How Should Snowboard Boots Fit?
Snowboard boots should fit snugly but not cause pain. They typically require a few days of riding to break in and conform to their true size, so they should feel fairly tight when new.
In a properly fitting boot, your toes should gently touch the toecap, and you should be able to wiggle them. Heel hold is crucial: when you bend your knee forward, your heel should stay in place to ensure proper board control during toeside turns. Socks also affect boot fit; a single thin to medium-weight wool or synthetic sock is ideal. It’s important to find a balance between boots that are too tight and uncomfortable and those that are too loose and cause heel lift.
How are Snowboard Boots Sized?
Snowboard boots are sized using traditional US number sizing, but actual sizes can vary by manufacturer and even by model within the same brand. For example, the outsole of a size 11 boot from one manufacturer may be slightly longer than that of another. Some boots are designed with a low profile, featuring shorter outsoles that allow the rider to use a narrower snowboard. The ramp angle of snowboard bindings also affects the size of the boot you can use with a particular snowboard.
When considering snowboard compatibility, boot size is important. People with larger boot sizes (11.5+) should opt for wider boards, while those with smaller boot sizes (<7) should choose narrower boards.
Snowboard Boot Flex
Snowboard boots come with varying flex ratings, from soft to stiff, catering to different riding styles and preferences. Generally, softer flex boots are preferred by park riders and beginners due to their forgiving nature. Advanced riders, all-mountain enthusiasts, and free riders often opt for stiffer boots for better support and control.
It’s important to note that flex ratings are not standardized across brands, so the flex can vary between manufacturers. Many brands use a numerical scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 the stiffest. Keep in mind that the flex rating and feel can vary between different boot models.
Ski and Snowboard Boot Sizing Conversion Chart Caution:
Using this shoe size conversion chart to find your size can be inaccurate because shoe sizes vary widely and people often wear shoes that don’t fit perfectly. Unlike walking, snowboarding demands a precise fit, so relying on a conversion chart should be a last resort.
How Wide Should My Snowboard Be?
The right snowboard waist width allows your boots to slightly hang over the edges without touching the snow when the board is on edge. This slight overhang enables you to leverage the board and adjust pressure with your ankles. If your boots extend too far over the edges, they can catch the snow during hard turns and cause you to fall.
Snowboard Flex:
The flex of a snowboard varies significantly between different boards, and flex ratings are not standardized across the industry. This means that a “medium” flex can differ from one brand to another. Many manufacturers use a numerical scale from 1 to 10 to rate flex, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest. However, these ratings and the actual feel can vary between individual snowboards.
Softer Flex:
Snowboards with a softer flex (often freestyle and some all-mountain boards) are more forgiving and easier to turn. A soft flex is ideal for beginners, lighter riders, and park riders. While softer boards may feel loose at higher speeds, they offer a smooth, buttery feel at slower speeds.
Stiffer Flex:
Snowboards with a stiffer flex are generally designed for freeride or backcountry riding. They provide better edge hold and greater stability at high speeds. Stiffer boards excel for riders making high-speed turns but can be challenging for lighter riders to flex properly.
General Ski Boot Sizing Recommendations:
- Beginner/Intermediate Skiers: Choose a boot close to your Mondopoint size or slightly larger. Initially, the boot might feel tight, but the liner will compress with use, providing more room.
- Intermediate/Advanced Skiers: Opt for a boot close to or slightly smaller than your Mondopoint size, with a stiffer flex. Ensure a snug fit, considering the width as well.
- Advanced/Expert Skiers: Typically, these skiers choose boots half a size to a full size smaller than their Mondopoint size for a precise fit and a stiff or very stiff flex. A skilled boot fitter may be necessary to adjust the boots for comfort.
Proper Ski Boot Fit:
Ski boots should fit snugly without restricting circulation or causing pain. When buckled and standing upright, slight pressure on your toes indicates a correct fit that will adjust with use.
If the boot feels short, flex the boot forcefully by pushing your knee forward into the tongue. This action should push your heel back and create more space in the front. To identify if the pressure is due to the liner or the shell, remove the liner and check the fit separately. Liners can often be stretched if needed.
Remember that ski boots will loosen after a few days of skiing, so aim for a perfect fit by the end of the season, not when the boots are brand new. Enlarging a boot that is too small is usually possible, but shrinking a too-large boot is nearly impossible. When fitting or skiing, wear thin or very thin socks for better control and response, as thicker socks reduce the precision of your movements.
What Length Should My Skis Be?
Selecting the right ski length depends on your height, weight, skiing style, and ability. While there’s no exact formula, a general guideline is that the proper ski length should fall between your chin and the top of your head. For instance, a skier who is 5 feet tall would typically look for skis between 135cm and 158cm. However, the ideal length varies based on individual skiing ability and style.
Height and weight provide a good starting point, but other factors should be considered, such as ski category, snow type, terrain, and personal preference. Beginners are usually better off with shorter skis, while advanced skiers often prefer longer skis.
When to Size Up or Size Down Your Skis
Choosing between a shorter or longer ski within your recommended size range depends on several factors. A shorter ski is easier to turn but less stable than a longer one. Carving skis with a narrower waist and smaller turn radius can be used at a shorter length compared to all-mountain or freeride skis with a wider waist and larger turn radius. Rockered skis, which pivot more easily between turns, can be skied slightly longer than comparable camber skis.
Reasons to Choose Shorter Skis (closer to your chin):
- You are a beginner or intermediate skier.
- You weigh less than average for your height.
- You prefer making short, quick turns and do not ski fast.
- You want a carving ski with only camber and no rocker.
Reasons to Choose Longer Skis (closer to the top of your head):
- You ski fast and aggressively.
- You weigh more than average for your height.
- You plan to ski mostly off-trail.
- You want to ski on twin-tip skis.
- You prefer skis with a lot of rocker.
Note:
- Different ski brands may measure length differently, so a ski size from one brand may be slightly longer or shorter than the same size from another brand.
