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Expert Advice Snowsports Snowboarding

Snowboard Boot Sizing and Fit Guide

5.0 (2)

Snowboard boots are a critical component of your snowboard setup, so getting the right size and
Ct is essential to having a fun time on the slopes.

There are several ways to ensure a great Ct, including sizing the boots properly, custom molding
the liners and perhaps making additional adjustments based on your stance.

See our Expert Advice article, How to Choose Snowboard Boots, for more information on shopping
for snowboard boots.

How to Size Snowboard Boots

A good snowboard boot Ct starts with purchasing the right size boot.
Snowboard boots typically use standard U.S. sizing. Sizes are not always uniform by brand or even
from one model to another.

If at all possible, have yourself professionally Ct by an REI snowboard boot specialist or other
qualiCed person. He or she will have you try on several boots to gauge what feels best to you. The
Ct should be snug, but not uncomfortable. Keep in mind that liners compress ("pack out") with use
and will end up roomier at the end of the season than when you bought them, so if you’re deciding
between two sizes, it’s best to size down. The Crst time you try on your boots is the tightest they
will ever be.

Video: How to Size Snowboard Boots

In this short video we show you how to try on snowboard boots, including how to do a shell Ct and
what to look for as you examine the Ct.

Snowboarding: How to Size Snowboard Boots

Tips for Trying on Snowboard Boots

Here are some things to keep in mind when trying on snowboard boots:

Wear thin, synthetic snowboard socks. No thick hiking socks, no cotton.

 Feet tend to swell over the course of the day. Try on boots in the afternoon or evening when
they are largest.
When standing straight, your toes should brush the end of the boots, but they shouldn't be
crammed or turned under.
When Uexing your knees like you’re snowboarding, your toes should just barely pull away
from brushing the front of the boot. The Ct should not be painful.
When Uexing your knees, your heels should stay down.
Walk around and stand in the boots for at least 20 minutes.

Shop Snowboard Boots

How to Custom Mold Snowboard Boot Liners

Some snowboard boots come with liners than can be heat molded for a custom Ct. If your
snowboard boots have liners like this, you can either take them to REI or another qualiCed
snowboard shop to be molded or you can do it at home. The service is generally free with the
purchase of boots (a small fee may apply for molding boots not purchased at the store.)

If you want to mold the liners at home, here’s what you’ll need:

3–4 lbs. of uncooked white rice

Microwave
2x4 piece of wood
Two old socks you can cut up
A pair of long thin tube socks
A pair of thin wool or synthetic snowboard socks

Video: How to Custom Mold Snowboard Boot Liners

In this video, we show you how mold your liners at home.

Snowboarding: How to Custom Mold Snowboard Boot Liners

Snowboard Boot Fit Modifications
If you've molded the liners and are still experiencing Ct issues, it may be time to seek the help of a
professional boot Ctter. A professional boot Ctter can examine the shape of your foot and leg and
make modiCcations to your boot to improve the Ct and performance.

Custom insoles: Custom insoles are a popular way to improve Ct and support. Your options:

For a little extra support, try cut-to-Ct insoles. REI carries these.
For a more customized Ct, get custom-molded cork insoles. Each insole is heated, vacuum
molded and massaged to Ct your foot—a 25-minute process. Many REI stores make
custom-molded insoles. Contact your local store to check.
If you have known foot issues, choose a physician-made orthotic.

Other 6t modi6cations that a professional boot Ctter may recommend include:

Using a heel wedge to lift the heel.

Stretching or compressing the liners.

Related Articles
Snowboard Boots: How to Choose

Snowboards: How to Choose

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