Guide to Women’s Specific Wakeboard Boots and Bindings 2018

Why would you want a female specific boot?

It comes down to two very important factors, one functional (fit) and the other aesthetic (the look) …but there is one often overlooked factor we will come to.

Ladies do not just have scaled down versions of men’s feet…

Men have longer and broader feet than women for a given stature. After normalization of the measurements by foot length, men and women were found to differ significantly in two calf, five ankle, and four foot shape variables.

The female feet and legs are not simply scaled-down versions of male feet but rather differ in a number of shape characteristics, particularly at the arch, the lateral side of the foot, the first toe, and the ball of the foot. These differences should be taken into account in the design and manufacture of women’s sport shoes.

– SOURCE: Gender differences in adult foot shape: implications for shoe design. US National Library of Medicine National & Institutes of Health study.

So to get the best fit it is of course beneficial to have a female fit boot. That said we all have different size feet and those who find their size available in a men’s boot and who have tried and felt comfortable with the fit, should not feel that they MUST have a female specific boot.

The Look

We are not saying that all female boots need to be pink and fluffy with pictures of unicorns on them (although one pink fluffy unicorn model would be very well received by a large demographic we are sure) – but it is nice to feel that the brand made an effort to release a design that is intended for the female rider – potentially matches their female specific board or involved the input of their female riders in the design process.

It is after all a pair of shoes! …and we all know how us girls feel about them and the difference in value of said item over the guys.

The 'other' reason: because we matter

It sounds obvious to say it, but a brand releasing a female specific model make a statement. Female riders are an important market to be taken seriously and valued by the brand …however many brands either don’t even bother or try for a season and then drop it.

In the defence of the brands there is a good reason for this, budget. They do not consider the female market large enough to invest dedicated resources in product development and then marketing.

How can we change this, simple, demand and purchase female specific boots.

Closed or open-toe?

Oh my, this question. We will try and keep it brief but please bear in mind personal preference is just that, personal.

• a closed toe boot provides a snugger more precise fit just for you
• the brands always produce their high end boots with a closed toe and their low end boots with an open toe – this has to be sending us a message
• open toe boots are great as they cover a range of sizes rather than one specific, but this guide is aimed at riders wanting to purchase their own boots and a specific size is always better than a range (unless you are a growing child) in our opinion

So, we are just going mostly closed toe. Sorry, …we will give open-toe advice if you email us at [email protected] …but there ends the discussion for this guide.

Now onto the boots… what’s new for 2018?

Liquid Force Trek 4D

These boots are everything I’ve ever wanted in a boot. The walk liner is perfect to walk around the cable and tough terrain when winching…
MELISSA MARQUARDT

The 4D Women’s Trek is the perfect boot for all your adventuring this season. With unmatched versatility and style, this boot is ready for anything. LF’s exclusive 4D technology brings the closest boot to board connection in the game allowing for quick response and control on the water.

This boot also features the Reflex Walk Liner, a removable Trek Liner designed to provide comfortable walking on all terrain no matter where you’re trekkin’. It is built with an adjustable Velcro strap that opens and closes the upper back area of the binding, allowing the Reflex Walk Liner to be removed with ease when wanted and held in place when needed. This comfortable, all-purpose binding is Melissa’s boot of choice and with them she is ready for anything!

Liquid Force 4D Vida

These are great out of the box…
MEAGAN ETHELL

The Vida is Meagan Ethell’s all-new high performance 4D Binding! With an integrated comfort liner, this new binding has an ultra comfortable pro fit. Thoughtfully designed with performance and style in mind, the new Vida binding gives Meagan the connection and board response she needs to take things to the next level behind the boat or at the cable.

Liquid Force Plush

Plush is the perfect binding for all beginner to intermediate riders looking for a comfortable yet stable fit they can rely on to progress. The forgiving EVA impact foot bed ensures soft landings, which makes learning new tricks a little less intimidating and a lot more approachable. This open toed boot is built with dual laces and a cuff stretch zone that allows a comfortable fit for all riders on the boat.

2018 Slingshot Jewel

This female-specific boot is designed with the same two-zone closure system as the RAD boot but is scaled-down for a lower-profile fit. Featuring a two-zone closure system with a cinch-tight interior and one upper strap, the Jewel provides the perfect balance between high comfort and high performance. For female riders looking for a boot designed specifically for their ergonomics and aesthetics, look no farther than the Jewel.

2018 Ronix Limelight

The Ronix Limelight continues what Ronix has developed over the past few seasons, after overhauling their old design they rebuilt from the chassis up, now coming with the newer Brainframe construction and a stage 3 liner with their level 2 footbed, the Limelight offers support, the perfect blend of performance and response as well as being near indestructible.

Built around a specific women’s lasting and having a softer low cut cuff, the Limelight also provides a more specific fit, while still allowing for plenty of support around the ankle and heel. Designed by Women’s wakeboarders for women’s wakeboarders and Dallas Friday approved

2018 Ronix Halo

These one-of-a-kind kicks are styled to look as good as your hair on its best behaviour, but with enough swagger to let people know who you really are. We used a woman’s cut, look, and flex that proves not all of our high-end boots have to keep your toes warm. Our premier open toe design – moulded with our high-memory, Stage 3 liners for all day comfort and support that is unrivalled in women’s wake footwear.

2018 Hyperlite Brighton

Topping off even the best shoe collection, the Brighton is fashion forward for 2018. Progressive Wakeboarding Footwear, Lighter – Stronger – Better.

Inspired by our HYPERLITE GIRLS team, the Brighton System Boot offers a more supportive feel with a women’s specific fit. The removable power strap allows a rider to fine tune the snugness for a secure and comfortable ride. The Brighton boot also features our new Memory Foam insole and softer heat moldable Hyper-liner for the perfect fit.

*Remember the System boot is designed to work exclusively with the System Bindings line. Both components are needed for use.

As you can see, the choice is not huge and we are missing closed-toe female specific boots from the likes of Humanoid, CTRL, and Byerly.

You can always go back to our 2017 guide as there is still many other options available on the market at a bargain.

If you think we have missed any important products off the list then please do not hesitate to let us know at [email protected] and we will be more than happy to update the guide.

Published on: 14th September 2017