The snow around the house hasn't been deep enough to warrant using them so I haven't used them in a long time.

To each their own though. I've got neighbors who will walk 2/3 mile in snowshoes on the road and then hit the woods in a measly 1 ft of snow.

I'd start off on some shorter hikes because you are going to use muscles you never knew you had.

I always used lighter boots versus larger or pack style boots. Bulkier boots sometimes don't fit well in the bindings. They are also sometimes too hot.

Inspect your shoes before you hit the trail especially the binding and hinge part. Nothing like getting out there and your shoe breaks. I've had this happen a couple times. We used to bring some duct tape and rope.