Guide to Snowboard Boots

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Kinds of Snowboard Boots include the following:

Soft boots

• Soft boots are the most comfortable and most popular types of snowboard boots.
• They can be used with strap bindings, flow-in bindings, and high back bindings.
• They provide great flexibility, board feel, and a wide range of movement in any direction.
• They are ideal for performing tricks such as jumps and turns.
• They consist of the inner bladder and the outer boot.
• The inner bladders are cushioned to keep the feet insulated and dry, and to absorb shock from heavy impacts. They have independent sets of lacing different from those of the outer boots for increased adjustability and snug fit.
• The outer boots are made of sturdy shells on the upper part. They have their own sets of lacing for further tightening. They allow good ankle movement.
• Soft boots can be used for walking and driving the car on the way to snowboarding area.
• They ideal for freeriders and freestylers.

• Hard boots are used for gaining more control and precision.
• They support the feet, ankles, and lower legs better.
• They are used in racing and in high-speed carving on hard snow and in racing.
• They have padded inner bladders similar in construction and function to soft boots.
• Their outer shell construction is made of hard plastic. It is adjusted and secured by buckles or ratchet bails.
• Hard boots give riders more power and control in edging movements.
• They are derived from the traditional ski boots, but they provide more lateral ankle mobility.
• They usually have hinges built into the ankles for flexibility.
• The soles are designed to connect to plate bindings.
• Alpine racers use hard boots with plate bindings to transfer their movements from the hard boots and snowboard bindings to the snowboard.
• Hard boots are not suitable for freestyle tricks and maneuvers because of their limited flexibility.
• They can limit the rider’s movements.
• They are not recommended for beginners because they can be uncomfortable.

• Hybrid step-in boots are strapless. They are easy to put on and take off.
• They combine the flexibility of soft boots and the sturdiness of hard boots.
• They have soft upper parts and hard soles.
• They are used with step-in bindings.
• They are ideal for riders who want the flexibility of soft boots, and the precision and control of hard boots.

Snowboard boot flex:  If you are a freestyler, choose snowboard boots with lower cut highbacks, and loose and molded inner liners for increased flexibility.  Choose those with stiffer upper boots for additional support and lace-up inner liners for adjusting the flexibility if you are a freerider. If you are an alpine riding and hard ice carving enthusiast, choose stiffer snowboard boots that provide minimal flexibility. Their hard frames support the ankles, feet, and lower legs firmly.    
   
Heel holding power:  Choose snowboard boots with adequate heel holding power. The heels should not lift inside the boots once they are completely laced up. They should fit snugly around your ankles and keep your heels firmly planted to the inner backsoles.
    
Fit:  For better fit, choose soft boots with enough space for some toe movement and hard boots with a little space for minimal toe movement. Remember that the more you use your snowboard boots, the more the internal padding will become compact and increase the space inside the boots. Also, try on snowboard boots with your snowboard socks on to get the exact feel. Shop for boots in the afternoon or in the evening after physical activity, as it is when your feet are at their largest.  
 
Insulation:  To keep you feet warm and dry, choose snowboard boots with comfortable cushions and padding.

Breathability:  For ventilation, choose snowboard boots made with vents or microporous fabrics. They prevent sweat from being trapped inside, while keeping water and snow out.

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