HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SNOWBOARD BOOT FOR YOU
When it comes to getting your own snowboard setup, boots are one of the most important items and will require a correct fit. Considering you will be wearing your boots for hours at a time we suggest allowing a bigger budget when it comes to your feet after all if your feet are hurting on the mountain it will ruin your trip. Nothing worse than no circulation, bruised toes or uncomfortable arch support, so here is how to avoid it!
There are a few things to consider when getting sized up for your boots.
- Selecting the right size based on the length of your foot and remembering between all the brands sizing can differ.
- The width of your foot. If you have a wide foot you will be best looking at brands with a wider toe box or "wide" boot options. Same case if you have a narrow foot you will need a boot with a narrower profile.
- Arch support. The bottom of your feet need support that is why it is important to know if you have a low, mid or high arch so you can select a range of boots with the correct sole support for your foot. There are options like custom insoles or pre shaped ones to help with this.
- What kind of snowboarding are you doing? Flex rating is important. If you are a speed demon that likes charging down the mountain and need a responsive boot you will need a boot rated higher on the flex scale. If you are a park rider you would want more flex and maneuverability so looking at a softer boot will be beneficial.
HOW SHOULD THEY FIT?
your snowboard boots should fit firmly. Your toes should be touching the end of the boot but not cramping or pushing them upwards. The reason you want your toes to just touch is because the boot is not going to get any smaller. In Fact they will only get bigger. Remember the boots are designed just for snowboarding and not a walking around shoe. Straightout out of the box boots can be a little stiff, We suggest trying them on and flexing them by driving your shin through the front of the boots towards the floor. This will help free the boot up and start feeling much better. Once in your snowboarding position which is usually slightly squatted and shins forward you will notice your toes will have moved away from the front of the boot. Having too much room in your boots will lead to heel lift and bruised toes by the end of the day.
