December 1, 1998

Hard boots and plate bindings are usually associated with carving and racing-precision and power are their most noteworthy attributes-but the setup is also indispensable for serious backcountry riding. Hard boots vary in support, or stiffness, which is the main factor in their performance.

The taller the boot and the more buckles (typically three or four) it has relate directly to the amount of support it offers. The stiff plastic sole materials and rigid shanks of hard boots enhance board response and allow hard-carving riders to transfer more energy (create more leverage) to their boards than is possible with a boot that distorts or folds. Snowboard mountaineers depend on hard boots for sure-footed soles, kicking steps in hard snow, and easily attaching crampons (metal spikes that affix to the bottom of a boot for traction).

While racers should lean toward the powerful, stiff end of the hard-boot spectrum, and mountaineers need more flexible models because of the amount of time they spend hiking, the all-around carver falls in the middle. Plate bindings function primarily to create a strong, safe connection to the board. Bindings range in flexibility to allow for distinct styles of carving, but all attach the boot in more or less the same manner, and none release automatically.

Current trends in plate bindings are related to strength and rigidity. Many riders (especially racers) now use very stiff boards, which in turn require stiff boots and create greater force on bindings. One advantage of hard boots is that riders have their choice of custom, conformable liners, footbeds, and fit aids from the ski industry, which can achieve a level of fit superior to most soft boots and any linerless boot. Properly fitted hard boots can also be warmer and more comfortable than soft boots by alleviating the pressure of binding straps over the instep and toe (which cut off circulation). Whatever your reason or style of riding, there's a hard boot worth looking into.