Snowboarding Boots vs. Snowmobile Boots

Now and then people ask "Can we use snowboarding boots for snowmobiling or vice versa?" Absolutely, you have the liberty to do that.

However, it is recommended that you don't. Granted that most comfortable snowboard boots are designed to keep your feet warm, just like how snowmobiling boots are intended to do.

Yet there are few design aspects in snowboarding boots that makes them less practical for snowmobiling.

For instance, when you use snowboarding boots while snowmobiling the design of the former can cause bruising on your calves and legs.

There's also a possibility that you might end up damaging your boots since they lack the thick protection needed to withstand the ride on a snowmobile.

Still, confused? Don't worry once you understand the characteristics of each boot you will realize what makes them different and specific in their purpose.

So in this following article, we shall discuss both of these boots in brief.

Snowboarding Boots

Made for snowboarding (obviously). Expert says while buying gear for snowboarding one should give more preference to the boots.

When it comes to snowboarding boots certain things take precedence, which ultimately makes them uniquely built for snowboarding. Let me explain.

Riding style and flex

There are various riding style and based on that boot models changes. An all-mountain or free-rider would opt for speed. Here stiffer and responsive boots would be ideal.

On the other hand, freestyle or recreational snowboarders go for softer models as they would be easier to navigate.

Lacing

There are 3 major types' traditional, quick pull, and boa. There are hybrid combinations involving these 3 as well.

Now the choice depends on the rider's preference, as all three of the lacing system are top-notch.

Liners

Usually made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), the liner is what you call the inner boot area. This liner is vital in providing the much-needed insulation, cushioning, and stability for a snowboarder.

I highlighted a few of the characteristics of snowboarding boots, and as you can see, these aspects are what make a snowboarding boot ideal for snowboarders.

Worried Your Boot Size! Check Out: Snowboard Boot Sizes Conversion Chart to Figure Out Your Size.

Now let's take a look at snowmobiling boots.

Snowmobiling boots

Just like snowboarding, snowmobiling requires the best snowmobile boots as well. That is if you want to enjoy a warm and comfortable ride with your snowmobile in sub-zero temperatures.

Earlier, we understood some key features of snowboarding boots, now let's do the same with snowmobiling ones to understand their distinctiveness concerning snowmobiling.

Protection

Every branded snowmobile boots come with in-built protective elements. As they should. Among these protective elements, the most important one is Kickplate.

Normally found on the toe, kickplates are thick rubber pads that form a protective covering from the sole up to the cap of the toe.

This Kickplate must protect your feet from any outside impact (you can also kick off the snow).

For a veteran and advanced rider impact plates in the boots as well as ankle protector plates are a must.

Soles and Treads

An aggressive tread pattern is a requisite when it comes to snowmobile boots. Without it, you can't handle the extreme icy and snowy conditions of winter weather.

Another important feature is the sole. The sole needs to be of high-end quality, and most importantly it shouldn't be a separate entity from the boot. Rather be an inherent part of the boot.

For further traction on ice and snow look for the boots with outer lugs (small rubber protrusions across the edges).

Insulation

Undeniable the most important aspect when it comes to snowmobiling boots is the warmth.

Wind chill can put up quite a challenge for you so you need a well-insulated boot. It is recommended that your boot should have at least 600gms of insulation.

Waterproofing

All winter boots are waterproof! Sometimes this thought can feel like a myth. When you are snowmobiling, the odds of getting wet from snow and ice increases exponentially.

Needless to say, you need such boots that are not only waterproof but should also have the ability to repel water at least to some extent. This ensures a warm, dry, and comfortable ride.

Shaft height

There are styles in snowmobile boots. Some look like traditional winter boots with high shafts, while others resemble a hiking boot.

Either way, you should choose the one which has a higher shaft to keep your ankle and calf warm and comfy.

Conclusion

Well, that concludes our segment.

I am sure you realized the differences and similarities and mainly the reason why although sharing some similarities snowboarding and snowmobiling boots should be used for their designated purpose.

Like I said right at the beginning there's no ruling on what to wear for what purpose, but given the unique features of these boots, it's no brainer to see what's better.

So head out on the snow and make some moments.