One of the most popular winter activities in the world is snowboarding. It has been estimated that seven million people participate in this activity each year. It can be very unpleasant on the slopes if you're not comfortable with your equipment. If you're experiencing foot pain, it's possible that your snowboard boots aren't fully broken in yet. Another issue that your equipment could have is an improper fit or size. Having the right fit and comfort can help prevent injuries. This article will discuss the various reasons why your snowboard boots might be hurting you and how you can fix this issue.
Causes of Discomfort from Snowboarding Shoes If your snowboarding shoes are uncomfortable, they may hurt your feet due to not being broken in correctly or an issue with the fitting. One of the most common reasons these boots are hurting your feet is their not being fitted correctly. Like other types of shoes, snowboard boots must be broken in. Doing so will allow you to wear them without experiencing any soreness. If you don't break them in before you start using them, you might have sore feet after a couple of sessions. Unlike regular shoes, snowboard boots have a hard outer shell and mold-able insoles. Breaking in snowboard boots is not as simple as just wearing them around the house for a couple of days before heading out on the slopes. Breaking them in properly ensures that the protective outer shell won't get damaged. Most snowboard boots come with a heat-molded insole, which makes them incredibly easy to break in with the proper steps. In-store heat molding is also available for snowboard boots. This process involves heating the liner, which gets molded into your foot's shape. After 15 minutes, the liner will have taken form. Individuals not rushing to get on the slopes might opt to mold their liner at home. Although both options are feasible, the process at home will take a long time. It's essential to plan how you'll do it, as both options will require much time to produce. One option is wearing your ski socks and boots around the house for a couple of days, which will allow you to test the fit of your snowboard boots. As an alternative, to heat the liner, use a hairdryer. After 10 minutes, place your feet in the sock-covered boots and stand stationary. Although both of these methods work to shape the liner, they might not be as comfortable as the machine heating process at the store. If you're using a hairdryer, ensure you don't burn the mold inside or overheat it.
Three Areas of Fit If you're still experiencing issues with your feet after trying to break them in, it's possible that they're not the right fit. Before wearing snowboard boots, you must have three areas of your foot fit.
The fit of snowboard boots should be firm around your heel, meaning there should be no room for additional space in the boot for your heel to move. Getting the proper fit around your toes can be a bit challenging, especially if you're not used to wearing snowboard boots. One of the most critical factors you should consider when choosing the right fit is the amount of space your toes should have in the boot. Ensure that they don't touch the front of the boot, and you should also trim your toenails for added comfort. If you're worried that your snowboard boots might not fit well around your ankle, you should make sure that they can support this area while still being able to flex without too much effort. You should be able to feel your foot moving freely in the boot without any issues. After all of these boxes have been ticked, if the shoes are still uncomfortable, it's possible that they're not the right fit for you, and you might buy a different pair. Although it's strange, not all snowboard boots fit the same way.