Winter Fashion Sense

Out of work on time, I slip on a heavy base layer, windproof pants, an insulating layer and a windshirt. Balaclava, hat and mittens are on and I’m collecting my snowshoes from the shed.

It’s an ideal afternoon for a quick hike in the deep snow deposited by Sunday’s storm. I lace my boots and secure a pair of alpine gaiters to keep the icy powder out. I fasten the bindings and start moving.

The snowshoes are mountaineering shoes for steep ascents. They have aggressive crampons on the bottom to prevent sliding. Today in southern New England the terrain is flat as a pancake. These will be overkill for hiking without elevation, but they’re what I’ve got and will move me along much better than bare booting in deep snow.

The snowshoe track I set yesterday is lovely. It’s been recently improved by several other snow shoeing hikers, and nicely packed.

It’s windy and I feel the chill as the temperatures begin to drop. I need not worry. The exertion of walking at a quick pace with the shoes soon warms me up. I pass two other snow shoeing hikers, and soon I am past yesterday’s turn around point. From a side trail a walker appears. I see she’s wearing a pair of fashionable but completely useless suede boots. We smile at each other and exchange greetings as she trudges along.

“I must get a pair of those” she says.

“ You’re in deep, madam and you don’t have the shoes for it.” I replied.

No, I didn’t not really say that!

I bit my lip, nodded, and knowing it was a valid concern, I hoped she was not going far.

The suede boots would soon be wet, stained and cold. The snow was close to the top of the boot and a little powder falling in would make for a wet sock and unpleasant walk home.

A brisk walk in winter is a wonderful way to break up the seasonal blues when daylight is in short supply. A few hours outdoors is a remedy for the cabin fever that can develop after several months of being trapped inside.

Wearing the proper garments is a start, but it’s your feet that do all the work. I shall never grace the cover of a fashion magazine, but my toes will thank me when the snow gets deep.

What’s on your shoe rack?