help me for my japan trip please
Just backing up what everyone else is saying - boots are your FIRST priority, not your last.
thanks for the responses guys. i got a lot to go on now.
didn’t know boots made such a big difference - mind you, i’ve never worn a good pair of boots haha.
In my opinion, not all expensive boots are necessarily good because if they dont fit well then you’d be cursing that you spent so much and all you’re getting is sore feet.
ok then, boots boots boots.
suggestions?
im going for three weeks so i can see the positives of boots.
im still thinking el cheapo boots such as the burton tribute 2009
STM says it has #
# Heat-Moldable Imprint™ Liner
# Fit Panels
# Integrated Liner Lacing
Sole:
# 2-Part Outsole
# EVA Cushioning
# Rubber Ice Spikes
Footbed:
# Molded EVA Footbed
Shell:
# Soft Flex Thin Profile 3D® Molded Tongue
I’d suggest gettign into a shop and trying boots on. Maybe have some in mind, for example via suggestions or reviews, then try those or similar boots on in store. This should allow a more comfortable fit for your own foot
The Tributes offer good value, but they are budget boots. Don’t limit yourself to one pair of boots, they might be completely wrong for your foot shape. Also take into account the flex of the boots, the Tributes are very soft.
My honest suggestion would be to increase you budget slightly and step up to the $350 price range. You will find a lot of good boots around that price. Generally speaking a more expensive boot has better materials and takes more time to break down, meaning they will last longer. Don’t forget if you spend over $300 you also get your tax back at the airport.
The best thing you can do is decide your budget, then try on several boots within your budget to see what works best for your foot shape. Unfortunately it’s getting towards the end of the season, so you won’t have a full range to try on.
I would recommend reading the boot fitting guide: https://www.boardworld.com.au/content/category/boot-fitting/
arent there a few specialist snowboard boot fitters around?
i know they fit ski boots and all but if you have wierd feet shapes im pretty sure there are a couple of places that do special fitting
man, this snowboarding is expensive! everyone should man up and snowboard in clogs.
oh, well, ill try on some boots of various price ranges and see if i experience this mythical 300 dollar foot-gasm.
thanks guys
wow! i just found a really cheap american snowboard shopping site sierrasnowboard.com
if i can get a board for these kinda prices i will shell out more on the boots.
anyone had experience with this site before? are they reliable?
Some brands they won’t ship to Australia (including Burton). Also buying overseas voids the warranty in Australia. Shipping on a board will be quite pricey too.
I know people do buy from these sites, but honestly I would not buy from them. This could be the Australian snow industry person in me, but I think it’s always better to get the ongoing customer service, the warranty, and to support the Australian industry. I always support our small local industry, rather than the huge online stores from overseas, but I understand your situation and that’s your call. Just keep all factors in mind - shipping prices, void warranty, sale prices and tax back in Oz. Either way let us know how it goes.
hmm
well, i have plenty of time before my trip so im gonna shop around in aus a lot before making any purchases.
thanks for all the advice. either way, whatever gear i end up with, im sure ill have heaps of fun, and its not really about the gear but the people and the snow.
cheers
When I was buying my gear I also spent ages looking around. Sites like Sierra are fairly good but as Rider mentioned lots of brands cant be shipped here and you will find the shipping costs are often atleast $90 (US) just for 1 item.
its not really about the gear but the people and the snow.
Well said mate. Japan will be awesome. Keep us posted.
where are you headed?
im going to niseko. not sure which lodge yet. i’ve heard Hakuba Valley is better but i think i need the tourist benefits of niseko just for ease of travel. i’ve decided to get some quality boots and goggles in aus - so there’s a solid $400-450 going back into the aussie market for you rider26. but its too expensive to buy all my gear from aus - i have done a lot of searching! ill either rent here or buy from the US. i would just rent but i want to get the maximum benefits of the lush, un-slush jap powder.
orrrr
alternately ill wait till right before i go and look for some second hand good condish boards
my dad just got back from skiing in NZ and from the pictures i think that will be a destination for next season for sure - the hills are huge!