Since it is your feet that connect you to your board the correct boots are vital for achieving maximum board control and general boarding enjoyment. There is nothing worse than having sore, wet and cold feet which will without doubt ruin a day out on the hills. When seeking to buy the best boots possible you should select those that suit the style of riding that you believe you are most likely to adopt.
Three varieties of snowboard boots are available: the hard boot, the soft boot and the hybrid boot. What tends to change the most is the exterior of the boots, the inner linings remaining pretty much the same between each boot type. Inner bladders are the liners found on the inside of all snowboard boots which cushion and support your feet. They wick water away from your feet, keeping them warm and dry. The inner bladder tends to have its own laces incorporated which function to tightly wrap the liner securely about your feet. This ensures no movements/ rubbing which could damage skin. Additionally it allows the wearer to adopt the tightness of fit to their desired comfort levels.
Hard snowboard boots, have, as the name implies, a generally less flexible tough/ rigid outer layer(s) that seek to promote increased control with relation to body movement and boot performance. These boots are typically only used on-piste in events like slalom and sometimes boardercross where small movements of the participants feet translate into greater edge performance/ board responsiveness than would be achieved in softer snow offpiste conditions. These boots additionally support your ankle, foot and lower leg well, with the outer shell typically made from hard plastic. A small degree of flexibility is frequently supplied via such modifications as hinges, many found on the ankle sections. As can be imagined, ski boots have had a large influence in their design. This type of boot tends to have toe and heel clamps to secure the boot to the board.
At the other end of the snowboard boot spectrum are the soft boots. These are by far the most comfortable boots available, various forms existing. Soft boots can be used in conjunction with binding highbacks for increased control on your heel edge. Flow-in bindings exist, where the boot (typically very lightweight and slim) is secured by a large cushioned plate placed over the top, ratcheted down. Another type of soft boot allows the wearer to step in or out of the binding with relative ease, small but strong plastic gripping points existing about the arch (or other area) which the bindings click and grip on to when stepped on. A simple release mechanism lets go of the boot. Since the boots are soft they allow the wearers feet to move more naturally and in comfort, therefore are best suited to freestyle. Heavy landings on hardpack require the body to bend and absorb, something not entirely possible with harder boots. Most people choose this boot type as other daily movements like walking and even quick trips out in the car are possible with them on.
Hybrid snowboard boots contain elements from both the hard and soft boot technology to provide typically give a sturdy hard sole and softer upper boot. A mix of flexibility and comfort alongside a good deal of control characteristic of hard boots is achieved.
