Snowboard boots are usually measured in what’s called mondopoint or mondo sizes, which is the equivalent of the length of your foot in centimeters. To find the right fit, you’ll need to measure your feet. You can also convert your US size to mondo sizes, but measuring is usually the way you get the most accurate result.
Are you looking for your first pair of snowboard boots to start learning? Or maybe you already have some experience, but you want to step up your snowboarding with the perfect fit.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about snowboard boot sizing.
Snowboard Boot Sizing Guide
When buying snowboard boots, remember that the fit matters more than the look. You might find a great-looking boot, but if it’s not the right fit, you won’t get everything out of your experience.
Many people also spend most of their budget on the board and neglect the boots. Sometimes, you might find the perfect boot on sale, but you should prioritize the fit instead of the price. You won’t do much with a top-of-the-line board if your boots feel awkward and are too big or cause you pain.
How to Measure Yourself for Snowboard Boots
The best way to make sure you have the right fit on a snowboard boot is by measuring yourself.
You should always take measurements at the end of the day because feet tend to swell during the day. You’ll get the most accurate measurements for your snowboard boots at that time, as well.
Try to wear a pair of the same type of socks you’ll use when snowboarding, which will usually be a normal sock or snowboard socks. The boots are padded enough so that you won’t need extra layers.
You’ll need two pieces of paper, a ruler for measuring, and a pencil for marking.
Here’s how you do it.
- Place the paper on the floor on an even surface, preferably not over a carpet. Step on the paper.
- Keeping the pencil upright, trace the outline of your foot on the paper. Try to keep the pencil as close to your foot as possible.
- Measure the distance between your longest toe and your heel.
- Convert the measurement from inches to centimeters; this is the mondo boot size used in snowboard boot sizing.
(source)
Snowboard Boot Size Chart
| Snowboard boot
(centimeters) |
US | UK | EU |
| 22.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 36 |
| 23 | 5 | 4.5 | 37 |
| 23.5 | 5.5 | 5 | 38 |
| 24 | 6 | 5.5 | 39 |
| 24.5 | 6.5 | 6 | 39 |
| 25 | 7 | 6.5 | 40 |
| 25.5 | 7.5 | 7 | 40-41 |
| 26 | 8 | 7.5 | 41 |
| 26.5 | 8.5 | 8 | 41-42 |
| 27 | 9 | 8.5 | 42 |
| 27.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 42-43 |
| 28 | 10 | 9.5 | 43 |
| 28.5 | 10.5 | 10 | 43-44 |
| 29 | 11 | 10.5 | 44 |
| 29.5 | 11.5 | 11 | 44-45 |
| 30 | 12 | 11.5 | 45 |
| 30.5 | 12.5 | 12 | 46 |
| 31 | 13 | 12.5 | 46-47 |
| 31.5 | 13.5 | 13 | 47 |
| 32 | 14 | 13.5 | 48 |
| 32.5 | 14.5 | 14 | 48-49 |
| – | 15 | 14.5 | 49 |
| – | 15.5 | 15 | 50 |
(source)
Fitting Boots for Snowboarding
The boot is one of the most important parts of your snowboard gear, and where you’ll really notice if something’s off. It’s crucial to buy the correct size of boot to enjoy your time on the snow and have control over your board.
Here are some tips so you’ll know exactly how should snowboard boots fit when you go to the store or buy online.
Lace Them Up
For snowboard boot lacing systems, you have a couple of different options. There’s the traditional lacing system that takes some time but has the advantage of being easy to replace if needed.
You also have a quick-pull lacing system that’s the most comfortable to tighten when you’re wearing gloves. With this type of boot, you can often tighten the top and bottom independently.
The best snowboards boots have Boa lacing systems that work with an easy-to-use dial. These are fantastic to use with gloves on, but they’re often more expensive. Sometimes Boa lacing systems are on specific pressure points on the side of the boot and combined with traditional lacing.
Whatever lacing system you go for, lace your boot up tight, but not so much that you’ll cut circulation to your feet. You shouldn’t feel any pinching or discomfort in the boots, and leaning forward should be comfortable. The fit should still be tight enough so that your leg doesn’t move around inside the boot.
It’s All in the Flex
Boots for snowboard have different flex ratings, which manufacturers usually express with a number from 0 to 10; this number refers to the boot’s stiffness, and the right option for you depends on your riding style.
Softer flexes are the preferred option for beginners and intermediate riders. They’re great for freestyle and an all-mountain riding style.
A rigid boot is the go-to for those seeking maximum performance benefits because it allows you to gain complete control for sharp turns; this is why they’re ideal if you love to veer off the beaten path to some backcountry riding and need maximum support.
A Snug Fit
The boot should feel a bit tight at first, and your heel should feel snugly in place with your snowboard socks on. Your toes should touch the top of the shoe when you’re standing up, and you should be able to move your toes around.
(source)
Pay Attention to the Heel
Your heel is an important part of the fit of a snowboard boot. It should fit in nice and snug, but not too cramped. When you lean forward, there should be no heel lift or movement. If there is, you won’t only have a harder time turning your snowboard with boots around, but you’ll also risk getting into an accident.
Compatibility with Your Board
If you have small or big feet, it can also affect the size snowboard you should get. For a boot size smaller than a US 7, you’ll need a narrower board. For boots larger than 11 in US sizing, you might need to go wider than standard, but it depends on the brand.
Breaking in Your Boot
When you buy new boots, they are tighter in the beginning and will loosen up a bit after the first days of use. Many liners will mold with just your body heat. You can also buy a top-notch boot liner that requires a special heating process by a professional to mold them perfectly to you.
If you want to break them in a bit before snowboarding, you can wear them when walking around your home. Still, it will take several days of use for your boot to reach its true form.
If you need a bit more comfort after a couple of days of wear, try some of the 5 best ski boot insoles for added support. They’re great for snowboarding, too!
FAQs
Do Snowboard Boots Run Small?
It depends on the brand. Many snowboard boot models often tend to run quite big, but this will always depend on the brand and model. The only way to ensure the boots are the right fit for you is by measuring your feet and trying them on.
Are Snowboard Boot Sizes the Same as Shoes?
No, snowboard sizes are in centimeters; this means you need to measure your feet and convert from inches to centimeters using our chart or a brand-specific one.
Do Burton Snowboard Boots Fit True to Size?
No, most people find Burton snowboard boots to be slightly smaller. Many snowboarders tend to go for half or even one full number bigger with Burton boots.
Are Adidas Snowboard Boots True to Size?
Adidas snowboard boots are usually true to size if you use their US sizing. However, their EU, UK, and mondopoint sizes are smaller. Your best bet with Adidas snowboard boots is to go with their US sizes or refer to the brand-specific charts for measurements.
(source)
The Takeaway
The key thing to know about snowboard boot sizing is that most brands do use mondo sizing. Your best bet is to measure your feet and check out the chart of your preferred brand. Some brands, like Burton, do run slightly smaller, while Adidas is best when compared to US sizing.
Remember that your boots should fit snugly and that when you lean forward, there should be no heel lift; this will give you the best possible control over your board, especially in turns.
