How to Choose Snowboard Boots that Will Benefit You the Most on the Slopes

Being one of the two must-have pieces of snowboarding gear, snowboard boots can make or break your day on the slopes. In fact, your boots will influence your riding performance and overall experience more than the board does. With that being said, it’s important to choose a pair that will properly match your riding style and protect you against the harsh conditions encountered up in the mountains. If you’re buying your first boots, here’s what you need to consider.

Flex

Flex refers to the boots’ ability to bend. Snowboard boots with a softer flex are recommended for beginners because they allow for easier learning. They are also made of more comfortable materials that are easy on your feet. On the other hand, when you become an experienced all-mountain racer and freerider, a stiff boot can generate better edge control allowing you to easily cut into the stiff snow at a high speed.

Fit

The snowboard boots you choose should fit you snuggly but not cause any pain. Considering how most boots will loosen up after a few days of riding, they should be fairly tight when you buy them. Remember that socks will also play a role in how the boots fit you, so make sure to wear socks for snowboarding when trying on boots. As a rule, boots that are the right fit will gently graze your toes, allowing you enough room to wiggle them. Whether your heel stays in place when you drive your knee forward is another sign that the boots fit you properly.

Lacing

Lacing is important for staying safe and avoiding foot injuries on the slopes. Your boots should be laced tightly so that your ankles and heels remain securely in place. Most boots come with one of three types of lacing – traditional, quick-pull or Boa. Traditional laces are inexpensive and allow you to customize the fit by hand, however, they can be vulnerable to accidental loosening. On the other hand, quick-pull laces allow you to tailor the tightness on the forefoot separately from the ankle and lower leg. However, they are also vulnerable to loosening. The Boa lacing offers a secure fit that’s resistant to loosening and can be easily adjusted using one hand while wearing gloves.

Liners

Liners provide the insulation and cushioning needed to ensure your feet stay comfortable and warm. Liners can fall into three basic types: non-moldable, thermoformable, and custom mouldable. Non-mouldable liners provide basic padding and are likely to lose their shape over time. Thermoformable liners will mould around your foot after some time spent snowboarding. You can also get your liners heated and custom moulded to your feet instantly without needing to break your boots in.