snowboardbootsizer

Find your snowboard boot size

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The "Snowboard Boot Size" on the sizer seems too small. Why is that?
All snowboard boots are designed and built around the Mondopoint standard.Mondopoint is simply your foot measurement in millimeters. By definition Mondopoint sizing means that the millimeter size printed on the boot is the foot measurement that the boot was designed for. This is basically a message to you from the brand or manufacturer of the foot size that this boot is intended to fit. It is critical to note that this will be a very different fit than a "shoe size". It will be much snugger all around and will have firm pressure on all areas of the foot. This can be very surprising or feel "wrong" to a new rider.
What if I order my shoe size?
In reality, many, if not most first time riders order or buy a first pair of boots that is too large. They either purchase by their "shoe size" or find a boot that fits like a normal shoe. In these instances the boots will not provide the support and hold that they were designed to offer. Typically riders will downsize for their second (and often again for their third) pair of boots. Also see "will my boots stretch?" below.
What's the point of this?
There is a lot of confusion around snowboard boot and shoe sizing and rightly so. There are a number of different standards, conversions and measurements at work (and some straight out misinformation). The goal of this site is to illustrate the difference between snowboard boot size and "shoe size" and to hopefully help new riders start their first snowboard boot shopping experience a little better informed.
I read that I need to try on boots before buying. Is that correct?
That is great advice. There is no substitute for putting your foot in a boot. There are, however, hundreds of thousands of snowboard boots sold online every year where a try-on never occurs. Many riders live in areas that have no snowboard shops. Others live in areas where there is a very limited selection. Our goal is to help those riders make the most accurate and informed purchasing decisions where boot sizing is concerned.
How should my boots fit?
Your boots should be snug! The most common complaint about boots is that they are too loose, not too tight. The junction between rider and board begins with the boot, as it is in the most direct contact with the rider. When fitting boots, use the following method: A. Slip into the boot. B. Kick your heel back against the ground several times to drive it back into the boot's heel pocket. C. Lace the boot tightly, as though you were going to ride. NOTE: This is where most sizing mistakes are made. A snowboard boot is shaped like an upside down "7". The back has a good degree of forward lean. Thus, when you drop into the boot, your heel may be resting up to an inch away from the back of the boot, and your toes may be jammed into the front of the boot. Until the boot is tightly laced, you will not know if it is a proper fit. D. Your toes should now have firm pressure against the front of the boot. As this is the crux of sizing, let's discuss firm pressure: When you flex your knee forward hard, the pressure should lighten, or cease, as your toes pull back. At no time should you feel numbness or lose circulation. Your toes will be in contact with the end of the boot, unlike in a properly fit street or athletic shoe (snowboard boots are designed to fit more snugly than your other shoes). When you have achieved this combination of firm pressure and no circulation loss, you have found the correct size!
Will my boots stretch?
Yes. New boots will always stretch "break in" or "pack out". How much will depend on the materials used in the specific boot, but .5 to 1 of stretch is very normal. It is important to keep in mind that this stretch equates to roughly a full US shoe size. This factor will compound the problems associated with "what if I order my shoe size?" mentioned above.
What about socks?
Snowboard boots are designed to be worn with a relatively thin snowboard sock. The idea that a thick sock or multiple socks will add warmth is incorrect. Warmth is primarily the job of the boot liner. Extra socks or overly thick socks will overheat your foot leading to perspiration. A damp foot is a cold foot. Additionally, socks do not have the same support as a well-designed and properly fit boot liner.
Why do you ask for a barefoot measurement?
This is due to a reality in snowboard boot design. While the Mondopoint standard technically calls for design measurements to be taken with "hose" (that's socks in human language) on, this is not the norm for snowboard boots. Design for snowboard boots is typically done with socks off, so the sizing measurement is more accurate if taken this way as well. If you are going to wear a thicker than average sock (not advised - please read "what about socks?" above) you will want to take that into consideration.
Should I leave growth room?
Growth room is not advised. Expensive to replace boots each year for growing kids, yes. Unfortunately, kids get heel lift too and there is no substitute for a good snug fit. You will give your kids the greatest chance at loving snowboarding by getting them gear that helps them to ride well and to meet their full potential as young shredders.
What is heel lift?
Heel lift refers to the failure of a snowboard boot to keep the rider's heel planted in the boot's heel pocket. Too large a boot will allow the foot to move forward in the boot and subsequently allows the heel to lift up. This reduces the rider's ability to control the board's edges and can be extremely frustrating to new riders.
Isn't there a size range for any given boot size?
Yes. There is a very small (.5 cm) range of each Mondopoint snowboard boot size. The Mondopoint standard does detail this range. This is again (as with the "barefoot measurement" notes above) an instance where the actuality slightly departs from the Mondopoint standard. The standard notes that the Mondopoint size will be the mean but in actuality boots are typically designed so that the Mondopoint size is the largest size that will fit well in the boot with the rest of the range falling below that size. For example a boot labeled 28.0 Mondo is designed to fit 27.6 to 28.0 (not 27.75 to 28.25 as the standard would suggest). This sizer accounts for this actuality.