While most riders will say any day on the mountain is a great day, every snowboarder wants to get better at carving their way down the slopes. Besides getting in lots of runs, having the right gear can help in a big way - not only to improve the fit of your snowboard boots, but also to improve your snowboarding ability.
For maximum comfort, safety, and performance on the slopes, a pair of quality snowboard boot insoles can make a major difference. Adding a pair into your boots will improve support, decrease pain or discomfort, and let you stomp the landings on those kickers.
In one word: No. Generic snowboard boot inserts from the factory are made with low arch contours. While they won’t cause too much discomfort for most people, they don’t provide much in the way of support, either. Snowboard boot makers expect serious snowboarders to retrofit their boots with insoles to get the most comfortable, performance-enhancing support.
Snowboarding is all about having the right biomechanics. You're constantly shifting your weight over your board, which means the arches of your feet need to be supported so that you can apply maximum pressure on your edges and avoid overpronation (turning inward).
When your knees are bent over the board as you turn, your arches will flatten out without adequate support. This weakens your feet and causes them to overpronate. The right snowboard boot insoles give you the ultimate support and strength as you shift your weight over your board.
Aside from enhancing your performance on the slopes, there are many reasons why you need good-fitting, supportive inserts in your snowboard boots:
It's easy to get confused by all of the terminology - inserts, insoles, orthotics, arch supports. Are they all the same thing?
Inserts, insoles and arch supports generally refer to the same product: an insert that is made to provide additional cushioning and support for your feet. “Orthotics” is a term that was once used primarily to describe custom supportive insoles that are prescribed by a physician, but the term is becoming more widespread to describe over-the-counter products as well.
The key difference in determining what you need to buy is the distinction of a custom fit.
If you have an extreme foot irregularity that requires correction, your doctor may prescribe custom-fitted orthotics to provide support for and help correct your foot’s abnormality.
Once you find out how expensive custom orthotics are, you're probably asking yourself, "are they worth it?" especially when you consider the alternatives.
You can spend a little or a lot on snowboard insoles. When considering value, remember that the better fit, support, and comfort your inserts provide, the more control you’ll have on your board and the better experience overall.
The secret to a great day of snowboarding is being comfortable in your boots. When you're riding for hours, you want to make sure your feet have the support they need to you can preform better and avoid foot fatigue. Add a pair of Tread Labs Dash Performance Insoles to your snowboard boots and see the difference they make in your ride.
Questions? Drop us a line at hello@treadlabs.com. We're here to help.
Mark has always believed exceptional footwear can change lives. He's been in the footwear industry for over 30 years, working with podiatrists, pedorthists, foot care experts, and footwear makers. Mark started Chaco sandals in 1989 and developed a game-changing sport sandal that delivered comfort and durability. After Chaco sold in 2009, Mark ultimately started Tread Labs to continue transforming people's footwear so they can walk better, feel better, live better.