I grew up on ash-framed, leather (and neoprene) laced snowshoes... I'll take a modern aluminum shoe every day, nostalgia aside.
The old Sherpa shoes were terrific, and made some really long, big models that worked better (they're lighter) than any ash framed shoe. Long shoes aren't fashionable, but they absolutely have their place in moderate terrain, and deep snow.
I can't think of a more miserable shoe than a bearpaw style.
Ed's recommendation on MSR's is spot on... light, and man do they float and climb.
