When it comes to sliding on snow, I prefer one plank to two. However, as an avid snowboarder, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that there are parts of the process that tend to be easier on skis than a snowboard. Mainly, one-footing on and off the chairlift, and navigating flat terrain.

There is nothing worse than finally getting some momentum after skating through a flat section just to have your boot slide off the snowboard and ruin your flow. When it comes to snowboarding, I prefer to make the process as easy as possible. For handling one-footed stuff like an expert, I like to throw on a stomp pad to help keep my foot in place.

What is a Stomp Pad?

A snowboard stomp pad is an adhesive placed on the top sheet of the snowboard for traction purposes. Stomp pads can be functional or decorative. They typically are made of a grippy material to hold the back boot in place as you slide around one-footed. They are usually attached with an adhesive bottom that sticks right to the top sheet of your snowboard.

Why Do You Need a Stomp Pad?

The top sheet of a snowboard can be pretty slippery for a snowboard boot, so stomp pads come in handy when getting on and off the ski lift, skating through the flats, or even when stomping a one-footed trick. The top of a stomp pad is made of a grippy material, like rubber or foam, to help keep the boot in place. Think of it like the deck grip of a skateboard that provides extra stability while you are moving around one-footed.

While the majority of stomp pads are designed for holding your boot in place, specific stomp pads can also be used for better grip as you attempt grabs on your snowboard. Talking to a Curated Expert can help give you a better idea of what stomp pad is perfect for your needs.

Different Types of Stomp Pads

The main differences in stomp pads comes from the materials used to make them. Most feature an adhesive backing and a textured top. They come in all kinds of shapes and colors available to fit your specific aesthetic. Let’s take a look at some of the most common options on the market:

Spiked Stomp Pads

These stomp pads are made with small spikes or studs that provide the traction for the foot, and offer more protection from slipping than other stomp pads. They can be made of rubber or metal studs, although rubber is typically more common. The individual studs grip the boot well and hold it into place.

Benefits:

• Holds the boot in place very well
• Has good traction in icy and snowy conditions

Be Aware:

• Can be difficult when you want to be able to slide your boot around on the snowboard
• Can be uncomfortable after a long day of use

Recommended Spiked Pads: The Dakine Spike Stomp Pad has great traction due to the large spikes. Plus, the clear material means it doesn’t detract from your board design too much.

Rubber Stomp Pads

Rubber pads are made of a textured surface to enhance the traction. This material is preferred for its durability and comfort.

Benefits

• Rubber is a durable material that is more resistant to hard use
• Provides a comfortable surface for prolonged use
• Offers grip in all conditions

Recommended Rubber Pads: The Crab Grab Mega Claw has a unique blend of rubber and foam that creates the perfectly comfortable grip for your snowboard—plus, it’s a fun design!

Foam Stomp Pads

Foam stomp pads are made from a lightweight material that provides a soft and comfortable surface. They provide mellow traction, and focus more on comfort than durability and grip.

Benefits

• Foam is soft and lightweight
• Comfortable, cushioned feel underfoot

Be Aware

• Wears out quicker than rubber and metal materials
• Offers less traction than other materials.

Recommended Foam Pads: The Dakine Revamp Stomp Pad offers the cool benefit of being able to cut and customize the shape of the pad to your liking. This provides a bit more versatility (and uniqueness) to your stomp pad.

Grab Pads and Rails

Grab pads and rails are not designed for one-footed use as much as they are for grip when grabbing the snowboard. The pads allow your hand to lock tightly onto the board when attempting a grab.

Benefits

• Better grip during tricks
• Style points for holding grabs longer

Recommended Grab Pads and Rails: The Crab Grab Skate Rails are my favorite for low-profile grab assistance. The rails provide grip between the bindings, and assist in most basic grabs. It also doubles as an effective stomp pad.

Miscellaneous

There are also some specialized stomp pads designed for very specific needs and aesthetics. Here are some examples:

Pow Surfer Traction Pads

These mimic the traction pads found on surf boards, and are used for powder surfing boards. These boards typically don’t have bindings at all, and need that extra grip to keep a stable connection with the snowboard.

Recommended: Dakine Pow Surfer Kit

Scraper Stomp Pads

These stomp pads come with a raised piece of rubber or metal to scrape the snow and ice off the bottom of your boot before strapping in. This can be extremely helpful on deep powder days when the snow builds up on the bottom of your boot.

Recommended: Burton Mini Scraper Stomp Pad

Where To Place A Stomp Pad

Typically, a stomp pad will be placed somewhere between the bindings, closer to the back foot. Here are a few things to consider when deciding where to place your stomp pad to fit your preferences:

Stance

When determining your stomp pad placement, look at the way you stand on your snowboard when one-footing. The best place to attach it is going to be in your natural one-footed stance. Some people like it up against the rear binding, and others prefer it in the center of the board to help keep pressure on the front of the snowboard. It all comes down to personal preference!

Consider strapping one foot in, and marking where your back foot naturally stands on the snowboard as you skate around. This will help you find the best placement for you.

Binding Placement

Another factor to consider is the angle your bindings are placed. If your natural binding placement has extreme angles one way or the other, you might want to consider placing the stomp pad to match those angles so it feels as natural as possible.

Where to Place Grab Pads and Rails

Placing a grab pad is determined by where you want to grab your snowboard. You can check out this YouTube video that explains the six main types of grabs. If you are first starting out, these are the ones you will want to master first:

The placement of your grab pads will be directly linked to where you want to grab your snowboard. The most common placements are between the bindings on the toe and heel edge, and on the nose and tail.

How To Place A Stomp Pad

Once you have determined where you want your pad placed, it's time to secure it to your snowboard. Before you start the process, make sure the board is dry and relatively warm. You should be working in room temperature conditions for best results. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions as well, as they might differ slightly according to the brand.

Step One: Clean the Area

It is important to clean the part of your board that you plan to attach the stomp pad to. You can use a mild cleaning solution or rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt from the area. Once it is clean, wipe the area off and let it dry completely before moving to step two. If you need to speed up the process, a hair dryer on low can dry and warm the area faster.

Step Two: Position the Stomp Pad

Once the area is dry, place the stomp pad (with the backing still on) where you want it. Make sure it is in a good spot that won’t interfere with your bindings in any way. Consider if the placement will get in the way if you decide to adjust your binding angles or stance width. Once you have dialed in your stomp pad position, you are ready for step three.

Step Three: Adhere the Stomp Pad

After you determine the correct placement, it’s time to secure it to the board. Make sure the stomp pad is warm before placement. It should be room temperature before securing. Peel the backing off, and carefully place it in the predetermined location. Press it down slowly starting with one edge and working your way to the other. This will ensure there are no air bubbles in the middle. Press down on it to secure it completely.

Step Four: Let It Cure

After your stomp pad is placed, leave it to cure. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, this could be for a few hours, although most recommend leaving it overnight. The warmer the temperature, the faster they tend to cure. It is always better to leave more time if you are uncertain.

Step Five: Shred!

Now that your stomp pad is in place, it is time to go attempt some fun one-footed tricks, or just navigate on and off the chairlift easier. Either way, the stomp pad is there to offer stability and traction no matter what your level may be.

Find the Best Stomp Pad For You

There are a variety of different stomp pads to suit different needs and preferences. If you’re still unsure what’s the best choice for you, or just want help determining the perfect stomp pad placement for you, reach out to one of our Curated Experts for free, personalized advice!