Snowboard boots

How to choose your snowboard boots?

If snowboard boots are very different from ski boots, they still share two important criteria: flex and fit. Your choice will mainly be made according to these two points.

Find the ideal flex:

- According to your level:

Beginner - Intermediate: You start snowboarding, you are used to making technical mistakes and catching edges but you’re still having fun and you are progressing. You are an occasional rider and ride only on piste.

Advanced: You are a consistent rider, you ride with confidence and your technical skills allow you to handle any terrain the mountain has to offer. You don’t make many mistakes and remain in control even at high speed.

Expert: Perfect technique and control in all conditions. Snowboarding has no secrets for you.

Beginners and intermediates need comfortable and forgiving boots. Pick something flexible and mellow, it will allow you to ride all day and feel comfortable for a smoother learning process. Advanced and expert riders will prefer something stiffer and more powerful. It will provide stronger support and faster energy transmission.

- According to your style:

If you are into jumps, landings and tricks, if your boots help absorb shocks all day and protect your feet against rail assaults, it means you are a freestyler. Freestylers will prefer soft and flexible boots because they allow a wider range of motion and are generally more comfortable. All-mountain riders will prefer a boot with an intermediate flex. It offers more versatility and allows to ride on soft snow as well as on groomers. Finally, even if they don’t use the same technique or style, freeriders and carvers generally want medium to stiff flex. It guarantees secure edge hold and delivers optimal power transmission.

Treat your feet, find the right fit:

Good boots are boots in which you feel comfortable. There are as many foot shapes as there are riders. Trying a boot before buying is essential. Heat mouldable liners are the best choice because they adapt and contour your foot to provide optimal comfort. The size of the boot needs to be slightly bigger than your regular shoe size because you will often put thick socks when riding. But make sure your foot is held and doesn’t move inside. Note that the foam making the liner packs up with time and use. Make sure you don’t get something too big from the start or the boots won’t offer enough support later.

The different lacing systems:

- the BOA system

Made of thin steel wires and a small wheel, the BOA system allows a fast closure: slide the foot in the boot, spin the wheel until you feel comfortably held and you’re done. First released in 1996, the system was used on snowboard boots then on golf shoes, bike shoes and you can even see it on running shoes now.

- The Focus BOA system:

Derived from the previous system, the Focus BOA is a dual BOA system. It allows precise adjustments of the upper and lower part of the boot.

- The hybrid lacing:

It is a BOA system combined with a traditional lacing. It offers more precision.

- The Speed Zone system:

A small handle outside the boot allows quick one-hand closure. Pull it to make the boot tighter. Just like on the Focus Boa, the Speed Zone can be separated and feature two handles. One to adjust the lower part, the other to adjust the upper part.

- The traditional system:

This is the ‘old-school’ way and it is not always easy as you may need to take off your gloves to close your boots. However, it remains a very precise closure system. You can adjust the tension according to your foot shape and make it tighter here or looser there. It may not be as quick and convenient but it’s more precise and more comfortable.

The benefits:

Unlike ski boots, snowboard boots allow riders to walk easily and their ‘trainers’ look does not lie: they deliver comfort and flexibility. Some models feature removable liners which is very convenient to dry after a long day of riding.

Glisshop’s recommendations:

Try your boots with winter specific socks, this will avoid bad surprises when you first use them in real conditions. When you try them, stand up: your big toe needs to touch the tip of the boot without being crushed against it. Then, bend your knees and lean forward (as if riding). Make sure your foot slides slightly backwards and your shin comes in contact on the boot cuff. You need to be held firmly. If your heel seems to move a lot, it probably means that your boots are too big. Our snowboard experts are available for you to help you choose your snowboard boots, feel free to contact them and find our wide selection of 32, DC, Deeluxe, K2, Nitro, Ride, Rome, Rossignol and Salomon snowboard boots at the best price ! Check out our wide selection with the new snowboard boots collection.