My shoes, bearpaws, are 10x36. They are a compromise shoe, don't do anything perfectly but most things well. Kind of like 4895. Fully outdoor dressed weight is +/- 195. When traveling through soft snow, such as between tall corn stalks, floatation is not the best. However, the short length and lack of a tailpiece makes turning much easier. On the hard snow one can almost jog (I don't).
Many years ago I had the opportunity to try a pair of Alaskan style shoes, long and narrow. Fast on the flat, slow on the turn. Someday might get a set, just because.
Up here the snow does get like concrete, it’s just not consistent across all conditions. The north side of a treeline could be rock hard. Cross the trees to the south 200', might be 2" of crust over 3' of powder.
Snow got a lot harder after last night..
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Good day to size brass and read a good book.
I likely use shoes too small for the weight wearing them. I also forfeit float for maneuverability.
Most times I am wearing them it is usually forest. In the NE conditions will vary usually.
Still like the extra grip they afford.