What are Wide Snowboards?
Wide snowboards are boards where the waist of the board, the section where the bindings attach, is wider than a regular board, usually over 260mm. If your boots are too large for the board you’re riding, your heel and/or toes will hang off the edge and drag against the snow while you’re riding. Toe and heel drag is extremely disruptive to your ride and can potentially become dangerous but is easily dealt with by riding a wide snowboard.
Wide vs Regular
The only thing that is different between wide and regular snowboards is the waist width. Whatever your riding style there are wide options, some of the industries best boards like the Burton Custom have wide options that feature the same tech, shape, camber and base as their regular counterparts.
Do I need wide snowboard?
If you wear size 11 US snowboard boots and up, wide snowboards may be a good option for you. Some size 10 boots can also produce a bit of overhang but it depends solely on the width of your board. If your boots are longer than the waist of your board you most likely need to get a wider board and most likely have experienced drag already.
Your riding style must also be considered when considering a wide snowboard. Freeride and backcountry riders with a focus on carving need as little drag as possible, where as park riders with shorter boards may not have issues with over hang.
Best wide snowboards
Best Mens wide snowboard
Burton Custom Flying V 2023
That's right, the classic is available in wider options. The latest iteration of the Burton Custom Snowboard uses classic camber and a lightweight wood core backed up with carbon highlights for maximum pop. It's reliable, powerful, and fun, and it just keeps getting better.
Buy this boardBest Unisex wide snowboard
Burton Instigator Flat Top
The combination of a Flat Top bend and Cruise Control convex base on a wider platform. Enjoy a no-fuss feel with the men's Burton Instigator Snowboard, a board designed to help accelerate the learning curve and instigate a good time from your first moment on the mountain.
Buy this board
Best Kids wide snowboard
K2 Vandal Kids Snowboard 2023
The K2 Vandal youth snowboard puts the focus on features that matter, making snowboarding more fun, and progression easier than ever before.
Buy this boardFAQ
Does shoe size matter?
Yes, generally size 11 US boots work best on a wide board, but checking your boot and board is a helpful way to check.
Are there extra wide snowboards?
Yes, also called “Ultrawide Snowboards.” These boards are less common but some brands carry boards with waist sizes up to 300mm.
Are wide snowboards slower?
A snowboard will lose responsiveness as its waist is widened; but it generally does not affect speed as much as board length and style.
Is a wide board harder to ride?
Simply put: Yes, turning the larger surface area of a wide snowboard takes more force to turn, but generally larger riders have more mass to accommodate. Alternatively if dragging is consistently getting in your way having a wider board would be an easier ride.
Is a wide snowboard good for beginners?
If you have size 11 boots and you’re just starting snowboarding a wide snowboard may help getting comfortable on a board easier. Considering beginners have a tendency to fall more often, less disruption from the elimination of toe and heel drag can be quite beneficial.
