Tips On Choosing Snowboard Boots

Snowboard boots need to fit just like a glove. There is no resemblance between how your regular shoe fits and how a boarding boot fits. If you've ever skied you'll know what I mean.

There are two types of boots available. One works with the traditional soft binding system and the other works with the click in binding system. Whichever type of boot you're looking to buy remember that you either need to take along the socks you'll be wearing or ask the store to use a pair of theirs. Just remember those socks have been on a whole lot of feet so they might not be the most hygienic pair around. It's always best to bring your own with you..

When buying your boots don't make the mistake of leaving a little wiggle room at the toes. Although we commonly do this with runners, this is a “big” mistake with snowboarding boots.

If your boots even have a little bit of wiggle room you'll not get the ankle support you need and that spells trouble and a whole lot of unnecessary pain as you wrench your ankle going down the mountain.

If you're lucky enough not to hurt your ankle, you'll still have troubles because your board will be sluggish and unresponsive. So you might trade an ankle injury for a headache because your board doesn't respond in time and you plow right into that tree. Haven't you noticed they plant those trees in the most unhandy places.

When you're trying on the boot make sure all the paper that gets jammed in the toes has been removed. That little bit of paper can make the boot feel snug when actually it's too big. First do up any laces on the inner liner snuggly, then snug up the outside laces.

If your pocket book is big enough check out the new boots that have the dial system. It's really slick. You just keep turning the dial until the laces are as snug as you need them. That said you pay quite dearly for this little bit of technology.

Now stand up and pretend your surfing down that mountain. Flex and bend your knees. Put your body into the positions you would expect to be on the mountain. You want your toes to feel snug in the boot but you don't want them to hurt or feel curled.

Remember there's a big difference between snug and too tight. If you've never worn a boot before you might think a snug boot is too small but it's not. The inner casings take a fair bit of time to soften and mold to your foot so when you initially try it on it may feel cumbersome and awkward.

Leave the boots on for at least 10 or 15 minutes. Walk around the store, do some other shopping while you wonder. You'll find all kinds of great accessories that you've just got to have. If your feet start to get pins and needles in them it means the boots too small or the laces are done up too tight. Start by loosening the laces and see if it goes away or comes back. Watch for other areas of pain such as an ankle that's rubbing or a toe that's starting to hurt. These are not good signs and you'll want to try a different size or different boot.

You are going to have to try on quite a few pairs until you find the boot that feels right. So plan on spending at least a couple of hours at the store. Don't make this a rush trip when you are short on time.

Remember it's the lining that makes the comfort of the boot. There are two main styles of liners. The first uses a strap to keep the tongue in place while the second uses laces. Try both and find out which style you find most comfortable. This is the style of liner you should go with. Some liners even have an anti-microbrial coating for those people who have a tendency to get stinky feet.

Some stores also provide a return policy that allows you to return the boot if you find it doesn't fit right after you give it a try. At the price of boots many companies have recognized this policy makes it easier for you to part your money. Check with the store to see what their return policy is.