Whether you’re stepping onto a snowboard for the first time or giving your gear an upgrade after years of use, the key to having a good time on the slopes starts with a pair of snowboard boots that feel comfy and get the job done. Sure, the snowboard and bindings matter too, but having the perfect boots is what makes the difference between carving through fresh powder all day and nursing bruised and battered feet on the sidelines. But here’s the thing—finding the right boots takes some time because you need to think about your riding style, how your feet are shaped, what kind of flex you like and even how you prefer to lace ’em up.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best snowboard boots, whether you’re on a budget, just starting out, dreaming of going pro, a young rider or anything in between. Discover unrivaled comfort and performance with the best snowboard boots. While we always recommend trying on boots in-person before committing to a pair, you can learn a lot about the best snowboard boots from the comfort of your own home.
To that end, you’ll find nine of our favorite boots below, including our top overall pick—the Nidecker Kita —as well as timeless options like the Vans Hi-Standard OGs that never stop being cool. Plus, we’ve got the best snowboard boots for kids, those looking to spend all their time in the park and another pair for those in need of superior comfort. Plus, we’ve also got a superb pair for anyone looking to escape to the backcountry and earn their turns.
To help cut through the jargon and make choosing the perfect snowboard boots as simple as possible, we’ve asked Won Suh, senior snowboard buyer for leading snow sport retailer Evo , to share their top tips. And be sure to check back often as we’re constantly testing gear on the slopes and adding new favorites. And because we’re experts on the subject of winter sports, be sure to review our selection of the best goggles , helmets and ski bags too as you round out your kit.
Best Snowboard Boots Overall Low Pressure Studio Ability: Advanced | Flex: Stiff | Lacing: Dual Boa | Sole : Vibram Icetrek A stiff and aggressive choice for riders who love to cover as much of the mountain as fast as they can, this boot isn’t designed for beginners who will find the stiffness a bit too much, but if you’re an experienced rider, the reinforced construction means exceptionally quick heel to toe transfers. We’ve been very impressed by the Dual Boa lacing system used here, and in particular, the external heel lock that lets you hold the whole foot in position and tweak as needed depending on the terrain. The toe box has also been 3D-molded instead of stitched, which helps remove excess bulk and increases the level of waterproofing, which is superb, and by being marginally smaller than some other boots, our size 11s didn’t overhang unnecessarily.
As for comfort, despite the emphasis being on power and performance, our feet remained snug, with no pressure points to report. The sole features shock-absorbing gel pads inserted around the heel and forefoot area which really helps soak up vibrations, and the top-of-the-range liners are fully heat moldable for a perfect custom fit at home. Pros: Cons: Best Snowboard Boots For Most People ThirtyTwo Ability: Intermediate/advanced | Flex: Soft | Lacing: Dual Boa | Sole : Performance rubber The first thing you’ll notice about the STW is how ridiculously light it feels.
ThirtyTwo make the lightest boost in the game, thanks mostly to their Evolution Foam Outsole that eliminates the need for heavy rubber. Sample size weighs just over 1. 5 pounds and we’re pretty sure our Danners weigh more.
So they’re lightweight, which is always a bonus, and the soft flex makes them especially fun if you’re looking to get airborne. These are an all-mountain plaything of a boot, offering all day comfort and an easy flex. We recommend them to everyone from progressing beginners and intermediate riders, to those experienced folks who love to ride the whole mountain like it’s a snow park.
As with the Nidecker Kita above, the STW comes with a double-Boa fastening that helps you control the fit across two zones. Some riders love the adjustability, feel and look of laces, but for basic convenience, and on-the-go comfort tweaks, Boa is impossible to beat. This boot comes with ThirtyTwo’s basic dual-density foam Comfort Liner, which is simple but effective, with a lovely cosy cuff.
Spend the time and money to get these heat moulded and you’ll have one of the comfiest boots on the market. It is also available in a women’s fit . Pros: Cons: Best Value Snowboard Boots Ride Ability: Beginner | Flex: Soft/Medium | Lacing: Boa | Sole : +SLIME, rubber A simple, fuss-free snowboard boot with mellow feel and soft/medium flex that is just about perfect for first time riders looking to progress, the Ride Rook boasts a simple but stylish aesthetic and all the important features, including a classic Boa lacing system and heat-moldable liner for a custom fit to eliminate break-in discomfort.
Obviously a budget-friendly boot will lack many bells and whistles, but Ride has been sure to get the basics right, and in truth, if you’re just starting out and want to avoid sweaty old rental boots, you won’t need more. Unusually for a modern boot, the liner is stitched in, and while that means you won’t be able to replace or upgrade it, the plush foam can be heat molded, either using your foot heat over a few days, or using a custom machine in the shop. They will take longer to dry though if conditions are especially wet.
The integrated construction does make the Rook one of the lightest and most compact boots on the market, which may be a bonus for anyone with huge feet who struggle with board overhang. Pros: Cons: Best All-Mountain Snowboard Boots Backcountry Ability: Intermediate / Advanced | Flex: Medium-stiff | Lacing: L3 Laces, Boa | Sole : Rubber Something special this season from Deeluxe, courtesy of Swedish pro-rider, and all-mountain monster Kevin Backstrom. While we can’t all manage to be quite as stylish as Kevin, we can at least walk a while in his shoes (okay, ride his boots) and enjoy a boot that’s fast, powerful, capable and comfortable.
The aim was to create an all-terrain boot, and with a medium flex (7/10) it’s actually a design that forward-thinking intermediates should get a lot from, especially as they progress and push for faster turns. And Advanced riders will love it because it can play nicely in the steep, on trails and in the park, without being too aggressive. The boot features reinforced sections to reduce lateral and medial foot movement, which should mean faster edge-to-edge turns, extra pop and general burliness.
Naturally, this boot has a heat-moldable liner for a bespoke fit, and the combination of L3 pull-up lacing for the calf, and Boa tightening around the ankle offers the best of both worlds. Pros: Cons: Best Snowboard Boots For All-Mountain Freestyle vans Ability: Intermediate/Advanced | Flex: Medium-stiff | Lacing: Double BOA | Sole : Rubber Snowboarding legend Danny Kass has returned to Vans to help create this highly technical and innovative boot. Designed predominantly for those riders looking for steep terrain and piles of untouched snow, but understanding that conditions aren’t always perfect for powder, it’s also great for terrain parks and even street style snowboarding.
This is not a boot for shrinking violets. Hidden underneath the powder- and slush-proof gaiter is a dual Boa system that controls the fit across three zones, for a pinch-free fit with excellent heel hold. The liner is plush and cushioned, and finished with a quick wicking, beautifully soft layer of Smartwool.
It’s warm and breathable, and the anatomical 3D-molded footbed offers all-day support and flex where it’s needed most. Vans has crammed a dizzying number of features in here, and we’re big fans of the one-way valves that help expel moisture away from the boots, while the classic waffle rubber sole offers exceptional grip and the big rubber toe cap provides protection and extra space to help keep your toes warm. And while we hope Vans incorporates some of these new features into other boots, if you want the Danny Kass, be quick, as this is part of a One & Done Collection, and will be available for this season only.
Pros: Cons: Best Old-School Snowboard Boots DC Shoes Ability: All | Flex: Soft | Lacing: Laces | Sole : Foundation UniLite Superb value and traditional style can be found in this laced-up snowboard boot designed for newbies and park rats who demand flexibility and comfort ahead of steep backcountry carving power. The flex on the Phase boots is firmly in the middle—although they will loosen over time—making them ideal for improving beginners and riders who love hitting every kicker on the hill. The liners are simple but effective, with a mix of multi-layer EVA memory foam, fleece and lace cinching, and unlike many budget boots, they’re removable, so you can dry them out after a wet day.
And then there’s the laces. While we will tend to opt for Boa (or preferably double Boa) these days, it’s easy to forget just how versatile laces can be, with the ability to tweak tightness across the foot. They’re also cheaper to repair.
Pros: Cons: Best Snowboard Boots For Splitboarding K2 Ability: Advanced | Flex: Medium-stiff | Lacing: Laces, Boa | Sole : Vibram V5 This boot has been engineered to suit those people who love to earn their turns on a splitboard. What makes it a splitboard boot? Unusually, the Boa fastening has been designed to be loosened, not tightened, allowing the calf section of the boot to open up like a concertina for longer, more natural strides when skinning uphill. It’s an ingenious solution that helps extend your hours in the backcountry, and one that, once tightened up again, doesn’t infringe upon the fun when you’re heading downhill.
There are other splitboard-specific features worth mentioning here. Firstly, the Vibram V5 outsole offers superb grip in all conditions, and the pronounced heel design is also compatible with a semi-automatic crampon, if you prefer boot packing to those steeper sections. The strap across the laces should also minimize the amount of snow that gets inside your shell.
Thankfully, the boot isn’t just designed for the uphill work. The comfortable heat-moldable liner is warm and temperature regulating, there’s a nice heel grip design to avoid any movement and the flex, rated at around 8/10, isn’t so stiff as to not be super fun in varying conditions. The liners have also been finished with a fabric called S’Cafe Coffee Mesh, which is a blend of coffee grounds post-consumer recycled polyester that’s eco-friendly, soft and superb at odor and moisture control.
Pros: Cons: Best Snowboard Boots For Kids K2 Snowboards Ability: Beginner, intermediate | Flex: Soft | Lacing: Boa | Sole : Bright Futures Available in size 9K to 5, the Lil Kat is a proper unisex snowboard boot shrunken for little shredders. Firstly, the Youth Boa system is larger and easier to grip than the adult equivalent, which makes adjusting fit (and not relying on you to do it) a breeze. The flex is mellow and forgiving and K2 has included J-shape bars that help keep even the skinniest ankle secured.
Comfort is also key with kids, and the liner here is easy to slide their feet into, and it’s both super warm and snuggly soft. They’re not the cheapest kid’s boot, but we think the build quality is superb, and with three EVA shims included in the box, you can adjust the size of the boot in stages (up to one full size) which is great if they have a mid-season growth spurt. Pros: Cons: Best Burton Step On Snowboard Boots Burton Snowboards Ability: All | Flex: Medium/Firm | Lacing: Boa | Sole : Vibram rubber Burton introduced its Step On strapless binding and boot combo back in 2017, and while many purists grumbled, those of us who dislike spending time on our backsides faffing with traditional bindings rejoiced.
Six years on and several important upgrades later, the system is better than ever, with a solid line-up of boots for all ages and abilities. New for this season, the Photon is now also available with a softer flex for the freestyle-favoring comfort hunters. But the original remains a superb choice.
With a medium/firm flex and superb boot-to-binding connection, these boots offer something for almost every rider. The dual Boa system can be precision dialed to fit and offers an impressive amount of support, especially as the center dial doubles as your main binding strap. The shell and tongue are quite rigid, and the heat moldable Imprint 3 inner liner does a brilliant job hugging your ankles, and seems impervious to snow ingress, and with a reflective foil liner underfoot, your feet stay warm without extra bulk.
The Step On specific outsole feature toe cleats in the forefoot that securely fasten into the binding, plus clever clips just above the heel to keep your pants out of the way as you stomp into position. They’re built tough, with a recycled (30%) Vibram Traction Lug outsole, and quality materials throughout, which is just as well given the high price and lack of binding compatibility. But if you’re sold on the Step On system and want to mix up your days lapping the park, hiking to the stash and hammering down groomers, you’ll not find a better fit.
Pros: Cons: How We Chose The Best Snowboard Boots Before selecting any of the snowboard boots on this list, we asked brands experts and the buyers from leading winter sport retailers, including Evo , REI and Backcountry , for insights and advice. Their knowledge of the industry, and of what makes a good snowboard boot, is second to none. As a consumer journalist with over 18 years experience (and snowboarder for considerably longer), I’m acutely aware of the importance of both in-depth research and first hand knowledge when recommending a product.
Wherever possible, I get hands on (or feet in this case) with as many products as I can, visiting trade shows, industry events and retailers to check out the latest launches. And naturally, I spend as much time on snow as I can, testing, trialling and occasionally even enjoying it, too. Why Trust Forbes Vetted Our extensive coverage of winter sports gear, from goggles and helmets to skis and snowboards , demonstrates a commitment to delivering comprehensive information on a wide range of products.
Our reliance on expert insights, and extensive personal experience ensures that every product recommendation is thoroughly researched. We know the market inside out and as a result, can spot quality, innovation and value for money from a mile away. Our aim is to empower you, the shopper, with the knowledge you need to make informed and effective buying decisions.
This story is updated frequently throughout the winter season to ensure that our reviews contain accurate information and the latest new products we think you should know about. It was last updated in January 2024. What To Consider When Shopping For Snowboard Boots To help make sense of all the jargon and get you the best snowboard boots for your riding style and budget, we asked Won Suh, senior snowboard buyer for leading snow sport retailer Evo , for their top tips that lead to a perfect fit.
A good-fitting snowboard boot is essential for comfort and control and makes the biggest impact on your experience. “The perfect snowboard and binding setup will not make up for poorly fitting boots,” explains Won Suh. “Customers ask me what is the best snowboard boot or brand and I tell them that the best boot is the one that fits their foot (shape and volume) and gives the right amount of support for their riding style.
” There are great options out there from many brands, so take the time to find the right snowboard boot for you and you’re sure to have a great day out on the hill. “The ability to flex your boot and enjoy all-day comfort are important for progression, so I would recommend soft to medium flexing boots for beginners,” says Suh. A stiff boot requires greater precision, while a softer boot has a wider range of tolerance so you’ll be able to turn easier without catching an edge.
If you prefer riding a flexible board to do tricks on, a softer boot is generally a good idea. The boot can bend with the board and give you a smoother feel, and with more motion around your ankle, you’ll be able to tweak grabs and land with greater ease. As with running shoes, look for super responsive soles to help cushion the impact.
If, like most snowboarders, you’ll be riding a wide range of terrain, you’ll need a Goldilocks boot that’s stiff enough for fast carving on groomers, but not too stiff to be no fun in the park or powder. A flex rating of 5/6 is a good place to start, but it’s all about individual preferences. It’s worth noting that riders that are on either end of the weight spectrum should consider going softer or stiffer to compensate.
“Generally, stiffer boots provide more support and response but are not as comfortable as softer boots and require a break-in period,” explains Suh. “Softer boots are usually more comfortable right out of the box but do not offer the same level of support and response as stiffer boots. ” If you’re tackling technical lines in deep snow somewhere in the backcountry, you’ll need a stiff boot with plenty of control.
Look for backcountry boots with high-performance rubber to aid traction, reinforced protection on the boot shell for durability, and, if you’re planning on touring (going uphill), an adjustable/flexible cuff will make life easier. “Boa closure systems are very popular for good reason,” enthuses Won. “Boots with Boa technology are easy to tighten and adjust, even with gloves on, and make getting them on and off quicker and easier.
” Dual Boa systems, with two wires—one that tightens around the ankle, one that does the same around the calf—offer a huge amount of control and evenly distributed pressure. A few brands have triple Boa systems, but these tend to be advanced and aggressively stiff. You’ll pay a small premium for Boa fastenings, and many riders still prefer the old-school adjustability of laces.
They’re cheaper to maintain, too. Several manufacturers have hybrid boots with Boa wires holding the ankle in position, while traditional laces take care of the rest. Many boots now come with liners that can be heat-molded for a truly custom fit.
Some require you to go in-store and have them professionally heated, while others use the heat of your feet as you ride to naturally form to your feet. Custom fit liners can be game-changing for riders with awkward-shaped feet or podiatric issues. “Start with a good snowboard-specific sock,” says Won.
“Snowboarding socks are designed to keep your feet dry and warm. The thickest sock is not necessarily the warmest sock. If there is not some dead air space around your toes, you might be challenged to keep those toes warm.
If your circulation is not the best, try boot warmer heat packs or splurge for an electronic boot heating system. ” Are Stiff Or Flexible Snowboard Boots Better? All brands rank the stiffness of their snowboard boots from 1-10 with one being the softest, and 10 the stiffest. There’s some discrepancy between brands, but boots can generally be categorized as soft, soft/medium, medium, medium/stiff and stiff.
What does that mean? Well, while boot flex is a personal preference, as a general rule, a softer flex snowboard boot is chosen by freestyle park and beginner riders who want a more relaxed and forgiving feel that will help prevent unexpectedly catching edges. For advanced, all mountain riders and freeriders, a stiffer flex is usually preferred as they allow you to transfer power more quickly and ride harder. What Boots Should You Wear For Snowboarding? In the early 90s, I remember being handed a pair of battered old Sorel snow boots by the clueless ski hire shop.
It did not go well. Thankfully, snowboard boot technology has evolved since then, and whatever your budget or experience, you can find a pair to suit your needs. Before you get distracted by cool features and flex ratings, the most important thing is that your feet are comfortable.
There should be no pressure points, or friction, and your toes need room to move or you’ll be frozen before lunch. Luckily, most boots now offer plush liners, pinch-free lacing systems and the ability to have insoles custom molded to fit your feet perfectly. If they’re too tight, you’ll be in pain, and if they’re too loose, you’ll struggle to control your boot.
If you have skinny ankles for instance, look for boots that cradle the ankle to prevent you from lifting out your boots and losing connection with the board as you turn. But as we’ve mentioned earlier, novices should gravitate towards more flexible boots, while faster, more confident riders should look for stiffer boots that offer a closer, more precise connection between your body and the board. Soft boots are fun and forgiving—hence why freestyle riders love them—but as you start to get faster, a slightly stiffer boot will open the whole mountain up for you to enjoy.
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From: forbes
URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-snowboard-boots/
