Snowboard Gear
These Boots Are Made for Boarding
I’ve talked about shopping for a snowboard and for a set of bindings, but up until now I have never talked about buying boots. Boots are arguably the single most important piece of equipment you can buy. All too often they are bought hastily or for the wrong reasons.
Something happened a few weeks ago that has never happened since I bought my Salomon Dialogue boots – my toes were cold while I was boarding. I still like the boots, but it reminded of how important warmth and comfort are. I have also noticed that sometimes my boot liners will loosen after a few runs. I am thinking of sewing in some velcro straps to help- fix this problem, or I might even look into a different pair in the off-season. Boot manufacturers have made some impressive innovations in the outer lacing systems, but they seem to foget how important the liner lacing system is.
I am currently eyeing the K2 Raider Boa boot… we will see how that turns out. The liner lacing system seems excellent.
I suggest that when shopping for a boot you keep in mind the following… - Comfort is a must. Wear them in the store for a good 15 minutes and test the range of motion as much as possible. Be sure to wear whatever socks you wear when you snowboard.
- Make sure the boot is not too heavy. Heavy boots are harder to lift for jumps and harder to walk around in.
- Fast lacing systems like the Boa or Clicker systems are great, but make sure they can’t come loose or undone while you are riding. You should only be lacing up once or twice in a day of riding so speed lacing is not really that important. However having boots (AND LINERS!) that stay done up and laced is essential.
- Hard and soft boots are better suited for different types of riding. Park riders and beginners tend to prefer softer boots. Advanced riders, heavier riders, and those looking for speed tend to look for a stiffer boot. Just make sure the stiffness does not inhibit your ability to move and subsequently control the board.
- People sometimes buy boots because they match the rest of their clothing and equipment. Big mistake… find the boots you want and then see what colours they come in and pick the most suitable one.
-Your shoe size might not be your boot size. My boot is a full size smaller than my shoe. Wearing a boot one size larger was terrible. Every time I wanted to go toe side, my heels would lift about an inch and I had no control in making the turn. Boots should be snug around your foot like a glove.
- Consider using a soft insole or heel-only insoles to help make your boots fit more snuggly, the type you might find in a drug store or sporting goods store. This could make a big difference and costs very little.
- Try on a lot of different boots at multiple stores and throw your brand allegiences out the window. Never buy a boot because someone else likes it or because it is otherwise popular. Instead, put in the necessary time to find your perfect match.
I found some great articles about finding a great set of boots. Perhaps my favourite is one from snowboarding.com which you can read here. Some highlights from the article include tips like: go shopping when the stores are empty to ensure you get the best service, watch out for the dreaded heel lift, and beware of shortlasted liners (I’ll let you read about that one yourself).
What boots do you wear? Do you like them? Do you have your eye on a new pair? Which one?
Cheers.
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Discussion
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I’d add this
1. If the guy/gal in the shop doesn’t measure your feet go elsewhere and/or insist they do.
2. If they don’t ask how much you ride/ type of riding go elsewhere.
Boa boots need to fit really, really well otherwise you’ll get tight/loose areas that are hard to adjust.
I’d highly recomend Comor in Whistler as good boot fitters
PS: Boa laces snap frequently in my experience and the mechanisms jam easily, make sure you carry spares since you can’t just tie the lace ends back together. I prefer the Salamon/Burton style of quick lace
Hey Josh
Interesting post given my recent experience.
I’ve got Dialogue’s also, and on my last trip – for the first time ever – my toes were getting cold on my left (mostly front) foot.
I wonder if its something that happens with Dialogue’s after a certain amount of wear. I’ve had these since late 2005.
Great boots! Have been really good to me. The lacing system I think is better than the new/current Salomon one.
…but being a few years old now, as well as the cold toes, they’re starting to soften up a bit now, so really start to think about replacing them.
Thanks for the great additions, Dave. I was thinking of mentioning that it is worthwhile to find an experienced and knowlegdable technician when you go out and buy your boots.
Adam, let me know if you do end up getting new boots and which ones you go with. Cheers.
I just switched from some Burtons which were always painful to wear and left my toes cold, to Salomon F22′s which are AWESOME.
This time I took the time to get the size right.
They also have the benefit of not having the removable liner so they are much less bulky and a lot lighter too. Very happy!
I love my 2007/08 Burton Supremes! They were super comfortable after working them in a bit.
This is a bit of a girl trick, but have you considered putting the Hot Pockets toe warmers in your boots?
Check out 32′s. I have the TM-2 and they have the best inner lacing. I am on my third season and have almost 200 days on them. They are just starting to get a little soft. Mine has a traditional lacing system. I work at a snowboard shop and see way too many broken quick lace systems of all types.
Thanks for the great tips! the 32′s website is great for information.
I have a pair of Salomon Ivy’s and they are comfy and easy to lace. My toes are always cold, so I use toe warmers often. I was looking to replace the boots next season, and keep them for instructing.. I feel they are a little bit bulky and I was looking at the Salomon F22′s possibly. Anybody have them?
I’ve got last year’s Salomon F22W’s and I love them. I’ve had Salomon boots for years & don’t plan on switching. Not sure if the Ivy’s have the fused liner, but mine do and it actually made my boot so much smaller that I had to readjust my bindings and have much better contact now.
Josh what you said about the boas is completely true… My SO bought a pair but his Flow bindings kept hitting the clicker & loosening the boots as he was riding. So as with all boots I’d suggest trying them on with your bindings if you can before you buy.
Thanks Amy, I don’t think my boots have the infused liners, they are also now 2 years old. They are like moon boots compared to the fusion series. I can live with re-adjusting the bindings, as long as the bulk is gone.
I have Forum Kicker SLR’s and I LOVE them! I tried on almost every men’s boot at MountainWest in San Francisco and these were the best for me.
I’ll def echo that everyone should try on many boots to see what feels the best.
My ride:
2009 Never Summer SL-R 158
2009 K-2 Cinch CTS, black
2009 Forum Kicker SLR, Elephant color
Freaking love it!
I’m a 50 year young free rider, mountain surfer, been riding Salomon Malamutes for years. They are stiff and provide great support if you prefer on edge riding or surfing pow. I’ve never had cold feet, even on a couple of -10-15 degree mornings. Its also a good choice for folks who have “low profile” feet,i.e. skinny ankles and or narrow to average feet. Strapped into Union C-4 bindings and a NS Titan 164, it all makes for a sweet ride!
Never Summer FTW.
Great tips. My boots are Vans..I have had them for a few years and my heel always comes up a couple of inches when going toe side. Thanks to you now I know that is no good. Time for a new pair.