Now that you are familiar with the parts of the shoe, let’s decide what you will be using the shoe for. Hiking/Recreation: This is the general snowshoe; they are available at a number of area retailers. Most area rental shops provide a recreational shoe. Hiking shoes are ruggedly constructed and ready for fun right out of the box. They can take whatever you can throw at them. If you are just getting into snowshoeing you should start with a recreational model because they are usually economically priced and will help you build the necessary experience and skills without getting in too deep. Hiking shoes are capable of handling the trails in Michigan and perform just as well when you are blazing your own trail as they do on those that are groomed. Most of the
shoes that you find will be hiking or recreational style. Expedition: These shoes are made to carry the heaviest loads over terrain that has not been packed or groomed. These are generally overkill for the casual weekend hiker. You can spot an expedition style shoe because it will have a very long tail, aggressive crampons, and a wide deck. Like more expedition style gear, besides the features these are also set apart in price; they are often double the price of recreation models. If you plan on extended snowshoe camping trips or if you just want to make sure that you “stay afloat” when Northern Michigan hands you a load of new powder, an expedition style shoe may be right for you. Jogging: Trail runners rejoice. The dumping of snow that Northern Michigan receives does
LOCAL RENTALS Brick Wheels 231.947.4274
Grand Traverse Cycle 231.941.4868
Timber Ridge Resort 800.909.2327
Boyne Highlands 231.526.3000 ext. 3029
Crystal Mountain 800.968.7686 ext. 7000
Shanty Creek Resorts 800.678.4111 13 gtmtba.com WINTER 2012
Northern Motion