Snowboarding boots and binding systems have continually developed over the years to deliver performance, comfort and easy operation while on the mountain. Boots are increasingly warmer, without adding weight, lacing systems have evolved to enhance proper fit and maximum adjustability. Bindings also have improved, addressing common issues like weight, stiffness, comfort, and durability. Both boots and bindings are available starting in the $100 range for each item, with high ends approaching $400 and up as of March 2010.
A Need for Innovation
In the early years of snowboarding, boots that were used were any sort of snow or cold weather boot, and did not provide much support or benefit that was required by the growing sport. Companies like Burton Snowboards began developing snowboard-specific boots that would fit into bindings mounted on the boards. These boots were designed to be warm, with added support that met the demands of snowboarding. Within a few years, many companies were designing original boots all with various modifications that would improve on earlier models. Primarily, weight, warmth and comfort were the biggest issues.
Modern Snowboarding Boots
Today there are more than 300 snowboard companies, many of which produce snowboard-specific boots. Namely, function, comfort and durability have increased 10-fold, and many boots available share these attributes, but not all will last over heavy use. There are boots marketed for every aspect of the sport, but all boots need to fit the riders foot well, without pressure points and pinching. They need to keep riders feet warm, but not induce sweating, and finally they need to provide the kind of support a rider is looking for, whether it be light and flexible recreational support, or a stiff, solid support for advanced riding. Personal preference, flex and materials are today's biggest factors to consider when buying boots, according to REI.com.
Best Boots
Most avid snowboard enthusiasts agree that only a handful of companies actually produce a high quality boot that is prove by use and durability. Companies like Vans, Burton, DC and Northwave are among the most reputable brand names making boots today. Burton offers a variety of boots, many with speed lacing designs that allow quick tightening and adjust ability on the go. Many Vans snowboarding boots are available with a dial device that tightens a cable and replaces any laces at all. This Speed Dial has set a high standard of speed lacing in the industry, and is even being used in other athletic footwear as well. Companies have also made significant improvements in custom heat moldable foot beds that form to individual's feet, effectively addressing any comfort issues.
Bindings
Snowboard bindings have been redesigned over and over with a common result: The original concept may be the best. Most bindings are a made of hard plastic or composite, but some are metal. Bindings are made up of a few parts: The Base-plate: this is what your boot makes contact with. It is the base of the binding, and attaches directly to the board. The Horseshoe: This is the part of the binding that wraps around your heal. It also holds the strap that contours over your foot. The High Back: This is the part of the binding that braces your calf. High backs of different heights provide different response to the riders body language. Four straps connect to hold your foot in place at two points in the binding. After years of technological advancement, this is still an original concept, but has been greatly improved. A ratchet or fastening system on one strap is designed to receive teeth fashioned into the other strap. While there are a few variations on this theme, it is basically universal. Some binding models, like many by Burton, offer "toe straps" or cupped straps that are designed to fit completely over the toe of the boot instead of simply over the top of the toe box. According to snowboarding.com, you should buy your boots first, before selecting bindings.
Interface
Bindings are fixed to the snowboard by a three or four hole disc system. A circular disc sits within the base-plate of the binding, allowing the base-plate to be rotated to better accommodate the stance, or position of the rider's feet. When the stance angles are determined, screws are tightened into inserts that are fixed in the core of the snowboard. This provides the board binding interface. Snowboard boots are designed for walking and other use out of the binding as well, so unlike ski boots, snowboarding boots can be worn long before or after snowboarding use. Rider's typically put them on before walking through parking lots and Base areas of resorts. Once ready to snowboard, you simply step onto the binding base-plate, make sure your heal is all the way back against the horseshoe, and begin strapping or tightening the straps. A snug fit is usually best.
Variations
Flow bindings are designed to be entered from the rear, and the high back lifts into place to secure the boot into the binding. These are very popular with beginning snowboarders, but are often considered not to provide a more performance oriented interface as other binding systems. Step in or click in bindings were very coveted at one time. However, mechanical parts and rider output determined these bindings to not be withstanding of normal snowboarding wear and use. Still available at rental centers, they have nearly ceased in production. Burton Snowboards have introduced a baseless binding system that requires a specially designed snowboard to operate. While this is a popular alternative to common bindings, it still is largely based on the original concept of the boot/binding/board interface.
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