There are many folks that have some issues with the so-called pressure points inside their snowboard boots. Needless to say, this keeps them from fully enjoying this amazing wintertime sport. Are things supposed to be that way or is there a way out? Shouldn’t there be some kind of trick you can get rid of pressure points in snowboard boots?

Okay, that next-to-last question was a bit overly dramatic. The whole “is there a way out” thing might be too much. Still, we can’t say that solving this problem is something you’d call a piece of cake. However, it ain’t much of a hassle, too. Anyway, in the text you’re about to read, we’ll show you just how to get rid of pressure points in snowboard boots!

There’s a good chance that you still have to break in your snowboard boots. However, if that’s not the case – try heat molding your boots the natural way by wearing them around the house (at room temperature or warmer). Also, make sure you’re wearing thin socks that are longer than your boot’s height.

There’s simply no reason to stop right there. Therefore, please continue reading.

Snowboard boots issues 101

First of all, let’s provide you with something that resembles a showcase of various issues with snowboard boots, that sine qua non of snowboarding gear. Once we’re done with that, we’ll introduce you to the ways you can handle those very same issues. Stay tuned!

Why do my feet go numb in my snowboard boots?

This is probably the commonest of common questions folks like to ask concerning snowboard boots (just like this one). It’s an issue every beginner snowboarder probably encountered. Once you’ve noticed your foot feels a bit numb after a snowboarding session, the reason behind it is probably that your nerve’s damaged. Unfortunately, sometimes it can take weeks (or even – months) before your foot is alright and ready for action. It all, of course, depends on the severity of the issue we’re talking about here.

Why does it happen? Well, it’s often because, once your feet are placed in snowboard boots, there’s some good old pressure to the top of your foot. Needless to say, that’s where your nerves are running. If your boot doesn’t fit your foot the way it’s supposed to… Yeah, it’s fairly natural that you’ll encounter issues since there isn’t enough space in the area for your foot to breathe and enjoy some solitude, and all the pressure will end up bugging your dorsal nerves (which ain’t a good thing).

For more useful info on this subject, we’ve already written a piece on feet going numb in snowboard boots.

Why do my snowboard boots give me blisters?

That just might be the sign that your snowboard boots are way too tight; blisters like to occur where there is ever-present pressure. However, blisters will most probably appear even if the snowboard boots are too loose. That’s because of all the rubbing which usually occurs at the heel and on the sides of your feet. The thing is: your snowboard boots will have to fit snugly everywhere. We’re talking heels, insteps, and toeboxes. Hardly touching the ends of your boot with your toes is a good enough sign that everything’s alright.

Is it normal for snowboard boots to hurt?

Well, don’t expect a yes or no answer here. Whether it’s normal for your snowboard boots to hurt is a question that demands you take a few things into consideration. First of all, your feet might hurt because you haven’t properly broken in your snowboard boots. It’s absolutely normal for feet to hurt until that moment occurs. On the other hand, your feet might hurt because you’ve obtained boots that are an incorrect size. In that case, the pain you feel isn’t normal and you should replace your boots.

Why do my snowboard boots hurt my ankle?

Okay, so there’s another area that can suffer from compression; we’re talking about the behind of the outside ankle bone. You might already know this, but it’s where the so-called sural nerve’s located. The thing is: many snowboard boots give the wearer plenty of padding around the ankles in order for the foot to stay securely in place. Too much of it will, of course, put some pressure on your ankle. Therefore, you’ll feel pain and unease.

Now that we’ve covered the basic snowboarding-boots-pain questions folks type into their search bars, it’s time to answer the one we’ve put into the title of this article: how do you get rid of pressure points in snowboard boots?

How do you get rid of pressure points in snowboard boots?

Alright, so we’ve presented the most common issues up above. Now it’s time we show you some solutions. Mainly, we’ll show you the ways you can get rid of so-called pressure points in snowboard boots.

What are pressure points?

In simplest terms: they’re certain points on your body’s surface that are pretty sensitive to pressure. Talking about snowboard boots, one could guess these pressure points are located on your foot: it could be your ankle, for instance. Or your trusty toes. Whatever the case – here’s how you’ll deal with these painful issues!

Breaking in snowboard boots

First of all, you’ll want to make sure that the pain isn’t caused by the sole fact you haven’t broken in your snowboard boots. In order to ensure the maximum level of comfortability and safety, snowboard boots must be broken in.

Now, of course, everything depends on the type and brand of the snowboard boots you’re planning to get. However, most models will require you to wear them for at least 15 hours before they break in. Also, most of them will demand you buy half a size bigger model.

Anyway, the whole process of breaking in your new snowboard boots revolves around the inner liner. The thing is: even though the exterior of your shoe will most likely wear out over time, it will preserve its shape pretty well. However, a boot liner will have to be re-shaped to match your foot.

Many contemporary snowboard boots brands (and here’s one that you can’t mess around with) offer their users heat-moldable inner liners inside the newer models that they manufacture. That’s a very good thing since it will save you some good amount of time and discomfort that’s associated with breaking in the boots manually.

Okay, and how does one do it?

So, the aforementioned heat molding is a technology available for usage in most snowboard shops. How does it work? Well, the hot air is utilized to soften the boot liner foam. It lasts for about 15 minutes, you’ll heat the liners inside the outer shell. Once it’s done, you’ll step inside your snowboard boots and place your feet into a snowboarding position. As the boot cools down, it will share and mold around your foot.

Another way you could do it doesn’t require you to visit the snowboard shop. You’ll just have to wear them as much as possible while you’re chilling at home, working, well, at work, or doing anything that’s not snowboarding itself. Your body heat and the weight of your foot will together naturally stretch the liner to fit the shape of your foot. Lastly, some snowboarders suggest you should push out your toes intentionally in order to form some extra space for them.

How to know if your boots are too tight?

Okay, let’s say the whole break-in process didn’t work; you still feel the discomfort. It might mean you’ve bought boots that are just too tight. Here’s how you’ll test that one out:

• Option #1: Remove the inner lining. Simply place your foot inside the outer shell. Does the top of your foot touch the ceiling of the outer shell? If that’s so, chances are you’ve bought boots that are just too small.
• Option #2: Once again, remove the inner lining. Place your foot inside the boot so your toes touch the edge of the shell. Try to fit your finger between your heel and the back of the boot. If you’re not able to do it, your boots are too small, and you should probably obtain half-size bigger boots.

Also, it’s not just the boots that need to be broken in. We’ve also published an article about breaking in a climbing rope.

How to make some space inside the boots?

Here are a couple of suggestions on how to make some space inside the boots and relieve those pressure points we’ve talked about.

First of all, you’ll want to try and naturally mold the boot so it fits the shape of your foot. Ensure that the boots are at room temperature (or warmer) and wear them while acting like you’re riding a snowboard (flexing, bending, etc.).

The next thing you’ll want to try is wearing thin socks while the break-in period is still on. Contrary to what some of you might think, wearing two pairs of socks isn’t so recommended. That’s because they’ll bunch up and result in your foot suffering from bruises and blisters. Also, you’ll want to avoid cotton. The best materials are synthetic or wool; they’ll provide you with the highest amount of comfiness and flexibility.

Oh, and another thing: once you’re heat molding your snowboard boots, make sure you wear socks that are longer than the height of your boot. Also, try not to tighten your boots so much when you’re trying to get them in shape with heat molding. That way, you’ll avoid overstretching them, and, unfortunately, there’s no way to undo what’s been done.

Final thoughts

Okay, so that’s that when it comes to the subject in question (how do you get rid of pressure points in snowboard boots). Now you’re equipped with some useful knowledge that’ll help you avoid any issues that might ruin your snowboarding adventures!

For more tips related to this amazing sport, feel free to pay a visit to the snowboarding section of your blog.