Wakeboard bindings, or wakeboard boots as they are often called, are the devices that attach your feet to the wakeboard. Many wakeboarders would contend that the bindings for your wakeboard are the most crucial piece of equipment in a wakeboarding setup, even though they might be the last thing on your mind as you choose the style of your board. Read on to learn how your wakeboard bindings should fit, the styles you have to choose from, and which ones are right for your board.
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How Should Wakeboard Boots Fit?
use U.S.-made wakeboard boots numerical shoe sizes to determine the size of their boots. Wakeboard boots shouldn’t pinch or chafe your foot; they should instead fit snugly around it. Similar to how a properly fitted shoe will feel, your toes should be just past the end of the boot when wearing closed toe footwear. As long as you fall within the range of sizes the boot offers, you should be fine for open toe boots. But it’s always a good idea to size up if you’re torn between two sizes. Since the boots are brand-new from the manufacturer and are intended to require some break-in time, it’s common for them to feel stiff when you first put them on to go riding.
Open Toe Vs. Closed Toe Boots
Open Toe
One of the main advantages of open toe boots is that they can be worn by numerous riders. This is so that they are not restricted by a toe cap on the end of the boot and can fit a variety of foot sizes. For instance, the well-known Ronix District boot is available in three sizes, each of which can accommodate a variety of foot sizes. If you fall within one of these size ranges, the boot will fit you as well as all of your friends who also fall within that range. However, you do lose a little bit of performance for what you gain in versatility and freedom. An open toe boot won’t hold your foot in place as tightly or typically offer as much support as a boot with a closed toe. A nice open toe boot will be more than adequate for the majority of riders.
Closed Toe
The closed-toe option is useful when you want to advance your wakeboarding because it provides more support and comfort. Closed-toe boots are produced in one (and occasionally two) sizes. This makes sharing among your friends more challenging because the boot will only fit someone whose feet are exactly the same size as the boot you buy. However, with what you lose in the versatility you gain in support and performance. The most supportive choice is a closed-toe boot, which will enable you to wakeboard at the highest level and give you a genuine sense of connection to your board when you are performing tricks.
What to Consider When Buying Wakeboard Boots
Flex
Flexibility is among the most crucial considerations when choosing the best wake boot for you.
Wakeboard boots’ flex can vary significantly between models, from stiff to extremely flexible. Your boot flex is up to you. Some riders prefer to feel locked into stiff boots with a lot of ankle support, while others prefer a softer flex that allows them to adjust their wakeboard in different directions during tricks.
Similar to snowboard boots, wakeboard boots are better for carving and speed the stiffer they are. More maneuverability will be available for tricks the softer it is. Look at the stiffness rating on the product details page if it’s there.
The majority of the time, beginner-level bindings are more flexible (softer) than those designed for advanced riders.
Fit & Features
It’s like trying to type with mittens on when you’re trying to control your wakeboard while wearing loose-fitting boots. Your wakeboard boots should fit snugly, but not painfully so. While some higher-end boots are single sizes, the majority of boots are made to fit a variety of shoe sizes. It is no longer necessary to use old-school boot lubricant because many wakeboard boots now have heat-moldable liners that greatly enhance fit and make taking them on and off much simpler. When possible, pay attention to your feet and use size charts!
Boot/Board Compatibility & Stance
Almost all modern wakeboards use standard M6 mounting hardware and 6″ binding plates that are universally compatible across all brands. LF4D bindings are the sole exception. Only wakeboards with a Flextrack, like many current Liquid Force boards, are compatible with these bindings. All wakeboard bindings are compatible with Liquid Force boards with Flextrack mounting.
To achieve a proper stance, there is no set formula. Wakeboarders with similar riding styles and identical heights may favor different stances. Your stance should be wider the taller you are in general. The rider’s comfort level is the most crucial component of the stance. Similar to sleeping, wakeboarding performance is influenced by comfort.
Which Bindings Are Right for Your Wakeboard?
Wakeboard bindings come in a variety of styles, but they also have different flex levels, closure mechanisms, fits, and attachment methods. As you look for new wakeboard boots and choose which ones are best for you, especially as a beginner, you should pay close attention to each of these factors. Before we talk about the best wakeboard bindings for beginners, let’s briefly discuss some key terms you need to understand to be able to find the ones that are right for you:
• Flex: How stiff or flexible the wakeboard boots are is described by the term “flex.” When performing tricks, stiffer boots offer more ankle support, whereas softer ones allow for greater freedom of movement. This is essentially the same if you’ve ever tried snowboarding! To increase their ability to maneuver on the water, beginners should think about wakeboard bindings with more flex or ones that are softer.
• Closure System: The closure system on your wakeboard bindings does exactly what it says it will do: it secures the bindings to your feet by tying or otherwise fastening them. You will have a variety of closure options when selecting your bindings, including lacing, laces with fasteners, Velcro straps, or hinges. The choice of bindings is more a matter of taste than anything else, but they are crucial to getting the right fit.
Beginner wakeboarders should choose wakeboard bindings that are slightly more flexible, or softer, than those that a more experienced rider would use. Although they ought to be adaptable, they shouldn’t be too loose. Your bindings should be snug without being uncomfortable to wear. When you try on your bindings, you’ll be able to feel this, so be sure to pay attention to what your feet are telling you before you buy. From there, you can select the closure system that you like best. The bindings are usually attached to wakeboards using the same universal thread, though some manufacturers may use different lengths. Prior to purchasing, be sure to inquire about this.
Summary
It’s a good idea to speak with someone in person before making a final decision and purchasing when it comes time to choose your wakeboard bindings. To make sure you choose the best wakeboard boots for your experience level and requirements, try on the bindings in person and ask any questions you may have. Mention that you’re a beginner rider so that you can choose from stable, supportive, and cozy bindings that will have just enough flex to aid in your learning without being constrictive.
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