Credit: Image taken from Cheap Snow Gear
Until recently, women used boots, bindings and boards of whatever. Size appropriate to take part in the male-dominated sport of snowboarding. The selection of women’s gear used to be relative sub-par. But things are looking up, and women can now choose better-fitting boots, bindings. And boards to stay comfortable and safe while enjoying this exciting sport.
Women can wear men’s snowboard boots but may not function proper or sit comfortable. Women usually have narrower feet and lower calf muscles. So they must narrower lower-cut boots. Men’s shoes may also not fit secure into women’s bindings, which can be dangerous.
Snowboarding is about efficient transferring. The rider’s energy to the surface of the snow. If you’re a snowboarder tempted to use men’s boots. You should be aware of three main differences before hitting the slopes.
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Can women wear men’s snowboard boots?
Regardless of your level of snowboarding. Everyone agrees that one piece of equipment should never rented boots. It’s imperative that your feet stay comfortable. And secure anchored in a tight-fitting boot. When traversing the scenic yet challenging snowy terrain.
For this reason, most snowboard boots designed to fit the owner’s specific feet. It needs to fit snug so that the slightest weight shift from your feet transferred. Through the boot and instant transferred to the snowboard. A fine balance between shoes that are snug but not too tight.
While women can wear men’s snowboard boots, and many women certain did. Especially when women’s snowboard gear limited. Getting the right fit can be a challenge. Men’s boots are usually made to fit wider feet and heels. So even if the boot size is correct for a female snowboarder. They often have uncomfortable gaps around the wearer’s feet.
The selection of women’s snowboard boots limited in the past. Women have often tempted to buy men’s shoes. Because the choice is so much greater in everything from design to function.
So why shouldn’t women snowboarders choose the right size for men’s snowboard boots? While all people have similarl shaped feet regardless of gender. There are usually slight anatomical differences. In the size and shape of feet and legs between the sexes. Imagine a big main foot in a classy strappy summer sandal, and you’ll know what I mean!
The difference between men’s and women’s snowboard boots
- Width and height across the bridge of the foot
- Heel width
- The height of the back of the shoe
While these may seem minor deviations. Getting it right is essential when your safety depends on a secured piece of equipment. As a woman. You may want to choose men’s shoes because of a different feature or design. That may not be available in women’s styles.
If you know and understand the differences in fitting snowboard boots. You can make the best decision that will ensure the right fit. And ultimate provide the best control.
It would be more comfortable for a light man. With narrow feet to choose women’s snowboard boots. Than for women to sit in men’s boots. Besides to the actual fit of the leg. The added height of a men’s designer shoe. It can be uncomfortable for women who tend to have calf muscles lower on their legs.
Whether a woman is wearing a men’s snowboard boot or vice versa. It is important to remember. That the snowboard boot must be of the correct type to fit secure into the binding. Wearing men’s boots and using women’s bindings. Snowboards can be problematic, and mixing gear should avoided.
Snowboard boots and bindings are usually made to match exactly. So mixing and matching men’s and women’s gear isn’t ideal. Men’s boots are often larger, wider, and heavier. So placing them on women’s bindings and smaller. Snowboards can compromise the performance and even have safety implications.
Women’s snowboard boots have a narrower sole
Men’s feet tend to be wider across the bridge and instep than most women’s feet. Thus, their snowboard boots usually fit the bill. While the length of the correct size boot can fit both genders. There is a good chance that a woman’s narrower feet will not fit well. And there may be a gap on the sides and top of the feet when they are inside the snowboard boots.
Don’t tempted to think you can fill spaces with thick socks. Although socks help create a snug fit. They cannot change the actual shape of your feet to make them wider and flatter. Socks will fill in the circumference and make your entire foot rounder. So that the gaps can fill in slight, but the tight spots will only get narrower if you add socks.
Women’s snowboard boots are narrower through the base and height of the foot. So any slight weight shifts while snowboarding transferred direct to the boots. And a woman’s smaller feet won’t roll slight in the boots during maneuvers like. They would in wide men’s boots. It results not only in higher comfort but also in better performance.
Women’s snowboard boots have a narrower heel.
When putting on snowboard boots. The foot and heel must held firm and secure inside the boot. And that there is no up and down movement around the heel.
Men’s snowboard boots made to fit men’s wider heels. And women who use men’s boots may experience significant heel lift when riding. It can be very uncomfortable or even painful.
Women’s snowboard boots have a lower back.
Snowboard boots must wear and fit snug around the wearer’s foot and ankles. The height of the boot may not be bothersome if you slip into a pair of regular fashion boots. But women who wear men’s snowboard boots may find that after a few hours on the slopes. The high back will feel uncomfortable tight around the upper. Or even begin to rub the back of their legs.
Conclusion:
Women may wear men’s snowboard boots, but it is not recommended. Women’s feet are usually narrower. And have slight different placement of the calf muscles than men’s. Making men’s snowboard boots uncomfortable to wear. Understanding the difference between men’s and women’s snowboard boots. That will help you make the best decision. When choosing snowboard boots.
