Like bindings and boards, there are many different types and styles of boots. Good boots will give you support in your feet and ankles while riding and offer you the maximum control over your board. Choosing the correct boot and fit for the type of riding you're planning on doing is absolutely essential.

Soft boots are the most comfortable and can be used with highback strap bindings. They consist of two parts: an inner liner and a stiffer outer boot. The liner is usually made of a softer neoprene designed to keep your feet warm dry. It will generally feature a separate set of laces so you can tighten the liner independently of the outer boot. The outer boot provides the sturdiness to the boot and is generally covered in a synthetic waterproof material. Soft boots are generally the preferred boot of choice for most recreational riders.

Along with buying your boot, it's important to know what type of binding you want to use before you decide what type of boot to buy because not all boots and bindings are universally compatible. For instance, soft boots and strap bindings offer you the most flexibility in choices; pretty much any soft boot can be used with a strap binding. On the other hand step-in boots must be used with step-in bindings, so if you're going this way, it's best to choose the boots and bindings in a set to ensure compatibility.

Now that you've decided which boot and binding system to use, the next, and most important step is to head down to the ski/snowboard shop to try on boots. It's always a good idea to bring snowboard socks with you if you have them. If not, the shop usually has one you can use. Never try on boots with regular socks; as snowboard socks are thicker, padded and made of material that will wick sweat away from your feet. This makes a huge difference in how a boot feels and fits.

It's a good idea to talk to a knowledgeable sales person and explain what your looking for. Let him help you make a few selections to try on. Once you do get a boot on, make sure your heel is seated in the heel cup, and tighten the liner lacing system first before doing the outer boot laces. You want it to be snug, but not so tight it cuts off your circulation. If you don't feel like it's tight enough, you can stand and slightly rock back and forth as you pull on the lacing system.

Now that you're laced into the boot, walk around to get a feeling for how well it supports your feet and ankles. Make sure you don't feel it pinching you anywhere. If it feels good, take a riding stance about shoulder width apart and lean forward a little to make sure your heel doesn't lift out of the heel cup. Next to overall support and comfort, this is the most important thing to check when buying boots.

It's highly recommended you repeat these steps with several pair of boots to get an idea of which one fits your best; and it's always a good idea to try on both boots to ensure a good fit on both feet.