Everything you need to know about snowboard boots, so you can choose the right model

Snowboarding is becoming increasingly popular on the slopes, and requires the right equipment: a snowboard and snowboard boots. Both products have their own specific technical characteristics, which require a minimum of knowledge to choose the right model.

Here, Alpinstore presents its arguments for selecting your pair of boots. This will depend not only on your gender, with women's boots and men's boots available, but also on the type of skiing you do, whether on piste, all-mountain, freeride or freestyle, your level of skiing and, of course, your foot size.

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

Criteria to consider when making your selection

Gender is important when choosing your snowboard boots

As mentioned above, there are many different types of boots to choose from, and to help you make the right choice in the first instance, it's best to select a boot that suits your body type. That's why Alpinstore offers you women's snowboard boots and men's men's snowboard boots.
By selecting a boot model according to your gender, you'll maximize comfort and therefore pleasure during your descents. Women's boots are obviously thinner than men's, so the fit is as precise as possible.

Choosing the right snowboard boots for your level and riding style

Snowboarding, which can be on piste, all-mountain, freeride or freestyle, is defined according to your desires and preferences. If you like to carve, you'll need to choose boots geared towards the slopes, but if you're a true extreme rider, you'll need to select a model geared towards freeride.

Your skill level also plays a role in your purchase, as it requires a pair of boots that are adapted to your needs. If you're a beginner/intermediate rider, it's best to opt for a soft, comfortable model; if you're an intermediate/advanced rider, models with good support and precision will do the trick; if you're a true rider, favor boots with good support and rigidity.

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

- A soft flexis ideal for beginner to occasional snowboarders, since it requires little physical effort and is, above all, ultra-comfortable.

- A medium flex is perfect for intermediate to advanced snowboarders, as it is stiffer and ensures greater precision. The medium flex also offers good flexibility and freedom of movement. It is often selected for freestyle riding.

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

    1. Boot tightening
Today's snowboarding world has come a long way, and so has its equipment. That's why there are so many different ways to tighten snowboard boots.

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

- The speed lace clamp is also easy to use, since it uses a handle. Simply pull the handle to tighten the laces, and the foot is sufficiently supported. This system requires less force than the traditional one.

- The "wheel" boa tightening system uses a cable with a winding wheel. The idea here is speed, but also comfort. You can tighten/loosen your boots in 2 seconds. Ideal for beginners, this system is flexible and easy to use.

More and more boot models are available with two tightening zones. This system ensures precision and a perfect fit, according to your morphology. So you can tighten the lower or upper part of your foot.



Choosing the right size

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

Choosing the right boot size is simple, and works the same way as for alpine ski boots. Once your foot is inside the boot and your legs are straight, your toes should lightly touch the tip of the boot. If this is the case, it shouldn't be when you bend your knees. At this point, your foot moves backwards and the toes no longer touch. Make sure your heel doesn't lift when you walk. To help you find the right size, Alpinstore offers a size guide for each brand, which you'll 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 straight, and no longer touch the toe when your knees are bent. Nor does your heel lift when you walk? Then you've found the right boots for you!