“Waterproof” Snowshoe Boot

Two things:  First, if I were a betting man, I’d bet it’s sweat.  :-)  Second, every waterproof-breathable boot I’ve ever owned started leaking eventually.  Most last a few months to a year, a few have gone multiple years.  That said, I’ve probably never shoed in snow so wet I really needed waterproof boots.

Maybe try leather boots (properly treated)?

Dear Adam,

You mentioned that the issue is not sweat. The only way I could make such a claim is by using a vapor barrier. Are you using one?

Can I ask what temperatures you snowshoe in? If I’m going to be below 15F, a vapor barrier gets me through an all day of activity without insulating boots down to about 0F. A bit chilly on breaks over 30 minutes, but outside of camp, those are rare.

If you do not use vapor barriers, before you buy new boots, try buying some oven bags at the supermarket. Place the bags either directly over your feet or over a thin liner sock and then the insulating sock. Depending on fit, you may not have enough room for both the bag and liner sock.

Maybe look into the Baffin Borealis double boots. They have a full rubber shell and removable liner. They hike massively better than most snow boots, and being able to swap out the liner makes them many times more serviceable in the cold outdoors.

Although, they do need to have the tongue areas seam sealed if planning to stand in water above the bottom lace.

The red version of this boot is the coolest looking boot ever made. They look like something from Star Trek in how the red glows through the translucent shell. I actually pushed myself over the purchase line because they looked cool. Turns out they perform great too!

RAB Vapour Barrier socks.

Salomon Tundra Winter Boots.

Keeps my feet toasty warm and dry all day while hiking and snowshoeing in below freezing temperatures with snow, slush and ice.

Don’t your feet get totally soaked in sweat while using a vapor barrier all day?

Don’t your feet get totally soaked in sweat while using a vapor barrier all day?

Yes, but the wetness doesn’t soak your socks/insulation, so you stay warm.  Of course you don’t want to be using vapor barriers unless it’s pretty darn cold, so you won’t be sweating like it’s a summer hike.

With boots, the first choice has to be those that fit well.  That unfortunately prevents using many boots that might otherwise be fine.

Next considered are boots that are truly waterproof and breathable (WPB).  I say truly, because I’ve found that most WPB’s do not live up to expectations.

Those limitations, again unfortunately, have left me with Salomon and Keen.  But wet feet when plowing through drifts have not been a problem with WPB gaiters.  (Unless the boot is so tall that gaiters are not needed to keep water and/or snow from entering at the ankles.)  Both companies have wide selections.  But to benefit from them, finding a well stocked store can be a big help.  In my locale, there are Farmway, in Bradford VT; and the Trading Post in Kittery ME, to name a couple favorites.  We used to have an EMS that was well stocked; but now it is not, nor is the REI that replaced it.  And have not been to my favorites in a while, so hope they have not suffered the same fate.

With truly WPB mid height boots, plus WPB gaiters, plus plenty of trying on, my feet remain warm and dry.  Should also mention the use of Lorpen polyester socks from Canada that dry  quickly and are popular with hunters.  A plus is that the same gear has also worked well in the shoulder seasons.

In the current wacky weather, many streams keep running under the snow and ice, and are avoided at all costs.  Also recognize that some folks perspire more, so may need to find other approaches.