snow shoes

I am considering getting snow shoes. 

I love hiking and one of the trails up the mountain is a wide forest road that folks cross country ski on.  I have never snow shoed and was wondering if anyone had some good advise.  I was looking at a pair manufactured by Redfeather.  Is it a must to have poles? 

Thanks,  Julie

I have a pair and I love them!

Poles are not necessary unless you are doing some really tricky climbs, or are carrying a really heavy pack.  I think the quality of the boots you wear is more important than the quality of the snoe shoe - so make sure you have some good insulated, waterproof and comfortable boots.  You will also want some gators (sp?) to keep the snow out of the top of those boots. 

my boyfriends parents LOVE their snowshoes.  they live on a lake and in the winter when it's frozen they walk to the other end and back and say its a great workout!

Thanks you guys.  Okay, I feel kind of stupid....are gators those high rubber boots?  And they fit over your boots?

It's a thing that fits over your shoe that keeps snow from getting in at the top of your boot.  It's best to get a pair that go all the way up to your knee.  Skiiers wear them too.  When you go shopping for snowshoes, the salespeople will be able to help you. 

You can wear your normal hiking boots if they will be warm enough. 

Snowshoeing is so much fun, and such a great workout. Make sure you try on the snow shoes with your boots - on my boot / snow shoe combination the straps of the snow shoes slide off the boots when I go downhill, and it gets very frustrating.

I agree with andesite that the boots are very important, I tried doing it with my regular hiking boots and had icy feet, and resorted to buying winter hiking boots - which are the ones I now have the problem with. But at least my feet are warm while I slide down the hill cursing!

Pfluegers I will be going down a pretty steep hill.  Can I ask you what kind of snow shoe you got so I can avoid those!  LOL 

Seriously, thank you for all your help you guys!