The aim of this article is help you to learn how to choose the right size snowboard boots so that you can get the right fit for you.
As mentioned in the tips at the bottom of this page, it’s a good idea, more than any other snowboard gear, to try boots on in person if you can.
Even if you do try on in person it’s important to understand the fit that you should be looking for – and sales staff aren’t always that clued on with what to look out for, particularly if you are in a generic sports store that isn’t snowboard specific.
Let’s look at the specific things to look out for and we’ll take a look at some sizing tables later on too. To fit your snowboard boots right you need:
- The right length
- Fit
- No pressure points
- Minimal heel lift
- The right width
To learn more about other things to look out for when choosing snowboard boots, including lacing system and flex, check out the link below.
>>How To Choose Snowboard Boots
The Right Length Boots
Choosing the right length (aka size) of snowboard boot is definitely important but it’s not always the case that your snowboard boot size will be the same as your shoe size or that you should select the fit of your snowboard boot the same way as you would select your shoe fit.
Shoe sizes can fluctuate – there is some standard but there isn’t really a fixed standard. You might be a 9 and a half in one pair of shoes and a 10 in another.
Mondo-Print
Fortunately most snowboarding boots show sizes in not only traditional shoe sizes but also in a ‘mondo-print’ size. Mondo is essentially the length of your foot in either centimeters (cm) or millimeters (mm).
The mondo-print for a snowboard boot shows the size of foot that the boot was designed to fit. So if you have a 25cm foot and you see a boot with a mondo size of 25cm (or 250mm) then you know that the boot was designed to fit your length of foot.
However, it’s not always the case that the mondo-print will be right on – and different brands fit differently at times.
So for example my foot is 27.5cm (275mm) so I should look for a boot that has a mondo size of 27.5cm or 275mm as that was the size that was designed to fit my foot. This translates to a snowboard boot size of a US Men’s 9.5. But I usually fit into a size 10 or 10 1/2 (for some brands) snowboard boot and I’m usually a size 10 in shoes.
Depending on how your shoes fit, it’s most likely that you’ll either be your normal shoe size, 1/2 a size smaller or 1/2 a size larger for your snowboard boot. E.g. if you have a lot of room at the end of your shoes, you’ll likely be 1/2 a size down for your snowboard boot – e.g. if your shoe size was 10 but you had a lot of room, then your snowboard boot might be 9.5. But if your shoes fit snugger, then you’ll likely be your normal size.
But more accurately you should measure your foot (you can do this at home, or using something like a brannock device in your snowboard shop or shoe store). See below for how to do this at home.
Once you have measured your foot compare it to the table below. Your foot length equals the mondo print. The table below shows foot sizes in inches & centimetres and translates those into snowboard boot sizes for US Men’s, US Women’s, UK & Europe.
Just remember it won’t necessarily be right on, which is why it’s best to try on in person, if at all possible.
Euro Boot Size
Conversions to Euro boot sizes can vary widely between brands. The Euro sizes in table above are a guideline only and are an average of the sizings in the table below. The table below shows how the different brands convert to European sizes, based on Mondo-print.
Measuring your feet at home
To measure the length of your feet, place your heel flat against a wall and measure along the floor from the wall to your longest toe (which isn’t always your big toe).
One way to do this is to put your foot on a piece of paper and make a mark at the end of your longest toe – and then take the measurement between the mark and the edge of the paper. But still do this with your heel against a wall – and the piece of paper flat against the wall.
Fit
The fit, or the feel, of your snowboard boot is not the same as you would fit your shoes.
Firstly when fitting shoes, at least this is what I have always been told, there should be about a thumb’s width gap between your toes and the end of your shoe. For snowboard boots your toes should just brush the end of the boot.
You definitely don’t want your toes crushed or having to bend to fit in the boot but they should touch when you’re standing up straight.
They should ideally just brush the edge or have as small a gap as possible when you are standing up straight. As you bend your knees and lean forward, as if leaning into a turn your toes will come back slightly from the edge.
Getting a boot with a mondo size the same as your foot size should get you really close or bang on, but there’s still no substitute for trying on in person.
Also everything should feel snugly wrapped around your foot. It shouldn’t feel too tight but you should be able to feel the boot around your foot and it should feel secure (see also heel lift below) but without any pressure points.
Pressure Points
Another important point is to make sure that there aren’t any pressure points. So, as well as getting your toes right up to the edge (but without bending) you don’t want to feel any uneven pressure anywhere.
The usual culprits for pressure points are on your ankles and the tops of your foot. There are a variety of foot shapes so one foot in a snowboard boot may have no pressure points but take that same boot and put it on another foot and there could be pressure points.
So never go with a boot just because your mate said it was a great boot – their foot may well be different to yours.
This is also why you should try several boots before you buy to get it right.
Heel lift
Finally there should be as little heel lift as possible.
To test this, stand with your boots firmly done up how you would have them on the mountain and stand in your snowboarding stance. Bend slightly at the knees as you would if you were riding and lean up onto your toes (as you would during a toe side turn).
If as you do this your heels lift up too much inside the boot then those boots aren’t a good fit. It’s important that you don’t try to rip your heel up – just lean up onto your toes naturally.
It’s likely that there will be some heel lift – if there’s none then awesome! (so long as the rest of the fit is fine) – but try to keep that heel lift to 1cm (1/3 inch) or less. You’ll have to try and imagine this but you should be able to roughly feel how much heel lift there is. And you’ll be able to compare this between the different boots you try.
Having trouble with Heel Lift?
If you can’t seem to find boots with no heel lift, or at least lift less than 1cm (which can often be the case for people with skinny ankles or skinny heels) then there are a few things you can try.
- Try a boot with an ankle harness which is a harness that wraps around the ankle area of the inner boot (but is usually controllable from the outer-boot so you can re-tighten throughout the day if you need to).
- Try to find boots with J Bar inserts. These are inserts that go inside the liner and are designed to help lock your heel down.
- Choose a boot that has a heat-moldable liner – these liners are heated and then molded to your foot for a more customized fit. These should help to keep your heel at home as well as providing an all round more comfortable and more secure fit.
Width
You should only worry about width if you have wide feet.
If you know or suspect you have wide feet then there are special wide boots that some brands, like Salomon, do.
>>More on Wide Snowboard Boots Here
Some Tips before Buying
The best way to really know how well a boot fits is to try it on in person. If it’s all possible I really suggest going into a store to try on your boots before you buy. Even if you are buying online – which is sometimes easier and there are more options – you should try on in store first to make sure you get the right fit and then go back online.
It’s hard to know which boots will fit you best in terms of heel lift and pressure points if you don’t actually try them on.
If you can’t find the boots you want in a local store, but they have that brand, then try something in that brand as the fit of different models within the same brands is usually very similar.
What if There Aren’t any Stores in my area or I none of them have the Boot I want?
If you don’t have any way of trying before you buy then try to follow these guidelines as closely as possible and try to buy your boots well in advance of needing to use them. If they don’t fit right then you can send them back and have something else sent out (or a different size if that’s the issue).
All online snowboarding stores that I know of (certainly all the stores that I ever mention on this site) will have a return policy that will allow this. It’s just good business I think – otherwise people would be less willing to shop online – especially for something like boots where fit is important and difficult to tell without trying them on first.
In my opinion snowboards, bindings and outerwear can all be bought without actually physically encountering the product – so long as you do your research (this site has done a lot of that research for you to make it easier to choose) but boots are the one thing that I highly recommend you try on physically before you make a decision if it’s at all possible.
If that’s not possible for you that’s not a problem – the process could just be a little bit longer if you don’t get it right on the first try. The aim of this post is to help you as much as possible to get it right the first time.
Summary
If you are new to buying snowboard boots then that could have been a lot to take in, so here’s a summary of the key points.
- Measure your foot and go for a boot that has a mondo print the same as your shoe size (in cm or mm) – see the table above for conversions in inches, and shoe sizes.
- Your snowboard boot size will likely be a 1/2 to 1 size smaller than you regular shoe size
- Your toes should just brush the edge of the boot (but shouldn’t have to bend at all)
- The fit should be snug
- Watch out for pressure points particularly on the top of the foot and the ankles
- Make sure heel lift is minimal – as a rule of thumb no more than 1cm (1/3 inch)
- If you have wide feet you might want to try some wide foot specific boots
Over to You…..
Hopefully you are now armed with better knowledge about how to choose the right sized snowboard boots.
To learn more about other factors for choosing boots such as; the different lacing systems, compatability with board and bindings, what flex is best for you and other considerations depending on your riding style and ability, check out the post below.
>>How To Choose Snowboard Boots
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions or comments you are very welcome to leave them in the comments section below.
Hey Nate
Thanks for all your help I ended up getting a 157 Yes Hybrid and will give you an update once I ride it .
Now I’m worried about my new boots.
I got Addias Tactical Lexicon size 11.5 same as my shoe size . I came across mondo sizing in another snowboard forum. I measured my feet and I’m 11″ 28cm which mondo converts to size 10!!!
I cant imagine riding a size 10 but the more I research mondo they claim your boot will eventually pack out and be perfect.
Right now I can feel the liner at my toes with my 11.5 I definitely think I could of went down an half size to 11 but I’m pretty much stuck with these $350 boots . Any help will be appreciated.
Hi Matthew
In my experience, boots fit me either 9.5 or 10 and sometimes 10.5. I have a 27.3cm foot. So the 9.5 (27.5 mondo) is pretty close, when I’m in those, but it’s not always the case. Most brands I’m a 10. So sizing by Mondo is not perfect, IMO. That said, if your feet are 28cm, then likely that you should be good in the 11 or even 10.5. That said, if your toes are brushing the edges, they might be fine. Feet are weird and even two same length feet can fit different length boots – not sure why, but it’s not quite as easy as figuring out your mondo. So I don’t think you’ll necessarily be a 10, just because your mondo is 28. In fact, I would be very surprised if you ever fit a 10, if your toes are already touching the ends of an 11.5.
Ok thanks Nate my last boots were also 11.5 in Ride boots. If these pack out alot I just try a thick insole and get 11 next time
You’re very welcome Matt. Hope they work out for you and happy riding!
I ride a 2022 155 Salomon huck knife pro with Union flite pros and am wondering which boots I should get and if my board is the right size I’m 5’11” and 145 pounds
Hi Aidan
Thanks for your messages.
In terms of length, assuming you’re not a beginner, I think 155 works. With your boot size, though, 155W is recommended. The 155 is likely too narrow. Unless you’ve ridden a board that narrow before and haven’t had any issues with boot drag, it’s pretty risky for boot drag.
In terms of bindings, ideally something a little stiffer than the Flite Pros on the Huck Knife, IMO, but those will work.
For boots, I would be looking at something around 5/10 to 6/10 flex to match that setup. Something from one of the following:
>>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots
>>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
Note in the second list that some there are 7/10. I would stick to only the 6/10 options in that list – for how you describe your riding and the setup, I think that would be best.
If you did get the regular width Huck Knife and are sticking with it, then I would try to get as low profile boots as possible to reduce your chances of boot drag (and preferably setup with +15/-15 binding angles or similar).
And, this is the best place to communicate. I respond to messages every morning and I reply the quickest on the website.
Hope this helps
I don’t have the board yet so I could get a different one, but I’m more of an intermediate rider rigjt now trying to learn park and really dig into it this season
Do you have another board recommendation? I don’t think I can return my flite pros but I can cancel the board
Hi Aidan
For an intermediate rider, looking to get into more park, I think the Huck Knife works. To get something to better match the Flite Pros you’d need to go softer with the board. If you’re happy to do that, and if you’re going to be really fosucing on park and aren’t that concerned about a board that’s that stable at speed, then you could definitely look at something a little softer. Some great options in the list below if you’re looking to really focus on park:
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
Again, though, I think the Huck Knife would work – and it’ll work with the Flite Pros, just maybe not ideal. Though if you have the 155, you probably want to change it anyway with 11.5s (but if you’ve ordered the 155W, then that will be fine for your boots).
Hey Nate, I’m 5’11”-6 foot right now. I bought a 2022 155 Salomon Huck Knife pro. Do you think this is the right size? I also bought 2022 Union flite pros to go with it and am trying to decide which boots to get. I mostly wanna ride freestyle but I still love doing all mountain things. What boots shoukd I get I’m a 11.5 size
Also is there an easier way I can talk to you?
Can’t reply to you anymore, so I’ve narrowed down options. With east coast ice idk if the HKPRO 155w would be the best thing to stick with especially with my setup, should I go to gnu headspace, Capita Super doa, or GNU RC? Keep in mind I’ll be doing park 70% of my time
Hi Aidan
In my experience Salomon boards tend to be pretty good for hard/icy conditions. But not as good as something like the GNU Headspace or RC. A little better than the Super DOA though. Also, with the Super DOA you’re going stiffer than the Huck Knife, IMO. It’s also a challenging option to learn/progress in the park – it’s something that’s great in the park when you’re already quite advanced in there (particularly for jumps more so than jibs).
RC C3 is a similar flex to the Huck Knife – but with a bit more grip for icy conditions, IMO, so that’s definitely an option.
The Headspace is a great option, IMO. It’s a bit softer flexing, great for the park and great in hard/icy conditions, IMO. You would loose a little in terms of stability at speed and for higher speed carves versus the Huck Knife, IMO – but you’d gain in jumps, jibs, spins, and butters.
I know I already sent my other comments but another option Im lookin at is the Kilroy twin.
Kilroy Twin could work for sure – and like the Headspace is that little bit softer flexing and be a bit better match to the Flite Pros – not as good in hard/icy conditions as the Head Space though – IMO.
Hey nate I’m very very very stuck in between the kilroy and headspace. I wanna get the kilroy because they’re pretty much same boards and kilroy has better design but you Put headspace #3 on your list
Hi Aidan
Both are great boards for the riding you’re describing, so I don’t think you’d be disappointed in either. The Headspace, IMO, is better in icy conditions than the Kilroy Twin, so that might be a factor worth considering for you, by the sounds of it.
Hay nate Im getting the CAPiTA Super DOA Snowboard 2022 and I wear a size 11 regular shoes what size boots should I get and what type
Hi Christian
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, it kind of depends on the brand and how they fit your foot. I am a 10 in regular shoes and find I am 10 in some brands, 9.5 in others – and even 10.5 in others. So it can vary for sure. The following might help:
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
If you have any way to try on in person, I highly recommend it, as every foot is different. Even if you can try on a brand and not necessarily the model. If not, then use the article above to get a rough idea, but not a perfect substitute for trying on.
In terms of the type of boots, I would go for something around 7/10 to 8/10 in terms of flex, or even stiffer if you like the idea of stiff boots. But I think 7/10 to 8/10 is the sweet spot for this board. I probably wouldn’t go softer than that. I find it’s the type of board that needs decently stiff boots and bindings to drive it best. You can check out some options at:
>>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
>>My Top 5 Freeride Boots
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Hope this message finds you in good health, I have a question regarding low profile boots. I wear a size 11 and I find that I get an uncomfortable amount of toe overhang with my old rossignol boots. My new board (gnu antigravity 2020) has a waist width of 255mm, i haven’t had a chance to try it out as I just ordered it, do you think I’d be ok with my current Rossignol boots or do you think low profile boots are the way to go for someone like me who rather not get a wide snowboard but has a larger size foot? If you think a low profile boot is suitable do you have any recommendations ?
Hi DJ
Thanks for your message.
I think it’s a really good idea to get low profile boots with size 11s, if you want to ride a regular width board. The Antigravity looks marginally wider than the average regular width board, based on waist width, but the width at inserts isn’t that much wider than the waist width, compared to average. I measured the 156 Antigravity (waist width 255mm) to be 263mm at the front insert (at reference stance) and 262mm at the back insert. Which is pretty standard widths for a regular width board. It’s pushing it for size 11s, IMO. If you have low profile boots though I think it’s doable.
If you want to go the most low profile, then something Adidas (apart from the Superstar ADV, which is relatively low profile, but not as low profile as others I’ve measured) is a good way to go. And I have found that I fit in Adidas boots 1/2 size down. If it’s the same for you, then you might even get into a 10.5 Adidas boot, which would further reduce your footprint. But others like Vans & Burton and to a slightly lesser extent Ride, are also quite low profile and should provide you with a reduced overhang compared to your current boots. I’ve never tried Rossignol boots, so I’m not sure how low profile they are, so I’m not sure how they’d compare. But if they’re not particularly low profile, moving to one of those other brands is a good way to go, IMO. Of course, if you have the chance to try on first, that’s ideal, so you know what fits you well – but if you can’t for whatever reason, there’s a few things to note about different brands in the following:
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
For the Antrigravity, I would be looking at anywhere from a 6/10 to 8/10 flex for boots (and depending on your personal preference for stiffness). Some good options, in the following (you can check the score breakdowns to see which are lower profile than others, under the “reduced footprint” score).
>>My Top All Mountain (medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
>>My Top 5 Freeride Boots
Hope this helps
Hello Nate, very informative site, but I’m wondering if you have any specific brand/model recommendations for men’s boots best suited for skinny ankles/calves and feet on the narrower side. I’ve always had trouble with heel lift and always playing with different inserts, which sometimes makes things worse (pressure points). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Johnny
For narrower feet, I would look at Salomon, Vans, K2 & Ride boots. I have found Thirty Two boots to have good heel hold for me (and come with heel hold kits too), but they’re slightly wider. Also check out:
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
But yeah definitely if you can try on, then that’s the best way. But those are the brands I would prioritize for trying on for narrow feet/skinny ankles/calves.
Hope this helps
Yes very helpful. I looked into the brands you mentioned and found some reviews on a couple retail sites that mentioned Salomons as running a bit narrower, so I’ve decided to try those over my initial inclination to try the Vans (I’m going to assume narrower feet correlate with skinny ankles/calves). Thanks again!
You’re very welcome Johnny. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on.
Dear Nate,
Regarding boot size. I use a US10 (like you) and just measured my feet (heel to big toe) and my left foot measures 260mm and my right foot measures 267mm. I ride regular (left foot on the front of the board), and I want to get new boots with my new Custom. Both my current Custom (not X), Mission bindings and Freestyle boots are 15 years old (I’m 41 by the way).
So, I want to go the Step-On™ route to give my worn out back and sciatica a break. My Burton Freestyle boots are a US9.5 and all my life I used a US10 for shoes. I cannot remember why I went a half size smaller 15 years ago, but since then even though I’ve been riding these boots all along, they do feel tight. Not extremely tight like toes crunched or anything like that but quite tight to the point it is not very pleasant to walk much with them. I read all your recommendations on your ‘Boot Sizing’ page and out of the summary I read: “Your snowboard boot size will likely be a 1/2 to 1 size smaller than you regular shoe size”.
I also read somewhere that men feet tend to grow a bit as we age. Not sure if that’s true or not, but I wonder If I should get another US9.5 for my next pair of Burton boots or get ½ size larger and just get a US10. What’s your recommendation?
Again, thank you so much Nate! You have helped me tremendously with the board question!
Peace!
Ben
Hi Ben
With a longest foot of 267mm, I would suspect that you’re likely to be better in a 9.5 or potentially even a 9. It’s true that sizing down 1/2 or even a whole size used to be the way to go, but now snowboard boots tend to be more true to size, I’ve found. I wear US10 shoes and ride US10 snowboard boots for most brands. My longest foot is 275mm – which would suggest that I should be a 9.5 if the idea of Mondo was accurate, but I can never get into a 9.5. But with a 267mm longest foot, you should, at least length-wise get into a 9.5 fine. Burton is a boot that I find fits in a 10.5, but I can still ride Burton 10s.
A couple of things. Is it your toes that feel tight at the ends? Or is it more that they feel like their getting pressed in from the sides – or the balls of your feet feeling tight? Just wondering whether you have wide feet and could benefit from a wide boot. Also, if you have big arches, some boots can feel tight on the top of the foot.
The other thing is – is your big toe the longest on your feet. The measurement should be to your longest toe. If another toe sticks out further (I know my second toe is just a little longer than my big toe), then that’s the one you should measure to. Also, I’d say the best way to measure is to have your heel against the wall and measure from the wall to where your longest toe sticks out. Sorry, I just realized on my sizing post, that I did say to measure to big toe. I have corrected this now.
But also feet are generally weird and snowboard boots fit differently for different people. I can’t get into a 9.5 at all, but some people with 27.5cm feet can quite comfortably and would find a 10 or 10.5 too long. So, it’s hard to say for sure without actually trying on. But with 267mm I would suspect that a 9.5 would be the better option.
The other thing to note is that, assuming that 267mm measurement is accurate, that makes going with a wide board less appealing in my view. It’s the foot that applies pressure to the edges of a snowboard ultimately, rather than the boots – so even if your in a 10, going wide with that foot size is going to have your feet quite far inside the edges of board (making leverage a considerably greater effort).
And one more thing to note (hope I’m not hitting you with too much at once!) is that Burton boots are quite low profile, so you can get away with going with a slightly narrower board than you otherwise could with some other boot brands. They’re not the only ones with low profile boots but they’re one of them.
Dear Nate,
I went ahead and ordered a US10 because I already have a US9.5 that feels quite tight and like most people say, you never know for sure until you try them on your feet yourself because every foot is unique.
If the boots feel really lose when I try them on, I can always return them back to Burton for a US9.5.
Answering your question: It does feel tight on the front of my toes, quite tight but without getting my toes crunched or curled and also feels tight all inside the boot. I don’t believe I have a wide foot because I have been using soccer cleats size 10 all my life and the feel perfect width wise. Same thing with shoes and sneakers.
I didn’t know my feet have balls. If so, please excuse my ignorance and I would appreciate if you could share with me a method to locate them before I can thoroughly and properly answer you question. My arches are not big. From normal to flat feet kinda range.
Yes, I did follow your recommendation when I originally measured my longest toe and it is in fact 10.5 inches long (266.7mm).
Any idea if any ‘fill in’ accessories exist to use inside your boot to let say compensate half size in front of your toes? I know using two or three pairs of socks does not work for several reasons I am sure you already know. But I wonder if there’s something out there like a rubber wedge to add half a size in front of your toes either inside or outside the liner.
As always Nate: thank you SO much for all of your help!!
Cheers mate!
Ben
PS You are not hitting me with too much at once. I actually love it and really really appreciate your time for responding. Your answers have been invaluable to me. I cannot thank you enough my friend!!!!!!!
Hi Ben
Sounds like a plan – and yeah, like you say you can always return them for a 9.5 if you need to. I don’t know of anything that allows you to add 1/2 size in front of your toes, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. But yeah, 1 pair of socks definitely recommended. The balls of your feet are just the part of your foot just before your toes.
Dear Nate,
I am glad to report that I am very happy with the US10 Ion Step On boots. They fit me like a glove, super comfortable to walk with, they are stiff, specially on the heel. They are tight on my toes but not near as tight and uncomfortable as my old Burton Freestyle US9.5 boots.
I can barely fit in this Ion boots, but they feel just ‘right’. There’s a bit of lift on my heel but for what I read, that is normal. I have no lift at all on my old boots.
“It’s likely that there will be some heel lift – if there’s none then awesome! (so long as the rest of the fit is fine) – but try to keep that heel lift to 1cm (1/3 inch) or less.”
Notice that the Freestyle US9.5 are between 1cm and 1.5cm bigger than the Ion Step On US10, which is more beneficial for carving.
Pictures bellow:
https://flic.kr/p/2hJU1HD
https://flic.kr/p/2hJU1FV
https://flic.kr/p/2hJWD1n
I hope this helps somebody else and adds to your super helpful database of snowboarding wisdom you have created to help thousands of people. Kudos to your hard hard work Nate!
Thank you so much for all of you help through your answers and amazing website!
On the other hand, I am still struggling with deciding if to purchase a Free Thinker 160 or a 160W.
Such a bummer, because I have been watching about 40 videos (some of them several times), reading all resources I can find online and I go back and forth constantly.
More on that on the other post, so that info can help others as well.
Cheers and Happy Snow!
Ben
Hi Ben
Awesome that you’re happy with your Ion Step Ons! And thanks for the update re how they fit and everything. Realy good info to have on here. Not too surprised that the Ion 10 have a lower profile than the old Freestyles. Boots have been getting lower profile overall.
Hi Nate,
I’m researching new boots and leaning towards the ThirtyTwo TM-2. In trawling various sites and forums I’ve noticed several people suggesting that 32 boots are now ‘true-to-size’ (as in regular shoe size) rather than running a 1/2 size small. This seems to be from the 2018/19 models on. I understand this is all a bit subjective but I’m interested to know if you’ve tried any recent 32s and if 10.5 is still the best fit for you. It sounds like I need a similar size/style to you (27.5 mondo, average width, slightly flat feet). I currently use (old) DC boots in 10.5.
Cheers.
Hi Pete
Thanks for your message. I still go 10.5 for 32, but to be honest I didn’t try a 2018-19 model in 10, so it might be that they fit better now. So I couldn’t say for sure. I didn’t notice 10.5 fitting badly, but I don’t ride boots for long periods, so it might be the case that the 10.5 could have packed out too much eventually. But it’s hard to say.
Hi Nate,
I just purchased myself a pair of ThirtyTwo TM-2 and are now really unsure if I got the right size. When measuring my foot using the Mondo system I come to an 27,8(left) and 27,9(right), which would put me in a size 43 (28 mondo) . When wearing them they have a perfect fit around my slightly narrow feet, however my toes are very much touching the toe box. It feels like it is touching too much, however I do not need to bend my toes to be able to fit them, they are just really pushing into the toe box. When leaning forwards my toes move back and still touches the toe box slightly, but now it doesn’t feel uncomfortable at all. I am planning to heatmold in which I hope will give some extra wiggle room to the toes, but do you think it will be enough, or should I go up a size?
A site note: I have narrow feet, and often tends to go down a size rather than up, since going up often leads to shoes/boots or whatever feels “loose” around the foot.
Hope you can give me some advise 🙂
Thanks in advance
Jakob
Hi Jakob
Thanks for your message.
In my experience, I find that the Mondo system doesn’t work for me. In most brands I fit a 28 Mondo, but my longest foot is 27.3cm. So, it doesn’t work for me. For some it does. It’s weird that length of foot doesn’t always translate into the Mondo, but it seems to be like that. Also, for 32 Boots, I find that I fit better in Mondo 28.5 even. It sounds like the boots are a little too short for you. Ideally your toes would be just brushing the end of the boot and when leaning forward the toes should pull away so that you don’t feel them on the toe box. Heatmolding will certainly help, but it’s hard to say if it will do enough, even with a toe cap.
Now, just because, I fit a 28.5 Mondo with a 27.3cm foot, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to go up to a 29 or anything. It might be that the 28.5 is just right for you, but it does sound to me like you need to go up half a size.
In terms of having narrow feet, in my experience, and from what others have told me, these are what the following brands tend to be in terms of toe box width.
Adidas – Wide
Burton – Mid-Wide
DC – Mid-Wide
K2 – Medium
Ride – Medium
Salomon – Narrow
Thirty Two – Mid-Wide
Vans – Medium
So, maybe trying a K2, Ride, Salomon or Vans could be worth a shot. But that’s not to say that the 28.5 TM-2 won’t work for you. It’s worth a try. There’s a chance that your 28 TM-2 will come right with heat molding, but I suspect that you will need to go to 28.5.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I want to buy the DC snowboard boots (Mutiny or the Control) but not sure what size should I buy. I usually wear US7 sneaker and I wear Burton MOTO in US7 too and they fit ok. Some people say DC run half or even one size smaller and I bought the DC Mutiny 2 years ago in US8 but they turned out a bit big for my feet. Heel lift when going toe side turn.
Hope you may give me some suggestion.
Thanks!
ChinChin
Hi ChinChin
Thanks for your message.
For me DC boots fit best when they’re half a size bigger than what I would ride most other boots on. So for DC (and Thirty Two) I prefer a 10.5 whereas for most other boots I ride a 10. So, in my experience they run half a size smaller, rather than a full size. So, if this is true for you as well, then a 7.5 would be the best size for you for a DC boot.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Me again.
My last comment seems to have gone awry while posting it so I’ll try again.
So, I went boarding in March with the plan of purchasing boots but none of the stores had any I was interested in or had any in my size. The clerk in the store I rented boots from even laughed in my face when I told him I wanted boots with a medium flex and told me that flex ratings only existed in Ski boots. So I wasn’t even keen on buying from that place since he’s so misinformed about the gear he sells.
Anyway, the rentals I had were Nitro, suuuuuuper comfy but I tried googling them and couldn’t find them -at all-. Apparently rental boots and boots made for purchase are something different entirely. The clerk offered me to purchase new Nitro (Rental) boots, which were the same as the ones I was currently renting but I had issues with the lacing. It was a quick lace or C3 system, pretty much the same if I recall right but one of the boots kept loosening up during my rides downhill. And I don’t mean losing a bit of tension that’s normal but like, the cable snapped out of the lock. Which made it very irritating to ride and having to really fasten the boot again.
So far I only have ridden in Nitro and Head boots, the Head were way too stiff and zero padding but I really like the padding in the Nitro boots. However, none of them offer a BOA system.
So the big question is, can you recommend a boot that’s got a lot of padding like the Nitro ones but features a BOA system? I often have issues with heel lift and this year’s boot really eliminated almost all of it.
Thanks in advance,
Leroy
Hi Leroy
Yeah typically brands rental gear is different.
“flex ratings only exist in ski boots”! It is amazing how misinformed some people are. Or maybe it’s just easier for them to say that and to make it easier to sell?
I haven’t ridden Nitro boots, so I can’t say compared to that. But some BOA options that are super comfortable, IMO, are:
~ Adidas Response (6/10 flex)
~ Burton Ion Boa (7/10 flex)
~ Vans Infuse (part BOA, part lace – 7/10 flex)
~ K2 Maysis (7/10 flex)
~ K2 Renin (5/10 flex)
~ Vans Aura (4.5/10 flex)
Ideal if you can try them on in person, of course, to see how they fit. But if not, then if possible to be able to at least try on something in the same brand. Different boots from the same brand tend to fit similarly, but not always the same.
Hey Nate!
Thanks for the reply!
I haven’t even looked at any other boot after I saw the Burton Ion one, haha. They seem perfect. However, I’m wondering if the Ion might be just a tad too stiff for me? I’m looking at the Ruler Boa boot as it’s a bit softer flex. Then again, I wouldn’t know if I haven’t tried any of them yet.
I might just have to visit a store to just try them on without being able to ride them in.
I’m torn. Haha.
Hi Leroy
If you’re looking for something similar to the Ion Boa but in a medium flex, you could check out Burton’s new Swath Boa. I haven’t had any experience with them, but on paper, they would be the closer to the Ion than the Ruler, but with a softer flex than the Ion.
Yeah even trying them on, without riding in them is definitely worth doing – at least gives you some idea of fit.
Hi Nate! Thanks for all the info on here! Really appreciate it!
Torn between size 10.5 and size 11 Burton Ions. My foot (the biggest one) is exactly 28.5 without a sock. In the 10.5s standing up straight my big toe is jammed against the front and it kinda hurts. When I bend my knees a little it gets better, my toe doesn’t curl and it doesn’t hurt but there is firm pressure.
Does it sound like too small a boot?
Thanks!!
Hi Yannos
In my experience you’ll generally need to go 1/2 a size up from your foot size, compared to mondo. In theory that’s not the way it is, but in practice that’s been my experience personally and what I’ve heard from others. So, I think it’s likely that size 11s are going to be a better fit. Not necessarily, but in my experience that’s usually the case.
A little bit of pressure on the toes when standing up straight, before the boot has been worn in, is fine and actually a good thing. But the toes should pull away just a touch when bending into a pretend turn. That pressure on your toes would be lessened as you broke the boots in, they would naturally heat mold to your foot. But it’s hard to say if they would do it enough to make the boots comfortable. If your toes are having to curl up at all in the 10.5s, then I would go for the 11s. You should certainly still feel pressure on your toes to begin with – and as they mold to your foot that pressure goes away, but it can only do that to a certain extent.
It’s really hard to say without actually feeling it for myself, but if I had to guess I would say 11s are the way to go for you. My biggest foot is 27.3cm and I only just fit into 10s (fit well once broken in but are always very tight to begin with) – and in some brands even 10.5 (but for Burton I’m a 10).
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
First of all, I want to thank you for your help with my questions in another thread a few months ago. They’ve led to the decision of me purchasing the Lib Tech T.Rice Pro and Burton’s Genesis bindings. I’m waiting to buy my boots once I hit the French Alps early March.
I’ve followed your chart and tips, measured my foot, compared it to my most worn shoes (2 pairs of Jordans and 2 pairs of other Nike shoes) which are all 27cm or a size 9(US). However, if I recall right I’ve always rented boots that were 26.5cm. Which still falls in the margin of half a size up or down.
Now, I’m not sure the rental shops in the village I’m going to will have them, I was wondering if you had any experience with Deeluxe boots? I’m looking at 3 models, my preferences going to the first one as heel lift is something I’ve encountered quite a few times and I think that heel lift is eliminated the best is the first boot. Viciousblack is my first choice although I’m in doubt whether or not the IDxHC Boa Focusblack would be my first choice. As for third choice I’m looking at the Deemonteam.
I’m an all mountain rider predominantly on groomers but wanting to push my limits freestyle wise whenever I see the opportunity on the slopes. Perhaps you have other recommendations other than Deeluxe but I’m really looking at Boa systems or C3 lacing systems.
Thanks in advance.
Leroy
Hi Leroy
Unfortunately I don’t know anything about Deeluxe boots. I’ve just taken a look at the boots you are looking at and the C3 lacing definitely looks interesting and in theory looks like it would do a good job in terms of heel hold, but I couldn’t say in practice.
Based on their ratings the Vicious (9/10) and the IDxHC (10/10) both look very stiff. The Deemon looks like it could be a bit softer (7/10 without the “TPS Shield”) but having not tried them, I don’t know how their flex rating compares to other brand’s boots.
Sorry I couldn’t tell you more about them – first impressions, they look like they could be good quality boots, but I have no experience with them.
You could check out the following to get some other ideas but I’m certainly not saying don’t go with them, just that I don’t know anything about them:
>>My Top All Mountain (medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
>>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots
Hey Nate,
I checked the boots but I think I’ll just try out the BOA boots that they have in store until I find the right boot. I’m just a bit confused about the flex. I’m an all mountain boarder as said before. But I mostly ride groomers with the rare times I go off piste being just next to the groomer. The thing I do incorporate in my riding is a playful style. I like to fool around and hit a few jumps when I see it fit. However, I don’t know what flex I should go with. Judging from the suggestions I’d think I need a medium stiff but I’m not entirely sure. Haha.
Sorry for all the questions and major thanks for the patience with me.
You’re very welcome Leeroy.
Yeah, I’d say something medium flex up to medium-stiff would work for you based on what you’re describing. Since you like to get playful as well, then not going too stiff, is probably a good idea. Something 5,6,7 in flex is probably a good range to look at, IMO.
Hi there, i have an size 7.5 (25.5 cm) DC boots an i can stand it becuase its bother me too much my regular shoes size is 7 (25 cm). I’m afraid to get size 8 and then it would be too big. Help thanks
Hi Francisco
When you say you can’t stand your DC 7.5s, is it because they feel too small? Too tight? Are you toes curling up at the end?
Have you ridden in the boots much? Have you had them heat molded? If you haven’t really ridden in them that much, then they will likely still pack out and mold to your foot – though this should happen reasonably quickly. If they’re really painful, then they are likely too small.
It could also be a problem with them being too narrow, if you have wide feet.
Also, some brands fit better depending on the shape of your foot – so it might be that the 8 in the DC range is a better shape for you foot and it also might be that DC boots just aren’t a good fit for your feet.
If you can give me some more specifics on your issue, I will see if I can give you a recommendation – though there is no substitute for trying on in person, if you’re able to do that.
Hi there, my foot size is US 10 I normally wear this size shoes nike, adidas or whatever, I’m looking for Rome snowboard boots and which size runs on my foot US 11 would be okay?
Hi Nika
Thanks for the message.
If your normal shoe size is US10, then you’ll likely be US10 or US9.5 in snowboard boots, in my experience. However, it’s always a good idea to try on first, if at all possible. Different brands fit a bit differently too and each foot is different – so it’s hard to say what size will be the best fit for you without trying them on. But if you’re unable to try on, then a good idea is to order a couple of sizes of the boots you want and return the one that doesn’t fit – so if you do that, make sure that where you’re ordering from has a return policy that allows that – most should.
Hope this helps
Should I worry about fit if the boots have heat modeling? Is heat modeling a guarantee that I only need to choose the correct size?
Hi QuRyu
Yes you should still pay attention to the fit. Heat molding definitely helps with getting the right fit but there is a limit to how much it can do. You still want to get the fit as close as you can before heat molding. Heat molding isn’t a cure all – it’s more of a fine tuning.
Hope this answers your question
Hey,
I am a little bit confused. My foot is 250mm which is 7 US/39 EUR in this chart. But my snowboard boots are 8 US (BURTON). You say we have to pick half or one size smaller than the regular shoes, but I picked one size bigger. Becouse with the winter socks I can barely fit in to a size 7. I tried one (HEAD) of them and my toes had full contact with the nose. I always try to avoid those kind of boots as they will turn to pain after a period but with size 8 they barely brushes. My ankles have a natural lift up a bit but it seems ok unless I pull them up.
When I take off the inner sole and place my foot it is a little bit bigger with bare foot but perfect fit with socks.
What do you think? Did I had to go 7? Maybe different brands have different templates.
Hi Ahmet
Every foot is different and sometimes it is the case that you will fit into a boot that’s a size or half a size larger. That’s why it’s always a good idea to try in person.
The half size down is compared to your normal shoe size – and again, it’s not always the case that you will be half a size down from your normal shoe size either. That is just a general guideline.
Different brands do fit differently too, and different feet fit into boots differently. The main thing is that they fit well. If your toes are just brushing the end and there isn’t too much heel lift and everything fits nice and snug but with no pressure points, then that’s the main thing, rather than the actual size.
I tend to wear thin merino wool socks but if you have thick socks, that will definitely change how they fit too. Also, snowboard boots often “pack out” after a few days of riding. So, no didn’t have to go 7 – the fit is the main thing.
Hope this helps
Hello!
I talk with you in the snowboard board begginers section. I buy a agenda 2017 152 with union flite pro m and burton moto 10
I’m at home, I test another time the boots with thinner socks, If I knee stand up, I have a pressure point on the toes, when I flex the knee (ride position) the toes brush the end of the boot. On the shop say its new and make a little bigger with the time..
Extra info: With the thick sock burton I see a little little more confortable but in ride position, the toes brush the end of the boot.
I test in the shop 10.5 size, and with this, the toe don’t brush the boot never ( stand up or ride position), and I think the 10 is the right size, but I don’t secure.
This boots tend to get big how many mm´s?
Thanks a lot.
Hi Roger
Boots do tend to “pack-out” (get bigger) as you ride them. If your toes are just brushing the end of the boot, then they should be perfectly fine. Once they pack out a bit the pressure should go away when you are standing in them normally too. By the sounds of it, I think you have a good fit.
If the toes continue to feel pressure and the boots continue to be uncomfortable, even after riding them several times, then you might need to think about getting them replaced – but I think you are going to be just right with those and I think they will fit perfectly after a couple of rides.
I couldn’t tell you how many mms exactly they will pack-out but I imagine it will be enough to relieve any pressure.
Hope this helps
How do socks fit in on this? Do we account for socks for size? My friends sometimes say they wear double socks and get a size larger boots.
Hi Javier
I know some people who get the wrong size boots who have to wear two pairs of socks or thick socks but I wouldn’t set out from the start looking to get a size up and wear thick socks! Also sometimes a boot can pack out a bit as it gets older. In this case you want to start out with the thinnest socks and have a snugger fit and then go to thicker socks as the boot packs out when it’s older. I wouldn’t start out the other way around because if the boots pack out you’ll have to get even thicker socks!
I like to take socks out of the equation. I don’t like to ride with thick socks. One pair of thin socks in the correct fitting boots is the way to go, in my opinion.
I’m not sure why you’d want bigger boots anyway. I know people who want smaller boots to give them the option to fit onto narrower boards or a smaller pair of bindings in some cases but I don’t know anyone who purposely wants bigger boots.
Hope this answers your question.