Snowshoes ('racquettes')

Hi all - we tried some snowshoeing this year for the first time and really enjoyed it, especially as the days we went out were fairly grotty in terms of skiing conditions. When the weather or conditions aren't good, then snowshoeing can be a more rewarding alternative. We found that you really get away from the crowds but if you stay on prescribed paths, you're never far away from civilisation. Also, the exercise is more consistent and predictable - much like walking in summer, although the effort shouldn't be underestimated especially if you're the first on the track, walking in deep snow. So next trip we plan to buy our own shoes and keep them in our apartment.

We had a fairly cheap pair of borrowed racquettes that our companions had bought on the cheap in a Decathlon. However, like all equipment, the price range is substantial and we're faced with the usual "How much should we spend?" question.

The snowshoes we borrowed were hinged at the toe and could be locked-down at the heel. We did have problems traversing slopes and going downhill: this arrangement meant it was almost easier to walk facing uphill across a slope or down a steep incline. Other designs seem to be hinged more in the centre of the shoe, or have a shoe that sits in a flexible mesh - presumably so that you could incline the sole in any orientation. Others had much more aggressive-looking spikes on their bases (although carrying these on a bus etc without injury would seem a challenge).

Anyone got any recommendations/observations?

I usually rent myself and get on with whatever I'm given, so not an expert but maybe this may help
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/snowshoes.html. If you are planning on getting your own, I would say get the ones with the best traction.