Snowboard Boot Buyer's Guide
"How do I choose snowboard boots?" It's a question we've all asked ourselves at some point in our illustrious snowboard careers. Buying snowboard boots can be a daunting task. From Burton to ThirtyTwo, Salomon to DC, every manufacturer brings something to the table. So we put together this snowboard boot buyers guide to help you through the process of buying snowboard boots. Keep in mind that this is just a guide—it's not completely foolproof, but it'll help steer you through the maze of fit, liners, and lacing systems.
SECTIONS IN THIS GUIDE
Before You Even Start
- Know Your Feet:
- Know Your Shoe Size:
- Don't Listen To Your Friends:
- Get Proper Socks:
- Know How Snowboard Boots Are Supposed To Fit:
- Think Outside The Box:
- Do Your Research:
Really get in tune with your kickers. Know whether you have fat or skinny feet, you have high arches or you're flat-footed, tiny heel or Sasquatch boot. It really makes a difference.
The majority of people wear shoes that are about 1/2 size too big for them. Test it out yourself—put on your favorite pair of sneaks and walk around, focusing on how your toes feel. If they have lots of room to move and they're not touching the end of your shoe, then your shoe size is probably a tad too big and you should think about sizing down a 1/2 size for a snowboard boot. ALSO: Keep in mind that one of your feet is probably bigger than the other (often it's a difference of about 1/4-size). Size for the bigger foot, or you'll be riding in a lot of pain. If you're unsure of your size, go to a shoe store and use one of those slidey things (they'll be impressed if you call it that).
Resist the urge to pull the trigger on that hot pair of snowboard boots that your buddy keeps raving about. Don't listen to your friends.What works for them probably won't work for you. Listen to your feet.
Those dinky cotton socks have got to go. Get some real snowboarding socks and get a few pairs (and we're not just saying that because we sell the stupid things). It makes a huge difference. Just ask that guy who bleeds from his shins and whose toes freeze all the time.
Snowboard boots should feel snug everywhere—snug at your heel, instep, and toebox, and your toes should barely touch the ends. So don't freak if they feel too tight at first because if they fit "just right" straight outta the box, chances are you'll be screwed in a week. It usually takes between one to two weeks of riding to break in your boots if you don't have them heat-molded at a shop. After about 10 days, they'll pack out a bit and fit like a glove. So be patient.
You might be stoked on that new design, but remember: the raddest boots don't mean shit if your feet are in pain. So go with what feels right, not what your style dictates. AND LADIES: Don't be afraid to look into getting a men's boot if you want a stiffer boot. A few of our testers really like to wear men's boots (Mayra and Caitlin). And guys, if you're confident enough, you could do the same thing with women's boots. Just don't tell your bros.
Ask around, try on a bunch of different boots, and read reviews until you find a boot and/or brand that you like. Seven of our employee snowboarders reviewed a whole bunch of snowboard boots. Check out what they said.
Important Factors
- Fit:
- Flex:
- Sole:
- Lacing:
It's worth mentioning again. Remember: no heel lift, snug all over, toes should barely touch the end. If you have funky feet, check out our foot/boot table below.
Stiff or flexy? It's all a matter of preference. Flex should be listed in the Tech Specs of every boot. If you're just starting out, it's not a bad idea to get a boot with more (softer) flex. But remember: a stiffer boot might take longer to break in, but it'll last you longer.
If you're a park rat, look for a boot with lots of EVA padding or gel / air bags, which help cushion impacts. Burton and DC (among others) do a good job of this. If you're going to be hiking a lot, check out boots with more aggressive soles like Vibram.
Pretty much every manufacturer has its own lacing system. Find one that you like and that hugs your foot in the right way. Check out our lacing system guide below.
Foot Characteristics / Boot Solutions
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Lacing System Breakdown
The lacing system is one of the most important things about your boots. Pretty much every brand has its take on lacing. We thought we'd show you how each works. Check it.
Lacing System | Brand(s) | Pros / Cons | Demonstration |
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Boot Test Reviews
Seven Backcountry.com employees / riders went through the pain of trying on ten different boots so you wouldn't have to. Boots from Burton, DC, Ride, Rome, Nitro, Salomon, ThirtyTwo, and Vans. Check out the riders' profiles, see if any of them sound a bit like you, and then read their reviews.
Tester | Profile |
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Pete G.![]() |
Profile:Riding Style: Park Rat Snowboard Boot Size: 11 Street Shoe Size: 11 Foot Shape: Pretty Normal Current Boot: Forum League Snowboard Sock: eesa |
Lucas A.![]() |
Profile:Riding Style: All-Mountain Snowboard Boot Size: 8 Street Shoe Size: 8.5 Foot Shape: Completely Normal Current Boot: ThirtyTwo Lashed Snowboard Sock: eesa |
James R.![]() |
Profile:Riding Style: All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboard Boot Size: 10 Street Shoe Size: 10.5 Foot Shape: High Arch Current Boot: Ride FUL & Nitro Select Snowboard Sock: eesa |
Ashley T.![]() |
Profile:Riding Style: All-Mountain Snowboard Boot Size: 7.5 Street Shoe Size: 7.5 Foot Shape: Slightly high arch Current Boot: DC Judge Snowboard Sock: eesa |
Ashley F.![]() |
Profile:Riding Style: All-Mountain Snowboard Boot Size: 7.0 Street Shoe Size: 7.5 Foot Shape: High arch Current Boot: Burton Emerald Snowboard Sock: eesa |
Mayra![]() |
Profile:Riding Style: Big Mountain Snowboard Boot Size: W10.5 / M8.5-9 Street Shoe Size: M9 Foot Shape: Slightly narrow Current Boot: DC Judge Snowboard Sock: eesa |
Caitlin![]() |
Profile:Riding Style: All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboard Boot Size: M8-8.5 Street Shoe Size: W9 Foot Shape: Pretty normal Current Boot: Ride FUL Snowboard Sock: eesa |
The Goods
Check out our entire selection of boots. Why stop there? We have what it takes to kit you out: Snowboards, Bindings, Goggles, and outerwear.