Cross training - does anyone snowshoe?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

This snoeshow thread is getting me inspired about perhaps taking the plunge.
Here in upstate NY we do tend to get some significant snow each winter (who knows what this winter will bring however ). Last winter I walked 3 miles a day through the winter- a few times through very deep snow. We also have a public conservancy trail just a block from our home that goes nicely through woods for a couple of miles.
I am intrigued by the idea of snowshoeing instead of walking through the snow on my walks- partly for the extra calorie burning concept. I hate the thought of getting so out of shape once I can't bike on the icy roads. I can't stand the thought of a trainer in the dank basement, I can't ski or jog because of weak knees and ankles, and I'm not quite ready to invest in the crosscountry ski thing.

My weight fully loaded would range between 140 and 165, so I figure a size 25"-27" might be right. I would be walking mostly gently rolling terrain, some packed trails with perhaps some ice under the snow, a few steep hills and some woodland walking trails, but no huge mountains or trail-less wilderness, and no running.
I know that women-specific snowshoes are a good idea because of our different stance and stride from men....but I worry because i have fairly big feet (size 9) and my winter boots are all quite bulky- the bindings on the pictures of some of the better snowshoes look like they are made for dainty women's size 6 or 7 boots with narrow pointy toes. My boots are all big and chunky and have thick blunt toes. Is this an issue? Anyone with big boots have any favorites?
Thanks...

[SadieKate]

Thanks, roadie gal, for the suggestions of where but it is the getting there and back that is the problem. We want to avoid the hectic traffic corridors of I-80 and Highway 50. Going up 49 towards Nevada City might be a better option. It just simply isn't worth the terror of driving with all the fatigued and drunk skiers/partiers/pseudo drivers.

[Kathi]

Here's an article from today's Denver Post,

http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_4896676

[sarahkonamojo]

I've only used snow shoes once. The modern ones are nice and simple to use. I prefer skis because I like to go downhill fast.

There are limitations to snow shoes: they aren't very good on ice/hardpark or a traverse. Breaking trail can be a lot of work. Take your terrain into consideration when chosing gear. Don't forget the safety gear: first aid, repair kit, hand warmers, etc.

Whatever gets you outside and moving, that is the key.

Enjoy the winter anyway you can
sarah

[DebW]

My weight fully loaded would range between 140 and 165, so I figure a size 25"-27" might be right. I would be walking mostly gently rolling terrain, some packed trails with perhaps some ice under the snow, a few steep hills and some woodland walking trails, but no huge mountains or trail-less wilderness, and no running.
I know that women-specific snowshoes are a good idea because of our different stance and stride from men....but I worry because i have fairly big feet (size 9) and my winter boots are all quite bulky- the bindings on the pictures of some of the better snowshoes look like they are made for dainty women's size 6 or 7 boots with narrow pointy toes. My boots are all big and chunky and have thick blunt toes. Is this an issue? Anyone with big boots have any favorites?
Thanks...

I've never used women-specific snowshoes. I currently use the MSR Denalis, which are a plastic deck with very good traction for steep hills and traverses, plus a heel elevator for the steeper stuff. I also used flat wooden 'shoes for many many years (with 1/2 a crampon lashed to the bottom). If you have long legs and a long stride, I don't think you need women's 'shoes. You don't have to walk with your feet wider as long as you step far enough to avoid landing on your own 'shoe. Also compare your boot side to the 'shoe size to ensure that your weight will be balanced fore-aft on the 'shoe. I much prefer a binding that pivots freely rather than the springy ones that throw snow up your back at every step, but they all work pretty well.

[xeney]

We used to snowshoe regularly, but the problems SadieKate identifies have kept us out of the mountains for the last three or four years. Castle Peak is my favorite spot for snowshoeing, and if you go mid-week it tends to be fairly deserted, but it's hard to take a day off like that in the middle of the school year. We tried some trails above Donner Lake once, but dogs were prohibited, and our oldest dog loves snow so much that we can't leave him behind. (He has been known to jump out of the car window at the sight of a snow bank.)

My husband also has knee problems and he has had some difficulty with snowshoes. I think it depends on the type of knee injuries involved, because just walking and hiking are hard on him, as well, and snowshoeing is basically hiking x 10.

[Kathi]

I've never used women-specific snowshoes. I currently use the MSR Denalis, which are a plastic deck with very good traction for steep hills and traverses, plus a heel elevator for the steeper stuff. I also used flat wooden 'shoes for many many years (with 1/2 a crampon lashed to the bottom). If you have long legs and a long stride, I don't think you need women's 'shoes. You don't have to walk with your feet wider as long as you step far enough to avoid landing on your own 'shoe. Also compare your boot side to the 'shoe size to ensure that your weight will be balanced fore-aft on the 'shoe. I much prefer a binding that pivots freely rather than the springy ones that throw snow up your back at every step, but they all work pretty well.

Whether or not you need women's snowshoes doesn't have anything to do with the length of your legs or your stride it has to do with Q-angle.

http://www.gla.ac.uk/ibls/fab/glossary/qangle.html

My ski instructor showed us this test for Q-angle. Start with your feet hip width apart and walk in a figure 8. If your feet come together when you start to turn you have q-angle. When you do it in the snow the walking pattern really shows up. But you can do it at home, just pay attention to where your feet are when you begin to turn.

I suggest demoing before you buy, that way you'll know which ones will work for you.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My question is- does anyone here have big feet (size 9 or so) and have any trouble fitting their big winter hiking boots into women-specific snowshoe bindings? I keep reading how women's snowshoes are sized for "women's sized shoes"- does that create a problem for larger boots?

[Kathi]

My question is- does anyone here have big feet (size 9 or so) and have any trouble fitting their big winter hiking boots into women-specific snowshoe bindings? I keep reading how women's snowshoes are sized for "women's sized shoes"- does that create a problem for larger boots?

I use my regular hiking shoes, which are leather and high top. At a REI women's snowshoe clinic the gal from Atlas recommended goretex trail running shoes. One of the snowshoe companies said their womens sizes went up to a size 10.

In my handout they listed Salomon Footwear, XA Comp 2 Gore-Tex XCR.

Also what to look for "FACT" Flotation, Articulation, Comfort, Traction.

Flotation: The greater the surface area the more flotation you achieve.

Articulation: Bindings should keep your heel stable and allow for lateral movement of your foot.

Comfort: Bindings shouldn't pinch and should be right and left specific.

Traction: Snowshoe crampons should allow for three types of stability: climbing, descending and traversing.

Atlas has some women's workshops scheduled in Jan.

http://www.atlassnowshoe.com/snowshoeing/workshop.asp

[Dianyla]

My question is- does anyone here have big feet (size 9 or so) and have any trouble fitting their big winter hiking boots into women-specific snowshoe bindings? I keep reading how women's snowshoes are sized for "women's sized shoes"- does that create a problem for larger boots?

Lisa - I've got bigass feet (10EEEE, as well as being high volume thanks to high arches and a high instep) and I am very happy with my MSR Women's Lightening Ascent shoes. Rather than those "bearhug" style bindings, these just have three independent slim rubber straps (toe, ankle, and heel) that will fit over large boots. And, the ascension bar is very very nice to have for uphills.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa - I've got bigass feet (10EEEE, as well as being high volume thanks to high arches and a high instep) and I am very happy with my MSR Women's Lightening Ascent shoes.

With feet like that, why would you even NEED snowshoes??
(JUST KIDDING!!!!)

All kidding aside....
Thank you all for your help!
After reading lots of info online about snowshoeing and doing a lot of comarison shopping, I bought some snowshoes that I think would probably work well for me.
They are the Tubbs Odyssey women-specific, 8" x 25" with good crampons and what seem to be good pivoting features. There are a few pretty good hills here on my walks, though no mountains. Here they are shown on LLBean's site, (but I got mine from another dealer for $155 instead of $199):
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...rValue_1=Lemon
I think they will be the right size for me and the right balance, somewhere midpoint between flat "recreational" and uber-aggressive mountain climbing type shoes.

I also ordered some women's adjustable poles and some Gortex gaiters.
Now instead of dreading snow because I'll be off my bike, I have something exciting to look forward to if the white stuff comes down! This being outside in the winter business is all totally new to me. It's only possible because I finally figured out how to dress properly thanks to my cold weather biking. All my life I've avoided being outside in the winter, shivering miserably in bulky acrylic sweaters, heavy coats, and cheap boots. I also had some good winter wear advice from a pro-skiing girlfriend. She and my DH set me straight, and now I love being outside in the brisk cold.

Golly, a whole new world opening up for me at 52....whoodda thunk?

[LBTC]

Way to go, Lisa!

With a good 4" of fresh snow today, DH and I just bought the Atlas snowshoes, mine are women's specific 1023, his 1025. They feel good, the bindings are easy to use, and we definitely burn more calories while we are outside in them!

We just went to a local dog trail loop and the dogs and we really enjoyed the whole thing. I just need to get waterproof pants and figure out how to not shoot snow all over my backside! My bum is very cold and was very wet!!

Off to look at gore tex pants....

(this is way above gaitor height!)

Happy snow to everyone, no matter how you get out to enjoy it!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Dianyla]

With feet like that, why would you even NEED snowshoes??
(JUST KIDDING!!!!)

Well, I used to just stamp about barefoot. But then I started noticing packs of Sasquatch hunters prowling around my favorite winter trails and realized I should probably at least pretend to use shoes.

This being outside in the winter business is all totally new to me. It's only possible because I finally figured out how to dress properly thanks to my cold weather biking. All my life I've avoided being outside in the winter, shivering miserably in bulky acrylic sweaters, heavy coats, and cheap boots. I also had some good winter wear advice from a pro-skiing girlfriend. She and my DH set me straight, and now I love being outside in the brisk cold.

I've often wondered what they would find if they (you know, those people, whoever they are anyway) did a study on winter depression and included information about people who have winter-specific hobbies and sports. Whereas before I used to sigh glumly when looking out the window on a gray rainy day, now I think to myself "yippee! mountain snow!"

[DebW]

My question is- does anyone here have big feet (size 9 or so) and have any trouble fitting their big winter hiking boots into women-specific snowshoe bindings? I keep reading how women's snowshoes are sized for "women's sized shoes"- does that create a problem for larger boots?

I wear size 9 shoes, and use big bulbous army surplus Korean boots (good to -20F) or double boots for showsnoeing. Never tried women's snowshoes though. I like the MSR Denalis. Don't know about Q-factor but if I could hike mountains in 13x23 flat wooden snowshoes, I obviously learned to compensate.