January 27, 2001


What boots should I use with snowshoes?

I'll be attending a snowshoeing workshop in January in the Adirondacks of New York. I have received some conflicting advice about boots for this activity. My local merchant says a Gore-Tex lined leather hiker, such an Asolo model, should be plenty. The workshop leader, on the other hand, suggests Pac boots like Sorels (are they still in business?). Which is better for snowshoeing? If it's the Pac boots, is there a model that can be used for general winter hiking with a pack as well? Thanks,

— Robert Kerner New York, New York

Here's an answer for you: Neither.

Leather boots, Gore-Tex or no, will eventually wet out if you spend enough time standing around in snow. Your feet may not get wet inside the Gore-Tex booty, but the wet leather will cause heat loss from evaporation, and your feet will feel cold. Pac boots are a somewhat better choice (Sorel has indeed vanished from most shelves; take a look at Cabela's Winter Extreme Pac boot—$109) but in my view are too soft for all but flat-trail snowshoeing.

My first choice, by a wide margin, is a light plastic mountaineering boot. They're pretty comfortable, very warm, completely waterproof, and stiff enough for good performance when on hills or in deep snow. I'll grant you, these also are the most expensive choice. About the lightest plastic boot made these days is the Koflach Degre, which sells for about $250. But, you should be able to rent some from a local mountaineering shop, so you can see how they work for you and go from there.

Feeling more conflicted now? Don't —- if plastic boots seem like too much, then get some Pac boots. They'll work pretty well as long as you're on fairly flat terrain, will keep your feet warm and dry, and are plenty comfortable. But clearly plastic is the way to go for serious, long-range snowshoeing.