How Tight Should Boa Boots Be?

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As with any snowboarding boot, you will want them to fit like a glove on a hand. Every part of the foot should have contact with the inner lining. There are going dials that help adjust the boots to be snug and more fit with the rider’s needs.

Therefore, when putting them on, be sure to get comfortable, then use the single (or dual on some boots) dials to increase the tightness in those areas via guard lines and laces.

This is what makes BOA boots a worthy investment; the hidden mechanics within the boot itself are game changers.

 

How Should You Set It Up?

When you first start wearing the boot, set everything to the base (default) setting and step foot inside. Depending on the model, size of a person, and other elements, the next step will be to strap in.

The dials within the BOA boots are made to adjust the settings to tighten laces and other guided lines built-in that will tighten and squeeze the boot in certain areas in design with the natural movement of a snowboarder.

Dual dial technology will allow riders to adjust laces and inner working lines, and single dial tech will focus more on the laces or inner working lines and have an assortment of hybrid options.

 

How Can You Tell If It’s Too Tight?

There will be telltale signs when the boots are being tightened too much, such as numbness and purpling in the feet. This is because there needs to be enough space for the blood cells to transport oxygenated blood to the feet and back to the heart.

Other means of telling if a boot is too tight, toes pinching, or needing to be squinched will be clear indicators the fitting is too small and should be up in size.

Then there are going to be dial settings that just need to be ‘dialed’ back, releasing some of the tension to allow for an extra sock to make up the difference in some cases.

 

Tips and Tricks: for Tightening BOA Boots

BOA offers a multitude of configurations that will create different tension and tightening points between two or three zones of customization.

Tips include starting the dial customization with the toes and working your way up, and there are some models that will have a remote lace tightening system that will secure the lower foot into place.

From there, use the two dials to secure the upper ankle and lower leg into place, even so as to make an airtight seal, and be sure that the feel is comfortable to avoid unnecessary sores or injuries.

 

What Can Happen if You Set it Up Incorrectly?

The issues that arise with an improperly set up boot will result in blistering, sores, discomfort on the slopes, and possible injury to the rider.

Therefore, there is a premium in getting the setting correct, insoles heat molded, then have a trial period of walking around in your boots to find out if the dial setup is correct for your lower extremities.

When purchasing a boot with these sorts of features, it is best to consult professionals, experts, and local shop owners who have knowledge of the systems and get the insight straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

 

How Long Should It Take?

There are commonly timed-out projections for when snowboard boots will be broken in; the BOA being no exception, will take just about as long to do the same. The difference is that the settings can adjust over time, changing how riders look at their footwear equipment.

The overall process of getting the settings right extends throughout the life of the snowboard boots themselves, meaning that the integrity of the outside coverings will decline to make the inner tightening harnesses even more critical over time.

On average, boots are looking at one hundred fifty trips out to the slopes, which should be about how long it takes.

 

Final Thoughts on How Tight Should Boa Boots be

There is something to be said about a nice pair of boots, especially in colder and wetter weather situations. This includes being up on the mountain tops, combating cold and snow while getting the rush of a lifetime.

BOA creates models for pros like Travis Rice, who utilizes the dual dial systems to get his foot gear in proper order to perform at the level of excellence he does.

Burton is the biggest name, along with K2, that has requested models of boots be made for their factories and sponsored riders.

If you are looking for your second or third pair of snowboard boots, take a look at these boots for an upper-range fixture.