Newbie needs advice on boots
 

Hi guys, I am just learning how to snowboard, and I could use some advice. So far I have just been renting boots, bindings, and boards. However, the rental boots are very uncomfortable and are limiting my enjoyment. My feet are slightly wide. I usually wear size E shoes, but sometimes I can fit in size D (10-10.5, normal arches).
Ideally, I would like to buy my own boots and to rent bindings and snowboards wherever I am boarding. I have no interest in buying a snowboard at this point.

I have the following questions:

1) From a binding/board compatibility standpoint, is it possible to just buy boots that should work with generic bindings and boards from various rental shops? (Or do I need to buy boots for specific bindings and specific boards?)

2) If #1 is possible, is there a certain brand that I should be looking at to confirm a wide range of compatibility with bindings/boards? In regards to brands, I have read that 23 and Salomon tend to run wider which is better for me. Ideally, I am looking for a set of intermediate flex, dual BOA boots, priced under $300.

Thank you in advance!

Don't worry about boot/binding fit. If you get something new you won't have a problem.

Make sure they fit really well! Try A LOT on.

Look around the 'boots' section here. Plenty on what fits what kind of feet, wide etc > Boots - Snowboarding Forum - Snowboard Enthusiast Forums

well disagree a bit. I bought a new pair of upper end Burton's. they hurt my feet something fierce. Was able to return them and got a pair of Salomon's. They feel a ton better. Best thing to do is try on a ton and hopefully find a sales person who knows what they are talking about.

My mistake was I wanted Burton's cause they had the smallest profile. that is all I concentrated on. I was wrong.

Find the boot that fits you the best. and with technology today, there is not much need for it to "break in" before it feels good. they should feel good from the start.

Thanks guys
 

I'm going Thursday to try on every boot in sight!

I have the 2012 DC Judge boots with dual BOA and love them. My feet are a little wider than most, and these boots fit me great. But I don't think DC is generally known for having wide boots so if your feet are a lot wider than most (I don't know what size E and D mean), then you might need something else. I'd recommend trying them on though if that's an option.

I love thirtytwo boots....always comfy and warm...i have a wider foot and always had a hard time finding boots over the years...thirtytwo boots hit the mark!!!

Agreed, Thirty-Two boots are all about focused fit. Try on a few pairs and you'll agree. If fit us what you're looking for 32 is the best way to go. Just make sure you give the new boots time to break in. That takes at least 12 to 24 hours of solid riding to get them broke in. Give it time, have em heat molded, and if you want to go the extra mile get a custom foot bed molded from Super-Feet. It makes a whole world of difference.

Quick update for anyone who cares
 

Since it is now later in the season, the boot selection in my size at stores was very limited. I first tried on some Burtons and Vans, but they were too narrow. There were no DC or Salomon boots available to try.

In the end, I was debating between the 32 STW BOA and the Lashed. Although I loved the idiot proof ease of the BOA, the single BOA did not fit right (good fit on the foot, but too loose around the ankle/calf). Unfortunately, there were no double BOA boots to try on. I eventually settled on the 32 Lashed (with laces) for $150.

I'm just glad that I never have to wear uncomfortable rentals again! Thanks to everyone for their help.

Newbie needs advice on boots
 

Ull enjoy the lashed boots! Like he said give em a good few to break in they will be stiff....i usually wear my molds around on a day off for a few hrs to mold them to my feet!

Give them 12 to 24 hours of solid riding to break em in. That should be about four or five days out on the hill. You can speed up the process by heat molding them at the shop, and finish off the package with custom foot beds. Great boot choice in Thirty Two.