How to Get the Right Fit With Snowboard Boots

If your boots are uncomfortable, you're not going to have fun on the mountain. Take your time and choose well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ski And Snowboard Stone
• Helmets
• Snowboard Bag
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboard Clothing
• Snowboard Goggles
• Snowboard Hats
• Snowboard Leash
• Snowboards
• Waxes
• Helmets

1. Bring the socks you'll be wearing on the slopes to the shop with you.

2. Make sure you know the binding system of your snowboard. There are two basic systems, the step-in system and the binding system. (See Tips, below.) Some boots are compatible with both; others aren't.

3. Go to a snowboard specialty shop if you can. You'll find better stock and knowledgeable salespeople.

4. Find a sales rep that snowboards, and ask about his or her preferences.

5. Understand that the key elements of snowboard boots are comfort, mobility and support. Obviously, with more mobility comes less support, and so on.

6. Try on both boots and lace them up completely.

7. Jump around the store in them. Run and bound a few steps. Do the boots pull up on the heel at all? If they do, try one size smaller. Do the boots pinch your toes? Try a larger size. The boots should feel stiff and offer a lot of support. You don't want to turn an ankle.

8. Compare the different lacing systems. Some boots have laces, some have straps, some have buckles. This is a matter of preference. Laces are the most common, but buckles and straps sometimes provide more support.

9. Notice that some boots have an extra lacing feature - usually a set of adjustable buckles or straps - that pulls your shin forward over your toe. This is a forward lean system, and is highly recommended for any serious snowboarder. The forward lean system helps pull your toes up on heel turns, allowing you to have more response from a more comfortable boot.

Tips & Warnings

• If the boots aren't comfortable in the store, they won't be comfortable in the snow with your board attached.
• There are specially made women's boots that account for women's slimmer legs and different foot sizes.
• The step-in system is a basically a set of snaps that connect your board directly to the bottom of your boot, while a binding system is a harness built onto your board that you fit your boot into and then wrap around your shin and foot.
• The step-in system is more state-of-the-art, but if you're getting it, make sure your boots have the forward lean system.
• Be prepared to spend anywhere from $75 to $400 for your boots.
• Removable boot liners are a must. Without them, you'll be putting on cold wet boots on your second day of riding. Some boots offer liners you can heat up in the oven, then put on and conform to your feet as they cool.
• Slalom riders should look for more support than free-riders. Some boots cater to both types of snowboarding, while some are very specific.
• Take a lesson when you first start to snowboard. It will save you a lot of pain and frustration.
• Snowboarding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or even death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help:

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on 8/8/2006 I think that specialty shops are absolutely the best way to go. Most have very knowledgeable sales staff that know the best boot for you and can make them conform to your foot with a warming process. Its great and you have a boot that's perfect for you! Women, get women's boots, they are definately the best fit for our feminine feet!

on 11/22/2005 I have huge feet, 14's in normal shoes. I bought size 14's in the specialty shop and they felt great. After my first four hours of riding, I came home and both my big toenails had been pressed on so much they came off within a couple days!

Make sure there is a little room for your toes to move into the boot for when you are on your toeside edge.

I am now wearing 15's (with palmer power plates coming in the mail)

But get boots with a little room in them.

on 11/22/2005 I think that specialty shops are absolutely the best way to go. Most have very knowledgeable sales staff that know the best boot for you and can make them conform to your foot with a warming process. Its great and you have a boot that's perfect for you! Women, get women's boots, they are definately the best fit for our feminine feet!