Snowboarding is one of the most awesome sports there is. Cruising down the mountain side with the wind on your face is an unforgettable experience. Once you give it a try you are hooked for life.
Beginner or pro, choosing the best boots for snowboarding is a must. The boots are an integral part of your snowboarding gear. They can make a huge difference on what kind of day you will be having on the mountain.More...
Choosing the Best Snowboard Boots 2022
Several factors need to be taken into consideration when buying snowboard boots. This is not as easy as buying a new pair of sneakers.
Flex
Snowboarders refer to the rigidness of their boots as ‘flex’. Beginners are more suited towards a softer flex. The more you progress in skill level the stiffer the flex.
The flex has a rating system of 1-10. The latter being the stiffest. The different styles and skill level suited to which flex is best we have outlined below.
Terrain | Rating | Flex |
|---|---|---|
Freestyle | 2-5 | Soft |
All Mountain | 5-7 | Medium |
Freeride / Backcountry | 7-8 | Medium > stiff |
Carving | 9-10 | Stiff |
Lacing
There are 3 different types of laces on snowboard boots. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Traditional laces - Your typical lace found on running shoes. These are usually found on the cheaper snowboard boots. A lot of riders prefer these to the other options though due to being able to tie them tighter.
- Quick Pull - A pulley type system where each lace has a type of handle at the end. You simply lock it in place once you have the desired tightness.
- Boa - A more modern type of lacing your boots. The BOA method simply uses one, two or three dials to tighten the lace.
Boot Liners
Boot liners are extremely important. Comfort, warmth, and board control are all improved with the right boot liner.
- Non- Mouldable - Like a running shoe these static liners need to be ‘broken in’. Usually found in cheaper/ beginner boots.
- Thermoformable - Using heat and pressure to mould to the shape of your foot. A popular choice for those not looking to spend hours instore.
- Custom Mouldable - The pricier option of the three but money well spent.
10 Best Boots for Snowboarding
Boot liners, lacing and flex among other factors have been used to compile this list of the top 10 boots.
1. Vans Infuse Snowboard Boots
Topping the list for the best snowboarding boots is the Vans Infuse. The thing that separates them from the rest is the removable tongue stiffeners. This allows you to change from a medium flex to stiff.
Not only are they extremely comfortable, you can wear them in any terrain. Snowboard, climb or hike, you will not have to change out of these boots.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Medium > Stiff |
|---|---|
Experience | Intermediate > Advanced |
Lacing System | Traditional and Boa |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 9.5 |
2. Burton Ion Boa Snowboard Boots
One of the more expensive boots on the market, but it will be money well spent. The Burton Ion Boa’s are one of the best snowboard boots for freeriders.
The thermoformable boot liner will mold the shape of your foot. This saves you time and money as you are not having to spend hours instore to find the perfect fit. One of the most comfortable snowboarding boots.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Medium > Stiff |
|---|---|
Experience | Intermediate upwards |
Lacing System | Double Boa |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 9 |
3. Vans Encore OG Snowboard Boots for Women
The Vans Encore OG is a lightweight and affordable choice for beginners to advanced riders. Several features easily make this one of the best snowboarding boots for women.
The classic designed boots contain V1 PopCush footbeds, V1 UltraCush Liners and the V1 Harness. Creating an all-round versatile pair of snowboard boots.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Medium |
|---|---|
Experience | Beginner > Advanced |
Lacing System | Boa |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 9 |
4. Adidas Response 3MC ADV Snowboard Boots Mens
Adidas have listened to their customers over the years and made improvements where required. Before, boarders had issues with the tongue pressuring the top of your foot during forward flex. This year’s boot is overall an improvement.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Medium |
|---|---|
Experience | Intermediate > Advanced |
Lacing System | Boa |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 8.5 |
5. K2 Aspect Snowboard Boots
Boots designed for all aspects of the great outdoors. K2 Aspect are not just one of the best boots for snowboarding.
They are also a top choice for mountaineering as they are crampon compatible. Your best friend in all back-country pursuits.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Very stiff |
|---|---|
Experience | Advanced beginners > |
Lacing System | Traditional |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 8.5 |
6. Burton Swath BOA Men's Snowboard Boots
A boot made for boarders of all levels, specifically freeriders. The Burton Swath BOA is an awesome combination of medium flex and comfort.
These boots are perfect for not only off-piste but back country too.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Medium |
|---|---|
Experience | Any level: Beginner > Advanced |
Lacing System | Boa with New England rope laces |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 8 |
7. Burton Limelight Boa Snowboard Boots
One of the top best boots for snowboarding for women. A lightweight versatile boot that suits all levels of rider. They can be used in the backcountry or for tearing it up freestyle.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Medium |
|---|---|
Experience | Any level |
Lacing System | Boa Lockdown |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 8 |
8. Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa Snowboard Boots
A great choice for those wishing to pull off some sick tricks and stunts. These custom fit boots are best suited for freestylers. Drying time is reduced as they have been created without the use of glue in the liner.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Medium |
|---|---|
Experience | Advanced beginners> |
Lacing System | Boa |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 8 |
9. HEAD Scout Pro Boa Snowboard Boots
A great choice if you are just starting your snowboarding journey. These boots are great value for money. Excellent grip, comfortable and stable. Perfect for beginners not looking to break the bank.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Medium |
|---|---|
Experience | Beginner > Intermediate |
Lacing System | Boa |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 7.5 |
10. K2 Boundary Snowboard Boots
Finally, on our list of best snowboarding boots we have the K2 Boundary. These all mountain snowboard boots are for those of us on a tighter budget.
The boots are a combination of affordable and quality made.
Pros
Cons
Flex | Medium |
|---|---|
Experience | Beginner > Advanced |
Lacing System | Boa |
Overall Rating (1-10) | 7.5 |
Best Boots for Snowboarding
The best boots for snowboarding don’t have to necessarily be the most expensive. This is especially true for beginners. There is not much point in buying a top of the range pair of boots with a 10 rated stiffness.
The same rings true if you are only boarding a couple of days per year. Finding the correct boot to suit your skill level is important but so are other factors.
Comfort is a key ingredient to a perfect boot and can make the difference between a great day on the mountain and a bad one. Make sure to check out our snowboarding tips for more knowledge.
The list of best boots for snowboarding above should show that you don’t have to break the bank to find boots that suit. There are a pair for every budget.