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.
| Foot length (cms) | Foot length (inches) | Men’s Boot Size (US) | Women’s Boot Size (US) | Euro Boot Size | UK Boot Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.00cm | 7.87” | 2.0 | 3.0 | 31.0 | 1.0 |
| 20.50cm | 8.07” | 2.5 | 3.5 | 32.0 | 1.5 |
| 21.00cm | 8.27” | 3.0 | 4.0 | 33.0 | 2.0 |
| 21.50cm | 8.46” | 3.5 | 4.5 | 34.0 | 2.5 |
| 22.00cm | 8.66” | 4.0 | 5.0 | 35.0 | 3.0 |
| 22.50cm | 8.86” | 4.5 | 5.5 | 36.0 | 3.5 |
| 23.00cm | 9.06” | 5.0 | 6.0 | 36.5 | 4.0 |
| 23.50cm | 9.25” | 5.5 | 6.5 | 37.5 | 4.5 |
| 24.00cm | 9.45” | 6.0 | 7.0 | 38.0 | 5.0 |
| 24.50cm | 9.65” | 6.5 | 7.5 | 38.5 | 5.5 |
| 25.00cm | 9.84” | 7.0 | 8.0 | 39.0 | 6.0 |
| 25.50cm | 10.04” | 7.5 | 8.5 | 40.0 | 6.5 |
| 26.00cm | 10.24” | 8.0 | 9.0 | 41.0 | 7.0 |
| 26.50cm | 10.43” | 8.5 | 9.5 | 41.5 | 7.5 |
| 27.00cm | 10.63” | 9.0 | 10.0 | 42.0 | 8.0 |
| 27.50cm | 10.83” | 9.5 | 10.5 | 43.0 | 8.5 |
| 28.00cm | 11.02” | 10.0 | 11.0 | 43.5 | 9.0 |
| 28.50cm | 11.22” | 10.5 | 11.5 | 44.0 | 9.5 |
| 29.00cm | 11.42” | 11.0 | 12.0 | 45.0 | 10.0 |
| 29.50cm | 11.61” | 11.5 | - | 45.5 | 10.5 |
| 30.00cm | 11.81” | 12.0 | - | 46.0 | 11.0 |
| 30.50cm | 12.01” | 12.5 | - | 47.0 | 11.5 |
| 31.00cm | 12.20” | 13.0 | - | 47.5 | 12.0 |
| 31.50cm | 12.40” | 13.5 | - | 48.0 | 12.5 |
| 32.00cm | 12.60” | 14.0 | - | 48.5 | 13.0 |
| 32.50cm | 12.80" | 14.5 | - | 49.0 | 13.5 |
| 33.00cm | 13.00" | 15.0 | - | 49.5 | 14.0 |
| 33.50cm | 13.20" | 15.5 | - | 50.0 | 14.5 |
| 34.00cm | 13.40" | 16.0 | - | 51.0 | 15.0 |
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.
| Mondo (Foot length [cms]) | Euro evo.com (retailer) | Euro 32 | Euro Adidas | Euro Burton | Euro Flow | Euro K2 | Euro Ride | Euro Rome | Euro Salomon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.00cm | 31 | - | - | - | 33 | - | - | - | - |
| 20.50cm | 32 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 21.00cm | 33 | - | - | - | 34.5 | - | - | - | - |
| 21.50cm | 34 | - | - | - | - | - | 34 | - | - |
| 22.00cm | 35 | - | 36 | - | 35.5 | - | 35 | - | 35 |
| 22.50cm | 36 | - | 36.7 | - | 36 | - | - | - | 36 |
| 23.00cm | 36.5 | 37 | 37.3 | - | 37 | 36.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 36.7 |
| 23.50cm | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | - | 37.5 | 38 | - | 37 | 37.3 |
| 24.00cm | 38 | 38 | 38.7 | 38 | 38 | 39 | 37 | 38 | 38 |
| 24.50cm | 38.5 | - | 39.3 | 39 | 39 | 39.5 | - | 38.5 | 39 |
| 25.00cm | 39 | 39 | 40 | 40 | 39.5 | 40 | 38 | 39 | 39.7 |
| 25.50cm | 40 | 40 | 40.7 | 40.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.3 |
| 26.00cm | 40.5 | 41 | 41.3 | 41 | 41 | 41.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 |
| 26.50cm | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 41.5 | 41.5 | 41.75 | 41 | 41 | 42 |
| 27.00cm | 42 | 42 | 42.7 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42.7 |
| 27.50cm | 42.5 | 42.5 | 43.3 | 42.5 | 42.5 | 42.5 | 43 | 42.5 | 43.3 |
| 28.00cm | 43 | 43 | 44 | 43 | 43 | 43.5 | 43.5 | 43 | 44 |
| 28.50cm | 44 | 44 | 44.7 | 43.5 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 45 |
| 29.00cm | 44.5 | 45 | 45.3 | 44 | 44.5 | 44.5 | 45 | 44.5 | 45.7 |
| 29.50cm | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 44.5 | 45 | 45 | - | 45 | 46.3 |
| 30.00cm | 45.5 | 46 | 46.7 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 46 | 45.5 | 47 |
| 30.50cm | 46 | - | 47.3 | - | - | 47 | - | 46 | 48 |
| 31.00cm | 47 | 47 | 48 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 47 | 47 | 48.7 |
| 31.50cm | 47.5 | - | 48.7 | - | - | 48.5 | - | - | 49.3 |
| 32.00cm | 48 | 48 | 49.3 | 47 | 48.5 | 49 | 48 | - | 50 |
| 32.50cm | 48.5 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 33.00cm | 49 | 49 | - | 48 | 49.5 | 50 | 50 | - | - |
| 33.50cm | 50 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 34.00cm | 51 | - | - | - | - | - | 52 | - | - |
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 big toe.
Alternatively, you can put your foot on a piece of paper and make a mark at each end of the foot and then take the measurement between the two marks.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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 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