Need help with snow shoes and boots

Looking to purchase my first set of Snow shoes and boots. would appreciate any suggestions model # for both snow shoes and boots. I don't know if I should go with a 25" or 30" Snow shoe. I'm about 5'5" and 170lbs. I know the shoes have a weight limit
Also what type of boot works well with the snow shoe I have a wide foot.
I'm not going to do any really technical snow shoe but just some general trail hikes.
Any input appreciated.

Happy New Year
Ray Still

Hi, Ray. I'm new to all this adventure photography stuff. So I asked the advice of an expert. Marc Adamus recommended Atlas Snowshoes, and only Atlas Snowshoes. I took his advice, and bought a pair. You shoud be okay with 25 inch shoes based on your weight. They also make a backcountry series that are 24 inch, but a little wider. These also have a more collapsable binding so they can be stowed into a backpack. Atlas makes a 9,10,11, and 12 series. The higher the #, the more agressive the shoe. I bought the 10series. One thing to consider, is if you are going to do alot of climbing, you might want the next series up with the climbing rail. This supports your heal so your calves and ankles don't get worked over so much. You will absolutely need a set of poles too. As far as boots go, I have a wide foot also. I bought a pair of "Keen" waterproof winter boots. I am very happy with them in terms of comfort, warmth, and keeping my feet dry. Good Luck!

Chris

Happy New Year Ray. Winter is my camping season so I spend nearly 3 days a week in the snow and I have to say that the best snow boot on the market hands down is the NEOS Overboot. They are Incredible! I use them for dog sledding, snow shoeing, winter camping, anything in the snow. The best boot investment I have ever made. Most of the time you don't even need a snowshoe when wearing them. And you can just wear your normal running shoes for comfort. http://www.overshoe.com/recreational/products/insulated.php.

After 30+ years of selling and using nearly every brand of snowshoe on the market, I can say without a doubt the most technically advanced snow shoe on the market is Crescent Moon snowshoes. One of the biggest advantages to them is that you can actually walk your normal stride. The width of nearly all other snowshoes on the market force you walk with your legs spread wider apart. Another reason is the shoe always stays flat with the snow and never flips under you when you have to make a leap or step over something. And they do not flip snow up your back when walking. They are the only snowshoe with three traction claws for much more stability when things get icy. http://www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com/index.html.

For the best packability and expansion the MSR's are hard to beat for a snowshoe. You can get an extension tail to snap onto the snowshoe when you are carrying heavier loads.

Hope this helps.
-tim

Ditto the recommendation above for MSR snowshoes. The binding is bomb-proof, yet quick and simple to attach or adjust, and I find they allow me to walk with a pretty normal gait.

The Crescent Moons sound like they are well worth a look, also.

The MSR snap-on extensions, which come in two lengths, give you two or three snowshoes in one, depending on the depth and consistency of the snow, and whether you are carrying a pack.

www.msrgear.com

Another vote for the MSR's; available at REI.

Thanks guys great info here I'm a real noob when it comes to this topic. Really like the thought of the NEOS Navigator5 overboot. The MSR's look very nice
Thanks again for the input
Ray Still

My wife and I got a pair of Navigators to walk around and shoot the 2005 Attaboy 300 dog sled race. I am so impressed with their versatility. They handle deep snow very well. Unless the snow is 3' or more I don't even bother with snowshoes because the NEOS handle anything below 3' very well. The shape and width of the tread allows them to perform like a snowshoe.

I grew up in Alaska and wish I had heard about the NEOS. Instead I wore bunny boots or Sorels.

-tim

Since Tim mentioned traction, I'll add this about the MSRs. They offer a full length serrated edge for traction. Compare that against Tubbs or Atlas which have a traditional front spike and little to nothing for the rest of the bottom surface area.

Also, the latest version of the MSR Denali showshoes incorporate a "lifter" which helps eliminate the strain on your calves during a long ascent up a slope and makes it more like a stairstep motion..

Thanks guys great info here I'm a real noob when it comes to this topic. Really like the thought of the NEOS Navigator5 overboot. The MSR's look very nice
Thanks again for the input
Ray Still

Rick and I bought MSR's from REI. Bottom line for me is that REI has good selection and information staff who can help you choose what is right for you.

I'll put another vote for Keen Footwear and winter boots. Last year I bought a pair of the Keen SNOQUALMIE boots - wow, they are great. Warm, lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. Very comfortable, great for winter sports.
http://www.keenfootwear.com/product.aspx?p=550&pc=1560