How to choose your snowboard boots ?

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

Here, Alpinstore presents its arguments to help you select your pair of boots. This will depend not only on your gender with women's boots and men's boots models; your practice whether it is piste, all mountain, freeride, freestyle; your level and of course your foot size.

So if you're a snowboarder and want to take the plunge and buy your own equipment, read the few lines below to help you choose the right product! All our Nitro boots modelsour Burton boots modelsour models of boots Vans or our Nidecker boot models are here just for your feet!

As said before, there are many models of boots and to make the choice easier at first, just select a model of boots adapted to your morphology. That's why Alpinstore offers you a range of women's snowboard boots models and men's snowboard boots models.

By selecting a boot model according to your gender, you will maximize comfort and therefore pleasure during your descents. This one will obviously be thinner for women, so that the fit/support is as precise as possible.

The practice, which can be on piste, all mountain, freeride or freestyle, is defined according to your desires and preferences. If you like carving, you will have to choose boots oriented towards the piste, but if you are a real extreme rider, you will have to choose a model of boots oriented towards freeride.

Your level also plays a role in your purchase decision as it requires a suitable pair of boots. If you have a beginner/intermediate level, it is best to choose a soft and comfortable model; if you are intermediate/confirmed, models with good support and precision will do the trick; if you are a real rider, favour the support and stiffness of the boot.

But what are the differences in the technical characteristics, depending on practice?

3. 1. The flex of the boot

The flex can be soft, medium or rigid. The system is the same as on ski boots: the stiffer/higher it is, the harder the boot is to bend forward but the more reactive it will be.

- Asoft flexis ideal for a beginner to occasional snowboarder since 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 provides more precision. It allows a good flexibility and therefore a good freedom of movement despite everything. It is often selected for a freestyle practice.

- A rigid flex is dedicated to snowboard experts, who favour stability and precision above all. Thanks to its excellent support, it is ideal for freeriding and/or carving.

4. 2. Tightening the boot

Today the world of snowboarding has evolved a lot and so has its equipment. That's why there are different ways to tighten the boots on a snowboard.

- The lace-up tight ening remains the most traditional and its operation is very simple. The advantage here is that the clamp is easy to adjust and can be changed in case of breakage. On the other hand, it requires strength to tighten your boot properly.

- The speed la ce tightener, which means "quick lace tightening" is also easy to use as everything is done with a handle. Just pull the handle and the laces will be tightened and the foot is sufficiently supported. This system requires less force than the traditional one.

- The boa tightener is a cable system with a winding wheel. The idea here is speed but also comfort. You can clamp/unclamp your boots in 2 seconds. Ideal for beginners, this system favours 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, according to your morphology. This way, you can tighten the lower or upper part of your foot more tightly.

III. Size

Finally, it is essential to choose a size that you will be comfortable with, whatever the conditions. There is nothing more unpleasant than riding with a sore foot... So take Alpinstore's advice into account!

Choosing the right boot size is simple and is the same as for alpine ski boots. Once your foot is inside and your legs are stretched, your toes slightly touch the tip of the boot. If this is the case, it should no longer be the case when you bend your knees. At this point, your foot will move backwards and the toes will no longer touch. Also, be careful that your heel does not rise when you walk. To help you find the right size, Alpinstore offers you the size guide for each brand, which you will find on each product sheet.

To sum up, a pair of boots is the right size if your toes touch the toe when your legs are outstretched and if they no longer touch when you bend your knees. Your heel doesn't get up when you walk either? Then you've found the boots to fit you!