How Long Do Snowboard Boots Last & Tips Last Longer! [2023] -

Have you wondered how long do snowboard boots last?

You and me both know that Snowboarding is not a delicate activity, so we can expect our snowboards to be subjected to vigorous conditions and undergo wear and tear.

From extreme weather conditions and terrain involving snow, ice, rocks, and slush, to supporting your body through various jumps, flex, and turns…. our boots go through a decent amount of abuse throughout their lifetime!

While a good pair of snowboarding boots are built to withstand all these conditions, the quality of the boots is bound to deteriorate over time. This, in turn, affects your performance and safety.

So how long do the boots last then?

In general, a good pair of snowboard boots lasts between 60-90 days, or between one to two seasons.

But how do you know for sure when it’s time for some new kicks?

In this article, I’ll take you through the following:

How To Know If It’s Time To Replace Your Snowboard Boots
Tips To Prolong The Lifespan Of Your Snowboard Boots
How To Care For Your Snowboard Boots

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What Is The Lifespan Of Your Snowboard Boots?

A general range for the lifespan of sno would be around 60-90 days, or between one to two seasons. This estimate serves as a rough guide, but the lifespan of your boots depends on various factors:

1. Your Weight

The heavier you are, the more you tend to bend and flex your boots while snowboarding. There is a greater impact on your boots during each turn, which results in your boots getting worn out much quicker.

2. Riding Frequency and Terrain

Naturally, the more you ride, the faster your boots will wear off. There is also a greater degree of wear and tear on your boots when dealing with more extreme weather conditions and terrain.

3. General Care and Maintenance

Finally, the lifespan of your snowboard boots very much depends on the care and maintenance efforts being done on them. It is possible to prolong the lifespan of your boots, and I’ll show you exactly how a little later on in this article.

Generally, just like any other pair of footwear, your boots will last longer if you care for them the right way

How Do You Know When To Replace Your Snowboard Boots?

So how do you know it’s finally time to replace your snowboard boots? Here are 4 things to look out for:

1. Boots Stiffness & Support

Snowboard boots are stiff for a reason – they provide adequate support to your feet and ankles during your ride and prevent unnecessary movement within the boots.

This in turn protects your feet and ankles and also allows greater control of your snowboard.

Generally, a stiffer boot will take longer to wear out and become softer.

That doesn’t mean you have to only buy boots that are higher up on the stiffness scale, this ultimately depends on your riding style and personal preference.

But it is something to take note of when you’re considering the lifespan of your boots.

Snowboard boots get softer with extended use, so the level of support and protection provided by your boots will also decrease with time.

It is important to ensure that your boots are not too soft as this increases the chances of injuries.

I would advise looking out for a new pair of boots when you feel like your current ones don’t offer you enough support during your ride.

2. Discomfort And Pain

Another sign to look out for when deciding if your boots need to be replaced is any sign of discomfort or pain on your lower limbs or feet while wearing your boots.

For this, we should first understand how do snowboard boots fit.

Your boots should snugly hug your feet and ankles without being too constricting.

As your boots lose their stiffness you will have to tighten your laces to properly support your feet. This can lead to a rather uncomfortable hold on your feet that may also be contributing to painful blisters.

Blisters and bruises on your feet also means your boots are no longer providing adequate cushioning to your feet and are no longer serving their purpose.

3. Physical Wear And Tear Of Boots

Among all the things to look out for, this is by far the easiest to spot – physical wear and tear of your snowboard boots.

This is easily identifiable. You will want to look out for any loose seams, tears, and cracks on your boots – basically any signs that your boots are falling apart.

The first part of the boots to exhibit signs of wear and tear is usually the toe box, which goes around your foot.

Another sign to look out for is if your laces are fraying and now have the tendency of coming undone. This happens because your boots are worn out and stretched, and no longer fit well.

It is possible to get replacement laces if this happens, but it would not be worth doing this if other parts of the boots are compromised as well.

4. Decreased Insulation And Waterproofing

Lastly, you want to pay attention to the insulation and waterproofing levels of your boots.

Snowboard boots are waterproof, and should protect your feet from snow and moisture from the outside.

They should also provide adequate insulation to keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable while in contact with snow and low temperatures.

If your feet feel cold and wet, this could be an indicator of compromised insulation and waterproofing.

The insulation in your boots may be packed down, and this is a sign to get a new pair of snowboarding boots.

How To Prolong The Lifespan Of Your Snowboard Boots?

While it is impossible to prevent your boots from eventually becoming unusable, it is possible to at least extend the lifespan of your snowboard boots. This way, you get to maximize the usage of your boots before allowing them to retire.

Here are my four tips to help you get the best out of your snowboard boots:

1. Invest In Good Quality Snowboard Boots

Some things are definitely worth paying that extra amount, and snowboard boots are one of them.

When it comes to budget options for boots, companies often have to compromise in terms of the material and technology used, which in turn affects the quality of the boots.

While these options undoubtedly work and are good enough, especially for beginners, they may not be as long-lasting as their more expensive counterparts.

Higher-priced snowboard boots tend to be made with durable material and advanced construction and design and are bound to last much longer. This eventually translates to cost savings in the long run.

Bonus tip: Rotate through your boots if you have more than one pair of them!

This reduces the wear and tear of your boots and will allow them to serve you for a little longer.

2. Bindings Matter

Secondly, the quality of the bindings used really does matter.

Cheaper bindings are usually of poor quality and can rip at the outer part of your snowboard boots. This, in turn, shortens the lifespan of your boots.

Besides the effect on your boots, poor-quality bindings can also negatively impact your riding, so it would be worthwhile to invest in good-quality snowboard bindings.

3. Consider Foam Inserts

Your snowboard boots will pack out the longer you use them, with the heel being the first affected area. This can cause heel lift, which can lead to injuries as well as lesser control during your ride.

If this happens, you can consider adding foam inserts to your boots. This takes care of the additional space within your boots and allows you to reuse your boots.

Do note that you’ll have to ensure that the outer shell of your snowboard boots is in great condition. Otherwise, a replacement is probably needed.

4. The Right Fit

Lastly, you want to ensure that you purchase snowboard boots with the right fit.

How should snowboard boots fit?

Your boots should fit snug around your feet and ankle, with it being just tight enough without feeling overly constricting.

Picking boots that are a little stiffer than your desired level of stiffness is also a great idea, as your snowboard boots will soften up and become less stiff with continuous use.

Stiffer boots are also more durable than softer ones and tend to last longer before they soften up too much.

If they are too stiff for your liking, you can always loosen up the laces a little until the boots achieve your desired level of stiffness.

How To Care For Your Snowboard Boots?

There are also steps that you can actively take to ensure your snowboard boots are well cared for.

1. Minimise Walking Around In Your Snowboard Boots

Snowboard boots are meant to provide protection and support for your snowboarding activity, besides enduring the harsh elements you are exposed to while riding.

This is why their design and construction are such. When you use them for activities other than snowboarding, you force your boots to serve a purpose it was not intended for and this can damage the shoes.

Walking around for short distances such as from your resort to the mountains, or from one point to another on the mountain during your snowboarding activity is fine.

But your snowboard boots should not be used in place of regular hiking boots or shoes for walking around. This damages the boots and leads to additional wear and tear, thus shortening their lifespan.

2. Dry Your Snowboard Boots Well

During snowboarding, your feet will tend to become sweaty. After all, it is held within your boots for a long period of time, covered by a well-insulated pair of socks and the protective structure of your boots.

It is also possible for water to seep in through your boots from the outside due to exposure to snow, ice, and slush during snowboarding.

All this can lead to your boots smelling pretty funky if not dried well, with the stench being strong enough to scare away your pet kitten!

Due to this, it is absolutely necessary to thoroughly dry your snowboard boots overnight after every use and air them well. If you can dry them in the sun, even better!

Bonus tip: place some fabric softener sheets inside your boots or invest in some shoe powder, and say goodbye to stinky boots!

How To Store Snowboard Boots

Once the season ends, you will need to put your snowboard boots away for some time before they’re ready for your next round of action. Before storing them, it is important to properly clean your boots.

I’m sure you’re then wondering: but how to wash snowboard boots?

Cleaning your snowboard boots is actually pretty easy.

Firstly, remove the liners and laces from your boots and leave them out to dry. If possible, dry them outside under the sun.

Next, you will need some gentle detergent, a soft brush, and warm water to clean the inner part and the outer shell of your boots.

Then, you can wipe them clean before leaving them to dry overnight or under the sun.

Once your boots are dry, remember to reassemble your liners and laces to help your boots maintain their shape before packing them in a clean, dry bag or boot box and putting them away until you need them next.

How To Pick Snowboard Boots

If you’re wondering how to choose snowboard boots, and you don’t know where to start, stay with me and I’ll break it down for you real easy!

Choosing snowboard boots does not have to be daunting. Here is what you should look out for:

1. Ensure your snowboard boots fit snugly and comfortably around your feet and ankles. Your toes should just about touch the toecap of the boots, and you should still be able to move your toes inside your boots.

2. Bend your knees slightly and ensure that your heel is still in place.

Tip: Wear your snowboard socks when trying out your boots to ensure an accurate fit!

How To Choose Snowboard Boots Size

When deciding how to buy snowboard boots, you will also have to ensure that you pick the correct size for your boots.

It is important to note that you should not assume the size of your boots would be the same as the size of your regular hiking boots.

In fact, many people tend to choose boots that are about half a size to one size larger than their regular shoes!

1. The Right Fit

When deciding on your boots, make sure you pay attention to the fit of the boots around your feet and ankles, and wear your snowboarding socks before putting on the boots to accurately select your boot size.

Always buckle and lace up your boots and stand up straight before you wiggle your toes to get a feel of the support and hug provided by your boots.

You should also ensure there are no gaps or room for your feet and ankles to move around within your boots.

2. No Pressure Points

You will want to be on the lookout for any pressure points when trying out your boots, especially on the top of your feet and on your ankles.

Ideally, you don’t want any pressure points on these parts, just a good, snug fit.

3. No Heel Lift

There should be as little heel lift as possible when you try out your snowboard boots.

Once you have tightly laced up your boots, stand up straight and then crouch slightly to imitate your riding stance, leaning up onto your toes.

When you do this, your heel should not lift up within the boots. Even if it does, the heel lift should be very minimal.

If you keep an eye on all 3 pointers, this should help you figure out how to size your boots.

FAQs On How Long Do Snowboard Boots Last

How Do You Know When You Need New Snowboard Boots?

You know you need new snowboard boots when it becomes too soft to offer support or it’s torn to shreds. Your boots might be a little roomy. Your feet and lower limbs will also be more prone to blisters and sore spots, and the insulation and waterproofing properties of your boots will be compromised.

How Long Do Snowboard Boots And Bindings Last?

Snowboard bindings can last between 50 to 100 days, whereas your snowboard boots can last for 60-90 days, or around one to two seasons. Your boots are usually the most replaced gear out of all that you need for snowboarding as it affects the safety, comfort, and performance of your ride.

How Often Should You Replace Snowboarding Boots?

You should replace your snowboarding boots between one and two full seasons (50-70 days) of hard riding. Any shorter than this, and it is recommended that you bring up the warranty of your boots with the store that you purchased them from. Be sure to always keep your receipts handy for this!

In summary, snowboard boots take a significant amount of beating throughout their lifespan, so it is only natural that you replace them when they no longer serve you.

Failing to replace your boots can lead to decreased performance as well as a higher risk of injuries and discomfort during your snowboarding activities.

While the average lifespan of snowboard boots is around 60-90 days, correctly caring for your boots may help to extend their expectancy.

I hope this article finally answers your question on ‘how long do snowboard boots last’!

If you’re on the lookout for a great pair of snowboard boots, do check out this article on the best women’s snowboarding boots!!

ou will find detailed reviews of 11 of the best snowboarding boots for women, including popular options such as thirty two snowboard boots and Salomon snowboard boots.

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How Long Do Snowboard Boots Last & Tips Last Longer! [2023]