Last updated on October 14th, 2022 at 02:41 pm
When searching for the ultimate winter thrill, you may be daydreaming of skiing through pristine backcountry powder. Nothing beats the freedom of carving your own path. However, getting to new terrain may have you stumped. You might have even asked yourself, is snowshoeing with ski boots possible?
In short, yes with some considerations you can snowshoe in ski boots. Most importantly, your snowshoe’s bindings need to fit the ski boot and your ski boots need to have a walk-mode.
Why Someone Might Want to Snowshoe in Ski Boots
Instead of donning an extra pair of hiking boots, some snowshoers will perhaps prefer to pack less gear. And changing your boots at the summit before descent can be a cold and unpleasant task. Not only that, during long treks, your ski boots may become icy and less pliable when packed.
In short, skiers may want to snowshoeing in ski boots to:
- avoid backcountry boot changes
- keep ski boot liners pliable, thus avoiding a harsh ride down
- avoid carrying ski boots on your back all day
- avoid packing an extra pair of hiking boots
- benefit from the perfect waterproof exterior of ski boots
Can you Snowshoe in Ski Boots?
With a bit of tenacity you can do just about anything. While snowshoeing in your ski boots will not be the most comfortable trek, you can definitely do it. Assuming some specifications are met before you head out, it is a worthwhile consideration.
Snowshoes Sometimes Run Small
Probably the best piece of advice is to make sure your boots will actually fit inside your snowshoes. Some shoes run small, especially for women and children.
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Look for snowshoes that have good reviews for large feet (to accommodate bulky boots), or ones that are Unisex.
Many high quality boots will have a rigid toe caps or bindings that aren’t big enough. Better quality won’t always mean there will be room for your ski boots.
Boots With Walk Mode Are Recommended
Most All-Mountain and Alpine boots have a heel-lock. This addition of a walk-mode, or ski/walk mechanism, will allow the upper shell to move freely from the lower shell.
If your boots have walk-mode, ankle mobility will make a world of difference when snowshoeing and hiking.
Consider also, if your shoes do not have this you may encounter a lot of calf and hip fatigue.
Amount of Flex
Ski boots can be soft, medium, or stiff flex. Depending on your skill level and leg strength, this will vary for your particular pair.
Chance are, if you’re heading off-site toward technical trails, your boots will be on the stiffer side for much needed control.
For snowshoeing, a boot with more flex will be most comfortable, especially if your snowshoes hit uneven trail or rocks.
Alternatively, your particular boot may also have a ‘flex adjustment’ capability. Some high end boots can be dialed to a particular type of ski setting.
Boot Tread
While Snowshoes have teeth to grab the snow and earth, your boots still have to sit snug in the binding. If your boots have hard plastic tread, this will be a rough hike.
Snowshoeing in ski boots will be infinitely easier if you have rubber or Vibram tread on your boots.
What About Cross Country Ski Boots?
With their sleeker frame, cross country ski boots will easily fit into most snowshoes. Additionally cross country boots offer lots of ankle range.
The motion of snowshoeing is actually very similar to cross country skiing. While it still won’t be as comfortable as a hiking boot, these will get you closer to a natural foot motion.
Proper Footwear for Snowshoeing
You’ve likely worn your ski boots around enough to know that they are stiff and strange. That may have even landed you here to this article.
And even though ski boots can be used in snowshoes, they are not the best option. The best boots to wear while snowshoeing will have lots of flexibility at the ankle. Additionally. you’ll want a pair with fantastic rubber tread, forefoot flexibility, and they must be waterproof.
Get Out and Carve Untouched Paradise
Ski boots are not advisable to wear around for more walking than necessary. Firstly, they keep the body in an unnatural position that puts strain on leg joints and the back. However, in those moments where adventure outweighs the cons, it sure is possible to go for it.
Heading out into the winter with a great pair of snowshoes can be pure freedom. It may mean the difference between waiting in lines for a turn at the slopes or pioneering your own trek down the mountain.
Image Credit: Robert Tadlock | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) — reduced file size and cropped