Abstract: A binding, which is particularly suitable for snowboarding, provides an easy to use kick-in boot engagement feature and a number of convenient ways to disengage the boot in a relatively small, light weight and economical structure. The binding has a pair of movable arms pivotally connected to a base. The base is securable to, for example, the top surface of a snowboard. The arms cooperate with a portion of the base to form pin receptacles adapted to receive pin ends extending from the user's boot. The arms are pivotal to selectively open and close the pin receptacles. A boot according to an embodiment of the invention includes a hollow hinge, with a hollow opening of sufficient diameter to accept the protrusions of the ankle bones. This larger hinge area distributes the stress in the boot material around the hinge. A device for selectively restricting the amount of allowed ankle movement is provided on the boot in the form of a telescoping cylinder damping structure mounted to the front of the boot.