I like traditional things- wood canoes, tobaggans,etc... and I like wooden snowshoes!

Anyone have/ used the Alaskan-style shoes before? I’m looking for your thoughts/ feedback on this style.

I’ve had Huron shoes forever and broke the frames this last year. Before I get another pair, after doing some research the Alaskans just seem better.

I always preferred the Hurons over metal frame shoes- they’re quieter and have better flotation. I figure Alaskans should have better flotation yet, and require less of a wonky walking motion.

Anyone used this style? What are your thoughts.

Yes, I like the Alaskans. That was what my dad gave me when I was a kid. You're right, they allow more of a natural gait because you don't have to take big steps so that your left snowshow clears the right snowshoe and vice versa.

I have a pair of Ojibway shoes from a "lace your own" kit. Have had them for years, they're similar in size to Alaskans, but the toe is pointed rather than round, which is nice for walking through brush. Looks like the kits are still made
Ojibway the webbing is a flat tubular nylon very strong and easy to work with.

I have a pair of Alaskans in addition to original 35" Sherpas and MSR Denali Ascents. I weigh 220 pounds before putting a pack on. The Alaskans are a necessity for me in deep, unconsolidated snow. Having skied and snowshoed for many decades, I find them pretty easy to maneuver except in thick brush. The Sherpas are ideal when the snow is hard packed or has a substantial crust. The MSRs come out to play on steep, icy slopes when I'm not trying to sneak up on anything ...

I have a pair of Alaskans and a pair of Ojibways. The Alaskans are great on open snow. If you're traveling on a lake or trail, these work great. The Ojibways work great when bushwhacking or travel over areas with a lot of brush.

Agree with the advantage of the Ojibway design in brush, but also: its pointed front and back makes it easier to walk with a natural gait while nesting your shoe prints. We love our pairs that we laced and dipped at the Ely Folk School (the Country Ways kit that fraxinus linked, above).

fraxinus: "I have a pair of Ojibway shoes from a "lace your own" kit. Have had them for years, they're similar in size to Alaskans, but the toe is pointed rather than round, which is nice for walking through brush. Looks like the kits are still made
Ojibway the webbing is a flat tubular nylon very strong and easy to work with. "

Me too. Made them some 20 years ago and holding up great - just need to re-dip or brush on from once in a while. I have the mediums and they do pretty well for me. Occasionally in really deep fluffy snow I wish I had a bigger pair of Alaskans, but then I get into brush and like the way I can work the point between the alders. The Hurons and Bearpaws seem like they would be harder to walk any distance.

Fabre, Quebec made snowshoes I’ve had forever. Probably more value as antiques.

Awesome. Thanks for the opinions. That’s why this site is the best.

I think I’ll grab the Alaskans and report back when I do. (And when we get snow:))

Are you going to be buying or making the Alaskans?? Completely understand buying, but if you enjoy a bit of tying, the kits are very good.

Jaywalker: "Are you going to be buying or making the Alaskans?? Completely understand buying, but if you enjoy a bit of tying, the kits are very good. "

Never thought of that option. I’ll have to look into it!

Well I got a pair- and with the recent “snow” I was able to get out and try them this morning. Even though we have barely a few inches on the ground;with the wind yesterday, I was able to find some real powdery 1-2ft drifts to try the new shoes.

Man I have to say- these are impressive! Even in the real powdery stuff, I’m right on top of the drift. Floatation seems to be much better than my Hurons even- and those were pretty good. Walking is easier as well since you barely have to modify your gait. I didn’t find them that cumbersone either for turning- but I’m used to XC skis.

These are definitely a win.