How to Pick Snowboarding Boots and Bindings for Beginners

With the exception of the board itself, the boots and bindings that you pick to wear are probably the most significant equipment you will choose. Beginners should learn the art of picking boots and bindings for snowboarding early, since it is something that will do many times in the future. Here is how to pick your boots and bindings if you are a beginner at snowboarding.

Instructions

1. Start by selecting your boots first. This should be very easy, almost instinctive, since picking snowboarding boots is just like choosing any other shoe. Make sure the boot fits snugly against your foot, but with laces that can also be relaxed to accommodate more sock layers, if needed. Weather resistant boots are a big plus, since you want to keep your feet warm and dry while snowboarding.

2. With your boots on, strap into a set of bindings to see how well the work together. Pull on the binding straps to make sure they are well secured to the bindings, and then strap them tightly across your boots.

3. Stand up in the bindings to test the angle of the heel supports. Does it feel like a natural stance, or is it hard on the back of your legs? Some bindings allow you to adjust the pitch, but if the ones you have on do not, you may need to try a different pair.

4. Take a look at all of the adjustable parts on the bindings. Do they all work as they should? Are the bindings easy for you to adjust, or difficult? Could you change them on the slopes if you had to? It is important for you to be able to work the bindings as easily as you can lace up your boots.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect to pay $150 and up for a good set of snowboard bindings. Cheaper ones are available, but may be more prone to breaking.