My best advice about shoes to wear is in line with what others have already said: Winter Boots. There are many to choose from, but the best ones aren't your Sorels. Many "winter" boots are made by the likes of Keen, The North Face, Salomon and Merrel--and will be insulated, give good traction, and be equipped with a wonderful little notch or bar on the heel to keep the rear binding strap in place. Good ones to be had for a little $$, and you'll be thankful for the Thinsulate and waterproofness when the snow actually arrives and you're forced to navigate sloppy sidewalks and streets in Duluth. Practice is a relative term. Just don't go running in them expecting to have it go without a trip-and-fall. Just have fun, but don't worry much about it. You'll notice what it takes to walk in them the moment you're strapped in. Any place NOT in town is a good option for snowshoes. I'd look for undeveloped park areas like up near Hawk Ridge or something really hidden like Janet Pollay Park. Pray for snow. That's the last part. Snowshoes need it.

You may also consider picking up some trekking poles with snow baskets. They'll generally help with balance, and are a particular boon in hilly or icy conditions. Cheers!

...and keep off the groomed XC ski trails. they cut through HNC and other spots around town. XCers get a little riled up when they have to traverse through snowshoe tracks. Snowstorm bar crawls are also made much easier on a pair of snowshoes, particularly if you live on or near the Chester/Lakewalk corridor.

Zra's right--when you've had enough practice, head up to Hegman Lake. Those petroglyphs are amazing, and it's a beautiful snowshoe trek to them.

Wait for deep snow and then use them for what they are really designed for - staying on top of the snow without falling through. Great exercise!

Wait, are we expecting snow this year? Sure would be weird if it didn't happen (and tragic for the flora and fauna!). I guess I've seen years with this little snow in mid December... I'll go polish the shovel and start stretching.

Just a word of caution. I like shoeing on rivers but if you haven't done it, go with somebody who knows.

Amy +1... The deeper the better. Snowshoeing for me is best during / after fresh snow.. The light and fluffy snow is the best. It makes for quiet shoeing and even buffers the sound in the woods making it so peaceful. I like exploring places you can't go in the summer. Typically the forest opens up in the winter, less cover and the snow covers all the under brush and branches that can make for tough walking in the summer. Just bring a compass, fluids and a lighter (or better yet Flint and Steel) if you are busting your own trails into the woods. Pretty easy to get turned around and you never know when that winter storm might roll in and cover your tracks (way out) up.

Gaiters are a good thing, especially if you're wearing Stegers or any other boot with laces. They'll keep them from bunching up with ice and snow and easier to take off when you get back to the car. Also, the traditional Stegers aren't waterproof (another reason why I don't put them on til it's below 0 out) so the powder will eventually melt and soak your moosehide. +1 to Cory's gear info ... plus a headlight and some energy food. (You have the same shoes I do, Cory!) Pretty much any large expanse of powder is good for at least getting some practice in. I'm known for busting trail from the 9th st bridge @ Chester to the Lakewalk during and after snowstorms (mostly to check up on the shop...) and to write my name in the snow @ the Bowl down by the lake ... on my way to the Public House for a pint or two with the rest of the nuts who choose to venture forth in blizzards. They're the best way to foot commute after snowstorms before the plows have come through to do their job. I live 10 blocks straight up the hill from work and have done the shoe thing many times and struck out after work to check out the scene around town, often dropping through Leif Ericson (see: name writing) and through the Lakewalk, then circling back up onto superior and finding my way into Carmody before heading back up the hill and home. After the main corridors are good and packed down, it's best to don a set of yak trax, as I believe somebody has already mentioned, trails quickly get packed down with traffic.

Thanks for all of the input, especially the safety tips as we sometimes forget the dangers of being alone in the woods during the winter. So if we ever get snow, anyone up for some snowshoeing?

Goretex: just in case you didn't have enough PTFE and other flouropolymers in your blood already.

Snowshoeing is easy and is a healthy way to experience the great outdoors in winter. Have fun with it! I wear trail running shoes with a tall gaiter over nylon pants. I use two ski poles for balance and cadence.

It's going to be a Charlie Brown Christmas all right. Was just down in the Cities, it was 40 degrees there yesterday!