Snowboards: what are they and how to choose?

These shoes are versatile and practical, they are not afraid of snow slush, frost and dampness. Snowboots are a great alternative to boots, felt boots or ugg boots that cannot cope with the changeable winter weather.

Snowboards - This is a modern, practical winter shoe that looks like lace-up or Velcro boots. The lower part of the shoe, the so-called galosh, is made of EVA, a lightweight, durable and waterproof material. The upper part of the boots is usually sewn from an insulated membrane or nylon with a water-repellent impregnation and synthetic insulation. Inside, snowboards are most often woolen. The insole is three-layer, it is she who is responsible for the warmth of the feet. The first layer removes the cold, the second prevents the feet from sweating and getting wet, and the third (outer) layer keeps you warm.

These shoes can be men, women and children. Most often, snowboards do not look very stylish - voluminous, with a grooved rough sole, galoshes, but on the other hand they are indispensable for long winter walks, sledding or snow-scooters. It is these shoes that will prevent you from getting wet and freezing in warm winter weather, when a "mess" of snow and water forms on the roads.

Snowboards are available in winter and demi-season. Winter models are designed for temperatures up to a maximum of -15 -20 degrees. Winter snowboats are usually membrane snowboards. These boots have a thick grooved sole, waterproof upper and wool insulation. The insole is also triple to provide maximum warmth even in cold weather. In the winter slush, these snowboats, as a rule, do not get wet.

Shoes with EVA overshoes are more suitable for spring and autumn, as the EVA material can harden in the cold. You can wear them at temperature conditions. from +5 to -5. There are combination snowboats - made of EVA, natural leather and wool as an internal insulation. Such models can be worn in winter in cold weather.

It is not recommended to wear insulated EVA boots for a long time indoors, so that your feet do not sweat. According to the characteristics of manufacturers, this is possible due to the fact that the material of the overshoes does not remove moisture to the outside.

Snowboots are a great alternative to felt boots and heavy leather shoes, especially for children. But shoes also have their drawbacks:

• not suitable for severe frost;
• the material does not breathe, so your feet can sweat indoors and freeze outside;
• high cost compared to felt boots and leather shoes;
• suitable for active pastime on the street, and not for quiet walks.

Despite these minor drawbacks, snowboards are very popular. This shoe has many advantages:

• waterproof;
• suitable for warm winters and in slushy weather;
• lightweight and durable;
• they are easy to care for - just wipe with a damp cloth.

Generally, EVA snowboards and shoes were created for winter hunting and fishing, then manufacturers began to add them to their everyday urban collections... Therefore, these shoes may not look very elegant or versatile. It will appeal to those who prefer an active lifestyle and sporty style.... This can be attributed to both pluses and minuses. Some manufacturers save on materials and make dutik not from EVA, but from other similar materials that “stand up” in the cold and let water through. Feet in them sweat a lot and cool quickly.

WITHNotebooks differ from dutikers in that the latter can be worn down to -30 degrees, depending on the manufacturer. And shoes with EVA elements are not suitable in severe frost, it is better to wear them in the off-season or warm winter with snowy "porridge". Winter dutikas are much warmer than snowboots, as they have a thick sole, fur inside and an additionally insulated upper with synthetic material.

If you choose between felt boots and snowboards, then Ideally, you need to have both pairs in order to wear boots in a severe dry frost, and waterproof boots with EVA galoshes for slush. Shoes made of genuine leather for babies are needed only for the "exit", as in such boots or boots during a long walk, the feet will freeze. In this case, the snowboots win. What is better to choose with a wide variety of shoes - it's up to you.

We have prepared a rating of the best snowboards for winter and off-season from different manufacturers. The leaders are Norwegian and Finnish brands, for example, Reima and Viking - they have in their assortment both children's and adult models of snowboards and membrane boots, designed for the European winter (up to -15). With high activity of children, such shoes can be worn at -20 -25 degrees.

In second place are snowboots. Sorel - a classic among this type of footwear. Women's, men's and children's models are designed for severe frost and slush. The upper is made of EVA and genuine leather, insulation is natural wool.

On the 3rd place is the Russian brand "Nordman", which offers quality snowboots and membrane boots with natural and artificial wool insulation. Waterproof shoes have a number of advantages: lightweight, flexible, with comfortable Velcro fasteners.

Kuoma Is a Finnish brand known to every parent. But the assortment of the brand also includes adult models of warm winter shoes: waterproof membrane boots with vulcanized soles and thick insulation. Active children will be warm in them up to -15 -20 degrees.

Another nominee for third place - Gusti. This is a well-known brand that produces warm waterproof shoes. Inside there is natural wool, the insole is also wool, but not removable. Galoshes are made of modern non-slip TPR material. Temperature range - from -5 to -20 degrees, depending on the activity of the child and the layers of clothing.

On the 4th place waterproof shoes Crocsdesigned for snow puddles and warm winter weather, off-season. These snowboats have a waterproof upper, a three-layer insole, and lightweight holofiber insulation. Shoes can be worn up to a maximum of -5 degrees.

In the last place, their options for waterproof dutik are offered "Kotofey" and "Kapika". Their assortment includes models for the smallest babies, with natural insulation for greater warmth. But such models are not suitable for those who sit in a stroller or sled for the entire walk.

When choosing snowboards as your main winter shoe, pay attention to the insulation and inner lining - it must be combined, made of membrane and natural wool... It is better if, instead of EVA galoshes, the boots are completely made of a waterproof membrane with a thick sole. Demi-season ducks should have an EVA overshoe, a three-layer insole, woolen insulation and a waterproof upper material. When choosing such a model, pay attention to the quality of the seams. Galoshes must be free of glue marks and uneven edges.

Snowboards can be casual, urban or special, intended, for example, for hunters. Such boots are durable, with a high bootleg, very warm and outwardly rough. They cannot be worn in the city for a walk - the design and materials give them a special purpose. To choose such a model, you should contact the sports and travel store... Hunting snowboards should be high, waterproof, with modern artificial insulation (for lightness).

Basic everyday snowboats for the city are loved by children and teenagers for their lightness, warmth and waterproofness. Choose shoes that are 0.5-1 cm larger so that you can put on a warm sock and feel comfortable... In this case, the foot will not freeze.

If we are talking about small children, then it is better for them to choose shoes with a light fastener - wide strong Velcro so that the child can take off and put on his boots himself. The stock should also be good - about 1 cm in the insole. This way you can create air exchange in your shoes and, on occasion, wear a warmer and thicker sock. It should be remembered that snowboards are shoes for active, running children. If the child does not walk yet or is not very active on the street, then it is better to give preference to warmer shoes, for example, felt boots or uggs.

Below is a video review of snowboards for children.