Snowboard Boot Buyers Guide

Comfort is the number one priority in the design of the entry-level snowboard boots. Your toes should just tickle the end of the boots when relaxed, and on flexing forward

, your heels should lift up as little as possible. All the entry-level boots have a softer flex to make learning easier. But May more experienced riders still like the feel (and price), so bear that in mi

nd before you go upgrading to a high-end pair after only a couple of weeks of riding.

Snowboard boots at this end of the market tend to be stiffer and more supportive to cope with the higher speeds and heavier impacts associated with more advanced riding. There's a current trend to keep things as low profile as possible. The savings on excess material reduces weight and keeps the volume of the boot down - great for allowing those with bigger feet to rider narrower, more nimble boards.

Articulating Cuff - A construction feature which allows boots to flex forward without distortion along the join between the upper and the lower sections. This helps provide a smoother transition of power to the board's edge, plus better response.

Backstay - The main structural support at the back of the boots. It adds stiffness and prevents the boots from flexing backwards.

Boa - A wire lacing system where the boots are tightened by twisting a dial, then loosening by pulling it out and releasing the mechanism. Some boots have a double boa system egg for tightening both the liners and the outer boots, providing a more adjustable fit.

Flex - How much boots bend. Beginner boots tend to have a softer flex, whereas higher end boots tend to be a bit stiffer and more supportive to allow for higher speeds and harder landings. Some experienced riders prefer the feel - and cost - of medium flex boots.

Foot beds - The boots' insoles. Foot beds provide an arch support, which directly affects the way your knees bend. Higher end boots often have good quality insoles as standard, but it can be worth shelling out for some custom made ones.

Heel Lift - When you flex forward in your boots, your heels will naturally lift up a little. This is bad because it lesson the responsiveness of your boots, hence manufacturers try to eliminate it by using lace up liners or internal harnesses so you can further tighten up the boots around your ankles.

Outer/Inner - Most boots come in two parts, an outer (or shell) and a removable inner section known as the liner (or inner).

Speed Lacing - Rather than opting for traditional laces, many manufacturers offer some sort of convenience lacing on their boots. This typically consists of a one-pull system, the object being to make it easier to tighten or loosen your boots. Some brands have developed clever ways if allowing independent tightening of the upper and lower sections of the boot, allowing for a more adjustable fit.

Thermofit Liners - A generic term for heat mouldable liners. These can be shaped to your own feet, making a better fit and thus a better comfort and performance.

Tongue - It plays a key role in determining the overall flex and is integral to your comfort. Increasingly, many brands have what they call 3d tongues on the outer boot that wrap around the liner for a secure fit. This allows better transfer of energy from your legs to the board's edges, thus improving responsiveness.

Women Specific - These are constructed to work with the female anatomy (higher insteps, lower calf muscles).

(Source Ski & Snowboard Magazine Novemer 2008 Issue)