Hard snowboard boots?

December 2, 2005 3:46 PM

Hard snowboard boots - whether? which? and where to shop?

I'm planning to ease back into snowboarding after an injury years ago, and I was thinking that since my left ankle is still weak side-to-side, I'd be much better off in hard Alpine-style racing boots. Am I right? Any recommendations for either brands, models, or on-line stores? Or, any other related wisdom? Thanks.

posted by nicwolff to sports, hobbies, & recreation (8 comments total)

the new burton system looks unbeatable.
posted by specialk420 at 4:15 PM on December 2, 2005

Go to a store with a lot of brands and try them on. Ask for the most experienced salesperson and if you're not happy go elsewhere- makes all the difference. AFAIK the hard style boots only fit with a snap in binding right? My experience with snap in bindings has been pretty negative as far as stability goes so I'd at least try the custom molded or pump inflatable styles as well. A lot of freestyle hard boots are pretty stiff in the ankle and if the liner fits well should provide lots of support.
posted by fshgrl at 8:57 PM on December 2, 2005

I've only tried the step in (snap in) bindings once and was definately not impressed. Also, you don't see the pros using them, at least the last time I paid attention.

My recommendation is strap on bindings with a stiff boot. I use Airwalk boots with Sims bindings. The boots are very stiff, not ski boot stiff, but still very stiff. The actually have plastic that wraps around the back. I really like the Sims bindings. As for boots, just try on lots until you find ones you like.
posted by 6550 at 9:33 PM on December 2, 2005

you don't see the pros using them, at least the last time I paid attention.

They use them for slalom, at least I think that's the kind he's talking about. Can't imagine those would be fun to ride in all day.
posted by fshgrl at 10:34 PM on December 2, 2005

They use them for slalom, at least I think that's the kind he's talking about. Can't imagine those would be fun to ride in all day.

Forgot about that! I was thinking only of the guys doing tricks.
posted by 6550 at 11:09 PM on December 2, 2005

Yeah, I'm talking about ski-style hard-shell boots, which are used by racers and carvers, with step-in bindings. I'm too old for tricks, I just want to cruise and cut big turns. Years ago at Sunday River I landed a jump bad and tore all the ligaments that keep my front foot from rolling out; they're still a little weak so I'm trying to figure out a way to protect them as I get back into it, and since hard boots only allow point-and-flex motion I'm considering trying them. But I live in NYC and our few board shops don't cater to carvers, it's all soft boots and the salespeople are nitwits. Anyway, maybe a good stiff soft boot will work well enough if I take it easy...
posted by nicwolff at 8:53 AM on December 3, 2005

Contact the customer service numbers for all of the snowboard companies you can think of. Those peeps will have great advice.
posted by k8t at 9:34 AM on December 3, 2005

Just to follow up, I gave up on hard boots and had an excellent careful first day back on the hill (at Ski Windham in New York) with rented boots and board. Amazing how much comes back to you how quickly!
posted by nicwolff at 6:25 PM on December 14, 2005