Snowboard Boots

It is impossible to experience the true pleasure of conquering the snowy peaks if the snowboard boots cause a feeling of discomfort. Improperly fitted shoes will make difficult pirouettes difficult and can lead to injury.

Snowboarder shoes are the most important piece of equipment. The construction of the shoe (all kinds of overlays) is designed to provide the proper level of rigidity and good projection of pressure on the board. Low-quality boots negate all the advantages of an expensive board, since they will not allow you to fully control it.

Shoes should be lightweight and have a two-layer sole, where the first layer is hard, and the second is damping, necessary to smooth out the shock and vibration that occurs during riding.

A big plus for boots will be plastic reinforcements in the sole and heel. Thanks to this, the shoes will fit exactly into the mount and will not pop out during riding, they will be used longer (up to six months).

A good snowboarding shoe is equipped with two boots: an outer and an inner.

The first ensures the safety of the foot, the second - the necessary level of comfort. If you are a professional rider it is worth choosing a polymer liner (molding). This type of boot is lighter in weight and has an increased level of rigidity. Synthetic inner liner - soft and very comfortable, it is chosen by amateurs.

The best snowboard boots have a thermoformed inner boot.

In order for the product to take the shape of your leg, you must:

• for 7-10 minutes, heat it in the oven (or using a special hair dryer) at a temperature of 90 ° C;
• insert the liner into the boot, put on the socks for riding, and then the boots.
• while the boot is hot, try to imitate the movements familiar to snowboarding: lunges, squats;
• then you need to wait a couple of minutes until the boot cools down to the end. This thermoforming will make skiing as comfortable as possible.

All the variety of existing snowboarding boots is usually divided into two large groups: soft and hard. The former are somewhat reminiscent of casual shoes. You can walk in them without experiencing great discomfort. Models of this type, with certain restrictions, but still can bend.

Stiff boots are essential for the firm footing required on tough trails and downhill slopes. Like ski boots, they are made of plastic and have clip-on fasteners.

Alternatively, the outer boot can be laced using the boa system, where instead of laces, thin metal cables with a wheel are provided, which are tightened using a special handle at the top of the boot. Shoes of this type are used by professionals for carving on prepared slopes.

To make skiing even more comfortable and safe, snowboarders resort to a procedure called bootfitting. This technology makes it possible to change the shape of the boot (plastic part) and adjust the girth of the leg with the liner. As a result, the footwear anatomically duplicates the shape of the foot, protecting it from excessive stress and possible injuries during skiing.

The feeling of comfort while riding and the ability to improve your athletic performance depend on the degree of stiffness of the boots.

For those who stand on the board confidently, medium-hard boots are suitable. They are designed to master any style of skiing on any type of trail. They will be very comfortable for the rider, and such shoes will serve for many years. The high rigidity of the boots will be relevant for those who love high-speed skiing and have a quick reaction.

Soft boots are ideal for beginners, as they allow you to control every movement, providing good maneuverability when performing a variety of tricks. In boots of this type, the pressure on the snowboard does not occur immediately, therefore it is comfortable in them, and the control of the board is relatively safe.

Women's and men's shoes differ not only in everyday life, but also in the sport of snowboarding. The main difference is not the boot's design, but its height. The calf muscle in women is lower than in men, so the female models have a special fit - a wide and low bootleg, a lower degree of rigidity and are designed for a lighter weight of the wearer.

As for snowboard boots for children, they are made soft, since the weight of a child is much less than that of an adult, and the likelihood that the younger generation will immediately begin to perform dizzying stunts is minimal. In soft models it is easier to learn to ride, the legs feel at ease, they get tired less, and the landing is smoother.

Children's snowboarding boots are universal, suitable for all riding styles: freeride, freestyle, slalom. The purpose of these shoes is to help a beginner snowboarder learn the basics of skiing. The main criterion that you need to pay attention to when buying children's boots is the presence of an inner heat-forming boot.

A significant advantage when buying children's shoes is that they can be taken "for growth", but no more than one and a half centimeters. If you take more stock, the leg will be poorly fixed, which can lead to injury.

When you are faced with the question of how to choose shoes for a board, remember the basic rule - your feet in it should feel comfortable, regardless of the type of boots and the material from which they are made.

Before purchasing a snowboard and a mount for it, you need to buy boots.

To see if this model is right for you, do a little testing: put your body weight on your toes. The foot inside the shoe remains motionless - this indicates its good fixation, and, accordingly, that the shoe suits you. If the heel rises, this is not your option.

Before going to the store, do not forget to take with you socks that are as thick as possible to those that you plan to take for skiing. If you try on a shoe and feel that your toes are resting on the toe, this means that the shoe fits you perfectly.

With regard to the choice of material for boots, modern synthetics will be the most optimal, although it has a significant drawback - it is short-lived.

Leather boots are also not the best option, as their shape deforms over time and the appearance is disappointing. The main disadvantage of leather shoes is that it quickly absorbs moisture and becomes very heavy by the end of the ride.

To answer the question of novice snowboarders about how to correctly determine the correct boot size, it is not enough to rely on basic parameters:

• the leg is comfortable, it does not go numb;
• shoes are easy to put on and take off;
• does not press anywhere.

Pay attention to how much the shoes cost. A good couple cannot be cheap. If you're buying boots from a retail sporting goods store, it's easy to find the one you want by trying it on. But when ordering via the Internet, problems may arise. To avoid them, you need to measure the length of your foot with a ruler or centimeter and report this length to the seller. The length of the insole of the boots must strictly correspond to your individual parameters, the permissible range of variation is + - 0.5-1 according to the European standard.

To make sure that the boots are not small in size, do the following procedure: insert your foot into the boot (without the inner one) and rest your thumb, without bending it, on the toe. If the fifth and first toes are retracted into the sides of the shoe, the shoe will be 100% small.

Despite the fact that each manufacturer sharpens the entire lineup for its own block, the main rules when buying:

• easy to put on;
• they should fit snugly, not dangling in either the toe or the heel.

Before use, it is better to spread the boots so that the foot gets comfortable in unusual shoes. If your legs are numb, you should know that this size is too small for you and the boots need to be changed urgently, since not all models can stretch the inner boot, this privilege is available only for thermoformed liners.

If you are unsure of the best way to lacing your snowboard boots, familiarize yourself with the existing systems, evaluate the pros and cons, and choose the option that works best for you.

There are 4 types of lacing:

• traditional;
• fast;
• cable;
• clips.

Let's dwell on each of the above.

The advantages of traditional lacing are:

• good fixation of the leg;
• the ability to adjust the degree of tightening;
• quick replacement of laces as needed;
• price.

The main disadvantages of the system are: the length of the lacing and the difficulty of its implementation in cold weather (it is uncomfortable with gloves, it is cold with bare hands).

• quick lacing makes it easy to lacing the boot with self-locking clips, even without removing your gloves. The disadvantages include expensive repairs if the system is broken.

• a cable with a wheel will allow you to quickly and easily lace up the boot, even with one hand, but the fixation along the entire length will be uneven. In addition, this lacing system is not unreliable enough, it often breaks down (especially under heavy loads), and its repair will cost a tidy sum.

• clips are a quick and very convenient lacing option, but they are only suitable for carving boards.

To keep your snowboard boots happy for a long time, you need to properly care for and store them. After riding, take out the inner boots and air them dry overnight. Do not dry your shoes on a radiator or near other strong sources of heat. This procedure will negatively affect the liner, lead to its deformation and, as a result, the boots will no longer be comfortable for you.

When it comes to accessories for snowboard boots, the choice is truly great. If we are talking about what is better to choose, laces or a cable, then there is no definite answer to this question. Each athlete and amateur chooses the option that is closer to him. Ordinary laces are the most versatile option, since they can always be tied if they are torn, or you can buy new ones: they are in any store and are quite affordable.

Now a little about the insoles. For snowboard boots, they come in two flavors: anatomical and standard. Again, here the choice is different for everyone. The classic insole is made of an elastic material, and the anatomical one completely duplicates the relief of the foot, supporting it well.

An electric dryer will become an equally relevant accessory for boots. It will allow you to dry your shoes neatly but effectively in just a few hours. The flow of warm air allows moisture to evaporate without adversely affecting the properties of the materials. A big plus will be the presence of ultraviolet radiation in the equipment, which will neutralize most of the microbes and remove odors.

A bag for snowboard shoes is an essential accessory for any rider, since in addition to shoes, it can also accommodate other items of equipment (protection, helmet). Numerous pockets come in handy for all sorts of little things, and the adjustable shoulder strap keeps your hands free.

Such bags are made of cordun impregnated with a layer of vinyl, which ensures resistance to mechanical damage and wetting. The bottom is additionally reinforced and, if necessary, can be folded. Due to its compact size, the bag can be taken on board the aircraft or checked in as luggage.

In order not to burden yourself with numerous bags for this or that equipment, it is possible that it will be more convenient for you to purchase a cover that will fit your board, boots, and other equipment.

When moving or flying long distances, the cover will be a winning option, since everything will be in one place, protected from mechanical damage. As a rule, covers have wide straps, they are convenient to carry on the shoulder or behind the back. You can choose the option on casters.

The adidas company is relatively new in the snowboard boot market and has already become a everyone's favorite.

Foam is used instead of EVA for the outsole for better responsiveness and board control. In addition, the boots are equipped with Recco technology (in case of avalanches), a double lacing system, an unusual recycled coffee insole that protects the feet from getting caught, and a warm waterproof material - merino wool.

Nike sportswear and footwear company has established itself for many years. A characteristic feature of this manufacturer is the constant updating of production equipment, the inclusion of new technologies, stylish design solutions that meet the latest fashion trends among young people, as well as high quality products.

The black fire brand is widely known in the field of extreme sports, famous for its unsurpassed quality and the use of the most modern technologies. The company produces more than 10,000 models designed for a specific riding style and level of training. Among other brands, this manufacturer stands out in that the boots are equipped with increased protection against injuries.

Thirtytwo has been at the forefront of snowboard boots since its foundation in 1995. Each model is worked out in detail in a research institute that studies the functioning of the human leg during extreme sports. In the snowboard market, boots of this brand are considered the most technologically advanced, lightweight, comfortable and safe.

The advantage of Bone footwear is its versatility. These boots are suitable for both novice snowboarders and venerable athletes due to their modern and functional construction, as well as bright design. All new items are tested under laboratory conditions before becoming available on the market. Despite the high quality, the prices of these snowboard shoes are quite affordable.

Deeluxe is an Austrian company established in 1996 as a subsidiary of Raichle to promote a series of cushioned snowboard boots. After 6 years, the company spun off and began to independently produce a full range of snowboard equipment. Among her main merits: the production of the inner boot from ThermoFlex, which allowed him to adapt to the shape of the foot in a short time, and the invention of the TPS technology - changing the stiffness of the boot individually using plastic rods.

The Forum brand was founded by the world's best riders: JP Walker, Joni Malmi, Cheryl Maas ... Boots of this brand are designed primarily for freestyle, although you can practice both backcountry and jibbing in them.

The Italian company Northwave began making snowboard shoes almost 40 years ago. All products of this company, which have a somewhat aggressive design, are designed in the most meticulous way, fitted to the foot and tested by eminent athletes.

The Nitro brand uses only high-quality materials when creating its shoes, which explains their considerable cost. A huge range of models, a liner made of thermal insulating material (provides the foot with warmth and comfort), a quick lacing system - allow you to spend the whole day on a snowboard, and this is exactly what every rider dreams of.

Reviews of snowboarding boot manufacturers are controversial. adidas and nike are unconditionally at the top of the rating, followed by the brands deluxe, forum, northwave and nitro, which users like in terms of price-quality ratio and because the models of these companies are suitable for both beginners and professionals, which cannot be said about black fire and thirtytwo. Beginner riders are more or less satisfied with this shoe, but not for advanced riders. None of the snowboarders recommend buying bone boots because of their poor quality.

The price range for snowboard boots is quite large.Their price depends on the level of training, the material from which they are made, internal and external bells and whistles.