"THE" good snowmobile boot: how to choose it?<

Contents

Advice and suggestions for making your choice

Hello, gang of snowmobile enthusiasts! Winter is coming soon! The degrees are already starting to drop on the thermometer and some regions of northern Quebec have already seen their first snowflakes!

For my part, I am currently reviewing the clothes and accessories that I will possibly change for the coming season. Perhaps you are also wondering if you will spoil yourself and acquire a new pair of boots this winter?

If that's the case, here, without pretending to be a “3M Thinsulate” or “Gore-Tex” “pro”, are some tips and suggestions from a friend to enlighten you in your shopping.

First, which snowmobile practice do you intend to do the most? Trail, off-trail, hybrid? Make your choice based on your most common practice.

Also evaluate the frequency of your outings, their duration, their location, whether you are generally a driver or a passenger, etc.

If you practice off-trail or hybrid snowmobiling, you have to ask yourself if you have several kilometers to cover on trail before getting to your off-trail “spot”.

If so, you'll need a boot that keeps you warm for the ride, while keeping you dry on the run.

Otherwise – some of you have certainly experienced this – you will return home with damp feet… and quickly freezing!

All these elements will necessarily influence the model of boots on which you will make your choice.

You also have to ask yourself if, at the base, you are a person who is always hot or always cold in life, like on the handlebars of your snowmobile.

It may seem banal said like that, but do the exercise! This will necessarily have to be considered in your choice.

What type of driving do you adopt (more or less aggressive)?

If you like to ride more aggressively, you might opt ​​for a boot that's a little less warm, has good breathability, is more rigid (to protect your ankles well) and has a durable sole (to prevent it from slipping). damage to the running boards of your snowmobile).

Do you usually drive seated or standing? Some boots are designed more for standing riding and will be less comfortable when seated.

Are you more or less active on your snowmobile? Normally, the more you move, the warmer you will be, so you will need a cooler boot that breathes more.

Each person is different. Keep in mind that it is possible that you opt for a pair of boots that is not necessarily in the logic of things according to your person quite simply.

Coldplay taking the time to write in Korean, tagging the RIGHT account since a lot of people do not how to do it, c… https://t.co/MoOqradj8w

— 🧸⁷ JK Wed Feb 24 11:19:56 +0000 2021

Obviously, the allocated budget will have an impact on your choice. Unfortunately, you can't expect to have a pair of competition boots for the sum of $100.

Most quality pairs of boots range between $300 and $500. You can obviously find pairs of boots that are below this price range.

However, one must be prepared to accept a little less quality and make less frequent and sustained use of it. If you only do a few outings during the winter without long hikes, a less expensive pair of boots might do just fine.

Little budget trick by the way.

Most companies now manufacture boots equipped with the “Boa” system on the laces. If you like a particular boot, check if it is also available with regular laces.

It will then certainly be less expensive in this version (you can sometimes see nearly $100 in savings). Without a shadow of a doubt, the “Boa” system makes your life easier, while keeping your boots snug and snug throughout your outings.

On the other hand, the option of regular laces allows you to have access to the same quality of boots, while paying less.

Too often, people neglect the choice of stockings. They will sometimes believe that their boots are not good, too warm or not warm enough, when in reality, their stockings are not suitable.

If your feet get wet easily in your boots, it may be because you've opted for socks that are too warm, don't breathe, and don't wick away moisture well.

And wet feet means frozen feet until the end of the day! Feel free to test with thin, good quality athletic socks, rather than chunky snowmobile socks.

I also invite you to drag several pairs of stockings with you. This will allow you to change them as needed if they get wet or go from a warmer to less warm pair and vice versa.

On the contrary, if you tend to have cold feet, you could start by buying a good pair of warm socks adapted for snowmobiling before changing your boots.

Sometimes it can make all the difference and your wallet will thank you. A multitude of companies like Ski-Doo, Klim, FXR, 509, and so on, offer a range of socks adapted to your uses.

1. Trail or hybrid riding: looking for ultimate warmth!

If your budget allows, I recommend the FXR Backshift boot. With 1,200 grams of insulation, this is the warmest boot FXR has made.

It has a durable sole that absorbs shock.

It is comfortable, water-repellent and breathes well (HydrX Pro membrane from FXR), while providing excellent support for your ankles, unlike the traditional trail boot that we all have in mind!

Its slippers are removable and replaceable: handy for placing them in front of the camp wood stove!

Good news for those who might find it bulkier than other boots: it has been redesigned in 2021 with fewer panels, in order to slim it down at the end of the foot.

Even though I recommend it more for trail riding (because it offers unparalleled warmth), be aware that many people with "chilled feet" still benefit from using it for hybrid driving.