Maybe try renting a few different kinds before you buy so you'll be sure to get something you like and will use. I hate depositing money into the back of the closet or corner of the basement:-)

That said, modern snowshoes are designed to accommodate the weight they carry, including the person, their clothing and whatever they carry. Be honest with this weight consideration. It's not a fashion show. Also consider the terrain you'll be snowshoeing on. I recommend going to a shop that sells a few different brands and talking to a professional about the different snowshoes they sell. You'll learn so much. Not sure where that is in Maine. Maybe llbean, cabelas? EMS in NH? I don't know. I lived in a place that had an REI and they were awesome.

Personally, I have a pair of Atlas and a pair of Tubbs. I like both but I use the Tubbs more because they're easier to get on and off. My Atlas snowshoes are older so maybe the bindings on newer models are better. Depending on conditions and what I'm walking on, I use poles which are adjustable for hiking and snow sports. For boots, I wear some old Merrell winter hiking boots with gaiters (Outdoor Research Crocodiles are the best gaiters you can buy). I'm probably due for some new boots and would go with winter hiking boots again. Probably a different brand because Merrell has started to fail in quality, styles and comfort. Full heavy, thick, tall winter boots attached to snowshoes are so clunky and hot. No thanks. Snowshoeing is just walking on snow, hopefully without sinking in, so reducing clunk is important to me. You're going to be moving so hopefully will generate enough heat to keep you warm. But I run hot and don't need heavy duty thick socks or boot warmers or anything like that unless it's in the sub-zeros, in which case I just stay inside and do a puzzle in front of the fire.