How to Buy the Best Pair of Snowboarding Boots--Part Two

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Mar 2, 1999

In Part One of this article, I discussed how to buy or rent snowboarding boots according to function, meaning what style and difficulty of snowboarding you will be using the boots for. In Part Two, I will talk about how to get boots according to form, as defined by the features and options available.

Snowboard boots come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors. Features are often defined as "standard" and "optional," the latter meaning "be prepared to fork over the funds." Like shopping for a new car, you must decide what features you need and what features you want (there is a distinct difference!). A recent trend in snowboarding gear is the boot/binding combo. Basically, this means that you must buy the boot that will fit the binding; universal fit is falling out of favor. The boots you bring home today might not fit the bindings you bought last year, especially if they are from a different manufacturer. The advantage of such a system is a perfect interface between the board and your boots. Common problems like a wobbly boot or binding strap that is almost too short to fit over a bigger boot are eliminated. Some of the more popular combo systems feature "step-in" or "click-in" bindings and are strapless - the boot is typically held in by metal plates on the bottom that mate with the plates on the binding or employs a similar setup. Another system features boots that have a reinforced shank because the bindings do not have a back. However, you can also get traditional strap-in bindings in either a combo or standard setup. Deciding between getting a combo system or separate boots to fit into other bindings is entirely up to you and depends upon your budget and needs.

Common features, or the ones most snowboarding boots should have, include such things as strong laces, traction soles, padded collars, insulating inner materials, inner liners or "socks," durable outer fabrics, and pull-on straps. It is important that you have strong laces so that when you are on the lift and resting your snowboard across your foot, the steel edge of the board doesn't cut through the laces. Soles with good traction can keep you from falling down in an icy parking lot, and padded collars are just plain comfortable. Insulating properties vary from boot to boot, so look for something that will help keep your feet toasty without wearing three pairs of socks. There are various types of inner liners being made, with the most common made of foam that either laces or straps across your ankle and lower leg to cushion the foot and prevent it from pulling out during vigorous riding. You must pick a boot that has a durable outer fabric - these boots will be abused by you and the weather. Pull-on straps are handy little devices located at the top of the boot that allow you to get your feet in (and out) of the boot easily with just the jerk of a wrist. These features will pretty much satisfy the most basic needs of the average snowboarder.

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