Introduction
Are you a snowboarder who loves to hit the slopes during the winter season? If yes, then you know that taking care of your gear is essential to ensure you get the best performance out of it. One of the things that need extra care when it comes to snowboarding equipment is your boots. However, one common question that arises is whether, storing wet snowboarding boots can ruin their performance next season. In this blog, we aim to address this question and give you the insights you need to take care of your boots for optimal performance.
Snowboarding boots and performance
Snowboarding boots are critical equipment that helps in transmitting energy from your feet and legs to the board. For optimal performance, the boots’ fitting is essential, and that is why getting the right size is crucial. A snug fit is necessary to ensure your boots can handle the forces achieved while snowboarding. Typically, you want your boots to be comfortable, but not too tight. The flex, stiffness, and quality of the boots are also crucial to achieving excellent performance.
Effect of wet boots on performance
It is no secret that snowboarding can get pretty intense and wet, depending on weather conditions. It is inevitable that at some point, your boots will get wet – from perspiration or snow melting. The question now is, does storing wet snowboarding boots ruin their performance next season?
The short answer is yes! Wetness has a tremendous impact on the performance of your snowboarding boots. Storing wet boots translates to the exposure of the boots to moisture and blocking off the breathability in the insulation. As a result, this can transmit coldness to your feet, which will affect your performance on the slopes.
If you leave wet snowboarding boots in a warm room, say near the heater, the heat will affect the bonding agent that holds the boot’s outer layers. The heat weakens these adhesives and changes the boots’ chemical composition, may cause the boots’ layer to delaminate, ruining your snowboarding boots’ performance.
Moreover, keeping wet snowboarding boots in a damp area can also lead to the growth of mold and bacteria. This can compromise the boots’ lifespan and the level of hygiene during the next use.
How to dry wet snowboarding boots to prevent ruining their performance next season?
So, now that you know the impact of storing wet snowboarding boots on the performance next season, what can you do to prevent this?
The first step is to dry your wet boots immediately after use. Avoid keeping them in your backpack where they will not have room to breathe. Also, avoid leaving them in your car trunk or in direct sunlight. The best way of drying your wet snowboarding boots is to air dry them in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. You can place them upside down and keep the liners out, but make sure to remove the insoles too. Alternatively, you can use a boot dryer. This is effective and efficient in drying your boots, but it should be used with caution to avoid overheating the boots.
Ensure the boots are bone dry before storage. Once dry, store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. You can store them in a boot bag or at the bottom of the closet. When storing, be careful not to stack anything on top of them or get them crumpled. Storing your boots correctly will help maintain their shape and insulation, preserving them for longer seasons without compromising their performance.
Conclusion
In summary, storing wet snowboarding boots can ruin their performance next season. Wet snowboarding boots should be dried immediately after use to prevent mold, bacteria, and weakening of the bonding agent at high temperatures. Air dry or use a boot dryer with caution to ensure you do not overheat them. Ensure they are dry before storage and store them correctly in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Following these steps will help preserve your snowboarding boots’ performance, maintain their insulation, and extend their lifespan.
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