Snowboard boots has to be correctly fitted to the snowboard rider. The incorrect fit of snowboard boots will result in physical discomfort and reduces the rider’s performance on the snowboard. Unlike sneakers, snowboard boots requires specific measurements to allow the boots to function correctly.
If you purchase the wrong size of snowboard boots, there will be discomfort while on the snowboard and the rider will spend excessive time adjusting the laces on the snowboard boots. To purchase the correct size of snowboard boots, it is important to measure the length and widths of the feet. Measurements should be taken while standing on a sheet of paper wearing the thickest socks that will be worn while snowboarding.
How to Choose and Fit Snowboard Boots
You must trace the outline of the foot to measure from heel to longest toe in centimeters. This measurement is known as the Mondo Point and is a universal size measurement for snowboard boots. It is also important to ensure that the width of the ball of the foot is measured, as wide feet will not be comfortable within narrow snowboard boots.
These measurements will be important in determining the size of boots that will best accommodate the riders feet. These measurements should be taken late in the day as the feet will be at their largest during the afternoon due to the heat and blood flow to the feet. The Mondo Point will help determine the size of the boots that will best suit the rider.
Men’s boot sizes are different than women’s sizes, and sizes in the US are different from sizes in the UK or Europe. Size charts is available to determine the best size based on the Mondo Point. However, different boot brands has different last shapes, where the internal shape of the boot is formed.
Therefore, a size nine from one manufacturer may not be the same as a size nine from another brand. The Mondo Point will remain the same no matter the brand of snowboard boots, however. Another characteristic of snowboard boots is flexibility.
The flexibility of snowboard boots can be measured on a scale of stiffness. Soft boots will be low in the scale and will be best for beginners due to the ability of the boots to allow for more forgiveness when the rider falls on the snowboard. High stiffness level in snowboard boots will allow for high speeds on the snowboard and will allow for the boots to better transmit the power created by the rider to the snowboard’s edges.
Many snowboarders will find that medium flexibility snowboard boots are the best for most types of snowboard terrain. Flexibility rating should be matched to the riders snowboarding style. For those who ride on soft snow, soft boots will be best, whereas stiff snowboard boots will be better for those who ride on snowcat terrain.
Another feature to consider are the lacing systems. Traditional lacing systems allow for the adjustment of specific area of the boots but take up more time to adjust the tension of the boots. Dial systems use wires that can be tightened to the boots to make adjustments to the snowboarders’ boots quickly.
Dual dials allows for both heel and toe to be tightened separately. Quick pull systems allows only one motion to adjust the tightness of the boots. Quick pull systems are less expensive than dual dial systems.
The best system for an individual will depend on how often adjustments need to be made while snowboarding. An individuals riding style will determine what type of snowboard boots they need. Park snowboarders prefer boots that are soft and have low cut designs to allow for the absorption of the impact made when landing from tricks on the snowboard.
All-mountain snowboarders prefer medium-flex snowboard boots so that they are comfortable on any terrain. Backcountry snowboarders requires high stiffness and high collar snowboard boots to allow for stability in the ankle joint. There are also women-specific snowboard boots that are narrower at the heel and have different padding for the calves.
Youth snowboard boots is designed to allow for easier entry into the snowboard boots. The fit within the boots should also be considered. When flexing the feet within the snowboard boots, the toes should lightly touch the front of the boots.
There should not be excessive space within the front of the boots for the toes. The heel should lock into the back of the boots as snowboarders will experience physical discomfort if the heel of the boot is not locked into the back of the snowboard boot. The instep should feel firm to the foot but not so tight as to numb the feet.
A test run of jumping, flexing and walking in the snowboard boots will allow the snowboarder to ensure proper fit. Because the liners in the boots will compress when first wearing the snowboard boots, a test walk should occur to allow time for the liners to pack down and accommodate the snowboarders feet. Finally, the bindings used with snowboard boots should also be sized correctly.
Bindings comes in small, medium and large sizes depending on the size of the riders snowboard boots. Small bindings will result in the overhang of the bindings to catch the toes of the riders which can result in loss of balance when snowboarding. The type of socks worn while snowboarding can also have an impact on comfort.
Merino wool socks will wick moisture away from the feet to avoid discomfort caused by moisture. Lastly, the boot liners should be removed each night to allow the boots to dry and the snowboard boots should be stored in a way that maintains there shape.
