Admittedly when I first got them I was surprised at how thin the neoprene was. I thought there was no way these would keep my feet warm. I was prepared to be disappointed. I was wrong.
They attach on the bottom with a strap under your arch and a rubbery nylon part that wraps around your toes. Very similar to mountain bike booties.
The bottom 4″ or so are neoprene which when warn with a pair of my Vasque Arrowhead Ultradry boots kept my toes warm on a 2 hour snowshoe in -10°F! Which is really something to brag about. Without them the Vasque’s even though insulated would have left my feet numb.
The top of the gaiter has a elastic cord lock to keep the snow out.
There is a large velcro strip running the length of the opening to keep the elements out of the zipper.
The zipper has huge teeth, I tried a pair of gaiters from another brand (won’t name) that had a flimsy zipper that got jammed the second time I used them and I had to cut them off. Total waste. That said, they are a bit fiddly to get on. I keep a pair of liner gloves in my pocket to put them on when it’s snowshoe time. No problems yet, just a bit fiddly.
Waterproof material at the top to keep all that snow out. Cause nothing is worse than snow in your boot while in the backcountry.
I really dig these, and for the price they can’t be beat. If you get cold feet while snowshoeing these just might be the cure.
Outdoor Research Says: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/accessories/gaiters/huron-gaiters-high.html
Designed specifically for snowshoeing, the Huron Gaiters High provide both a solid seal against deep snow and an extra layer of insulation when you’re on the move in winter weather. The waterproof, breathable Pertex® Shield fabric upper charges through snowdrifts, and the laminated-neoprene lower extends over the toe to keep the elements out and the heat in. The taller height means that you’ll keep your boots sealed tight against even the deepest, freshest snow.
FEATURES
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Insulated Neoprene Lower
- Neoprene Lower Covers Toe
- Hook/Loop-Covered Zipper Closure
- Drawcord Cinch at Top
- Lightweight and Durable BioThane® Instep Strap