Snowboard Boots - quality and comfort
Posted: 15 January 2012 12:40 AM
Hi there,
hope you guys are doing ok.
I am currently having to take a couple of days off boarding due to my new boots. They have irritated my achilles and i will be off for a couple of days which is kind of frustrating seeing as it has just snowed in Whistler.
I was wanting to ask you if you know what the best technology is and the best performing boots are? I know that boots are normally foot and individual specific. However, i am a big guy, looking for a stiff boot that will put up with a person my size that rides hard.
i have been pointed in the direction on an intuition inner, and also told that Burton make great boots. Money is no object, comfort is.
Your ideas would be welcomed.
White Mist
Posted: 16 January 2012 11:57 AM
I’ve just had exactly the same problem with my latest set of Vans. They’ve changed the Quadfit X liner and put two big seams right on the Achillies. Now, I’m no footwear designer but to me that is ridiculous. So I contacted their customer services and they’re sending me an old pair of liners that have channel along the achilies of the boot with no seam. I have a lot of respect for Vans doing customer service right… I just hope they get rid of the seam so I can keep buying their boots because they are the best! Here’s a pic.
Posted: 16 January 2012 11:52 PM
I have said it before in another recent post - but I would definitely take a look at the Malamutes if you want a stiff comfortable boot - I was amazed out how comfortable they were straight out of the box, and you can add extra stiffness with carbon inserts to the outer boot and to the liner. They have great heel support too - just down to whether they fit your feet…
Posted: 17 January 2012 11:17 PM
Update on the liner issue. Van customer services sent me a set of wrap around liners that look like they’ve come from the 80s to replace the Quadfit X liners… hmmm. They look and feel more like a set of UGG boots than snowboard liners! The saga continues…
Posted: 23 January 2012 11:04 AM
I’ve found the K2 T1s to be a good boot so far (about 20 days in)
Pretty stiff but if you want something responsive then well worth a look. Some people don’t like the lace/boa combo but i think it works pretty well
Posted: 26 January 2012 01:15 PM
I’m riding with some Ride Jackson Boa Coiler’s from last season… stiff and light. So far they are holding up well but I have mixed reviews with Boa system. I like the speed and ease but it takes some working them in every session to get the tension right… it tightens from the top down so sometimes I get a choke hold on my calf but my mid-foot feels lose. It’s not a huge issue as it takes seconds to adjust them so overall I’m a fan.
Vans seem ridiculously comfy when I’ve tried them, so it sucks to see Rich having issues with them.
I was impressed last season with Nike’s and their heel hold, and their styles are rad.
Best bet if money is no issue is to go to a good shop with your snowboard socks and try on a ton of boots. Then take them home and wear them around your place to see if you develop hot-spots or (as my feet did in Nikes) your feet fall asleep.
Insoles go a long way too, most boots have crap for insoles. I can’t remember what I have in my Rides but they were some custom job when I worked in a sports store. I have been curious by Shred Soles so I would try those out next personally.
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