A few thousands of years ago when snowshoeing started, it was more of a necessity than a recreational activity as it was vital for transportation through the thick snow in winter.

However, it has now evolved into one of those winter sports that most people look forward to. What makes it popular is that anyone regardless of age and physical capability can try it out, and it is also a great way to get some exercise in the harsh weather.

But, if you plan on doing some snowshoeing next winter, you need to first invest in the right gear. Although there are few other things that you might need, a pair of good boots is always the perfect starting point because you need to keep your feet comfortable and safe from the biting winter cold.

Given that snowshoeing is a very popular winter activity, there are thousands of shoe types out there designed for it, and so choosing just one pair will take more effort than what many of us think.

But, we are here to make things easier for you by narrowing down your options with our top 5 reviews and also providing buying tips to show you how to choose.

Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Omni Boots by Columbia

Our pick

Pros

Non-marking sole for excellent grip
Superior interior cushioning
Comfortable and lightweight midsole
Nicely stitched and durable uppers
Seam-sealed waterproof construction
Tall shaft for extra protection

Cons

A little too stiff when new
Narrower for some men

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With a combination of leather and textile at the top, these boots are designed for durability. Also, the material is nicely stitched to make it even more long-lasting and seam-sealed to make it completely waterproof.

The boots have a superior interior cushioning that enhances the comfort and a comfortable and lightweight midsole.

With this boot, you also get a taller shaft for extra protection and a stable rubber sole designed to provide excellent traction for more comfortable snowshoeing.

Well-made boot with durable material and tall shaft for maximum protection.

You know what’s the most important feature of Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Omni Boots? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Merrell Moab Polar Waterproofs by Merrell

Pros

Highly breathable mesh uppers
Sufficiently insulated interiors
Slip-resistant sole with superior traction
Fits as expected
Excellent stitching and finish

Cons

The toe box is a little smaller
Narrower

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Being a pair of highly breathable boots, you can be sure that your feet will feel nice and cozy which is just what you need to tack the winter cold.

Also, they are made with a tough material that is designed to not only protect the feet but also offer many years of service.

These boots have a synthetic sole that makes them relatively light and is also more slip-resistant for excellent traction on the snow.

The sizes fit as expected for most people even when wearing thick winter socks, and the stitching and finish also add to the durability and also given the boots a more appealing look.

Great snowshoeing boots that can also work for almost any weather

For more about Merrell Moab Polar Waterproofs, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Merrell Snowbound Mid Waterproofs by Merrell

Pros

Durable rubber sole with excellent traction
Breathable mesh uppers
Cozy and sufficiently insulated interior
Lightweight and flexible
Quick-dry fleece
Roomy enough toe box

Cons

Some sizes are a bit off

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A lightweight, warm and dry pair of boots like this one will ensure that you can spend as much time as you want outdoors without worrying about ending up with wet and cold feet.

The boots have a mesh upper which also makes them highly breathable, and the interior is cozy and well insulated to ensure maximum foot comfort.

Also, this is a generally lighter pair of shoes with a quick-dry fleece that will make it even comfier. The sole is made from a genuine rubber material that is not only highly durable but also ensures you always get great traction regardless of the surface.

And with the roomy toe box, the boot's interior will even be more comfortable even when wearing the shoes for extended periods.

This is a stylish pair of mid boots designed to make snowshoeing more interesting.

For more about Merrell Snowbound Mid Waterproofs, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Vilocy Men’s Winter Fashion Sneakers by Vilocy

Pros

Stylish suede and fur upper
Rubber sole for excellent traction
Highly breathable interior
True to size
Relatively more affordable

Cons

Not completely waterproof
Interior could be warmer

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Snowshoeing boots should not be just functional because you also need something that looks nice and trendy to ensure you feel good when wearing it.

This men's pair comes with a suede and fur upper that looks amazing, and the fur inside is designed to make it soft and comfortable while also adding some warmth.

For the sole, you get a natural rubber sole that does not fold and is resistant to abrasion and slipping.

Many men that wear these boots will be happy with the fit as they are designed to be true to size, and these are generally more affordable boots that will be ideal for other things like work and outdoor activities.

This is a more affordable boot for someone looking for something that is both warm and fashionable.

You know what’s the most important feature of Vilocy Men’s Winter Fashion Sneakers? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Vasque Coldspark Ultradry Snow Boots by Vasque

Pros

Lightweight synthetic material
Excellent traction in most surfaces
Cozy fleece collar lining
Completely waterproof construction
Sufficiently insulated interior

Cons

Sizes run smaller

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Synthetic boots might not be as tough and rugged as leather ones but as this pair proves, they still have a lot to offer key among this being that they are generally more lightweight.

With this pair, you also get a rubber sole that provides excellent traction and abrasion resistance. There is also an ultradry waterproofing system to keep water out and 200g 3m Thinsulate insulation that keeps the feet warm and cozy in the cold weather.

The soft fleece collar lining also adds to the coziness and the boots also have a molded rubber heel kick.

This is a lightweight synthetic boot designed to offer excellent insulation and complete waterproofing.

You know what’s the most important feature of Vasque Coldspark Ultradry Snow Boots? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

What to look for when buying

There is no doubt that there are many pairs of boots out there that will be perfect for snowshoeing.

However, picking just one pair will require you to take into account several factors which include the following 4.

Fit and Comfort

For any boots for snowshoeing to work for you, they need to fit perfectly. Fit influences comfort and will be a key determinant of how fun wearing them will be when snowshoeing.

To make sure that the bots fit correctly it would be great to try them out before buying. But, when trying out the boots is not possible, use the size chart to pick the right size.

Also, keep in mind that you need to wear thicker socks in winter, and so your boots have to accommodate them.

Traction

Traction is vital when walking through the snow because if you do not have enough of it, you will have a very hard time.

It is important to make sure that the boots have a thick and rigid sole for maximum traction. Also, a sole with a large surface area, deep lugs, and a sticky rubber material will give you excellent traction.

Breathability

Even in winter, your shoes will still need to be breathable enough for maximum comfort.

While insulation is more important as it will keep the feet warm, breathability is also vital because if there is not enough ventilation, you can easily end up with sweaty feet.

Hence, as you shop for boots, check the mechanism or design used to ensure breathability and ensure it is effective.

Waterproof

Any pair of boots you buy for snowshoeing need to be able to keep water and snow out. Some boots will claim to be waterproof but in actual sense, they are only water-resistant, and so you need to make sure you can tell the two apart.

Boots with leather uppers and those with synthetic fiber linings are often the best when it comes to keeping water out.

Also, something with a sheepskin or felt lining is excellent given that these materials can still continue insulating even when wet.

Conclusion

You cannot enjoy snowshoeing without proper boots because if your feet are not well-protected, cold and without enough traction, you will hardly feel like walking through snow.

But, boots should not give you sleepless nights as there are many great quality pairs out there, and you only need to find something that works for you.

With this piece to guide you, finding the perfect pair of boots for snowshoeing should also not take a lot of effort as we not only show you how to choose but also provide reviews for recommendations.

From our reviews, the Columbia Bugaboot Plus III is our best overall pair while the Vilocy Men’s Winter Fashion Sneakers is for you if you want something more affordable.

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01	Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Omni Boots by Columbia	Well-made boot with durable material and tall shaft for maximum protection.	Buy now on Amazon
02	Merrell Moab Polar Waterproofs by Merrell	Great snowshoeing boots that can also work for almost any weather	Buy now on Amazon
03	Merrell Snowbound Mid Waterproofs by Merrell	This is a stylish pair of mid boots designed to make snowshoeing more interesting.	Buy now on Amazon
04	Vilocy Men’s Winter Fashion Sneakers by Vilocy	This is a more affordable boot for someone looking for something that is both warm and fashionable.	Buy now on Amazon
05	Vasque Coldspark Ultradry Snow Boots by Vasque	This is a lightweight synthetic boot designed to offer excellent insulation and complete waterproofing.	Buy now on Amazon

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