For a smooth experience in the snow, you need the right type of footwear. There are many types of shoes that you can wear with snowshoes. But can you wear snowboard boots with snowshoes?
Can you wear snowboard boots with snowshoes?
You can wear snowboard boots with snowshoes. Various types of snowshoes are available with universal fitting. The bindings they come with can adjust to fit almost any type of shoe. Make sure you purchase snowshoes with the most flotation. They also come at a lower price too.
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You should be able to wear snowboard boots with snowshoes as snowshoes come in plenty of fittings. Try it on with your snowboard boots before you purchase them to see if they fit. Do not just purchase a big one, they need to be effective too.
Four reasons why wearing snowboard shoes with snowshoes is a good idea
Snowboard boots are designed for the winter and snow:
You don’t need to worry about insulation when it comes to snowboard boots. Most of them are well insulated and waterproof and are perfect for snow.
Various lacing systems:
Snowboard boots come with various lacing systems. You can pick out the one that is suited for you instead of going for other types of boots and shoes.
Grip:
Decent snowshoes fit snowboarding boots very securely and have a good grip. This makes it easier to walk on compact snow and ice slopes.
Fewer chances of breaking an ankle or hurting yourself while snowshoeing:
Snowboard boots tend to be rigid and sturdy. This is an advantage as you might bump into rocks and other objects while snowshoeing.
Is snowshoeing in snowboard boots comfortable?
For a lot of people, snowshoeing in snowboard boots causes discomfort. The reason for this is because snowboard boots are quite heavy.
Walking or running long distances with these boots can be uncomfortable. The type of shoes required for snowshoeing needs to be flexible and light to walk for long periods of time.
It can also slow you down if you are into snowshoe racing. When there is too much snow, it will take you a lot of effort to move forward. However, don’t let this discourage you. Snowshoeing in snowboard boots has worked out just fine for plenty of people. So you can try it too!
How can I make my snowboard boots more comfortable?
If your snowboard boots feel uncomfortable then they are either too tight or too loose. You won’t have to buy a new pair if you follow the simple methods below.
If your snowboard boots are loose, follow these steps:
Purchase a fit aid or a heel lift:
This device is placed between the outer shell and inner lines to keep your feet in position. This is a great way to fix your snowboard boots when they become too packed out.
Wear a thick pair of socks:
Socks can change the way your boot feels. A thick pair of socks will make up for the extra space inside.
Buy an aftermarket insole:
The thickness and quality of your insole are important. The
insole should fit you well and be comfortable as well. Get one of good quality and make sure they provide proper arch support and stability.
If your snowboard boots feel tight, follow these steps:
Change your socks:
Once again, the thickness of your socks can affect how your shoes feel. It might make it less tight. Wool socks or synthetic ones are often more flexible.
Heat molding to the shape of your feet:
This breaks in your liners which enables you to mold your boots to the shape you want. When they are a bit warm, you can bend and flex them to the size that is comfortable for you. This is a natural method.
Replace the stock insoles of your snowboard boot:
Stock insoles are not always the best quality. Custom ones are better since you can decide the quality and material. A lot of custom insoles can be molded to the shape you want which is similar to the heat molding process.
Shave off some liner from the area near the toe:
This should be done only if you have no other option as you might damage your boots. This is also irreversible so make your decision wisely. (Shave off as little as possible)
What are the most comfortable snowboard boots?
Comfort levels vary from person to person. If your snowboard boots are uncomfortable, they are not the right fit for you. Or you might have bought the wrong size.
Your normal shoe size is not always the same as snowboard boot size. Your snowboard boot size can be bigger or smaller than your regular shoe size. This is why size charts are needed. Almost every snowboard boot manufacturer has a size chart that you can follow.
Following a size chart might not be enough since different brands follow different ones. Try out your snowboard boots before you purchase them. Consider the size of your feet and your snowboard boot size will be close to it.
Always try on the boots with your socks on because the thickness of the sock can affect the size. Your toes should be able to reach the end of the boot but they shouldn’t curl up or bend.
Snowboard boots take a couple of days to break in. They get packed out over time so they might feel a bit tight at first.
Although there is no ranking based on comfort, here are some best-ranked snowboard boots of 2021.
- Burton Moto BOA.
- Vans Infuse BOA Men’s Snowboard Boots.
- DC Lotus Women’s Snowboard Boots.
- Adidas Tactical Lexicon ADV Men’s Snowboard Boots.
Do I need special boots for snowshoes?
You don’t actually need special boots for snowshoes. Snowshoes can fit most types of boots or models, unlike skiing and snowboarding boots. The bindings are not made for a specific type of boot.
Although there are no specialized or specific boots for snowshoes, the boots for snowshoes need to have some necessary features. These features are important if you want to go snowshoeing.
Because of the bindings, you can pick from a range of footwear to wear with your snowshoes. However, make sure they are well insulated and resistant to water to keep your feet warm and dry.
The most common boots that people wear with snowshoes are winter boots. You can wear snowshoes with snow boots, hiking boots, running shoes, and other similar footwear. Not all models will be appropriate for snowshoeing and sometimes they won’t be waterproof either.
There are other ways to make your boots resistant to water but ensure that it keeps you warm and it is suitable for snowshoeing.
What type of boots do you wear with snowshoes?
There is no specific type of boots made to wear with snowshoes because snowshoes can adjust to fit most types of footwear. But that is not always the best choice.
The type of boots you wear should keep your feet both warm and dry. Many people prefer wearing winter boots with thick soles that are insulated and waterproof.
The best type of boots you can wear when it comes to snowshoeing are insulated winter hiking boots. They are made to be worn in the winter and have synthetic insulation. This way your snowshoeing journey will be more enjoyable and you won’t be going through cold toes.
Regular hiking boots should work too but not all hiking boots have the same features. The most appropriate type of regular hiking boots that you can work with are the rough waterproof ones. Many summer hiking boots might not keep you warm. You can fix this by wearing warm and heated socks. You can also try wearing special winter insoles.
Winter boots are a common choice because they are designed for winter which is why they will keep you warm. Be aware of the material of the soles and uppers and remember to pick the waterproof models.
What should I wear if I don’t have snow boots?
You can wear other types of boots if you don’t have snow boots. You don’t necessarily have to wear snow boots (but they do make things easier).
You can try wearing rain boots instead. They are preferable during the rainy and snowy weather. Layer your socks properly and you should be fine. Wear a thick wool sock on top and thinner socks underneath.
You can wear over-the-knee flat leather boots or knee-high wedge boots. These are not the most practical boots to wear in the snow but you can make it work with some accessories. Ankle boots can be fine too for walking in winter but not suited for harsh weather.
The most common element that you should look for is the necessary features. They should be waterproof, comfortable, and keep you warm.
Are stiffer snowboard boots better? – Are they better for snowshoeing
This is more of a personal preference and depends on if you are planning on running with your snowshoes or not.
If you’re snowshoeing in the mountains, then stiffer snowboard boots can suit you better. The flex rating goes from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest. Somewhere around the mid-range should work just fine.
If you are a beginner, you should go for softer flex ratings when it comes to snowboard boots. If you’ve spent a lot of time snowshoeing, then you can go for stiffer snowboard boots.
A lot of people who go snowshoeing have mentioned that stiffer snowboard boots have made their journey more stable and faster.
Stiffer snowboard boots might not be a good idea when it comes to snowshoeing. This is because stiffer snowboards are heavier as they have more expensive and heavier manufacturing material.
It is easier to move around using softer snowboard boots. If you’re going running in the snow, it is best to stick to softer ones than stiffer snowboard boots. But stiffer ones are warmer too.
At the end of the day, it is up to you if stiffer ones feel comfortable for you, then you can go for it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can You Wear Running Shoes With Snowshoes?
Do Snowshoes Have a Left and Right?