Everything you need to know about snowboard boots, to select the right model

Snowboarding is an increasingly visible practice on the slopes and requires suitable equipment: a snowboard, technical snowboard boots, and also various complete snowboard gear. These two products come with very specific technical characteristics, which require a minimum of knowledge to choose correctly.

Here, Alpinstore presents its argument to help you select your pair of boots. This will depend not only on your gender with models for women and models for men; on your practice whether it be piste, all mountain, freeride, freestyle; on your level and of course on your shoe size. Also find our selection of snowboards from the best brands and all the affordable snowboard gear to go riding equipped.

So if you are a snowboarder and want to take the plunge by buying your own equipment, read the few lines below that will help you choose the right product! All our Nitro boots models, our Burton boots models, our Vans boots models, or even our Nidecker boots models are there, just for your feet!

Criteria to consider when selecting your boots

Gender is important in choosing your snowboard boots

As mentioned earlier, there are many models of boots and to facilitate the choice at first, you just need to select a model of boots suitable for your morphology. That’s why Alpinstore offers you women's snowboard boots models and men's snowboard boots models. Moreover, you can complete your equipment with the best technical snowboard clothing on the market as well as a bag to carry your snow boots.
By selecting a model of boots based on your gender, you will maximize comfort and therefore pleasure during your descents. The fit will obviously be finer for women, so that the adjustment/support is as precise as possible.

Choosing snowboard boots based on your practice and level

The practice can be on piste, all mountain, freeride, or freestyle, defined by your desires and preferences. If you like carving, you will need to choose piste-oriented boots, but if you are a true extreme rider, you will need to select a freeride-oriented boots model. For those powder lovers, know that there are also freeride snowboard packs with bindings suitable for your off-piste sessions.

Your level also plays a role in your purchase decision as it requires a suitable pair of boots. If you are a beginner/intermediate level, it is better to opt for a soft and comfortable model; if you are intermediate/advanced, models with good support and nice precision will do the trick; if you are a true rider, prioritize the support and rigidity of the boots.

But what are the differences in technical characteristics, depending on the practice?
    1. The flex of the boots
The flex can be soft, medium, or rigid. The system is the same as on ski boots: the stiffer/higher it is, the harder it is to bend the boots forward, but the more responsive it will be.

- A soft flex is ideal for a beginner to occasional snowboarder as it requires little physical effort and is above all, ultra comfortable.

- A medium flex is perfect for an intermediate to advanced snowboarder as it is stiffer and ensures more precision. It allows for good flexibility and thus good freedom of movement nonetheless. It is often selected for freestyle practice.

- A rigid flex is dedicated to expert snowboarders, who prioritize stability and precision above all. Thanks to its excellent support, it is ideal for freeride and/or carving practice.

    1. The tightening of the boots
Today, the world of snowboarding has evolved a lot and its equipment as well. That’s why there are different tightening modes on snowboard boots.

- Lace tightening remains the most traditional and its operation is ultra simple. The advantage here is that the tightening is easy to adjust and can be changed in case of breakage. However, it requires strength to tighten your boot properly.

- Speed lace tightening means "quick lace tightening" and is also easy to use since everything happens with a handle. Just pull the handle for the laces to tighten and the foot is sufficiently held. This system requires less force than the traditional one.

- Boa tightening called "dial tightening" is a cable system with a winding dial. The idea here is speed but also comfort. You can tighten/loosen your boots in 2 seconds. Ideal for beginners, this system favors flexibility and ease of use.

Note that there are more and more models of boots with two tightening zones. This system ensures precision and a perfect fit, depending on your morphology. Thus, you can tighten the lower or upper part of your foot more tightly.



Choosing based on your shoe size

To conclude, it is essential to choose a size that you will be comfortable with, regardless of the conditions. There is nothing more unpleasant than riding with foot pain… So take Alpinstore's advice! Don’t forget to also invest in outdoor snow gear to fully enjoy your sessions.

To choose the right size of boots, the process is simple and the same as for alpine ski boots. Once your foot is inside and your legs are straight, your toes should slightly touch the end of the boot. If this is the case, it should no longer be the case when you bend your knees. At that moment, your foot moves back and your toes no longer touch. Also, be careful that your heel does not lift when you walk. To help you with sizing, Alpinstore offers you the size guide for each brand, which you will find on each product sheet.

To summarize, a pair of boots is the right size if your toes touch the end when your legs are straight and they no longer touch when you bend your knees. Your heel does not lift when you walk either? Then you have found boots that fit you!