Winter Footwear Winter footwear needs to insulate against the cold, be water-resistant, supportive of the ankle, and provide good traction on wet and icy surfaces. Modern boots are much better than they used to be, with many more alternatives to choose from. For snowshoeing, you don’t necessarily need specialized boots at all. Summer hiking boots can work. Wear sock liners, plastic bags to act as thermal barriers, heavy duty trekking socks made of a combination of wool and synthetics, and thoroughly waterproof the outsides of your boots using a silicone spray or boot oil or wax made for this purpose. Cross-country Ski Boots Unlike downhill or Alpine ski boots, which do not need to be walked in very much, and therefore are extremely stiff to protect the ankles from sprains, cross-country and mountaineering skis are more flexible, particularly at the ankle. Most boots are designed to fit a specific binding system. Light touring boots are usually ankle-high, very flexible, and more comfortable than Alpine and mountaineering boots. Mountaineering boots are heavier, stiffer, and more insulated. They are a compromise between offering some of the added protection of a downhill ski boot and the flexibility and comfort of a Nordic ski boot that you will be in for many “walking” miles. Mountaineering boots are typically made of heavy leather, a combination of leather and synthetic fabric panels, or hard plastic with inner insulation. Cross-country Ski Boots (Illustration) For hiking and snowshoeing, Sorel-type boots, with insulating liners, rubber lowers and leather or nylon uppers work well. Winter Snow Boots For really cold conditions, boots should have a soft outer shell and a versatile lacing system so that you can wear long socks under them. A thick insulated sole is also necessary so that you don't lose heat through the ground. Minimal seams help keep water out. Liners should be waterproof and breathable. Winter Hiking Boots
Winter Footwear Winter footwear needs to insulate against the cold, be water-resistant, supportive of the ankle, and provide good traction on wet and icy surfaces. Modern boots are much better than they used to be, with many more alternatives to choose from. For snowshoeing, you don’t necessarily need specialized boots at all. Summer hiking boots can work. Wear sock liners, plastic bags to act as thermal barriers, heavy duty trekking socks made of a combination of wool and synthetics, and thoroughly waterproof the outsides of your boots using a silicone spray or boot oil or wax made for this purpose. Cross-country Ski Boots Unlike downhill or Alpine ski boots, which do not need to be walked in very much, and therefore are extremely stiff to protect the ankles from sprains, cross-country and mountaineering skis are more flexible, particularly at the ankle. Most boots are designed to fit a specific binding system. Light touring boots are usually ankle-high, very flexible, and more comfortable than Alpine and mountaineering boots. Mountaineering boots are heavier, stiffer, and more insulated. They are a compromise between offering some of the added protection of a downhill ski boot and the flexibility and comfort of a Nordic ski boot that you will be “walking” in for many miles. Mountaineering boots are typically made of heavy leather, a combination of leather and synthetic fabric panels, or hard plastic with inner insulation. Cross-country Ski Boots (Illustration) For hiking and snowshoeing, Sorel-type boots, with insulating liners, rubber lowers and leather or nylon uppers work well. Winter Snow Boots For really cold conditions, boots should have a soft outer shell and a versatile lacing system so that you can wear long socks under them. A thick insulated sole is also necessary so that you don't lose heat through the ground. Minimal seams help keep water out. Liners should be waterproof and breathable. Winter Hiking Boots
Snow_Camping_Training_Manual_2019.docx