Isn our daily life, a pair of shoes is one of the essential items we need to do our everyday tasks; whether it be running errands or going for a walk.
It goes the same with wakeboarding boots, even though it’s easy to think it’s not important. In fact, wakeboarding boots—or bindings as others would call them—are features in a board that could really enhance your riding experience.
Benefits of Wearing Wakeboarding Boots
Maintain Your Balance
Wakeboard bindings are the things that will keep you from falling off your board when you are on the water. The secure fit of the boots will help you control the board easily when you are hitting the waves.
Help You Stand Upright
Of course, in order to balance yourself on a board, you have to make sure you are properly attached to the bindings of the board. With wakeboarding boots, you will be able to stand up on your board with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Allow You to Do Tricks
For intermediate to advanced riders who are into doing tricks in the water, wearing wakeboard bindings is important to them. The boots help them to maneuver the board the way they need to pull off a trick.
Types of Wakeboarding Bindings
The two types of wakeboard boots are called the open toe and the closed toe. The open-toe ones have an opening at the front. It gives a more breathable fit and is perfect for riders who have wide feet since this boot type can cover a wide range of sizes.
Now, if you are into a more snug and tight-fitting type of boots, choose the closed-toe ones. It is the perfect selection for beginners as it gives the feet more control of the board.
Additionally, system bindings are the anchor to which you can attach your wakeboarding boots to customize the fit. Remember, these boots are meant to make you feel comfortable and confident to ride your board.
What to Look for When Buying Wakeboard Boots
When you think of Wakeboarding, chances are you might think of it as a pretty extreme sport. While it isn’t like BASE jumping or Parkour, Wakeboarding is indeed an extreme sport. Just like any other extreme sport, the equipment you have plays a vital role in your participation in the sport. Your equipment ensures that you’re not only ready to go Wakeboarding, but you’re also doing what you can to keep yourself as safe as possible while doing it.
Of all the equipment you need to go Wakeboarding, one of the most important pieces you need would be your wakeboarding boots. Also known as bindings, the kind of boots you get for yourself will have a big influence on how your “ride” will feel and also ensure that you stay on your board. While each person does have a preference for how they like their boots, there are a few things that you do have to keep in mind when choosing your ideal pair.
Flexibility
One of the first things that you can consider when looking for your ideal pair of boots would be how flexible it is. Whether your boots are stiff or soft can help influence the way you handle or ride your wakeboard. If you want to feel locked into your board, a stiff boot would suit you more. If you want a little more maneuverability in your ride, then a softer boot can help give you that.
The Fit
Another important factor to take into account when choosing your boot would be how it fits on your feet. Much like the shoes you wear on a normal day out, having the right fit would ensure that your foot stays comfortable. The same goes for your wakeboarding boot. Ensuring the boot fits you just right helps keep your feet comfortable while you have them on during a ride. It also makes getting the boot on and off easier for you too.
Style of the Boot
Wakeboard boots come in two main styles: open-toe and closed-toe. Each has its own advantages and your choice really depends on your preference.
If you want a little more versatility with your boot in terms of size and fit, the open-toe boots may suit you more. Open-toe boots allow you to make more adjustments in terms of size, which would be ideal if you’re sharing your board with someone else.
It’s also cost-effective if you’re someone that’s still growing as you can still adjust the boot as your foot size gets bigger.
Closed-toe boots, on the other hand, aren’t so flexible in terms of fit. This means that if you get this kind of binding, you get the exact fit that you’re looking for. So, in a sense, this boot type gives you the a more perfect and snug fit compared to the open-toe kind.
If you’re someone that’s already sure their foot size won’t change, then this is perfect for you. One additional benefit to this would be it can keep your feet warm.
Each person has their own specific preferences, and this will definitely show when they choose their wakeboard boots. When it comes to these bindings, there’s more than one way to get the perfect one for you after all. For as long as it’s the one that fits you right and gives you that security on your board, then you’re good to go.
Product Recommendations
Below are the top 5 wakeboarding boots and bindings arranged in descending order. I have rated these wakeboarding boots and bindings based on: (1) size; (2) comfort; (3) durability; (4) security and (5) price.
Airhead Binding Venom Wakeboarding Binding
These lightweight open-toe wakeboarding boots are made to fit a wide range of sizes. These wakeboarding boots have left and right specific plates that open wide for easy entry and provide for a better fit. The easy-adjust lace system and flexible plastisol overlay provide the fit, security, and support you need especially when wakeboarding for the very first time.
- Size: EU 36-41
- Comfort: 5/5
- Security: 4/5
- Durability: 5/5
- Price: $114.50 – $152.76
Hyperlite Frequency Men’s Wakeboarding Boots
These wakeboarding boots are a “One Size Fits All” binding option that has a Low Pro Plate System. They are ideal for men’s sizes EU 38-46. They can fit smaller to larger-sized feet. These boots have an adjustable binding that widely opens and is easy to wear. Securing them is quite simple, too, thanks to its Quick Cinch Lace Zone. Because of the Dual Density EVA surrounding the foot and ankle in these wakeboarding boots, comfort and security is definitely guaranteed.
- Size: One Size Fits All
- Comfort: 4/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Security: 4/5
- Price: $169.99
O’Brien Connect Wakeboarding Binding
These wakeboarding boots have three Velcro straps that allow for a perfect fit and security customization of the boots on your feet and ankle. They feature a lube-free entry which makes it easy for you to get into them and will get you into the water in no time. Although they are on the pricier side, you’ll get your money’s worth because they have a superior orthotic footbed that allows you to wakeboard all day long without any discomfort.
- Size: EU 38-46
- Comfort: 5/5
- Durability: 4/5
- Security: 5/5
- Price: $204.81
Hyperlite Brigade System Wakeboarding Boots
These ultra-smooth 3-stage rocker wakeboarding boots have a closed-toe closure system and are the most expensive ones on the list. This is not a surprise as closed-toe wakeboarding boots are usually higher-end models. Their thin profile and Biolite 3 Core maintain the swing weight down which gives you the chance to make harder tricks seem effortless than before. Because of its Byerly construction innovations, the Brigade is bomb-proof and durable as they come.
- Size: EU 41.5 – 46
- Comfort: 4/5
- Durability: 5/5
- Security: 5/5
- Price: $229.95
Connelly Optima Wakeboard Bindings
If you don’t want any complexities brought about by the other wakeboarding boots in their binding system, then these wakeboarding boots are you. They have a single lace system allowing first-time learners to have an easier time getting strapped in and the cushioned liner allows for stretch for different riders. The biggest downside to this product is that it only comes in one size which is 37 EU. They also have thick EVA footbed Lycra lined, molded, and heel and toe Gorilla grip 6-Plate.
- Size: EU 47
- Comfort: 4/5
- Durability: 3/5
- Security: 4/5
- Price: $195.59
Like wakeboards and wakeboarding ropes, there are numerous factors to think about when choosing the right wakeboarding boots and bindings. Bottom line is, you should choose the one that gives you the most comfort and security as you wouldn’t want your wakeboard flying off your feet while riding. To learn more about water basketball and other water sports, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
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