Snowboard boots

At INTERSPORT Rent, you can test latest-generation models

Find snowboard boots that fit you and your riding style

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Buying snowboard boots sounds like a complicated undertaking? Not with INTERSPORT Rent! At our more than 800 shops worldwide, you can test latest-generation models and get one-to-one advice from real snowboard experts. For you, this means: Comfortable boots that allow you to safely handle every move – plus, the right snowboard and bindings, a helmet and clothing. Everything you need for a perfect winter day on the board!

But what types of snowboard boots are there, how do they differ, and what do you need to consider when trying them on? We’ve answered these questions together with our snowboard-crazy RENTertainers.

Why do snowboard boots have to fit perfectly?

Boots are just as much of a key part of your setup as the board and bindings. The perfect fit is crucial for how comfortable you feel when shredding – and how well you ride. Pressure points or too loose of a fit can quickly ruin your day on the slopes. An ill-fitting boot causes pain, negatively impacts your riding behaviour, and takes all the fun out of snowboarding.

Keep in mind: Your boots must be compatible with your snowboard bindings. Our RENTertainers will see at first glance whether that’s the case.

© Salomon

Soft boots or hard boots: the most important differences

Besides the right size, the distinction between soft and hard boots is crucial when choosing the perfect snowboard boots.

Soft Boots

Soft boots are very flexible and that makes them the more comfortable choice. Even though they are soft in contrast to hard boots – there are different degrees of hardness for soft boots. The term “flex” indicates how flexible a boot is. Flex levels range from 1 (soft) to 10 (hard).

Your skills and riding style determine how hard or soft your boots should be.

Here’s a rough classification:

  • For beginners, freestylers & jibbers: soft (1 to 5)
    lots of freedom of movement at the ankle, less grip
  • For all-mountain snowboarders: medium (4 to 7)
  • For freeriders: hard (6 to 10)
    high stability, good power transfer, more control
© SALOMON

Hard Boots

© Oliver Godbold photography / ROSSIGNOL

Hard boots for snowboarders are similar in construction to ski boots. They have a hard shell and buckles, which makes the shaft inflexible. That means they provide extra support and stability along with maximum control and optimal power transfer, as direct pressure can be exerted on the edges.

It is precisely these properties that make hard boots a must-have for die-hard racers and carvers. You’re probably wondering now if hard boots are uncomfortable. Not if they fit well! If something still pinches, soft gel pads or specially adapted, thermoformable liners can help.

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Tip:

If you wear hard boots, you need a board with alpine bindings (comparable to ski bindings).

What does a snowboard boot consist of?

  • Inner boot or liner: Liners feature soft padding and adapt to your foot. In some boots, you can remove them, in others, you can’t. For freestylers, liners with additional cushioning that absorbs hard landings have proven their merit many times over.
  • Outer boot or shell: Where there is a liner, there is also a shell. That’s usually where the lacing is, or in the case of hard boots, where the buckles are. 
  • Lacing: Soft boots come with different lacing systems.
© SALOMON
© SALOMON

Which lacing systems are there?

  • Traditional lacing: Normal laces offer maximum flexibility: You can tie them tighter or less tight at different points of the boot.
  • Speed or quick-pull lacing: Thanks to quick-pull handles, the laces can be tightened and loosened with a flick of the wrist. There are also speed lacing systems that can be independently adjusted across the top of the foot and above the ankle.
  • BOA® lacing: Turning instead of pulling is the motto of the BOA® lacing systems. The dials make it easy to open and close the laces even when wearing gloves. The system is super convenient and available with up to three lacing zones.

How do I find the right shoe size?

Basically, you choose the size of your snowboard boots according to your normal shoe size. You should always wear snowboard socks when trying them on. To find the right fit, we recommend the following: If your legs are stretched out, your toes may slightly graze the front of the boots. If you bend your knees a little, you should feel your toes pull back ever so slightly resulting in an optimal fit. Make sure that your heels do not have too much room to slide upwards in this position! Otherwise, you could end up with painful friction and foot cramps while riding.

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Tip

The better your boots fit, the more fun you’ll have while snowboarding. Depending on the manufacturer, you can optimise comfort with special insoles, gel pads, cushioning, and lacing.

Get all your snowboard gear at INTERSPORT Rent!

You should know what to look for after reading our tips!

© Oliver Godbold photography / ROSSIGNOL *Advertisement

Snowboard clothing

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Snowboard bindings

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Snowboards

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Snowboard boots

From snowboard fan to snowboard fan

Just have our RENTertainers guide you through the fitting process!

Want to learn more about a perfect snowboard setup?

Then head on over to the following pages!

© SALOMON Snowboard
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How to put on your snowboard boots

SALOMON
Do your snowboard boots fit properly? Learn how to find the perfect fit and lacing with INTERSPORT Rent and Salomon!
© SALOMON Snowboard
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How to find your first snowboard

SALOMON
Are you about to buy your first snowboard? Read the INTERSPORT Rent buyer’s guide for beginner snowboards and find out what to keep in mind!
© FALKE Ski
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Why you should give compression ski socks a try

FALKE
Are you familiar with the benefits of compression ski socks? Find out all about them on the INTERSPORT Rent blog and step up your sock game!
© Au fil des Lumières Ski
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Functional insoles for your ski boots

SIDAS
Making your ski boots even more comfortable is easy: Find out all about functional insoles and their benefits!