How To Choose a Snowboard Boots

Choosing the right snowboard boots can fundamentally affect your downhill experience. We will therefore advise you on how to choose the most suitable boots for you with regard to your riding style. When choosing snowboard boots, it is very important to think not only about the size, but also the stiffness of the boots and the way they tie.

How to choose snowboard boots?

When choosing snowboard boots, consider how often you ride your board
and whether or not it makes sense for you to pay extra for more expensive and higher quality boots.
To determine the size of the boots, it is necessary to know the exact size of your feet in cm.
When looking for the ideal hardness of boots, find out what your riding style is.
Ask yourself: Do I mind lacing shoelaces in the cold on a slope?

Important parameters of snowboard boots

Size

Keep in mind:

In addition to the formation of various blisters and bruises, the size of the shoes can have a significant effect on the transfer of force from the feet to the board.
Over time, snowboard boots change their shape according to your foot.
Men and women have differently built feet, and even both of your legs are not exactly the same size.
Snowboard boots should feel a little tighter than regular shoes.

Selection procedure:

Before choosing, measure the mondo point of your feet - see our guide How to choose the right shoe size.
Wear snowboard socks for testing and tighten your boots.
Make sure that the toe touches the front of the boots and that they hug your heel firmly and comfortably.
When tightened, the boot should hug your foot so that it doesn’t feel loose while riding on the board.
Try to walk in your new snowboard boots for a few minutes.

Shoe hardness

The hardness of shoes is usually divided into three categories and depends on your riding style:

Hard (stiff 8–10) – Designed for experienced riders and fast rides on slopes.
Medium hard (midstiff 4–7)– Ideal universal choice of snowboard boots, e.g for beginners.
Soft 1–3 – Provides more freedom and comfort when walking, making it suitable for jumps and tricks.

When testing them out, do a squat and push the shoes forward. You will find out if the hardness suits you.

Fast riding, freeride

Requires harder shoes with sufficient support around the ankles and in the tongue of the boot. Thanks to them, you have more control over the board. They are very similar to classic ski boots, but differ in the bevel of the sole and the inclination of the instep. Hard snowboard boots can only be used with a hard binding and on an alpine snowboard.

Freestyle

Require more flexibility, and therefore softer boots that allow you to bend your foot. The rubber sole of the boot should have a distinctive pattern so that it does not get clogged with snow and slip. Therefore, the heel and toe are also raised.

Binding

If the wrong size of snowboard boots is chosen, even the best binding will not help. It is ideal if it has a separate binding and an inner boot.

Laces

Proven and the most used method of binding in the world.
A torn shoelace can be easily replaced.
The disadvantage is the tying of shoelaces in severe frosts.

Quick-tightening lacing

The advantage is not only speed and comfort, but also two-zone tightening of the upper and lower part of the shoe separately.
The disadvantage of the system is that the wear of the shoelace can reduce the life of the whole binding.
Replacing it is not as easy as traditional lacing.

Patented BOA system

Guaranteed to give the most precise result.
The ‘wheel’ in the shoe simply tightens the binding by winding a steel cable. However, only a few companies have this advanced technology at their disposal.
Someone may be discouraged from choosing these because of their higher purchase price.

Inner boot

The inner boot is a standard part of every snowboard boot. Not only does it absorb shocks and keep your foot and leg warm, it also fundamentally affects your riding comfort. Careful selection of an inner boot is an investment that your feet, back and spine will appreciate.

There are three types of inner boots:

Unshapable (stock): It can be bent less, on the other hand it provides comprehensive foot support. It will adapt to your foot over time, but it may not be completely comfortable during the first test.
Moldable: Comfortable as a sock. In addition, it insulates the natural warmth of your feet.
Thermoformable: Thermoboots that you pre-heat by inserting a dryer or a special pad.

Snowboard boots

Different shoe sizes
Wide range of hardnesses
Possibility of modern lacing

Glossary - snowboard boots

BOA tying snowboard boots

A patented way of tying snowboard boots, which is available to only a few companies. Tighten the steel wire to tighten the shoes. The more expensive modified version of the Double Boa tightens the upper and lower part of the shoe separately.

Mondo point snowboard boots

Mondo point indicates the dimensions of your foot at its longest point in millimeters or centimeters. This is the real inner size (insole length) of your ideal snowboard boot in millimeters.

Chimney/ instep

The upper part of the skeleton of the boots, which is narrower for women's skis and wider for men's.

Inner boot

It helps you stay comfortable on a snowboard. It warms your food and calf, absorbs shocks and protects your feet, spine and back. It is a standard part of snowboard boots.

Glossary