How to choose snowboard boots?
Features and Benefits
Snowboard boots are an important piece of equipment for athletes.
The level of comfort and safety during skiing depends on how well they are made, because the legs account for most of the athlete's load. Therefore, snowboard boots must meet high technological requirements, have a certain level of rigidity, be made of high-quality and wear-resistant materials, using durable fittings.
At the moment, there are two types of snowboard boots - with and without an inner insert. The model with an insert is considered more practical and durable, as it can be removed and dried.
fashion models
Women's
Large manufacturers make women's snowboard boots, taking into account the structure of women's calf muscles and feet.
For example, the shaft in women's boots is lower than in men's, and it is wider.
Boots should be selected with a moderate degree of rigidity, unless, of course, you are a professional snowboarder and do not practice extreme skiing. Then you should pay attention to boots with the maximum degree of rigidity.
The most popular model of women's snowboard boots, which is suitable for both beginners and freeride enthusiasts, is the Burton Casa model. These boots have an optimal fourth degree of rigidity and a pleasant value for money.
Men's
Men's shoe models differ from women's in structure and technological features. They are stiffer, taller and narrower at the top.
Among male models, the most popular brands are Black fire,
Thirty two
and Burton.
Baby
Children's snowboarding boots are made taking into account the small weight of the child and the amateur level of skiing. Therefore, they are always soft, with minimal stress on the legs.
The most purchased models are Burton and Salomon snowboard boots.
colors
Today there are many different colors of snowboard boots. Moreover, there is a choice among both male and female and children's models. Therefore, you can easily match your boots to the color of your suit or snowboard jacket.
The most popular models for men are black, dark blue and gray.
Girls prefer white, pink, blue and light green colors.
materials
Boots are made of artificial or natural leather, dense textiles, and also use inserts made of artificial or natural suede. Experienced athletes believe that the most impractical models are boots made of leather, because with constant exposure to snow and moisture, it is deformed. Often snowboarders prefer artificial materials from synthetics and textiles.
Plastic inserts are used in boots designed for extreme skiing. In soft boots, most of them are made of dense textiles with a special water-repellent impregnation.
The inner part of the boot, if present, is usually made of a special thermal material, which, when heated, can be adjusted to the foot of a particular person. Heating is carried out in the store with a device designed for this purpose. This procedure makes the boots comfortable for you, all the anatomical features of the structure of the feet are taken into account and you do not need additional time to break them in.
How to choose
When choosing boots for snowboarding, you need to pay attention to their rigidity. Your level of comfort when riding will depend on this.
Rigid boots are best for more experienced snowboarders who practice sharp descents and turns. In them, the load on the legs is greater, but the fixation of the foot is much better.
This will avoid sprains and dislocations.
Usually hard boots are made with an inner liner and plastic inserts on the outer part, and they have double lacing - inner and outer. Lacing is sometimes replaced with special latches.
The sole of the hard boots is also quite dense and tough. In some ways, these boots are similar in appearance to ski boots.
Soft boots are suitable for beginners and amateurs, as well as for those who perform various tricks on the descent - for example, jumps.
They are more suitable for freestyle and freeride. Soft boots can be made of two parts - outer and inner.
The inner part of the boot - boot - can be made of neoprene or thermoformable material, the main advantage of which is that it adapts to the wearer's foot. Neoprene is durable but takes time to break down.
The most expensive and comfortable type of boot - custom - is made to order and is popular with professional snowboarders.
Decide on the material of the boots. The leather in the process of skiing absorbs moisture and the boots become heavier and deformed, and may crack over time. Synthetics are lighter than leather and do not absorb moisture due to impregnation. Therefore, many snowboarders prefer it to her.
When choosing snowboard boots, spend enough time trying them on, which is best done with a thick toe. Stand up and shift your body weight from toe to heel and back several times. You should be comfortable, your big toes should not rest against the shoes with pressure, and the heel should not hang out inside.
Pay attention to any discomfort, as choosing the right boot size is very important. Walk around the store in shoes, they should not rub.
At the same time, if you are choosing snowboard boots for the first time, remember that in soft boots it is more convenient to move without a board, in hard ones all movements require effort, and this can also cause discomfort from the habit.
When trying on, try to lace up the boots and evaluate the convenience of lacing. Keep in mind that you should be able to handle the lacing even with gloves on in case it needs to be tightened and laced urgently. When you lace up your boots, note that there should be no feeling of stiff legs, you should be comfortable.
Try on shoes from different manufacturers to find the model that is perfect for you.
How to spread
Before you go to the slopes in new boots, walk around in them at home for 20-30 minutes to get used to it. And then the best way to break the boots will be practice. Go skiing and start on the training slope.After a couple of descents, tighten and lock the laces to find a comfortable position for your boots.
How to lace
Snowboard boots can be laced like regular boots, in which case they should be laced just like regular boots, but this takes a lot of time.
Or it can be a special high-speed one - in the form of clamps with fixation. This lacing uses a thin metal cable. Naturally, it is preferable to purchase shoes with a second type of lacing, it is both faster and much more convenient, although it leads to their rise in price.
How to wear and how to sit
Snowboard boots should be put on while sitting, after loosening the lacing. Then they need to be tightly laced up, stand up, move several times from toe to heel and, if necessary, tighten the lacing and fix the legs more strongly.
Shoes that are properly fitted should not be tight, they will fit snugly around the foot. Therefore, it is important to choose shoes that fit, not a size larger. Due to the active movement of the legs, after several descents, you will have to tighten the lacing.
How to care for your snowboard boots
After snowboarding, take care of the proper care of your boots. If you have an liner, take it out to dry. The outer part of the boot should be wiped with a damp cloth from excess moisture and dirt, and if necessary, gently washed.
If it is possible to remove the inner part or insole, it is better to remove it from and dry it.
All hardware and laces should be inspected for damage.
If the skiing season is over, follow all the above procedures, and after drying thoroughly, assemble the boots and fill the space in them with compressed paper.
So they will keep their shape and attractive appearance until the next season.
How much are
Prices for snowboard boots from various manufacturers range from 5,000 rubles to 35,000 rubles. In many ways, the price is determined by the brand name, so it is important to find a suitable model with an adequate price-quality ratio.
Deeluxe boots are known for their affordable pricing and will cost from 5,000 rubles.
Salomon boots, popular all over the world with beginners, cost around 7,000 rubles.
Burton boots will cost 8,000 rubles or more.
The price of Adidas boots starts from 10,000 rubles,
the price of Ride boots is slightly less - 9,000 rubles.
Brand news
Nike
The Nike 6.0 Vapen boot model is quite popular among beginner snowboarders and amateurs. They are made in an attractive bright design made of artificial leather and durable textile with moisture-repellent impregnation. Cushioning insole provides additional comfort while riding. Reinforced lacing loops and a midfoot strap provide a secure and quick fit to your feet.
Adidas
Snowboard boots from the famous brand Adidas - Tactical ADV in brown leather and textile look amazing. They have excellent midsole cushioning, secure lacing and a special foam insole that enhances comfort while walking and skiing.
black fire
Black fire Kurt medium hard snowboard boots are very popular. They are made of perforated leather for better ventilation, have heel support and a thermoformable liner. The model belongs to the category of "unisex".
Special lady snowboard boots are suitable for girls who are starting to master snowboarding. They are reliable and comfortable, equipped with heel support, a shock-absorbing sole and reliable lacing with metal hooks. There is an inner boot with lacing.
The brand will please with excellent models for children and teenagers in an unusual design with interesting patterns and in bright color combinations. For example, Young lady, Techno, Junior Boy, Junior Gerl models are interesting.
Thirty two
The Thirtytwo brand is represented by a wide variety of different models in bright and stylish designs. For example, Thirtytwo Lashed Ft 12 boots of medium hardness are the most popular among snowboarders in Europe and America. The manufacturer claims that they are suitable for all categories of snowboarders - both beginners and experienced athletes. Fast lacing, a thermoformable layered liner, antibacterial treatment and a special insole are the ingredients of this model's success.
Thirtytwo TM-Two FW17 boots are another super popular brand model. These are tough boots for experienced snowboarders. Lightweight, gel-filled cushioning outsole for exceptional riding comfort, comfortable lacing system, precise tread pattern on the outsole for walking on slippery surfaces, reinforced heel counter, and foam liner for better heat retention - these are just the most obvious advantages of these boots. .
Thirtytwo boots are in an affordable price range and represent almost perfect value for money.
Bone
Bone's Rookie snowboard boots are great for beginners.They are soft, with a non-slip sole, excellent durable outer lacing and a lace-up inner boot, made of textile materials with water-repellent impregnation.
Made from water-repellent textile and leather, the Bone Cool boots feature secure, quick lacing, reinforced heel and toe. They are suitable for girls who have just started to master snowboarding. Boots are designed taking into account the female structure of the calf muscles and feet.
Deluxe
Laconic soft boots Deeluxe Boa FW16 are suitable for beginner snowboarders, as well as freestyle enthusiasts. Thanks to the special lacing, the process of putting on the boots is very fast and allows you not even to take off your gloves in the process. The shock-absorbing sole is equipped with a relief protector, and special inserts in the folds of the boots do not overload the foot and at the same time allow you to keep the shape of the boots for a long time.
Northwave
The medium-stiff Northwave Freedom SL boots are simple in appearance, but are always popular with snowboarders. They have an inner boot, additional heel fixation, comfortable and fast lacing, and a lightweight sole.
Nitro
The Nitro Select TSL boots are the perfect combination of style and comfort for experienced snowboarders. With near-maximum stiffness, they provide secure foot support, while the comfortable and accessible dual lacing system allows for custom fit. The boots are equipped with an ultra-light, wear-resistant and comfortable sole.
atom
The Atom Team Fluo boots feature a bold design with the latest technology. They perfectly fix the foot with reliable classic lacing, lightweight shock-absorbing sole allows you to feel comfortable when skiing and landing.The insulated boot will not let you freeze even after a long ride.
Stylish images
1. A bright, slightly casual, but stylish and youthful image of a snowboarder consists of an unusual jacket, sweatshirt, insulated pants, golfs and Burton boots with leopard inserts. The image is complemented by a wide ski mask.
2. Women's snowboard suit in pink, yellow and blue rich colors combined with white boots and a snowboard is a very colorful set.
3. Men's overalls in deep purple with bright lime elements go well with yellow boots with light green soles and inserts and a bright yellow snowboard.
4. A practical combination of a non-marking black overall with several greenish inserts and black snowboard boots looks laconic and stylish.