Hey LBTC,
Are you by any chance using snowshoes that have the heel attached? Isn't the back part of the shoe supposed to remain relatively dropped down and sort of drag along the top of the snow as you lift your foot and bring it forward in the next step? Is your shoe pivoting from the ball of your foot? I would think if you have the heel part clamped on then it would more likely flip up when you walk and fling snow up on your backside. Some shoes come with a little heel bar that you can flip up to secure your heel when climbing thus saving your calves- perhaps you have that and are using it on flats when you shouldn't be? Just some thoughts...

Quote Originally Posted by cosc View Post
This thread came at just the right time as I was planning to buy some snowshoes. Lisa, I purchased some women's 25 Odyssey snowshoes too. We're supposed to have snow and freezing rain for a few days so I'm anxious to go play in the snow. A life-time 28 years ago my family rented cross-country skis to see if we liked it enough to purchase the equipement. My husband and 2 boys got their skis on first and I had my stuff on all of 3 minutes when I fell and broke my elbow. I now have completely put that out of my mind. After all I'm much wiser-cautious,and at 56 very young at heart. I'll keep you posted on my new endeavour.
Wow Cosc, that's some story!! I'm 52 and this winter activity stuff is all new to me. I think snowshoeing is supposed to be WAY easier than x-country skiing, or certainly downhill skiing!! You might want to get some poles to feel extra secure...I did. The heavy duty crampons on these are very reassuring. We have lots of hills here and we tend to get packed snow with accumulations of ice underneath.
It's so cool that you got the very SAME exact shoes as I did!!! I love that. Did you get yours yet? Too bad we can't go shoeing together! (I assume you are far from me)

My snowshoes arrived today!!!! Woo-HOOO!
They fit wonderfully, and are SO well made, even DH was much impressed and he's a Tough Customer! I didn't have to be concerned about my big feet and big boots at all- the bindings are able to handle my absolute clunkiest biggest winter boots of all. They adjust in several directions, so they are readily adaptable to varied boots. The crampons are awesome. I am SO pleased. Now I have everything I need: snowshoes, poles, gaiters, and even a snowshoe carrying bag that zips closed and you can lash the poles to. Well, I need maybe one more thing though.....SNOW.
I can't wait to go tromping at the first 5" snowfall we get.

Heres another nice thing- this morning DH and I were having breakfast at the village cafe before heading out on our bike ride. We were making our ride plans on a map when a couple at the table next to us introduced themselves saying they love biking too. They live in a neighboring town and are similar age as us and they like to ride the same way we do- easy paced bike touring around the local countryside. She is a teacher at my old school and is still commuting to work in the cold on her bike. Then I mentioned I just bought snowshoes and it turns out they bought some last year and love to do that as well! So we exchanged info and will plan on doing some rides and shoeshing together hopefully soon. Bikes make good things happen.