How to Find the Right Size Snowboard Boots
Next to the board and bindings, selecting the right size snowboard boot is your most important purchase. Finding a boot that fits right will directly impact how you can and will ride: if it's too tight, your riding experience will suffer greatly. If its too loose, turning will become much more difficult. Take the time to find the right boot.
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Instructions
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Getting Ready to Buy
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Select several different styles that you are interested in. Like regular shoes, each style and brand of boot, even at the same size, may fit differently on your foot. Typically, the size snowboard boot you will need will be the same as the size shoe you wear. Keep in mind the style of your riding: those who plan to use the terrain park will want a more flexible boot, while all-mountain riders will want a stiffer boot.
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Look into boots with with heat-sensitive inner linings. While these boots will be rather tight for the first day, as they break in they will mold to the shape of your foot, offering a custom and comfortable fit.
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Wear your snowboard socks to the store for the boot fitting, not normal socks. This will give you a more accurate sizing for your boot since normal socks are thinner.
At the Store
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Try on each pair you have selected. Lace the boot as you would at the slopes. Get up and walk around in the boots: notice the pressure points or areas that are extremely uncomfortable or painful.
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If possible, strap into a board with the boots on. If not, stand on the floor leaning back and forward as you would for toeside and heelside turns. Again, notice if you are feeling any pressure points or extremely uncomfortable or painful areas.
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Make sure your toes are fairly snug against the front of the boot and the heel is all the way to the back of the boot. Neither should move a considerable amount when rocking back and forth to simulate toeside and heelside turns.
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Keep in mind some pressure is normal, but extreme pressure or pain is not. If this is the case, try on another boot. You may find success moving up a half-size, but be careful not to go too large.
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Try on another pair you have selected even if the first pair fits well. This will ensure that you purchase the best possible boot available.
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Tips & Warnings
You should visit an actual ski shop over a general sporting goods store when buying boots; the employees there will have a much better idea of what to look for in a boot for your desired type of riding and ability level.
