Boots for Kids | Price Range | Boots Care | Top Snowboard Boots
Before you buy Snowboard Boots
Boots are probably the single most important item of your snowboarding attire. They are your body's link to the snowboard; without a good boot and proper fit your riding is being seriously compromised. Good boots are generally worth the money -- read on to find out what you need to know.
Type of Snowboard Boots
Strap In: The first decision you'll need to make is whether you want to go with a step-in binding or a traditional strap binding. Step-in boots must be purchased in tandem with their corresponding bindings; traditional strap bindings will work with any non-step-in boot. Currently, soft boots with strap bindings are the "norm", but step-ins are a convenient alternative with many committed fans.
Step In: Freecarve equipment is comprised of a hard boot and plate binding system, while the boards are stiff, narrow and relatively long.
How to try on Boots
Whether you have US$100 or US$250 to spend, the most important thing to remember when buying snowboarding boots is this: find the boot that best fits your unique foot. Everybody's feet are different, and certain brands or models are going to be better suited to your feet. Try on lots of boots. Be patient. Wait for the pair that seems like they were made with your feet in mind. Wear socks that you would ride in. Put on a boot and kick your heel into the back. Lace up the inner liner (if available) to fit tight without cutting off circulation, and do the same with the outer liner. Strap into a board with bindings and lean forward and back. Notice how securely the boot holds your foot in place, and look for any strange pressure points that could cause a problem later.
Advantage of an Inner Boot
Many models of boots come with an inner and outer boot that each lace up independently. This dual system offers a more precise and adjustable fit, as well as the added benefit of being able to remove the inner liner overnight for dry boots the next day.
Additional Features
There are four main snowboard construction techniques: You will notice certain "selling features" as you go up in price such as heat-molded liners, air-pumps or tricky lacing systems. While these features may be nice, they won't make up for a boot that doesn't fit well in the first place. Also, most manufacturers now make women-specific models that are great for ladies as well as men with narrow feet.
Snowboard Boots for Women
.................................New trend in the snowboard market is towards women's-specific boards. What does it mean to have a women's specific snowboard? Two things: narrower width and softer flex. Because women's feet are quite a bit smaller than men's, women need narrower snowboards. Otherwise we won't be able to exert any force over the edge. Most women's snowboards also have a softer, more forgiving flex to accommodate a lighter rider................................................
Snowboard Boots for Kids
............................Snowboards for kids continue to be softer-flexing for lightweight riders. For winter 2000-01, expect to find more high-quality constructions as well as graphics just like grown-up models. As more adults opt for step-in convenience in snowboarding, they want the same for the kids. ..................................................
Price Range
Entry level boards (US$150 and up) tend to be a little heavier and are designed for beginning or less aggressive riders. Mid-range boards (US$300 and up) are a little lighter and are designed to satisfy an intermediate or occasional rider. Top-of-the-line models (US$450 and up) will be lightweight and have extra features to help in advanced riding, such as maintaining an edge at high speeds.
Boots Care
............................................. Since it is only your base and your edges that touch the snow when you are riding, if you ensure that these are kept in peak condition (meaning well waxed and well tuned) then you will be pretty much guaranteed of having a fast board. You can do most of the tuning that your base requires yourself, thereby saving valuable dollars, which can be spent on your next snowboard adventure. However when major work is required, a snowboard shop may be the only port of call. ...................................................
Top Snowboard Boots
Top 10 Men's Boots
Airwalk: A-1; Burton: Dragon; Nitro: Supernaturals; Palmer: model here; Option: Signature; Original Sin: model here; Oxigen: model here; Rossignol: model here; Salomon: Definition; Snow Pro: model here;
Top 5 Women's Boots
Salomon: Ruby; Northwave: Legend and Spirit; Thirty Two: Minon; K2: Luna; Burton: Freestyle;
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