interested in trying out snowshoes for the first time,,, I want traditional snowshoes and wondering what the decent brands are and is there a favorite design or what should I know,,,

also what boots do you wear (sorel types or lighter)or does it matter?   any info or opinions would help,,, thanks T

Faber snow shoes, And I would go with a Maine style snow shoe.
if you can find the book, snow walker companion, it as a lot of good info on snowshoes!
http://www.fabersnowshoes.com/pls/prod_prod_bout51/iwae.proc_aigu?P_type_api=BOUTIK&P_lang=2&P_defi_ecra=3&P_cie=000019950000&P_type_acce=PUBLIC
hope it is all right to post the link.

Depends on what your going to do.....trails, hunting , hunting where it's hilly and brushy. Lots of different styles,I like the Green Mountain style or the Objway.

I like the Ojibwa style -- come to a peak and point up in front.  Very easy to move through the brush and still have enough floatation for open country, and not so wide that one has to walk spread eagle to use them.  There was a fella in Ashland County in northern Wisconsin who made them under the Spyglass name.  Don't think he's in business anymore.  I've also seen very nice kits and made a pair of Ojibwa style for my wife from one of those kits.  They use nylon webbing rather than rawhide, but look very nice and work just as well, plus mice won't eat the webbing. Can probably find the dealer if you look around on line.

I agree about the Objibwa, they are my favorite, in dry fluffy snow. That says, I like the Maine style better for heavy snow, and the beaver tail for thick bush... One thing to consider, is the lashing, find a pair that is a small as possible in the size of the babiche and the size of the spacing.

Iverson is an excellent brand made in northern Michigan.  Talk to them about how you will use them and they can get you into the right pair.

http://www.iversonssnowshoes.com/

There is an outfit by the name of Country Ways that has all the traditional shoe types.  They come complete or in a kit.  I needed a part for the bindings of my old Alaskans once, and they sent it no charge.  The shoes were not even theirs.  Nice folks.  Great customer service.

Northwoods Outfitters in Michigans Upper Peninsula carry traditional wooden showshoes.
http://www.northwoodsoutfitters.com/Pages/AdvStore/Snowshoes.htm

I've got a pair of the Ojibwa (not pictured on their site) and love em.

 

 

I have two pairs of Viking shoes(no longer made). Got them cheap from a local older couple. One is a Bearpaw the other is a Green Mountain style. I like them both. My hubby has a plastic MSR pair for mountain climbing. Love the crampon on them for ice and ravines. They are just way to loud to hunt in.
Nothing beats late season small game bow hunting in snowshoes!

I have two pairs of these;

 

My dad made both pairs back in the '30's for use on his trap lines in the UP.  This is what seems to be called the "Michigan" style.  I used them in the UP to hunt snowshoe rabbits (more than one good reason for them to have that name.    ).  They worked great until you got into the really thick stuff.  Have not been on them for many years but maybe use them this year.

If your a crafty type, you could make these yourself.  I see that a pair like this will retail for close to $300.  Makes hand made pretty darn attractive.  

Here's Clyde Risdon, the man who makes the Northwoods traditional snowshoes for Northwoods Outfitters. Clyde is holding a pair of Ojibwa style shoes.
http://www.northwoodsoutfitters.com/Pages/AdvStore/Snowshoes.htm

   

I have a set of modified bear paw they work good for the king of hunting around these parts, lots of brushy areas.

hey everyone thank you for the links and info,,,I'm going to start checking these out so i'm ready for  the deep snow and late season bunnys.

I like the look of those ojibways.  Bet they would go through the thick stuff better than the Michigan style.

I have faber long bearpaws for moving around in the brush, but the ones with a tail are good for treking, when you have the tailing wood ,it keeps the shoes going straight, but the rounded end snowshoes are better for turning around in.The best snowshoes are made with TOP GRAIN RAWHIDE, some are made with split rawhide,which is not as durable.they are all fun, i have 3 wood snowshoes a 2 modern snowshoes.

Tajue17, If you are ever up my way on RT 16 in Albany,NH there is a guy that sells just about every kind of snowshoe.New and used.

Tubbs snowshoes in VT makes a very nice Green Mtn style traditional model which is very good for off trail. Have used a pair for 20 yrs. now