If you have ever had aching feet because of some bad-fitting snowboard boots, you will certainly agree with us: Uncomfortable boots are annoying and can turn a day of snowboarding into a real disaster. That's why it's important to always make sure that your snowboard boots really fit. Your shoe size, the right socks and the lacing system of your boots play important roles. And we are going to show you now how to put them on properly!
How do I know if my snowboard boots fit properly?
How tight do snowboard boots have to be? If you buy a new pair of snowboard boots to go with your board and bindings, they should be on the tight side (but not so tight that they cause pain). That's because most snowboard boots give a little at first. So if you opt for boots that are on the loose side to begin with, they may be too big for you after the first few rides.
For a good fit, your toes should lightly touch the tip of the liner, but you should still be able to move them freely.
When you bend your knees, your heel should not slip in the shoe. If this is often the case for you, a boot with a heel strap could be the solution. This prevents the lifting of the heel in the shoe.
The three most important factors are:
- the width of the boots
- the height of the toe area
- the heel area
Tip: The safest way to get the perfect fit is to get custom-fit snowboard boots. Just go to a shop and have your feet measured, then have the boots fitted exactly to the shape of your feet!
What socks should I wear in the boots?
Your socks also play an important role in ensuring that your snowboard boots fit perfectly. High-quality snowboard socks can make all the difference, as they affect your comfort and performance while snowboarding.
Expert tip: We recommend socks made of merino wool or synthetic fibres, as these keep your feet particularly warm and transport moisture away from the skin to stay dry. You should avoid cotton socks: They do not transmit away moisture well and often cause damp feet, which unfortunately quickly feel cold. Even the best boots, bindings and the perfect board can't change that.
How to choose the right lacing system?
When buying your gear, you can usually choose between three different lacing systems. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.
Traditional lacing or ‘standard lacing’
- Good, secure fit
- Can be tightened or loosened at any point
- Broken laces can be replaced inexpensively
- Can come loose during the day
- Difficult to tie with gloves
Speed Lacing (e.g. DIALOGUE Boots by Salomon)
- Quick to put on and take off
- Individually adjustable
- Firm, secure fit
- Easy to operate with gloves
- Difficult to repair
BOA® Lacing (e.g. LAUNCH BOA® SJ BOA® Boots by Salomon)
- Quick to put on and take off
- Very easy to adjust
- Easy to adjust with gloves
- Precise fine-tuning
- Consistent adjustment across the entire shoe
- Difficult to repair
So, how do I put on my snowboard boots correctly?
How you put on your snowboard boots correctly depends, of course, primarily on the lacing system of your boots. However, there are some general tips for a good fit:
- Loosen all laces and pull the top part of your boot forward
- Step into the shoes
- Make sure that your heel is in the right position
- Check that the inner shoe is snug against your shin
- Pull the laces tight
- Make sure that the boots fit snugly but not too tightly
- Bend your ankles and pull the laces a little
If you now want to adjust your bindings to your boots, we recommend reading our article on adjusting snowboard bindings.
Frequently asked questions about how to put on snowboard boots:
How far should snowboard boots protrude?
A slight overlap on the snowboard boots is ok. However, the boots should not protrude by more than 2 cm. If they protrude more, there is a risk that the boots will touch the snow when turning and the edge will no longer be able to grip.
How tight should snowboard boots fit?
Snowboard boots should be relatively tight to start with. The reason for this is that they become softer due to body heat and as soon as the material is moved. Otherwise, after a few runs on the slopes or in the park, you may notice that the performance starts to deteriorate. The movement impulses can then no longer be optimally transferred to the board.
How do you lace up snowboard boots?
Depending on the manufacturer and model, different fastening and or lacing systems are available for snowboard boots. However, when lacing the inner boot, make sure that your foot is snug at the back and that the boot is tied with even, but not excessive, pressure. The inner shoe should provide comfortable support for the foot. The outer fastener - whether BOA, conventional lacing or another quick fastener - should be laced as tightly as if you were already on the slopes.
Do snowboard boots run big or small?
Similar to sneakers, there are also differences in the fit of snowboard boots. These can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. To find the perfect snowboard boots, you can't avoid testing them on site. At INTERSPORT Rent, you can also rent boots and test them all day long. There is also the option, for example, of customising them to your individual needs with inserts.
INTERSPORT Rent tip
Even though you have put your snowboard boots on correctly, you are not completely happy and would like to try a new lacing system? Or maybe you are just looking for different bindings or a snowboard, but you're not sure which to choose?
INTERSPORT Rent offers a wide selection of snowboard boots from leading brands for hire. Our RENTertainers on site will be happy to help you find the boots that best suit your needs. In addition, our experts are the right people to ask if you have any questions about lacing!
