Snowboard boots get put through a lot of abuse! They are constantly being bent and flexed when you are riding. Plus, they have to put up with the wet and cold conditions found on the mountain. As a result, they gradually break down and lose their performance.
This article will cover my key points that I tell students when it comes to boots and when to replace them. Keep reading to find out if any of these apply for you.
The Short Answer: How Many Days Do Boots Last?
I usually change my boots after each season. But I am up the mountain at least 3 or 4 times a week throughout the 5 month season. So that would be about 75 days of riding until my boots are toast.
I have compared my experience with my friends who ride varying amounts throughout the year, and at different levels, and come up with a rough number as a guide:
On average, a pair of snowboard boots will last between 70 to 100 days riding before you should think about replacing them.
Now, this is a ballpark figure, and some riders will decide their boots are done while others will keep riding them for weeks. Some factors that will affect how quick your boots wear out include:
How hard you ride. If you work your board harder in turns and with tricks, then it follows that you will also work your boots harder.
How heavy you are. Heavier riders will flex and bend their boots more with each turn, wearing out the boot quicker.
How well you look after them. This applies to everyone, no matter what you are doing on your board.
How to Know When It's Time to Replace Your Boots?
The more you use your boots, the more they wear down. But, because your boots deteriorate gradually, it can be hard to identify the point at which they are no longer doing a good job and need replacing.
These are the things you should be looking out for:
Is the boot holding your foot?
For me, this is the biggest factor and the main reason I will replace a pair of boots.
Over time, boots pack out and lose their stiffness. This causes your foot to move around in your boot, and you will have to do your boots up more and more tight to get the same hold and performance.
This is bad because the extra movement going on inside your boot means you are less able to control your board.
Are your boots starting to let in water?
This is one of the most noticeable signs that it's time to get some new boots! Unless it's super warm and slushy or raining, your feet shouldn't be wet when snowboarding.
On an average winter day, you should be able to ride all day and still have dry feet. Your boots letting in water will cause your feet to get cold and generally feel pretty uncomfortable.
If this is happening to you, then it's time to get a new pair!
Are there visible signs of wear and tear?
Before each snowboard trip, it's a good idea to quickly check that your equipment is working and has no signs of damage. For your boots, things to look out for are:
- The sole coming away at the heel or toe;
- The laces starting to fray;
- Check the Boa dial is working properly;
- Creasing in the boot outer;
- Your foot moving around inside the boot.
Some of these are easily fixable, allowing you to get a few more weeks riding out of your boots. For example, you can pick a pair of replacement snowboard boot laces for a few bucks.
You can also get a few more weeks out of your boots by sticking the sole back together with some Shoe Goo.
If your foot is moving around too much, you can try adding back in some more cushioning with Jbars or replacing the insole.
How to Make Your Snowboard Boots Last Longer
Even though boots gradually deteriorate over time, there are some things you can do to make sure that they still function properly for as long as possible. These include the following:
Try not to walk around in them
By using your snowboard boots just for snowboarding, you can prolong their life significantly. Snowboard boots are comfy enough to spend all day in, but try to make sure you change out of your boots as soon as you get off the hill.
Don't over-tighten them
If you've switched from an old pair of boots to a brand new pair, they can feel a little stiff. You can keep the lacing on the outer boot quite loose for a few days until they start to soften.
By over-tightening them, you are just accelerating their deterioration by breaking their flex. Plus, they will feel restrictive and over-responsive.
Dry your boots out at night
Even if your boots don't feel wet, they will have some moisture inside them. This can either come from sweat from your foot or from water seeping through from the outside. Drying them out thoroughly overnight will help maintain the integrity of the inner boot and also stop it from smelling.
Stiffer boots last longer
A stiffer boot will have a longer life before it becomes too soft to use. If you don't like stiff boots, you can buy a little stiffer than usual but leave the laces a little loser until they soften up.
Buy more expensive boots… if you can!
More expensive boots are made from higher-grade materials and have more features that make them tougher.
For example, the Burton Ion has a toughened backstay that runs up the back of the boot to increase support and durability.
Newer snowboard boots are better
Another good reason to replace your old boots is that newer boots are better! Technology is always improving, and recent innovations have made a big difference in the performance of snowboard boots.
When choosing a boot, you now have a choice of different types of the lacing systems such as Boa and speed-lacing. These give your foot a much better hold than traditional lacing.
New boots are also lighter, warmer, and more waterproof than boots from 10+ years ago, so you owe it to your feet to grab a new pair every so often.
Conclusion
Ultimately, snowboard boots are a consumable piece of gear, and riding on worn-out boots compromises both your control on snow and your ankle safety.
While 70 to 100 days is a solid benchmark, listen to what your feet and body are telling you. If your edges wash out easily, your feet cramp from overtightening, or your heels lift off the footbed, it’s time to retire your boots.
Investing in a proper-fitting, quality replacement will instantly restore your edge control and keep you riding longer without issues.
