Y0u may not think about it but the snowboard boots you wear when you're snowboarding play a pretty big role in your overall performance and enjoyment level. Frankly we feel if you're going to "splurge" on any piece of snowboarding equipment that you should probably do it with the snowboarding boots you ultimately buy and we'll explain why below.
First and foremost your snowboard boots are what connect you with your snowboard bindings which connect you to your snowboard. The snowboard boots you choose should feel like an extension of your foot because you want to be able to feel the snowboard beneath your feet when you're out there on the mountain snowboarding. So it's essential that you pick pair of snowboard boots that are snug but also flexible. Below are some key components to consider when looking at snowboard boots:
- flexibility
- lacing mechanism
- material
- aesthetics
- liner
- footbed
One of the first things you may be asked about is boot flex. And depending on the manufacturer,there may not be any reference to boot flex rather they may instead use arbitrary terms like "beginner," "Intermediate" and "advanced" to determine boot flex. Whatever the case, choosing the right boot flex for your particular riding style is pretty important if you want to have as positive an experience as possible.
When it comes to boot flex, your particular riding style is important in helping you determine which style is right for you. If you are more of a novice the best choice for you may be a softer boot with some flexibility. Hard boots are better suited for performance riders who are looking to come down at fast speeds and still maintain control over their boots and board. However, the stiffer feel of a hard boot may not be comfortable to a beginner who's just looking to have fun on the weekends. at the end of the day remember... stiff and hard boots for performance riding and soft and flexible boots for fun and enjoyment.
When trying on your boots it's best to try them on in the afternoon or after some physical activity. This is when your feet are their biggest and will most likely result in a better fitting boot that's not too snug. Generally speaking soft and flexible boots will allow some wiggle room for your toes while hard boots will allow very little if any toe wiggle room.
These days you have a choice when it comes to snowboard boot lacing systems. Their is the traditional lacing system, quick-pull or BOA. Traditional laces are the most popular but the biggest complaint from regular snowboarders is that traditional laces cannot be tied while wearing snowboard boots. Quick-pull laces offer a much faster method for tightening laces and most supporters love them because they can be tightened while wearing gloves. Finally there is the BOA lacing system which has a huge fan base but a lot of snowboarders stay away from because of the added cost. Instead of using a pull mechanism to tighten the laces, the BOA lacing system using a dial to tighten the laces and biggest benefit seems to be that you can tie your laces with just one hand.
A major factor to consider when choosing snowboard boots is what is referred to as "heel lift." To test to see if the snowboard boots you are trying on has any heel lift you'll want to firmly tighten the laces on your boots and stand on your toes. If you feel your heels lift up off your boot foot bed at all than you have some heel lift. Heel lift will negatively affect your ride performance on the mountain so it's definitely something you want to stay away from.
Choosing the right pair of snowboard boots is critical to both your level of enjoyment and your performance on the mountain. The absolute worst thing that can happen with snowboard boots is you buy the wrong size boots and rather than having a good time snowboarding, you're in pain the entire time instead. For performance and enjoyment the best thing you can do when choosing snowboard boots is buy boots that fit you well.
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