Snowboarding Boots
Ok, you've chosen the snowboard boot type that favours your intended ride style, level of competence, required level of control and comfort requirements. The next step is to go out and purchase a pair of snowboarding boot equipment used for snowboarding.
Notice i say "go out and buy". When it comes to buying snowboard boots internet shopping is not the sensible solution. Snowboarding boots are the most important equipment used for snowboarding, they are between you and the board. You need to spend time trying various snowboard boots on to get the perfect fit, anything less is a big mistake as you'll find out after one day of snowboarding.
Some basic rules apply when getting your snowboard boots fitted:
1. Forget what looks fashionable its not relevant.
2. Ignore what your friends think. What may be good for them doesn't necessarily follow for you.
3. Be prepared to try on many styles and brand to find the 'right' snowboard boot.
4. Go to a specialist who knows what you need.
5. Take your snowboarding socks with you.
Now the technical stuff.
You should always go to a specialist supplier for your snowboard boots. The key reason is that you need someone who can recommend a snowboard boot to suit your leg and foot shape. Get this wrong and you'll get injuries at worst, at best the wrong boot will give you aching thighs and calves after a little boarding.
To big is bad. Big snowboard boots will fatigue you, lead to clawing of the toes whilst riding and you'll suffer from tight hamstrings as you struggle to maintain stability and control whilst riding.
The ideal fit is a snug fit. Go boot shopping in the afternoon when your feet have swelled up. Once your riding your feet swell, so go at the ideal time and get a snug/tight fit. Bear in mind after a few hours the snowboard boots will have compressed and will be a little looser.
A key point is to make sure you don't suffer from heel lift in your snowboard boots. If you are able to stand in your boots and get movement in your heels you've got a bad fit. Heel lift reduces responsiveness in turns and reduces control. Heel lift can be avoided with inserts if necessary.
Ok you think you've found a good set of snowboard boots. One last test. Seperate the inner soft liner from the hard outer. Put your feet in the hard outer. You should be able to slide your foot 1/2" to 3/4" between heel and boot for a snug fit with a regular replaceable liner. Any contact anywhere else in the boot like across the width of your foot is a no-no. If the tests are passed your in business, go buy.
Once you have bought your snowboard boots the next equipment used for snowboarding you require are your snowboard bindings and snowboard.
Notice i say "go out and buy". When it comes to buying snowboard boots internet shopping is not the sensible solution. Snowboarding boots are the most important equipment used for snowboarding, they are between you and the board. You need to spend time trying various snowboard boots on to get the perfect fit, anything less is a big mistake as you'll find out after one day of snowboarding.
Some basic rules apply when getting your snowboard boots fitted:
1. Forget what looks fashionable its not relevant.
2. Ignore what your friends think. What may be good for them doesn't necessarily follow for you.
3. Be prepared to try on many styles and brand to find the 'right' snowboard boot.
4. Go to a specialist who knows what you need.
5. Take your snowboarding socks with you.
Now the technical stuff.
You should always go to a specialist supplier for your snowboard boots. The key reason is that you need someone who can recommend a snowboard boot to suit your leg and foot shape. Get this wrong and you'll get injuries at worst, at best the wrong boot will give you aching thighs and calves after a little boarding.
To big is bad. Big snowboard boots will fatigue you, lead to clawing of the toes whilst riding and you'll suffer from tight hamstrings as you struggle to maintain stability and control whilst riding.
The ideal fit is a snug fit. Go boot shopping in the afternoon when your feet have swelled up. Once your riding your feet swell, so go at the ideal time and get a snug/tight fit. Bear in mind after a few hours the snowboard boots will have compressed and will be a little looser.
A key point is to make sure you don't suffer from heel lift in your snowboard boots. If you are able to stand in your boots and get movement in your heels you've got a bad fit. Heel lift reduces responsiveness in turns and reduces control. Heel lift can be avoided with inserts if necessary.
Ok you think you've found a good set of snowboard boots. One last test. Seperate the inner soft liner from the hard outer. Put your feet in the hard outer. You should be able to slide your foot 1/2" to 3/4" between heel and boot for a snug fit with a regular replaceable liner. Any contact anywhere else in the boot like across the width of your foot is a no-no. If the tests are passed your in business, go buy.
Once you have bought your snowboard boots the next equipment used for snowboarding you require are your snowboard bindings and snowboard.
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