[Snowboarding] 6 Must-Have Items to Improve Your Carving Turns – Don’t Miss Out!

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish my boots were a bit stiffer,” or “It feels like my heel lifts too much,” you’re not alone.

When your heel lifts, it’s hard to apply proper pressure, and soft boots can lose against stiff boards, making edge control difficult.

This article introduces six must-have items that help solve these carving-related issues. By using the gear listed below, you might be able to fix your problems instantly!

If you’re eager to improve your carving technique—like getting a more secure boot hold—read on.

Carving Turns Put High Stress on Your Gear

Carving turns place a lot of stress on your gear. As a result, boots and bindings can wear out or break more quickly.

But carving-specific gear is often expensive, making it hard to jump in right away. That’s why using support gear to extend the life of your current setup is a smart move.

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Relying on Gear Isn’t a Bad Thing

Some people believe that relying on support items is cheating—but that’s not true.

Everyone’s body and riding style are different. Support gear helps you overcome physical limitations or worn-out equipment that can’t be fixed otherwise.

As mentioned earlier, these tools can also revive worn boots or boards and help extend their lifespan.

Using gear won’t instantly make you a pro rider, but if you have any issues, there’s no harm in giving these items a try.

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Essential Items for Carving Turns

Here are six different items that support carving. Each has similar benefits, but the best choice depends on your needs. Let’s break them down:

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1. Carving Plate

Carving plates are a go-to support item for carving turns. While many use them to prevent toe and heel drag, they also improve edge grip and provide a more stable base.

Some riders feel it’s “not their own skill” when using a plate, but these tools don’t magically boost ability—they’re just support.

For example, riders with large feet may naturally drag during carves. In that case, a carving plate is very helpful. If you want to race or ride at high speeds, it’s practically a must.

OJK plates have become especially popular. They’re reasonably priced for a plate, making them easy to try.

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2. Boot Insoles

Replacing your boot insoles can significantly reduce foot fatigue. Most stock insoles are thin and unsupportive, which can make your feet feel unusually tired.

Swapping to insoles that match your foot shape helps reduce discomfort during carving.

Many riders report feeling lighter on their feet and even resolving knee pain after switching.

There are many brands and types of insoles, so finding the right one can be tricky. It’s best to start with a high-quality pair and compare them to the stock version.

For snowboarders, BMZ insoles are highly recommended—they’re designed specifically for snowboarding and used by many professional riders.

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3. Heel Pads

Heel pads are placed inside the liner of your boot to restore the snug fit. As liners wear out, the hold becomes loose, causing your heel to lift during turns, which compromises edge grip.

Buying new boots is one solution, but stiff carving boots can be expensive.

Heel pads, on the other hand, cost around 1,500 yen and are an easy fix for loose heels. If your boots are in good condition aside from the heel hold, this is a cost-effective solution.

I personally use heel pads, and the tight fit made my boots feel like new again. The adhesive can be a bit weak, but since the pad is sandwiched between the liner and shell, it holds fine. Great value for the price!

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4. Booster Straps

Booster straps are bands that secure your foot tightly in the boot, reducing any slack and improving power transfer.

In simple terms, they enhance edge grip and help transfer energy to your board more precisely. This allows for smoother short turns and better carving on rough terrain.

These straps are widely used in the ski world—from amateurs to pros—which shows how effective they are.

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5. Canting Pads (Cants)

Cants make it easier to apply pressure to your board, serving a similar purpose to carving plates.

Some modern bindings include built-in canting, and OJK carving plates also have 3mm of cant.

Cants aren’t just helpful for carving—they can also reduce impact during landings and lower knee strain. Some riders even use them to protect their bindings from damage.

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6. Power Ride Pads

Power Ride pads are placed between the outer and inner boots at the shin area. Like booster straps, they help secure the lower leg.

By fixing the shin in place, the heel is less likely to lift, improving edging performance. Combine them with insoles, and the effect is even stronger.

However, some people may find them uncomfortable. Personally, I found them painful and stopped using them. If heel lift is your main issue, I’d recommend heel pads instead.

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Conclusion

Support items can help solve the small frustrations that prevent you from enjoying smooth carving turns. Floating heels, in particular, are stressful and can seriously impact your technique.

Rather than rushing to buy new gear, using affordable support items is a practical and effective alternative.