Some snowboarders say that boots are more important than the board itself. Not everybody may agree, but it does go to show you that your snowboard boots are worth choosing well. A pair of poorly fitting boots can easily ruin your day, so take a look at these tips from the experts before you make your purchase.
1. Get the right fit
Even if you’re absolutely convinced that you know your shoe size because it hasn’t changed for years, you still need to try on a pair of snowboard boots before buying them. That’s especially true if it’s your first pair. The ideal fit is a bit snug, which allows the linings of the boots to hold the imprints of your feet.
Inside, your toes should just touch the ends. Avoid too-tight boots, as they can restrict blood flow and cause frostbite. Boots that are too big, on the other hand, reduce the amount of control you have on your board.
2. Flexibility
Beginners should start with relatively flexible boots that allow freedom of movement and offer a greater margin of error. Stiffer boots offer better ankle support during descents but are more difficult to break in.
3. Liners
Some boots have fixed liners, but removable ones are better, as they can be taken out for air drying. This helps boots last longer (and smell better). You can choose a basic liner or a self-moulding liner. The latter provides more comfort and is well worth the few extra dollars.
4. Laces
There are three main types of laces for snowboard boots:
- Standard. Inexpensive and easy to replace, traditional laces let you adjust tightness at different spots on the boot. Their disadvantage is that they’re tricky to tie with mittens or frozen fingers.
- Quick-pull. This type of lace is the most common. To lace the boot, you simply pull on two loops and secure them. They’re easy to attach even with mittens, however, they tend to loosen during the day.
- Boa. These laces are very quick and easy to attach using thin steel cables and a turn-dial tightening mechanism. With these, it’s not possible to adjust the pressure differently in the different zones of the boot, so if you prefer to fiddle with the tightness around toes and ankles, you should choose a different type of lace.
A boot to the derriere
If you’re thinking about going cheap on boots, don’t. Avoid the temptation to order a pair online that you haven’t tried on or that you can’t easily return. When you try boots, prioritize your comfort and let your feet guide you to the right choice.
