“Can Women Use Men’s Snowboards?” And Other Questions

I often get asked questions like “can women use men’s snowboards”, or “what’s the difference between men’s and women’s snowboards?” Throughout this article I’ll answer these and other common questions about snowboards.

Can Women use Men’s Snowboards?

Technically, yes. But generally gender-specific snowboarding equipment exists for a reason. Most of the time a man will ride men’s snowboards and a woman will ride women’s snowboards. This is because snowboards are designed and engineered for the specific differences between men and women. In general, the average man tends to be taller and weight more than the average women. However, in rare cases, depending on the weight, height and boots size of a rider, it may make sense to ride the other gender’s snowboard.

Things to Consider

• Width: Men’s boards tend to be wider to accommodate larger boot sizes. If you’re a woman with a larger boot size, you might find switching to a men’s board to be beneficial in reducing toe drag.
• Flex: Men’s boards are typically stiffer than women’s. If you’re a stockier woman who enjoys aggressive, high-speed carving, then switching to a men’s board may be beneficial.
• Length: Men’s boards often come in longer lengths than women’s. If you’re a taller than average woman, then switching to a men’s board may benefit maneuverability.

If the men’s board in question has suitable flex, length, and waist width (to avoid toe/heel drag), then it’s a valid option. The label “men’s” or “women’s” matters less than the board’s fit.

Can Men Use Women’s Snowboards?

Yes, they can, but it’s not common. Typically, women’s snowboards are shorter, lighter and more narrow than men’s snowboards. However, in rare case it may be beneficial for a man to use a woman’s snowboard. Here are some possible reasons:

• If you’re a rider with smaller feet (usually under size 8 men’s snowboard boots), you may want to ride a women’s snowboard for the narrower waist width to reduce heel/toe drag.
• If you’re lighter-weight, you might want to ride a women’s board for the softer flex, which can be more forgiving and playful—great for park riding or casual cruising.

The main thing to look out for is whether the board can support your weight and boot size. A narrow board might cause your toes or heels to hang over too much, and a softer board might feel too “noodley” if you’re charging hard.

So, What’s the Actual Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Snowboards?

Good question. Generally, here’s what separates the two:

Now, does every board follow this pattern? Nope. But those are the usual trends.

Remember: these aren’t hard and fast rules. They’re just guidelines. There are plenty of women’s boards that are stiffer, wider, and more aggressive—and men’s boards that are softer and shorter. So, if you’re still wondering can women use men’s snowboards, the answer depends on your personal specs, not the label.

Are Snowboards Unisex?

In general, no, snowboards are not unisex. Most brands make men’s and women’s specific snowboards, as well as other gear like boots, bindings and outerwear. This is because men’s and women’s bodies are different. However, there are exceptions. Burton Snowboards has an entire product line of unisex snowboards called Family Tree. So, unisex boards are becoming more common.

A unisex snowboard is essentially a snowboard that’s been designed and engineered specifically for a rider’s weight and height, not so much their gender.

Burton’s Family Tree line is designed for everyone—no pink vs. blue, no men’s vs. women’s, just good boards in sizes that work for different riders. If you’re looking to avoid gendered marketing and focus purely on performance, it’s a great option.

Choosing the Right Snowboard (Regardless of Gender)

Whether it’s a men’s, women’s, or unisex snowboard, here’s what actually matters:

1. Your Weight

Snowboards are engineered for a rider’s weight more than anything else. Brands provide size charts for all their models in a product line. You’ll want to look at the different sizes and find the one that matches your corresponding weight range.

2. Boot Size

This affects board width. If you have larger boots, your toes or heel could hang too far over your edges, so you’ll want a wider board to minimize drag. If you have smaller boots, you’ll want a narrower board to help improve the initiation of edge-to-edge steering.

3. Flex

• Soft: Easier to turn, forgiving, great for beginners and park riders.
• Medium: All-mountain versatility.
• Stiff: Responsive and powerful for speed, big jumps, or carving.

4. Your Riding Style

Do you cruise groomers, explore trees, lap the park, or chase powder lines? Each style benefits from different shapes, profiles, and flexes.

5. Try Them Out

If possible, demo boards! There’s no better way to find what works than riding it yourself.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, a snowboard doesn’t care what gender you are.

All that matters is how it feels under your feet. Don’t be afraid to ride a men’s board if you’re a woman, or a women’s board if you’re a man. And definitely don’t get hung up on the label if a unisex board fits your specs and stoke.

Ride what fits you, your body, and your vibe.

Related Articles

Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Guide
Ultimate Women’s Snowboard Guide