TL;DR: Breaking in your snowboard boots is crucial to your riding experience. There are many ways to break in your boots, including walking in them, heat-molding the liners, and simply riding in them. After you break in your boots, make sure to maintain them well by keeping them dry and using them properly.

Getting a new pair of snowboarding boots is exciting, but just like any pair of sneakers you buy, you’ll need to break them in. If you still have questions, talk to a Curated Winter Sports Expert today!

Snowboard boots, like soccer cleats or basketball shoes, have what is called a “break-in period,” meaning, there is a time between when you buy your snowboard boots and when you eventually can wear them in comfort.

As a former snowboarding instructor, I can tell you firsthand that a comfortable pair of snowboard boots is important for long days on the slopes. Take your time buying your snowboard boots because you’ll be wearing them for a long time!

While there is some debate on how long it takes to break in snowboard boots, you can expect it to take between 5-10 rides on your snowboard. However, you can make the process easier and quicker by doing a few things — we’ll get into that momentarily.

Why Is Breaking in Your Boots Important?

Breaking in your snowboard boots is important; otherwise, you’ll be wearing stiffer boots while you ride. Riding in boots that are not broken in can lead to sore feet and blisters. Contrary to what some might think, it is important to get a pair of boots that are tight and snug. This might mean buying a pair that is a half-size smaller than what you are used to, especially if you buy a pair of boots with a BOA lace system.

“But Sam, won’t that be uncomfortable and cause blisters?”

Not necessarily. When snowboarding, you do NOT want your feet moving around within your boot. That will most certainly cause blisters. You want your feet as stationary as possible while still feeling warm and comfortable. BOA lace systems tend to not feel as secure as traditional laces, which is why you might want to wear a half-size smaller than normal. That said, it’s important to try snowboard boots on before you buy them.

Best Ways to Break in Snowboard Boots

There are different ways to break in snowboard boots, and soon you’ll be on your way to wearing your boots in the way they were intended. But what is the best way to break in your boots?

Simple — Ride in Them!

The best and most effective way to break in your snowboard boots is to wear them on the slopes. That said, I’m not saying you should go crazy the first few days while wearing them. Best case scenario: You wear them for a few days and take things easy, ride some chill laps on the groomers, hit the park, flex your boots, and wear them in.

Not only will your new snowboard boots get used to your feet and your bindings, but you will also get used to how your boots feel on your feet. Eventually, your boots will become less stiff and your feet will feel comfortable and snug.

Heat Molding

Lots of snowboard new boots come with heat-moldable liners. I highly recommend heat molding your boot liners before you even hit the slopes. Most ski shops offer heat molding, which is a process where the insides of the boot are heated and then your foot is placed in the boot.

This process shapes the boot liner to fit the exact dimensions of your foot. In doing this, your boot will fit your foot in more ways than just the correct size. The liner will take on the shape of your foot, which will ensure comfort and warmth while helping you break in your boots a little quicker.

Wear Your Boots OFF the Slopes

Another way to speed up the process: You can strap into your bindings too. With your board on the ground in your living room, strap into your bindings and simulate what it could be like to link turns on the slopes. Lean back for your heel-side turns and forward for your toe-side turns. Do everything but tear up your carpet in the living room. Flex your board, your bindings, and, subsequently, your boots.

So, You Bought the Wrong Size

In the unfortunate case that you bought the wrong size and it’s too late to return them, it’s not the end of the world. Here is a boot size chart:

Boots Too Small

If your new pair of snowboard boots is too small, that’s fine as long as you can find snowboard socks that are thin enough to accommodate you and your boots. Don’t worry about your feet being cold — a quality pair of snowboard boots is designed to keep your feet warm via the boot liner. If your boots still feel tight and stiff, try to loosen them up with the techniques from above. If they are still too small, you might have to buy another pair. Sadly.

Boots Too Big

If your boots are too big, that can be fixed, too. Similarly to small boots, the right pair of socks might come in handy. A larger pair of socks might fill out your boot a little better than a typical pair of snowboarding socks. If that doesn’t work, consider buying an add-on tongue. Though uncommon, they can help fill out your boot a little more.

FAQs

How Should Snowboard Boots Fit on My Feet?

Nice and snug, buckeroo. Without feeling cramped, your feet should be fully enveloped in your boot. You don’t want room for your toes, and you definitely don’t want room for your ankle to lift up from the sole of your boot, either.

How Can I Make My Boots More Comfortable?

Boots are not going to be comfortable the first time you take them up the mountain. Consider heat-molding your boot liners, adding quality insoles, or wearing snowboard-boot-friendly socks.

How Long Does It Take to Break in Snowboard Boots?

This differs on a person-to-person basis. However, you can expect your boots to be fully broken after 5-10 days of riding. If you are an aggressive rider, you can expect to break them in even sooner.

Stop Reading and Start Doing!

Now that you know how to break in your snowboard boots, it’s time to put the strategies to the test. However, it is important to remember to be patient as your gear conforms to its intended design. Take your time, take care of your boots, and ride safely. For free, personalized advice on your boots or other snowboarding equipment, reach out to our Curated Winter Sports Experts.