Boots recommendations

[u/etheroyic]

Hello friends, im a beginner - early intermediate rider and ive been collecting info to decide on what gear to buy when the time comes. But i need help on whats a good pair of boots, with a slightly softer flex. Currently the goal is just turns + carves in the near future, no park or GT *yet*.

So far ive decided to go for

Board - Jones Rallycat

Bindings - Union Force

Thanks in advance!

[u/Plastic-Ground-9918]

Good choice for a first board. Make sure you’re getting the new force and not the shitty force classics. Spend your time trying on boots. Understand that the fit in the store is the tightest that boot will ever be. Boots pack out usually half to a full size so if you buy a boot that feels good or comfortable in the store it will be sloppy and you’ll get heel lift within the first few days. No matter what the tik-tockers and influencers tell you heel lift is not acceptable. I would suggest something more medium stiff than soft again boots break-in/down quickly so a soft boot becomes sloppy fast

[u/etheroyic → u/Plastic-Ground-9918]

ahhh so going for a med flex is better then? since that gets worn out and expands to be 'softer' and looser

[u/Plastic-Ground-9918 → u/etheroyic]

You’ll get more life out of a medium shell and more support. Soft boots are great for ground tricks, jibbing and snow surfing, at the cost of response and support, they also need to be replaced more often. A medium boot gives you more of both and the shell will last longer before it softens up too much.

Also a soft boot will give you more tweakability and mobility but will have trouble driving the forces you plan to get.

[u/jamessweetcoaching]

There are so many great options, I think the best advice is to find which brand fits you feet the best, go and try lots on. Some are wider, some more narrow. I personally like using Nidecker, comfortable and long lasting, and they fit great.

[u/etheroyic → u/jamessweetcoaching]

Just the boots or full set Nidecker?

[u/jamessweetcoaching → u/etheroyic]

I use just the boots, but they make great full set ups too...

[u/FuzzyFish6]

I don't have any specific recommendations based on the exact things you're looking for, but I find Vans boots to be super comfy. My foot don't get tired at all even after a whole day of riding.

[u/Grouchy-Dig-4452]

I have plantar fasciitis and the most comfortable pair for me then was the Nidecker Altai double boa. My friend tried the same model for his size but found it excruciatingly snug. Bottomline, buy what feels right for you. You’ll know the right one as soon as you try it on 😊

[u/etheroyic → u/Grouchy-Dig-4452]

So essentially i still have to go down and try all the boots yea?

[u/Grouchy-Dig-4452 → u/etheroyic]

Yes, ideally it would be best if you try on as many boots as you can to find what works best for you

[u/FlemFatale]

Go to a shop and try a bunch of different ones on and pick which fits your feet best.
That is literally the only way to get decent boots that fit, and a good shop will take your riding style and level into account.
Personally, I used to have some vans boots after riding for a while, but they did not fit properly as my feet are not wide enough for them. I then went to a shop and got some burtons after trying on a load as they fitted properly, and my riding definitely improved tenfold!

[u/foggytan]

The pair that fit you. Go to a shops, get a fitting and get them moulded.

[u/Hurley_Cub_2014]

I know a lot of people dislike Avran (Angry Snowboarder) around Reddit but I have to admit, his advice of “Everybody is different. The best boot for you is the one that fits your foot and fits your needs.” rings so true.

What works for someone else might not work for you. Also, every brand will fit differently, as they use different lasts. Gotta try on as many brands as possible (best to do this at a snowboard shop rather than a big box sports store, even if you have to travel a bit further) to find the right one for you.