) to be more reliable for snowshoeing and winter use. A two-section pole only has one locking mechanism for changing the pole's length, which means less parts that could potentially fail/break. But a lot of trekking poles nowadays come in three sections (two locking mechanisms on each pole), so you may not find too many options if a two-section pole is what you're looking for. That said, most backcountry ski poles are two-sections with big baskets. They're more specific to winter, though, so not quite as versatile as a regular hiking/trekking pole where you could swap out the basket. But I do use BCA (Backcountry Access) Scepter poles for snowshoeing, and they work great. Even though I recommend a higher quality brand I do think, in the end, most standard trekking poles (including less expensive brands) will probably suffice so long as you're not putting them under a lot of stress. I just really prefer to support some of the higher end brands because they're tried and true, and the companies always have such great customer service. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions. But I would recommend you to watch my other video (link above) about using trekking poles when snowshoeing to hear some of my other thoughts. Thanks again for tuning in!

[@Commander_HW]

I usually wear my trusty western work boots. And compare to my friends with low top shoes. I NEVER had any snow pouring into my boots. Although it's a bit heavy.

[@JaredManninen]

Your work boots sound like a great option for snowshoe footwear! I'd also prefer to wear something slightly heavier but protective enough to keep snow from freezing my feet (and from that ankle strap from digging into my Achilles' tendon). Thanks for watching, and for contributing to the conversation!

[@da.reverend]

I used my Muck boots with my snowshoes to go Christmas tree "hunting" last weekend. They worked rather well. At first, I was considering using my western work boots, but decided that my Muck boots were longer and prevented snow from going down into the better. But since reading your post, perhaps I'll try my western work boots next time and see which ones work best for me.

[@JaredManninen]

I think it does really boil down to personal preference. Having taller boots can definitely keep some of the snow out, but you may find that the work boots provide a little more support. Like you said, you'll just have to try them out ☺️ Most important, though, is that I hope you found a nice Christmas tree 🤗

[@Ken.s.Snapshots]

Another insightful video Jared, thanks 🙏

[@JaredManninen]

Glad I could be of service, Ken! And thanks for watching :)

[@kath6229]

Just what I was looking for... thank you!

[@JaredManninen]

You're welcome, Kat. Glad I could be of service 🤗

[@patriciashannon4330]

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[@outdooroutfitters3658]

Nice video and thanks for the tips!

[@JaredManninen]

Again, I appreciate you tuning in and commenting :)

[@33run4life]

Trying this sport out tomorrow and wondered about proper footwear as, like you noted, Not Fun if your feet are uncomfortable. Thank you for the info. Hoping it will be a good first run and will want to get back out there!

[@JaredManninen]

That's excellent! I get asked the question so often (about footwear) that I had to produce something that I could point people to. So, I'm glad to be of service :) I'm sure you'll have a good time snowshoeing. And, it's actually really simple to pick up so long as the bindings are comfortable and you have some snow to walk on ;) Take care!

[@marian_f1704]

What about mountaneering boots? Are they suitable for snow shoes?

[@JaredManninen]

I bet those would be just fine, assuming they have an upper/ankle portion to them (so that the heel strap won't dig into the back of your ankle/achilles area). Mountaineering boots are probably a little stiffer than the average boot, too, which I like. A slightly stiffer boot tends to provide more support, particularly in softer snow conditions. Thanks for watching, and for the question. I hope you have some great winter adventures this coming season!

[@ArchieBronson]

Would muck boots work?

[@JaredManninen]

The problem with muck boots is that they're so soft that they don't provide any structure, so the straps that'll keep your foot in place can potentially smash down on the top of your foot. You may also find that your foot might fatigue quickly, too, because without any structure your foot/ankle muscles would be doing everything (structure and forward propulsion). You could totally use them if it was all you had, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend snowshoeing for too long a time or distance in them. You're not the first person to ask, though, because it does seem like a good boot to use. Thanks for tuning in, and for the question!

[@natus99]

How about the movie what to look at when choosing snowshoes when buying? Market is packed and as a complete beginner it is super tough to navigate...

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Marcin, Thanks so much for the suggestion! I don't know that I'll have time this season to put together a video regarding the different types of snowshoes available. But I'll put it on my list of projects to produce. In the meantime, I find that if you choose a quality brand (MSR, Tubbs, and Atlas to name a few) you'll be good to go. That said, traditional snowshoes work best in really deep, dry, and powdery snow, whereas modern snowshoes function great in just about every other snow condition. Buy a set based on your weight (plus whatever gear you normally carry with you in the backcountry) and intended use. Super aggressive snowshoes (with serrated edges on the rails, for example, in addition to the crampons under the ball of the foot and heel are often used in firm and icy conditions. But if you're mostly traveling through softer snow (but not too deep) a typical snowshoe that just has crampons under the ball of the foot and heel will be fine. Snowshoes with a more firm top deck will be a bit more durable than ones that use a really flexible material. Here's an article I wrote about modern snowshoes that may be of use to you. tahoetrailguide.com/snowshoeing-basics-part-1-introduction-to-snowshoes/ Anyway, thanks again for the suggestion!

[@peterandmaryannekosa4599]

Would you recommend using cross country ski boots for snowshoes?

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Peter and Mary, Thanks for the question, and it's a good one! I have used my xc ski boots once or twice when snowshoeing, but I used my heavier duty backcountry cross-country ski boots which have way more support than my regular "touring" or track-oriented boots. I personally wouldn't use a light duty cross-country ski boot because many of them run into the same problem as using a running shoe or a really light hiking shoe -- the upper portion is too soft (in my opinion) to be worn comfortably when you have the bindings strapped down over the top of your foot. And, most light duty xc ski boots feature a plastic-type sole that's firm but can slide around because it's not necessarily like a normal rubberized sole. You could probably use your xc ski boots with the snowshoes, but I suspect that they wouldn't be nearly as comfortable as a dedicated active winter boot. Also, if you have to take the snowshoes off to walk (without them), walking on those harder xc ski boot soles can be hazardous in slick conditions. Thanks for the question! And, let me know if you have anymore :)

[@tatianabogomazova7772]

Great videos. Thank you

[@JaredManninen]

Thank you for the kind words, Tatiana 🤗 I appreciate it!

[@NonStopGaming15]

Perfect video, thanks!

[@JaredManninen]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching, and for the nice feedback :)

[@majorhavoc9693]

What about the dead of winter in deep snow at temps near zero or below?

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Major Havoc, Thanks for watching, and for the question! You bring up a great point about more extreme temperatures and snow depth with regard to snowshoeing (and just being outside in general during the winter). Honestly, though, in colder temps with deeper snow I find that so long as I keep moving I'm warm. Those Salomon Snowtrip boots that I wear (and feature in this video) would be sufficient for me again, so long as I kept moving. They're slightly insulated and relatively firm to provide a good base from which to push off and strap the snowshoes on. However, they're spacious enough for my toes to wiggle and my feet to flex naturally. This last part is what I find to be critical for maintaining warm feet during extreme cold -- the ability for our feet to flex and move around (i.e. everything is circulating naturally). This is opposite of wearing Alpine ski boots, for example. Those boots are extremely stiff and very tight, so between those factors you decrease the amount of circulation in your feet and ankles and, therefore, experience cold and numb feet. This is one reason why my feet never really get cold when I cross-country ski, too. XC ski boots are far softer than other winter footwear in order to allow your feet to flex naturally (for diagonal striding). So, again, as long as I'm moving on the xc skis I seldom get cold feet regardless of temperatures. My recommendation for dealing with far colder temperatures is to wear a boot that'll allow your feet to move a little (within reason, obviously). So, nothing too stiff. Insulation will also help to maintain warm feet. But, generally, as long as you maintain continuous movement your feet should be warm. As far as deeper snow is concerned, I don't automatically equate it to colder feet. If it is deep snow, I recommend wearing gaiters to keep snow from getting into your footwear and up your pant leg. That's where I find deep snow to be most frustrating ... is when it actually starts to directly touch your socks or skin (via penetrating the pant legs or down your footwear). Gaiters prevent that from happening. Fortunately, if the snow is extremely cold it should remain dry while snowshoeing through it. So it shouldn't necessarily melt and soak your footwear like you would experience on a warmer winter day. That cold, dry snow normally will just slough off gear. I don't necessarily recommend specific brands or styles of gear. That's up to you. But my main concern in this situation would be to have footwear that's not too stiff that it prevents your feet from moving naturally, but still offers some upper ankle support (particularly to accommodate that heel strap of the snowshoe), and features some insulation. Not sure if that answers your question, or if you want more clarification. So, just let me know if you need anything else. Thanks again for tuning in, and for contributing to the conversation!

[@Cdubb89]

How would The Oboz Bridger work for snowshoeing?

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Chad, Thanks for watching, and for the question! I believe the Oboz Bridger features an upper portion so, if that's the case, I think it would be great for snowshoeing. I know some different models of Oboz have both a low and high-top version. The high-top is the one you'd want so that the heel strap of the snowshoe won't dig into the back of your ankle/achilles' tendon area. I've always found Oboz to have a really rugged and pretty stiff sole, so they would provide a good platform from which to where the snowshoes. If at all possible, maybe you could try the shoes and snowshoes on in the store? An outfitters like REI probably have both in-stock. I'm sure they'd let you check the capability of the two. It's not a loss if you couldn't do that, though (i.e. if you have to order online). Hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions!

[@Cdubb89]

Awesome thank you. Yes I have the 10 inch high ones. Now to get some snowshoes 👍🏼

[@JaredManninen]

@@Cdubb89 You're welcome! Thanks again for reaching out :)

[@RagingOatmeal]

Found this video just in time. Ive been debating on what footwear I should wear for it.

[@JaredManninen]

Excellent. Glad I could be of service :)

[@christyph3382]

How about mountaineering boots for snowshoeing?

[@JaredManninen]

I think those would be perfect! That is so long as they're comfortable for you and provide at least a little insulation against the snow. But I think they'd be stiff enough to provide good all-around support and be very functional outside of using the snowshoes (if you had to take them off, for whatever reason). Thanks so much for tuning in, and for contributing to the conversation!

[@JaredManninen]

You're welcome 👍

[@christyph3382]

Thanks for the info. Mountaineering boots with mountaineering socks keep my feet warm for winter hiking in pack-powered snow. I might give it a try with mountaineering boots. I started snowshoeing last year in Mammoth, California. I loved it. California got a lot of snow in our local mountains surrounding Los Angeles County in 2024. Snowshoeing would have been easier than mountaineering boots with crampons in deep powder snow. Lol.

[@JaredManninen]

@@christyph3382 Hey Christy, that seems like a good combo. And, yeah, snowshoes probably would've been a lot easier than the crampons ;) I've owned a set of crampons for 5+ years, but I have yet to actually use them. I realized soon after getting them that you kind of have to go out of your way to warrant their use. I guess I just don't do much icy peak climbing in the winter :)

[@sashafroyland]

Toundra Pro by Solomon - from REI....

[@JaredManninen]

That looks like a fantastic active winter boot! Thanks for posting :)

[@gen1463]

How about a boot like Timberland classic boot? Could that be a good alternative for a beginner?

[@JaredManninen]

For sure! Just make sure you treat them (waterproof) in some way. Seems like they could get soaking wet in the right (or wrong 😏) conditions. But they seem study enough to get the job done 👍

[@gen1463]

@@JaredManninen thank you very much

[@gen1463]

I was wondering if you had a shopping advice regarding the first pair of boots for a beginner thank you very much in advance

[@JaredManninen]

You're welcome ☺️

[@JaredManninen]

It's kind of a niche thing, but there are a number of different winter adventure-type boots available. Usually they're going to be waterproof, have high tops, and are pretty durable for outdoor use in the snow. Honestly, I'd start with your local outfitters/gear shop for their recommendations. Then, check REI. Those Salomon SnowTrip boots that I like are discontinued but I love them and I'm sure Salomon has other options. Anyway, I don't have any specific brands that I recommend but with a little searching you'll find something appropriate for winter adventuring. Let me know what you end up deciding on!

[@TheEmployerDoctor]

Would love to know about your video/audio gear....especially the mounts you use while you're on the move and when you are in front of the camera.

[@JaredManninen]

Hey Mike, Thanks for the question! For this specific video I was filming with an Olympus Tough TG-6 (durable point-and-shoot). I also used an inexpensive Joby Gorillapod (small articulating tripod) and fixed the camera to a tree branch. In the past, I used a Panasonic Lumix DMC TS5 but decided to try the Olympus because it has a bunch of macro settings (for wildflower photography). I like both of those durable P&S, but they're not perfect by any means. That said, I always have one at the ready when hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. I keep it in a small padded pouch attached to my belt, so that I can perform a one-handed camera operation on the go. Earlier this year, though, I invested in a GoPro Hero 8 Black and now I try to use that as often as possible. Its battery capacity is garbage, but the image and stabilization of the GoPro is exceptional. And, you can't hear the internal autofocus motors grinding away like you can with either of the Panasonic or Olympus (totally annoying). And lately, I've been using the GoPro with the Joby tripod (as a really short selfie stick). I can handhold that and then set it up on the ground or a tree without having to swap anything. I do most of my voice over/audio recordings using a Tascam DR-40X. I edit the audio using the freeware Audacity. Mostly I just crop and stitch the audio files, as well as to run it through a noise reduction filter in the program. I originally bought the Tascam for capturing sounds of nature. But it quickly became apparent that lugging around all that gear (especially if I was carrying my big DSLR and lens, for example) when trying to do a one-man operation is not very convenient or fun. haha. Anyway, I keep things pretty simple by using those smaller P&S cameras and small tripod. Not always super versatile, but when I'm out moving around it's a hassle to carry anything more (like a bigger tripod, for example). Perhaps I'll eventually make some more polished looking videos but, for the time being, I'm ok with the grittiness of what I have going on. Lastly, I use Adobe Premiere Elements (the totally stripped down version of their video editor) to apply some minor adjustments (color correction, stabilization, cropping) and transitions. Anyway, just in case you were wondering... haha :)

[@AA-wd2or]

I use my army boots work's fine for me

[@JaredManninen]

That's a great option, as well. As I recall, the combat boots that I wore when I served in the USMC (1992-96) would've been more appropriate than the "jungle" boots we were issued. Neither boot was insulated, but the combat boots featured the thicker leather uppers which could definitely provide a barrier against snow. Coupled with some warm socks, you'd be set. Thanks for watching, and the comment!

[@AA-wd2or]

@@JaredManninen Hai i agree i use my alpine area boots ..insulated , goretex . I'm from alpine region in Eu so boots are made by our state company for our area with allot of snow and moutains, forests and for crossing streams and rivers. They provide even remouvable electric and chemical heaters for extreme conditions if battery fail. Of course also good natural socks.

[@JaredManninen]

@@AA-wd2or Sounds like another great option for snowshoe boots :) Especially with those heating options! I always liked using my snowboarding boots for snowshoeing, especially when hiking up steeper angles of terrain, because they were rigid enough to feel like I was just walking up steps. Softer boots, I find, tend to waste some of the energy of your movements. Thanks again for contributing to the conversation :)