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 (and can’t feel your foot), 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/minimal 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
The right size snowboard boot is not always the same as your shoe size. It can be, but it’s not always going to be the case, so you can’t assume that it will be. And how you select the fit of your snowboard boot isn’t quite the same as you would select your shoe fit.
The importance of the right fit can’t be understated:
- Too small and tight and you could experience painful pressure points or numbing of your toes and this will often be enough to have you quit your day early or have an unpleasant time on the board.
- On the other hand, if your boots are too big, then you’ll likely get too much heel lift and your response time will lag, giving you less than optimal performance. Not only that but if your feet are moving around too much inside your boots, then you are more likely to get cramping and/or blisters.
Mondopoint
Every snowboard boot comes with a mondo-point, as well as traditional sizing from different countries (e.g. US10, UK9, JP30.0 etc).
The theory of mondopoint is this: that a boot was designed with a certain foot length in mind. For example, a boot with a mondopoint of 28.0 is designed for someone with a 28cm foot.
If this theory worked flawlessly, then this would be a very short article and boot sizing would be super easy!
As great as that would be, in reality it’s usually not that simple. Sometimes it works out that way, but it’s far from foolproof. In my own experience and from hundreds, if not thousands of people I’ve heard from through comments on the website, it’s not always the case.
To use myself as an example. I have:
- a 27.3cm left foot
- a 27.0cm right foot
In theory I should always fit a mondopoint of 27.5 – and my right foot should fit well in a 27.0. Or in US sizing, this would be US9.5 (27.5 mondo) or US9 (27,0 mondo) – see chart below for all sizing conversions.
I do sometimes fit right a 9.5, but for most brands I fit a 10 better. And can get away with a 10.
Snowboard Fit vs Shoe Fit
Depending on how your shoes fit, I find 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.
And half a size makes a big difference in snowboard boots, so you can’t just rely entirely on your typical shoe size (or on mondopoint alone), though those things will give you a good indicator of roughly where you should be – they give you a good starting point for trying on.
Using your mondopoint, rather than shoe size, is what I would recommend for your starting point, before you start trying on.
Measuring your foot to get your mondopoint
To get your mondopoint, to give you a good starting point, you should measure your foot (you can do this at home, or more accurately 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 mondopoint. 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.
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.
Foot Length (cm) | Foot Length (inch) | Men's US Boot | Women's US Boot | Euro Boot | UK Boot |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 | 7.87 | 2 | 3 | 31 | 1 |
20.5 | 8.07 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 32 | 1.5 |
21 | 8.27 | 3 | 4 | 33 | 2 |
21.5 | 8.46 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 34 | 2.5 |
22 | 8.66 | 4 | 5 | 35 | 3 |
22.5 | 8.86 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 36 | 3.5 |
23 | 9.06 | 5 | 6 | 36.5 | 4 |
23.5 | 9.25 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 37.5 | 4.5 |
24 | 9.45 | 6 | 7 | 38 | 5 |
24.5 | 9.65 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 38.5 | 5.5 |
25 | 9.84 | 7 | 8 | 39 | 6 |
25.5 | 10.04 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 40 | 6.5 |
26 | 10.24 | 8 | 9 | 41 | 7 |
26.5 | 10.43 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 41.5 | 7.5 |
27 | 10.63 | 9 | 10 | 42 | 8 |
27.5 | 10.83 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 43 | 8.5 |
28 | 11.02 | 10 | 11 | 43.5 | 9 |
28.5 | 11.22 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 44 | 9.5 |
29 | 11.42 | 11 | 12 | 45 | 10 |
29.5 | 11.61 | 11.5 | - | 45.5 | 10.5 |
30 | 11.81 | 12 | - | 46 | 11 |
30.5 | 12.01 | 12.5 | - | 47 | 11.5 |
31 | 12.20 | 13 | - | 47.5 | 12 |
31.5 | 12.40 | 13.5 | - | 48 | 12.5 |
32 | 12.60 | 14 | - | 48.5 | 13 |
32.5 | 12.80 | 14.5 | - | 49 | 13.5 |
33 | 13.00 | 15 | - | 49.5 | 14 |
33.5 | 13.20 | 15.5 | - | 50 | 14.5 |
34 | 13.40 | 16 | - | 51 | 15 |
Just remember it won’t necessarily be right on, which is why you want to try your boots on first (there are a couple of methods for trying on as we’ll get to soon). Continue reading to see how your boot should feel on your foot, when you are trying on.
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.
Foot Length (CM) | Euro evo.com | Euro 32 | Euro ADIDAS | Euro BURTON | Euro K2 | Euro RIDE | Euro ROME | Euro SALOMON |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 | 31 | - | - | - | - | 33.3 | - | - |
20.5 | 32 | - | - | - | - | 34 | - | - |
21 | 33 | - | - | 34 | - | 34.7 | - | - |
21.5 | 34 | - | - | - | - | 35.3 | - | - |
22 | 35 | - | 36 | 35 | - | 36 | - | 34.5 |
22.5 | 36 | - | 36.7 | 36 | - | 36.7 | - | 35.5 |
23 | 36.5 | 36.5 | 37.3 | 36.5 | 36.5 | 37.3 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
23.5 | 37 | - | 38 | 37 | 37 | 38 | 37 | 37 |
24 | 38 | 38 | 38.7 | 38 | 38 | 38.7 | 38 | 38 |
24.5 | 38.5 | - | 39.3 | 39 | 39 | 39.3 | 38.5 | 38.5 |
25 | 39 | 39 | 40 | 40 | 39.5 | 40 | 39 | 39 |
25.5 | 40 | 40 | 40.7 | 40.5 | 40 | 40.7 | 40 | 40 |
26 | 40.5 | 40.5 | 41.3 | 41 | 40.5 | 41.3 | 40.5 | 40.5 |
26.5 | 41 | 41 | 42 | 41.5 | 41.5 | 42 | 41 | 41.5 |
27 | 42 | 42 | 42.7 | 42 | 42 | 42.7 | 42 | 42 |
27.5 | 43 | 42.5 | 43.3 | 42.5 | 42.5 | 43.3 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
28 | 43.5 | 43 | 44 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 43 | 43 |
28.5 | 44 | 44 | 44.7 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.7 | 44 | 43.5 |
29 | 45 | 44.5 | 45.3 | 44 | 44.5 | 45.3 | 44.5 | 44 |
29.5 | 45.5 | 45 | 46 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 45 | 44.5 |
30 | 46 | 45.5 | 46.7 | 45 | 46 | 46.7 | 45.5 | 45.5 |
30.5 | 47 | - | 47.3 | - | 47 | 47.3 | 46 | 46 |
31 | 47.5 | 47 | 48 | 46 | 48 | 48 | 47 | 46.5 |
31.5 | 48 | - | 48.7 | - | - | 48.7 | - | 47 |
32 | 48.5 | 48 | 49.3 | 47 | 49 | 49.3 | 48.5 | - |
32.5 | 49 | - | - | - | - | 50 | - | - |
33 | 49.5 | - | - | 48 | 50 | 50.7 | - | - |
33.5 | 50 | - | - | - | - | 51.3 | - | - |
34 | 51 | - | - | - | - | 52 | - | - |
Snowboard Boot Fit
Now that you have your starting point for your snowboard boot size, we now need to get the fit right – and make adjustments on sizing, based on fit.
Long story short, when trying on 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 toe side turn, your toes will come back slightly from the edge.
More details on how to know if the boots are a good length?
It can feel difficult to make the right choice when trying on boots, since they will pack out after you start riding in them. So, you need to make some kind of prediction about how much they will pack out.
For this reason, you want the boots to be feeling a little tighter than you’d think when you try them on. This allows pack out as you wear them/ride in them. But you don’t them so tight, to a point of having your toes or another are of your foot go numb, or have are any painful pressure points. If this is the case, then they are likely either too small or you’re in a particular brand or model that’s not well suited to your foot shape.
The goal of your try on session is to get boots that fit nice and snug, even to the point of being a little tight, but with a little wiggle room for your toes. A small pressure point that doesn’t really cause pain is OK, as if it’s very minimal. It’s likely to ease off once the liner molds to your feet.
Rule of Thumb (or should that be rule of toes!)
A good rule of thumb I like to use, for sizing for length, is that your toes, or at least one of them, are just brushing the end the boot. So that you can feel the end of the boot with your toes, but there’s not pressure or pain on them. That’s usually a good indicator that the length is good.
But if your toes are so tight to the end of the boot that they start to feel tingly or numb or you have to curl them up a little bit to feel comfortable, then the boot is likely too small, and you should 1/2 a size up to see how they feel.
Just because the length is right, is not to say that the boot will feel good everywhere on your feet/ankles, but now you know you’ve probably got the right size on.
Pressure Points/Discomfort
If the length seems right, but the boot is uncomfortable in other areas to a point of being painful or an issue for you, then it’s probably the wrong brand or model for your feet. This might be that your toes are too cramped width-wise, it might be that they’re too cramped on the tops of the toes or it could be that the boot is too tight on your instep or there’s a pressure point somewhere around your ankles.
There are a variety of foot shapes out there, 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 or other issues.
So never go with a boot just because your friend 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
In terms of heel lift, there should be as little heel lift as possible.
To test this, stand with your boots firmly done up. Exactly how you would have them when riding. 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 – 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 have problems with too much heel lift, also check out our article on how to fix heel lift.
Width
For the most part width is only an issue if you have wider than average feet. But some brands have wider and narrower feels to them.
If you know or suspect you have wide feet then there are special wide boots that some brands do and some brands just have wider than normal toe boxes too.
>>More on Wide Snowboard Boots Here
Brands/Models
Each brand tends to fit a little differently and some brands are likely to fit your feet better than others.
It’s also true that one size in one brand might be the perfect fit for you, whereas in another brand that same size might be too big or too small. It’s usually within half a size, but half a size makes a big difference. E.g. in brand A, the 10 fits you best but in brand B you fit better in the 9.5.
For me personally I find that some brands fit me best in 9.5 and some in 10. I can even get away with a 10.5 in some brands. For more on how different brands fit me personally, check out our article on Boot Fit by Brand.
Be willing to try on various brands of snowboard boot. It might be the case that one particular brand matches your feet really well. It may be the case that one particular brand is a poor match to your feet. So, in some brands, it won’t matter which size you wear, they may still not be optimal/comfortable for your feet.
Some Tips before Buying
The best way to really know how well a boot fits is to try them on before buying. 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 it’s all possible I strongly 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. There is another way you can try on before you buy, which I’ll explain below, but going in store means you have access to try on a range of sizes and brands at once.
If you can’t find the particular model you want in a local store, but they have that brand, then try something on in that brand. The fit of different models within the same brands is usually similar.
What if There Aren’t any Stores in my area or None of them have the Boot I want?
Ideally you will be able to try on in-store. If not, then the process will be a little more difficult and take longer, but you can still pick a good boot ordering online.
If you need to order online, if you have the means, then it’s a good idea to order 2-3 sizes of the boot you want. Then when they arrive try them on, following the guidelines in this post, and keep the pair that fits best. Then return the boots that don’t fit. Of course, you’ll need to make sure of the stores return policy before you do this, to make sure it’s a possibility.
If you’re going in completely blind and have no idea how different brands fit your feet, then selecting 2-3 brands of boots is also a good idea. Of course this can end up meaning ordering several boots before finding the right one, which is why finding a store is the much easier option, but it’s still possible to do it this way.
If you can’t afford to order more than one pair at a time, 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). Again, making sure of your stores return policy.
In my opinion snowboards, bindings and outerwear can all be bought without actually physically encountering the product – so long as you do your research but boots are the one thing that I highly recommend you try on physically first.
Summary
Trying on in store is the go-to method. It’s just easier and gives you a wider range of boots to choose and therefore a better chance of picking the best boot for you. But there are other methods when buying online, as outlined above.
Remember though, even if you can try on in store, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll get the right choice, if you don’t go in armed with some knowledge. Firstly, the salesperson can’t feel what your foot feels like in the boot. Only you can do that. And secondly, in my experience, there’s a wide range of expertise with salespeople. Some are highly experienced and knowledgeable and can be a great ally in matching you with both the right type of boot and the right fitting boot. But that’s not always going to be the case.
So, even if you’re able to get into a store to try on, you still want to be armed with the knowledge to help you pick the best size and the best boot for you.
Here’s a summary of the key points.
- Measure your foot and go for a boot that has a mondopoint the same as your foot size (in cm or mm) – see the table above for conversions in inches, and shoe sizes.
- Your toes should just brush the edge of the boot (but shouldn’t have to bend at all or be under pressure or be painful)
- The fit should be snug but not painful, it should be tighter than you think though as the boot will pack out a bit
- Watch out for pressure points particularly on the top of the foot, around and the ankles and on the sides of your toes
- 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
- Try different brands. Different brands fit differently and your foot type may be better suited to some brands.
Over to You…..
Hopefully you are now armed with better knowledge about how to choose the right sized snowboard boots.
Some other articles that might also help (as mentioned above):
Simon says
First off, thanks for the information on your site.
Re: heel lift; how much should the padding in the heel break in and mold to the heel of a new boot versus immediately fitted?
Not many shops in my area, but tried on some Burton Photons at their store. I’m mostly a size 10 shoe – 10.2 left, 9.9 right, right on the border of D & EE, but shallow ankles so I get heel slip in a lot of shoes. The 10s felt maybe bit too tight on left, but may be fine once broken in. Yet it felt like their was no heel lock, with the thick heel padding allowing my heel to slip up instead of cupping it. The 10.5 felt like the heel was more cupped and hold the foot to the sole, but the length of the right could start to have some toe wiggle room once broken-in as I was just touching.
Could be I’m between Burton sizes and it’s not the best option, but figured I’d ask about initial heel feel.
Nate says
Hi Simon
Thanks for your message. In my experience heel hold doesn’t typically get better, so if it’s not good heel hold from the offset, it’s probably not going to get better over time. Maybe with heat molding it might improve it a little bit, but it sounds like you’re getting quite a bit of heel lift, so it sounds like they’re not a good fit for you. Interesting that you had less heel lift in a bigger size. I don’t usually find that that’s the case. Usually if your toes are just touching it’s OK, so you might be better in the 10.5. But ideally you would be able to try some other brands to see if you can find something that’s a better fit.
Hope this helps
Simon says
Possible user-error in how I put it on or the 10 was just slightly too small on the left that I didn’t get my heel set back in the boot right to have good heel lock. Either way, thanks for the thoughts.
brandon says
Hey Nate, so its that time of year again and im searching for new boots. Im a 27.0-27.3 mondo, I’d say I have pretty average-slimmer feet/ankles . I wear size 9 shoes because I honestly like a snug fit. I’ve been riding vans invado go’s size 9. Initially when I bought them my feet were absolutely curled up, numb, PAINFUL, I could barely stand straight, and first couple days on the mountain were brutal, even lost a couple toe nails lol. I got them heat molded with a toe cap and that made them much better, by now I have about 35-40 days on them and they’ve packed out a ton, id say at least a full size. I even find myself having to retighten them and synch them down around mid day. Which isn’t a problem, but im now on the hunt for a stiffer and more responsive boot.
Im eying the Vans Infuse, and im wondering should I go for the size 9’s again? As brutal as the 9’s were at first they packed out perfectly, and I wouldn’t really like them looser than they are now, but also wouldn’t want them any tighter. Im not sure if they packed out so much because the invado’s were just a lower quality/softer boot? Do you think the infuse 9 would be miserable forever due to the stiffness and higher quality construction leading them to pack out less?
Would hate to spend $400+ on size 9’s that are painful wear forever, or on the flip side size 9.5’s That pack out too much That they become loose. I live in miami so I ride about 15 days a year on vacation. Id love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks!
Nate says
Hey Brandon
Thanks for your message.
It’s a touch one. Typically I’d say go with the 9.5. But if you’re willing to suffer for a while, the 9s could work. In my experience, the Infuse won’t pack out as quickly as the Invado OGs. Typically stiffer boots tend to pack out slower, so you’re likely to have a harder time breaking in 9s with the Infuse than you did with the Invado. But also because they shouldn’t pack out as fast, it’s less likely for them to end up being too loose. For this reason, I would be leaning towards going with the 9.5s. It’s hard to say for sure as its hard to predict with certainty, but my instinct says 9.5 for the Infuse.
Hope this helps with your decision
brandon says
Exactly my thoughts, thanks for getting back to me Nate and thanks for all you do for the snowboarding community, cheers brotha!
Nate says
You’re very welcome Brandon. Thanks for stopping by and hope they work well for you.
Martin says
Hi Nate! Thanks again for all your help. I’ve bought Burton Ruler Step On Boots size 8.5US (my feet are 26cm) but they are tight on my big toe finger. I’ve removed the lining and try it outside the boot and checked that it’s the lining what makes pressure on my finger.
I don’t know if I should move to a 9US or wait for the lining to break in (it’s heat moldable so I could do that as well).
Burton support says I should change to a 9US, but I’ve read a lot online and found out contradictory opinions online.
I’d really appreciate your take on this one.
Thanks a lot!!
Nate says
Hi Martin
Thanks for your message.
It’s hard to say for sure. The liner will mold and pack out, so there’s certainly a chance that the pressure point on your big toe will ease and then go away entirely. But there’s also a chance that it won’t, so it’s pretty hard to say for sure. For myself, I find that a US10 fits my feet best (Step Ons or regular Burton boots) and I have a 27.3cm left foot and a 27cm right foot. So, I’m going around 0.7cm longer than my mondo to get a good fit with Burton boots. In your case, you’re going around 0.5cm longer. If you were to go to the 9, then you’d be going 1cm longer. I have ridden Burton 10.5s before (1.2cm longer than my mondo) and they’ve been fine to ride in. But I suspect they would pack out too big over time. The US10s are just right for me. However, in the US10s for me, I don’t find I get pressure points on my big toe, so it’s not exactly the same situation. If I had to guess I would say that the US8.5 would pack out enough and be fine, but it just might take a while (heat molding would speed up the process), but certainly not guarantees and it might be the case that you’re better in a 9, and if Burton is suggesting it that is probably the safer option.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Matthew Ulbin says
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.
Nate says
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.
Matt Ulbin says
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
Nate says
You’re very welcome Matt. Hope they work out for you and happy riding!
Aidan Groeling says
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
Nate says
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
Aidan says
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
Aidan says
Do you have another board recommendation? I don’t think I can return my flite pros but I can cancel the board
Nate says
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).
Aidan says
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
Aidan says
Also is there an easier way I can talk to you?
Aidan says
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
Nate says
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.
Aidan says
I know I already sent my other comments but another option Im lookin at is the Kilroy twin.
Nate says
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.
Aidan says
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
Nate says
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.
Christian Stojkovic says
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
Nate says
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
Dj says
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 ?
Nate says
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
johnny says
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.
Nate says
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
johnny says
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!
Nate says
You’re very welcome Johnny. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on.
Ben Tolosa says
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
Nate says
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.
Ben Tolosa says
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!!!!!!!
Nate says
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.
Ben Tolosa says
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
Nate says
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.
Pete says
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.
Nate says
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.
Jakob says
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
Nate says
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
ChinChin says
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
Nate says
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
Leroy says
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
Nate says
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.
Leroy says
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.
Nate says
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.
Yannos says
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!!
Nate says
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
Leroy says
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
Nate says
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
Leroy says
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.
Nate says
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.
Francisco says
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
Nate says
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.
Nika says
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?
Nate says
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
QuRyu says
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?
Nate says
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
Ahmet says
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.
Nate says
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
Roger says
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.
Nate says
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
javier says
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.
Nate says
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.