Choosing your snowboard shoes

By: Alpinresorts Blog Detail Thumbnail

Key elements for choosing your snowboard shoes

Whether renting or buying the snowboard and snowboard shoes, it is important to take many criteria in account. Here are 5 key elements that help you choose your snowboard shoes.

Boots flex

  1. Boots provide flexibility, which is crucial for snowboarding. They ensure optimal comfort during the sport and also support your ankles in case of falls, protecting you from injuries.
  2. Soft-flex boots make it easy to control your board, especially at low speeds. On the other hand, rigid boards offer more stability to the user.

The lacing system

Before choosing a specific model of snowboard boots, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the technical details of each option. One important aspect to consider is the lacing system, as it varies between different shoe models. Traditional laces are widely appreciated for this type of footwear. Additionally, you may also opt for the Boa system, which uses a wheel-based closure mechanism. This particular system is favored by many riders as it enables quick and convenient fastening of the boots.

The soles

There are two types of soles in snowboard boots: exterior soles and interior soles. The exterior soles are designed to provide the necessary grip on the board, preventing the rider from slipping or falling during jumps. It is important for these soles to be well-suited to the board. Additionally, the width of the sole plays a crucial role in absorbing shocks upon landing, ensuring a smoother and more controlled impact.

On the other hand, interior soles are responsible for keeping the feet securely enclosed within the snowboard boots. They contribute to the overall fit and comfort of the footwear, providing a snug and supportive feel while snowboarding.

Size

When choosing snowboard shoes, it is essential to choose the right size. That is why you should measure your feet, both length and width and don’t hesitate to evaluate the form of your feet. This lets you know if your arches are flat, standard or bulging. Also, try out some models.

Slippers

Slippers for snowboard boots are obligatory for this sport. However, it should be noted that they differ according to the lacing type you use. These accessories are known for being thermoformable which means they warm the slippers before entering them. Also, the slippers have a role to support your feet in the boots. Very practical, they are also much appreciated to be perfectly adjusted to the form of your feet and allow you to make the movements that you want.

Our advice to choose snowboard shoes

Here is some professional advice that can be helpful to choose your snowboard shoes, whether you’re a beginner or experienced snowboarder.

Going for flexible flex or rigid flex?

If you’re a beginner or a park rider, it is recommended to opt for a flexible flex which is easy to adjust to turn the board in the direction you want. Rigid flex is recommended for experienced snowboarders that are able to freestyle and jump in high speed.

Testing before getting one

Before buying snowboard shoes, it is crucial to assure that the model of boots are for your feet. For this, it is recommended to do a test on the quality of the interior slippers on your feet and test it to its limits. The slippers should not move from their place.