A snowboarding boot should fit like a boxing glove. Laced nice and tight for both comfort and to reduce any chance of injury. The importance of making sure you have correctly fitted boots is imperative.
There are several things to consider when finding boots that will fit perfectly. Using our snowboard boot size chart is a good start.
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Snowboard Boot Size Chart
The size you choose should be the same as your regular sneakers. If you are half a size usually, go with the larger of the two you are between.
When trying on the boots your toes should have a little wiggle room. You should not be able to move them backwards and forwards though. If they feel too snug that is okay too. They will loosen up after a while.
Snowboard boots will generally feel tighter than a normal shoe. This is due to the heel cup foam pushing your foot forward. A method used to stop heel lift when boarding.
Each boot manufacturer will be different. Some boots will be wider than others for instance. These may not be a perfect fit if you have thinner feet. Things like this are what you need to consider when snowboard boot sizing.
How to Size Snowboard Boots
Step by step guide
- Use the snowboard boot size guide to pick your estimated size
- Before trying on the boot remove the inner liner. Preferably you should be wearing synthetic snowboard socks.
- When you insert your foot, push it forward so your toes are touching the end. Your big toe should be just grazing the end of the boot.
- Stand up. You should be able to fit 2 fingers in the boot and touch your heel. If you can only fit 1 you need a bigger size. Likewise, if you can fit 3 fingers you should size down.
- When standing, the sides of your foot should not be touching the inside of the boot.
- Take your foot out, insert the liner then put your foot back in.
- The flex: Lean forward and back. Your toes should pull back slightly. The heel lift should be minimal.
- Remember to run through the process again with the other foot. Most people’s feet are a slightly different size.
Boots are the most important aspect of your gear which should be bought first. Snowboard boots are generally universal with bindings. Although it is important to double check if they are compatible.
The easiest way to do this is to get the boots first. Then you can use their measurements to buy the correct sized bindings, along with the rest of the gear.
Boot Flex
The flex of the boot is another term for stiffness. Riders choose what flex their boots are dependent on skill level and what style/ terrain.
The flex of a boot is rated 1-10. The higher generally being for more advanced riders and free riders. The more experienced riders usually just go with what boots feel right.
Soft Flex (2-5 rating) | The best option for beginners and freestyle riders. This is due to the manoeuvrability in a softer boot and higher comfort. |
Medium Flex (5-7 rating) | The choice of ‘all mountain’ riders the flex still allows some versatile movement in the feet. This is important when landing or hitting the rails. |
Medium- Stiff Flex (7-8) | Perfect for free riders who shred the backcountry. Responsive and offering more support when using a higher flex. This allows more control and precisive turning. |
Stiff Flex (9-10) | Even more control with boots this rigid. Perfect for carving. |
Lacing
- Traditional - The classic, simple, and cheaper option. The rider can tighten them to suit their own comfort. Easily replaced if broken. Traditional laces do have some downsides though.
They tend to come loose though when riding and not so easy to tie when wearing your gloves. - Quick pull - The quick pull/ speed lace system is an easy to use pulley type system. The handles are attached to 2 nylon cables that tighten the boot when pulled.
One tightens the front area of the boot. The other tightens the shin area. Unlike the traditional laces, these are glove friendly. - Boa - A more expensive option is the BOA lacing system. This uses a circular dial to tighten the laces. A quick and easy method which is also easier to use with gloves than the traditional laced method.
A 2 and 3 dialled Boa boot is also available. Although this is on the higher end of the price tag.
Snowboard Boots Extra Tips
- If your socks are wet or bunched, it means you need smaller ones.
- The first few times the boots can sometimes be a struggle to get on/ off. This does not necessarily mean that they are too small. You will find this happens in most cases with new boots.
- Snowboarding boots are generally more comfortable than ski boots due to the softer material in the outer shell
- If your heel lifts when leaning forward, you may have to adjust the size.
- Take out the insole and stand on it. Looking down, you will be able to see how it fits.
- Remember to looser inner and outer laces before trying on the boot
Summing Up Our Snowboard Boot Size Chart
One thing to remember when buying snowboard boots is tight is right. The boot should feel snug on your foot, more than your sneaker.
Pick your required size. Take out the liner and try on the boot. Once you try the boots, just remember to follow the steps outlined.
Making sure you have the correct sized boot is imperative. If the boots are uncomfortable this will ruin your snowboarding experience. Injuries can occur if the shoe is the wrong size. Rare but does happen.
Spending a little time and following the steps in this article will make sure that does not happen. The snowboard boot size chart should give you a good indication on what size you need.