anyone know how to buy snowshoes?

[sweetpea&babycorn]

so the only thing i can think of for my bf this holiday season are new snowshoes. seems like he has enough clothes which is also a predictable gift from me, and everything else he wants is super high tech and expensive. like a thousand dollars. or more.

so i think snowshoes might be a great gift for him. we love walking on snowy trails together with our dog, and i got a new pair for the holidays last year. i think he could use new ones too.

problem: i have no idea what would be best for him! we are not extreme snowshoe-ers, but i want to get the best quality for my budget. i''d like to spend less than $200 which seems reasonable. my friend says that it depends on his size, height etc. he is 6''0 tall and about 200lbs maybe a few pounds less.

i heard atlas and TUBBS are made in china, which makes them a little cheapish. i''ve been looking at MSR, but would ultimately find the ones that would be best for him.

any snowshoe/winter sports experts out there willing to help a lost holiday shopper?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Do you have an REI nearby you? They may be able to help.

 

[sweetpea&babycorn]

thanks MC! i searched, and no luck

there is an EMS nearby. i was thinking of dropping by there and asking. i would most likely buy them online though, cuz they''re much cheaper and i can get online discounts.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Shoes are a toughy. If you can, I would buy them locally because if the sizing is off, you guys can run into the store and find a better size. If you buy online and end up returning, the discounts may not seem as much as you had thought.

 

[meresal]

LOTS of research.

I bought my ex fly fishing boots/wading boots for his birthday one year, and I spent probably at least 20 hours on google researching fishing sites for info and opinions.

He loved them and they worked great.

Just google "snowshoe reviews", and go from there.

 

[swimmer]

Snowshoes are really adjustable, do look for weight range, that is key. I got used ones at REI (former rentals) for almost nothing last year. This is the one kind of shoe I would trust to buy online without having tried on, straps fit anyone. The cheaper ones are not as sturdy, but how often/intensely are you going to be using them?

 

[lyra]

My husband researched, then bought his off Ebay.

 

[sweetpea&babycorn]

i''m searching, not finding anything meaningful. i can''t find anything about the right shoes for his weight. i also have a budget, which probably makes things worse.

i''m not nervous about buying online because my bf is the kind of person who will go with whatever he has, thus why i really want to know what i''m getting and know that''ll they''ll be good for him before i buy. last year we went snowshoeing almost every weekend through snow packed trails in vermont. so i guess pretty often?

i will keep with my search and talk to someone at EMS sometime. thanks all!

 

[meresal]

I just google'd "snow shoe for 200 lb man" and this was the very first link on the list. $119 and a free tote bag.
http://www.snowstuf.com/snowshoes-for-men.asp

In your price range and it says which size for the weight of the person. If you do enough research you will have absolutely no buyers remorse. The best people to ask are people that use the products often, and the best place to find their opinions are the internet.

I also google'd "Snow Shoe Reviews" and this is a HUGE list of lots of sites with many reviews.
ETA: You can change it to "Snow Shoe Reviews 2009" for more recent feedback.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=snow+shoe+reviews&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10

You just have to try different word combos and you will find more information that you could ever possibly imagine. Keep a pen and pad right next to you so that you can write down the ones you like and thier prices. Also, be sure to add the website to your "Favorites" if you like them, because the most frustrating thing is not being able to find your way back to a certain item!

Once you find the one you like, then start typing in things like " 'Style you choose' + discounts" and " 'Style you choose' + Sale", and you'll be able to find the best online price.


I should really teach a class on this...

 

[meresal]

Snowshoe magazine said that an online site called Backcountry was a great resource.

Here are their Hiking Snowshoes : http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/262/Hiking-Snowshoes.html

I would aslo google to see if this website has any current discounts that you can use. Like "Backcountry discounts", "Backcountry coupons", etc. I can't post them on here, but I did see one or two, and a free shipping discount.