How to Size Snowboard Boots

Snowboard boots are the least glamorous piece of snowboarding equipment. While it's exciting to demo boards and bindings and pick out the perfect combination, snowboard boots are more of an afterthought. After all, any boots designed for snowboarding should work, so why put too much thought or money into it? However, snowboard boots play a huge role in your performance on the slopes. In many ways, snowboard boots are the most important piece of equipment and getting the right size boots is essential toward a functional set-up.

Instructions

1. Go to a snowboard shop or sports shop where they sell boots. It can be tempting to buy boots online, but you should really try them on before buying them because all boots fit differently. If you have found a great deal online, consider going to a store to try them on before ordering online, or make sure the online retailer has a good return/exchange policy so that you can return them if they don't fit.

2. Begin by trying boots in your shoe size. Most snowboard boots have an inner liner which laces up. Then there are outer boot laces. Loosen both sets of laces to get your foot in. Then tighten everything down as much as possible. Boots use different types of lacing systems, so ask shop staff if you have any questions as to how the boots are tightened.

3. With both boots on, bend your knees and lean forward on your toes. You want to be sure that your heel doesn't slide up the boot. If it does, you'll need a smaller size or different boot. Your feet need to be snug inside the boots so that you don't have any foot movement that will result in poor control of your snowboard.

4. Check your toes. Your toes should be firmly against the front of each boot without being curled or cramped.

5. Walk around the store. Make sure that the boots feel comfortable without any pressure points. Also make sure that there isn't any foot movement when walking around. You want the boots to be snug and secure without being uncomfortable or cutting off circulation.

6. Size the boots to your bindings and snowboard. Not only do your boots need to fit you, they need to fit your equipment. If you're buying boots, bindings and board together, be sure that the boots fit securely into your bindings and that they don't hang over the edge of your snowboard. If you're a size 10.5 or larger, you may need to purchase a wide board. If you already have your board and bindings, insert the boots into the bindings and make sure they'll work.

Tips & Warnings

• When trying on boots, wear snowboarding socks or whatever socks that you plan to wear when snowboarding. Thick snowboarding socks can impact the fit of boots. In addition to fit, consider how easy the boots are to put on and take off. Boots that are too tight and don't allow for enough loosening of the laces can be frustrating to put on and take off.