When looking for snowboard boots for kids, focus on their size, fit, and price. If you plan on taking your kid to go down those first slopes, then choosing the perfect snowboard boots can cause a little trouble.
We understand that the whole process of getting the equipment is challenging, but that’s why we are here to help. In this blog, we included a brief explanation of what to consider and how to choose the proper snowboard boots for kids. It’s crucial to remember that having the appropriate gear will encourage kids to feel comfortable in the snow and motivate them to fall in love with the sport.
Contents
Anatomy of Snowboarding Boots for Kids
The kids’ snowboard boots, as well as adults’ snowboard boots, consist of 9 main parts. Here are all of them.
- Liner: Inside the outer shell is a lining that keeps kids’ feet warm and cozy.
- Outsole: Represent the outer layer of the boot that is in direct contact with the snowboard.
- Tongue: Had the purpose of the tongue on regular shoes. It rests against the shin and transfers force to the snowboard binding.
- Backstay: The backstay is known as the spine of the snowboot. It improves responsiveness and stops the back of the boot from folding.
- Internal harness: Displays a harness with laces that are sewn to the outside of the liner. This helps the liner stay close to your foot and prevents movement.
- Zonal lacing: Enables independent lacing of the boot’s upper and lower portions for the best fit.
- Eyestay: Helps you fasten and tighten your laces.
- Articulating cuff: enables separate flexing of the boot’s upper and bottom parts. It encourages seamless forward movement, reduces shell distortion, and increases heel hold and responsiveness.
- Air pocket: Usually located on the heel of a boot, reducing strong impacts and board clatter.
- EVA cushioning: This is an improved shock-absorbing rubber foam.
What to Consider When Buying Snowboard Boots for Kids
1. Boots’ flexibility
As we mentioned above, flexibility level depends on the kids’ capabilities and their riding style. When looking fo snowboard boots, you will find three flexibility levels of boots.
- Soft flex (flex 1 – 3): Boots with soft flex are very comfortable, which means they are easy on the kids’ feet. These boots are easier to turn in and are gentle on kids’ shins. These boots are great for beginning snowboarders since they are simpler to bend and facilitate quick board turns.
- A medium flex (flex 4 – 7): For all-mountain performance and comfort, these boots offer the ideal combination of support and movement. For newbies, a medium-soft flex is also suitable because the softer flexing boots will be more forgiving of mistakes and more comfortable—yet still provide enough responsiveness for a beginner’s needs.
- High flex (flex 8-10): High flex is a stiffer boot that is not so recommended for beginners and kids. It often does not let you make mistakes. Advanced all-mountain riders and free-riders frequently want a stiffer flexing boot.
2. The right boots size
There is some consistency, but there isn’t really a set norm when it comes to boot sizes. However, ski boots where have a standardized Mondopoint system which can also be used for snowboard boots. Fortunately, most snowboarding boots display sizes not only in conventional shoe sizes but also in sizes known as “mondo-print.” Mondo is the measurement of the length of the foot in millimeters or centimeters (mm).
Therefore, if you see a boot with a mondo size of 20 cm (or 200 mm) and your kid has a foot length of 20 cm, you will know that the boot was made to accommodate your kids’ foot length. The best thing to do is to measure your kids using the Footmeter tool. Simply enter your email to get the printable sheet that allows you to determine your kid’s shoe size accurately.
Different measurement sizes, such as US size, UK size, and EUR size, are available. We will give tables with sizes if you cannot print the sheet. All you have to do is use a ruler to measure your child’s feet to determine their size! We advise measuring kids’ feet at least twice. One foot is usually longer or wider than the other since there is usually a difference between them. The best part is that it is as simple as it appears and is totally trustworthy and free.
3. Riding style
When looking for the best snowboard boots for kids, you have to pay attention to the kids’ riding style. According to the kid’s needs, purposes, and, of course, skills and abilities, choose among the next:
1. Beginner snowboard boots
To reach high precision, look for a stiffer boot. As for the kids, who are just beginners, look for softer boots with more flex. Such boots have a more extensive range of tolerance in which a movement will result in the board turning without catching an edge. This freedom allows beginners to learn to control their board without being penalized for every minor mistake.
2. Boots for freestyle riding
If your kids ride a soft board that is intended to flex, look out for soft snowboard boots because it will perform better. The boot can bend in time with the board in this way and, thus, deliver a consistent, smooth sensation. You can adjust grabs and presses since the ankle has a broader range of motion. If the kid tries on some jumps, the softer boot will offer a little leeway since the foot moves a little before the binding. To minimize the force of hits, keep an eye out for air pockets and impact-dampening soles.
3. Boots for different terrains
If your kid already has the experience and is often changing mountain terrains, look out for stiffer boots. Such boots should be stiff enough to respond quickly on the slope without being so rigid as to flex sometimes on park runs. This boot is something in the middle, great for intermediates and those who seek a little more challenge.
4. Boots for freeride
These boots are for professionals. Most kids are usually beginners, and they won’t need such boots. Freeride means riding in deep snow and technical lines, which demands a lot of experience and control. For such rides, the stiffer the boot, the better. These boots’ innovative construction and robust materials provide precise and speedy weight and power transmission, giving complete control on challenging slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids need special boots for snowboarding?
Yes, there are special snowboard boots. Such boots are designed explicitly for snowboarding with high isolation. When choosing snowboard boots, ensure that they are warm and properly sized and that buckles and laces are snug.
How do I know what size snowboard boot is for my child?
Remember that the largest kid boots are the same size as the smallest adult boots. For instance, a youth boot size “7K” is the same as a size “7” men’s boot. Since “K” sized boots are the same for both boys and girls, they will be a little bit bigger than a typical girl’s size shoe.
What size snowboard does my kid need?
When choosing the right size snowboard for kids, height and weight are the main factors to consider. As a rule of thumb, kids’ snowboards should come up between the kid’s chest and chin.
In Conclusion
Choosing the proper snowboard boots for kids might sound exhausting, but it isn’t. Just follow the provided guide, and you will find the boost in no time! All you have to consider is the right kids’ size, the proper flexibility, and the kids’ riding style. For beginners, it’s recommended to use the soft flex from 1 to 3, and choose the boots designed for beginners with high comfortability.
