Are you struggling with how your snowboard boots fit? If they feel uncomfortable in certain areas and cause pain with extended wear, you might need to mold your boots to fit perfectly.
Molding your boots at home, whether with heat or without, can greatly change the way they hug your feet and the level of comfort and protection from injury.
We’ve compiled a ‘How to’ mold your snowboard boots at home, both with the use of heat and without.
Different Methods to Mold Snowboard Boots at Home
Molding without heat
Self-molding boots, in most cases, don’t need artificial heating. Your body temperature is, over time, enough to wear it in. This process may seem tedious and time-consuming, but it can be the safer method, especially, for new users.
Wear the Boots: Wear the socks you plan to use while snowboarding. Put on your boots and wear them around the house for an extended period and let them conform to the shape of your feet. Be patient with the process as this may take some wear.
Use Warm Water: Submerge your boots in warm to soften the material slightly. Put on your wet boots and adjust so that they are sitting snugly on your feet. They will hold their shape as they dry out in the molded position. Do not use hot water as it can damage the boots.
Padding and Inserts: Paddings and inserts that fit the shape of your feet can greatly enhance the support and comfort of your feet. Using pads fills the gaps without causing any permanent alterations to the boot’s structure. Identify the pressure points and provide padding to these areas in particular.
Molding with heat
Molding your snowboard boots with heat is an easier process that requires less time. However, you have to be very careful as the changes made during the healing process are permanent.
Molding with the help of a hairdryer or heat gun: Remove the insoles and liners of your boot. Wearing the socks you plan to wear while snowboarding, use a hair dryer on medium level to warm up your boot. Hold it 6 to 8 inches away from your boot and warm it up evenly. Carefully put on the boot liners and make sure to position your feet properly and securely inside the liners. After your foot is in, lace up your boots to be snug but not too tight around your feet.
Allow your boots to mold to your natural stance during daily use. Stand with the boots on in a riding position, with your knees slightly bent wearing the wet boot. Apply pressure to the areas you want to conform to your foot’s shape. You can employ your hands to press and mold the exterior to the fitting you need.
Allow the boots to cool down: This should be done with your feet inside your boot for at least 15-20 minutes. This cooling process helps set the boot liner to the shape of your feet. Remove and test the form of the boots once they have cooled. Put the insoles back in, and wear the boots for a little while to ensure the fit is comfortable. If you find any discomfort or want better adjustment follow the same process.
Heating your boot with a microwave is also another method that has been used. This is, however, unsafe and not recommended.
Precautions to Take When Molding Snowboard Boots
- When using a heat source, make sure to avoid high heat as this can destroy your boot.
- Remember that heat molding is irreversible. Take your time and make gradual adjustments if needed rather than try and mold in one session.
- Be careful not to overdo it when you are molding your boot to your feet after heating it; the goal is to achieve a comfortable fit, not to deform the boot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What tools do I need to mold snowboard boots at home?
To mold your snowboard boots at home, you will need your boots, boot liners, and the socks you plan to wear with these boots. If you plan on using heat to mold your boots, you will need a heat source, preferably, a hair dryer.
Q. What temperature should the boots reach when heating them?
The optimum temperature for you to mold your snowboard boot is warm to the touch. Overheating can damage the boot’s material.
Q. What if my boots are too tight or too loose after molding?
In case your boots are too tight after heat molding them, you can try stretching them slightly by following the same process. If they’re too loose, you can add insoles or paddings to tighten the fit on your boots.
Final Thought
Molding your snowboard boots is crucial for comfort, performance, and safety for your experience outdoors. Understanding the suitable molding process that is particular for your boots ensures your feet’s comfort and helps to prevent any damage to you are your boot.
Take proper precautions when molding your boots at home so as not to cause injury to yourself and damage to your boots.
