Recommendation: snowboard boot/binding fitting in northern Vermont

Submitted by Naive_Midnight_5732 t3_yeqvpx in vermont

I’m trying to get back into snowboarding now that I have a young kid taking interest in the sport. My problem is that I now have excruciating arch pain in both feet whenever I try to hit the slopes. I think it’s likely my bindings (possibly in combination with my boots). Any recommendations for someone/someplace that can give me a competent fitting to get me straightened out?

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1DollarOr1Million t1_iu065lp wrote

I was just at the Burton flagship store in south Burlington (80 industrial parkway) and to my surprise they have one of those laser foot modeling machines that some footwear stores will use to fit you for running shoes. I believe they also sell Superfeet insoles there, so if you need better arch support that might be an option.

IMO Burton makes the best stuff anyway, especially bindings, so might as well check it out and talk to the shop folks there, and try some stuff on. There is a reason every other binding company has straight up cloned their heel strap design, it’s the most comfortable.

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Naive_Midnight_5732 OP t1_iu20y0y wrote

Thanks everyone for your advise and suggestions. Definitely some good stuff here.

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_itzf45e wrote

Does the arch pain happen off the slopes as well?

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Naive_Midnight_5732 OP t1_itzh2o1 wrote

No. Never have foot issues except for when I snowboard. I’m pretty sure it’s the bindings. The strap pushes down on my foot instead of in on my ankle and causes the arch muscles to do too much work. At least that is what it feels like.

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1DollarOr1Million t1_iu06xyf wrote

I have the same problem with a current pair of bindings and it’s the heal strap. It’s too cushioned, so I’m order to get a snug and responsive fit, I have to crank it down, which then pushes down on my arch too much. I’d either get a more firm/stuff boot, or buy different heal straps, or both. If you have Burton bindings, you can buy their current heel strap system for $20 each and should help prevent that issue.

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huskers2468 t1_itzhayw wrote

Orthotics? You can have a professionally made set for you for the hill and walking around. Might be worth it.

I like Inner Bootworks at Pinnacle Sports in Stowe. They are very helpful and knowledgeable.

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8valvegrowl t1_itzhxp3 wrote

Yeah, sounds like some adjusting to your strap angles and placement is key. Most good snowboard shops can help with this.

I've had good experiences with boot fitting at both the Burton flagship store (the original, not the downtown one) and at Alpine Shop.

I now use a semi-custom footbed in my snowboard boots, ski boots, hiking boots, and daily shoes (I have pretty high arches). Makes a big difference.

If you can't get the straps to ever work nicely, I switched to Burton Step-On boots/bindings last year for the days I'm riding...huge improvement for a 40+ y/o with a lot of aches and injuries...no more struggling to strap in, or struggling to get out (also a big help when working with young 'uns). Not cheap, since you need to buy new boots and bindings together, but I found it worth it.

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Naive_Midnight_5732 OP t1_itzkgk2 wrote

Are the step ins good for the arches too? I’m a little older than you are. It’s a long ass way down there to strap in nowadays.

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