The best footwear for snowshoeing is ankle-high, waterproof hiking boots or special winter boots. Using the right stepping technique will not only get you moving faster, but will also conserve energy. Always remember the following when walking uphill: as soon as it gets steeper, you should start using the heel lifters. They allow you to stand almost upright, which makes walking uphill much easier. To go downhill quickly with snowshoes, using a glissade or step-slide technique is recommended. To do this, lean back slightly and glide down with your knees slightly bent. You can increase your speed by leaning further back.