How much snow do you get where you live? You'd need a lot different tool where my daughter lives and they average 180" of snow a year and can get 100" a month, versus here, where the city panics when 1-2" is called for.

Beyond that, I'm 6'5" and find most take too much bending over. I prefer the long handled pushers to something I have to lift and throw.

I think the "you can do it; we can't help" was close, it's a matter of personal preference. Try a couple and see what works for you.

Thanks Bobsmyuncle. I live in a suburb of Chicago, which you'd think gets a lot of snow, but in the last 10 years, actually not so much. It seems each year we MAY get one big storm, and then several 3-5" type snowfalls. So far this year, we've had a few snowfalls, one was about 5-6", and the rest 2" or less. I did borrow a neighbor's shovel, but it gave me blisters on my palms (through gloves!). Not sure if that's cause I have small hands, or the shovel was too heavy, or just that I am not used to shovelling snow. Hoping someone can advise me...

Juliet, I also live in a suburb of Chicago and I've tried at least 10 different kinds of shovels through the years. I'm 5'5" and weigh 120. I like snow shoveling and shovel every few inches so that I'm never shoveling super deep snow at a time. Here are the types of shovels I HATE:

the kind with the bend in the handle - you can't flip snow off to the side with this one.

heavy shovels/heavy metal blade - I get too tired using them...especially when the snow is wet.

long handled shovels - too awkward for my height.

plastic blade shovels - the end of the blade gets dinged up too easily.

The only type that I use now is a fairly short handled show shovel with an aluminum blade and wooden handle. It's light. The short handle is right for my height. Because I shovel every few inches of snow, the weight is manageable. We do have a second shovel and it's one we picked up at a garage sale - heavy metal blade with wooden handle. I use it for pushing snow but then I get the aluminum to lift the snow off the walks/drive.

Your blisters came from either not wearing heavy enough gloves or because you're new to this fun chore and your hands aren't calloused enough yet!

I know exactly the confusion you're feeling - I think I've just had a few more years to experiement!

Hi from snowy Canada - don't get the wide rect. 'push' ones - way too heavy for you (and me). Get a relatively small one (not a shortie though, but better for your health) only take fairly small scoops at any time - makes it easier to throw too, and goes faster in the end.

Don't laugh at me either, I live in the lake effect snow belt and at 60 years old I have run the gammut of snow shovels.

My preferences in order now are.

1.winter home in the sun belt & return when the snow is gone
2.Heated sidewalk & driveway
3.Toro power shovel
4.Common snow shovel propelled by neighbor kid

and at a last resort an ergonomic bent handle shovel the will lift snow when required but principally has a curved blade for pushing snow.

I haven't actually tried this because when i get outside and find wet snow sticking to my shovel I never have any handy - but I've seen it recommended to keep PAM around and use on your shovel so snow doesn't stick. A small snowblower (they say power shovels don't have enough umph) never hurts, then you can help your neighbors out too! Get a small one with an electric start that use's regular gas.

I recently got one with a bend in the handle & like it. You can't flip snow off like a regular one, but it's generally easier on the back. Get a regular one too. Plastic edge is ok. Metal edge can chip a bit of ice, but it's not a big deal. If you need to chip ice, get a small metal shovel with a handle & steel blade, not a snow shovel.
Always have at least 2 snow shovels. You never know who might offer to help or who you may want to help.
As a final note, take a break if your back starts to tighten up. A heating pad & toddy are your friend. Did anyone mention lift with your legs, not your back. A little easier said than done, but something to shoot for.
I just moved the snow thrower to the front of the garage. I'm all set for snow now.

Juliet - nothing to laugh about, although I do like lazypups solutions...!
The person in the store was not so far off in that you need to try a shovel to see if the balance and size of it feels right. The link below is to the type of shovel I prefer; it lets me push the snow into a bigger pile first. Of course, that works best if it's been a relatively light snowfall. I find the big scoops too hard to handle and shovelling with a little shovel just takes too long.
HTH.

Here is a link that might be useful: Preferred Shovel

My favorite shovel, believe it or not, is the ultra-cheap type with a plastic shovel and handle. It will not gash up wood decks (or my roof), is light, and glides over frozen clumps easier than a steel type. I also have an ice spud to chip up ice clumps as they form. Cheap shovel + Ice spud would be my recommendation.

My Father-in-law makes it a practice to buy snow shovels for my 3 boys each Christmas. 2 years of this makes 6 extra shovels laying around!

My favorite has two handles. One is on a standard straight shaft and the second hinges up from just above the (plastic) blade. You push with the first and lift with the second without near as much strain on the back as any other shovel I've tried.

Back on this topic. I like to shovel. Gets me out of the house in the winter and a little exercise.

I can offer a couple of hints:
- Keep your shovel where it stays cold. You don't want the snow melting and sticking to your shovel. And you don't want it dripping inside. A garage is perfect.

- For sticky snow, either a car wax on your shovel or silicone spray will help the snow slide off.

Not surprising you'd get 10 replies adn 10 different answers.

Since shovels are so cheap, I'd get a couple and see which you like. I do like the plastic wide blade ones, at least if teh snow isn't too heavy/wet. Also, the little red children's shovels are good for light snows and stairs. The bigger push ones can be good if you get big snows.

Bottom line--handle a couple at the store. If you like it, buy it. Try it out, and if you don't like it buy another

I also live in the Chicago 'burbs in a townhome. My best buddy for the sidewalks and steps is a push broom. If you can tackle them before the snow gets deep, they work quickly and easily. Evaluate the size of the areas you have to shovel. You don't want a shovel that is wider than your path and porch. It does not sound like a big area so I would stay with a smaller shovel with a decent handle. Just look at a few and see how they fit your hand.