Can a boot be too stiff for a noob? - Snowboarding Forum

TXBDan · 10-25-2010, 08:58 PM

Hey guys,

I guess i'd consider myself an advanced novice to intermediate. I'm comfortable cruising down blues at a solid clip in the north east (VT, NH). I have decent control down blacks, but i'm not super smooth or fast. I ride down the mountain and like carving and speed. I don't do any jumps or park stuff. I'm ramping up my amount of riding and last year went 12 times.

I ride a Sierra Crew and shitty ass Burton Freestyle boots that i got new for $49. They are detestably soft so i want new boots for this year with more support and control. I also have narrow (and size 13) feet so i'm looking at Salomons. Would an "Expert" boot like an F22 be too stiff for me? If so why and would happen? Would it just be too squirrely and response to incorrect movements? Would the F20s be better?

Thanks!

john doe · 10-25-2010, 09:47 PM

Get the stiffer boot. There will be an adjustment period but afterwards you will be better off.

DC5R · 10-26-2010, 09:37 AM

Stiff boots respond better to input, so the stiffer you go, the quicker the board will respond with less effort. You can always not tie the upper portion of the boot as tight so you technically get a softer flex off the boot. As you become more comfortable with the flex, start tightening up the laces more. I ride the F20s and they're a great boot.

Mirage · 10-26-2010, 01:39 PM

I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I decided to get the Ride Insano boots and think that they will be of use as I get better. From what I was reading, the F22 is for almost exclusive all mountain while the F20 is a little softer/more forgiving. If you are like me and don't have any aspirations of park just get the stiffer boot. GL!

TXBDan · 10-26-2010, 06:11 PM

Cool, thanks. I got some clearance 2010 F22s on the way, woot!

Starter · 10-26-2010, 07:16 PM

sorry didnt see you had picked your boots already. hope they are super comfy.

tekniq33 · 10-26-2010, 08:38 PM

F22's will be good. Only boots I know of that would possibly be too stiff are the driver x. Holy hell are those things stiff.

AlxStat · 10-26-2010, 10:22 PM

i believe boots should just be confortable... unless your extremely serious about the sport

mwl001 · 10-28-2010, 11:17 AM

Rode my first 4 days last spring and ended up buying F22s as my first boot. I have 3 days in them, they're fantastic and you'll love them (if they fit).

Mirage · 10-28-2010, 12:02 PM

Yea, I don't think anyone is suggesting purchasing boots which are uncomfortable. You should try on a few pairs and see which ones you like. Even people who are "extremely serious" don't buy boots that hurt their feet. You can get very comfortable boots at different stiffnesses. I had heard great things about the Salomons but read they tend to be narrower and with my big feet I didn't bother going out of my way to try em.

10-25-2010, 08:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
TXBDan Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 126	Can a boot be too stiff for a noob? Hey guys, I guess i'd consider myself an advanced novice to intermediate. I'm comfortable cruising down blues at a solid clip in the north east (VT, NH). I have decent control down blacks, but i'm not super smooth or fast. I ride down the mountain and like carving and speed. I don't do any jumps or park stuff. I'm ramping up my amount of riding and last year went 12 times. I ride a Sierra Crew and shitty ass Burton Freestyle boots that i got new for $49. They are detestably soft so i want new boots for this year with more support and control. I also have narrow (and size 13) feet so i'm looking at Salomons. Would an "Expert" boot like an F22 be too stiff for me? If so why and would happen? Would it just be too squirrely and response to incorrect movements? Would the F20s be better? Thanks!

10-28-2010, 11:17 AM	#9 (permalink)
mwl001 Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 81	Rode my first 4 days last spring and ended up buying F22s as my first boot. I have 3 days in them, they're fantastic and you'll love them (if they fit). __________________ Mike 2010 Arbor Element 2010 Rome Targa 2011 NS Evo 2011 Rome 390 Boss 2009 Salomon F22

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10-25-2010, 09:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
john doe Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,247	Get the stiffer boot. There will be an adjustment period but afterwards you will be better off.

10-26-2010, 09:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
DC5R Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,610	Stiff boots respond better to input, so the stiffer you go, the quicker the board will respond with less effort. You can always not tie the upper portion of the boot as tight so you technically get a softer flex off the boot. As you become more comfortable with the flex, start tightening up the laces more. I ride the F20s and they're a great boot.

10-26-2010, 01:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mirage Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Da Cut Posts: 107	I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I decided to get the Ride Insano boots and think that they will be of use as I get better. From what I was reading, the F22 is for almost exclusive all mountain while the F20 is a little softer/more forgiving. If you are like me and don't have any aspirations of park just get the stiffer boot. GL!

10-26-2010, 06:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
TXBDan Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 126	Cool, thanks. I got some clearance 2010 F22s on the way, woot!

10-26-2010, 07:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
Starter Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 77	sorry didnt see you had picked your boots already. hope they are super comfy.

10-26-2010, 08:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
tekniq33 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 723	F22's will be good. Only boots I know of that would possibly be too stiff are the driver x. Holy hell are those things stiff.

10-26-2010, 10:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
AlxStat Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 91	i believe boots should just be confortable... unless your extremely serious about the sport

10-28-2010, 12:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
Mirage Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Da Cut Posts: 107	Yea, I don't think anyone is suggesting purchasing boots which are uncomfortable. You should try on a few pairs and see which ones you like. Even people who are "extremely serious" don't buy boots that hurt their feet. You can get very comfortable boots at different stiffnesses. I had heard great things about the Salomons but read they tend to be narrower and with my big feet I didn't bother going out of my way to try em.