While regular boots and snowboard boots may appear quite similar, they have key differences that set them apart. In the early days of the sport, you could fit your regular boots into the binding straps of the snowboard. As the sport continued to progress, manufacturers began to create more advanced bindings that require the use of specialized snowboard boots.
Materials and Fit
Depending on their intended use, regular boots are often made of leather, suede or rubber. Snowboarding boots on the other hand are generally constructed of breathable materials that allow the outside air to absorb your perspiration. Common fabrics used for snowboarding boots include tightly woven nylon and polyurethane coated mesh. Soft snowboarding boots and regular boots have a similar fit. Hard snowboarding boots made from thermoplastic are worn by downhill racers and restrict ankle movement. This helps to increase the transfer of energy between the boots and the snowboard itself.
Ankle/Heel Support
Regular boots cannot withstand the high-impact tricks performed by snowboarders. While regular boots feature a slightly cushioned insole, snowboarding boots are reinforced with heavy duty pads. According to ABC-of-Snowboarding, the inner bladder of the snowboarding boot is designed to keep your feet protected during hard landings. The inner bladder of the snowboarding boot is often made of high density foam. Compared to regular boots, snowboard boots often have a higher cuff for increased ankle and heel support.
Special Features
While regular boots generally have a simplistic design, snowboarding boots are often equipped with a variety of special features. Freestyle snowboarding boots feature an airbag built into the foot bed which helps to prevent heel bruising. Most snowboarding boots feature a quick drying inner liner that you can remove for routine cleaning. Step-in snowboard boots feature a mechanism on the bottom that allows you to quickly connect your feet to the bindings of the snowboard. Top-of-the line snowboard boots feature a thermoformable liner that can mold to the unique dimensions of your feet.
Lacing Systems
Entry-level snowboarding boots often feature a similar lacing system to that of regular boots. According to the snowboard specialists at REI, more advanced snowboarding boots come in a variety of lacing styles. The quick-pull lacing system allows you to pull on a single string to increase the tension of the boots. The laces are held in place with a compact clip that can be easily tucked away. High-end snowboarding boots have a Boa lacing system that features a special adjustment dial.
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