Top 10 Snowboarding Boots

Snowboarding down the mountain slopes creates an indescribable feeling that, as you know, can become almost addictive. To fully enjoy this activity, you’ll need to practice a lot, gradually improve your technique, and always wear the right gear. If you already have a snowboard, a pair of pants, and a good jacket, now is the time to get a reliable pair of snowboard boots.

You’ll see that each model has different features that make it more appropriate for certain activities, such as resort snowboarding, freeriding, or terrain parks. When choosing your model, you must think about your riding skills, your style, and the flex you need.

Don’t worry! Today, I am going to talk about flex index, lacing systems, and other important characteristics that you should consider when choosing your boots. In addition, I’ll review the best models of the year so that you can find the one that best suits your needs.

Take a look at other guides to find the best snowboards, jackets, helmets, pants, and goggles. 

THE BEST SNOWBOARD BOOTS

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BURTON MOTO BOA

DESCRIPTION: The Burton Moto Boa is one of the best-selling boots of the year. Thanks to its soft flex and comfortable construction, it’s perfect for beginners and intermediate riders, or for any freestyle lover looking for a great, soft-flexing boot at a good price. The Boa lacing system is fast and easy to use, and provides a firm and secure fit. If you like, it’s also available with Speed ​​Laces. Here on Amazon

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THIRTY TWO STW

DESCRIPTION: The Thirty Two STW is a great choice for advanced beginners, as it has a soft flex that is really comfortable and forgiving. In addition, it’s lighter than other models and is easy to put on and take off—something that people who are not used to wearing snow boots will appreciate.

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BURTON DRIVER X

DESCRIPTION: The Burton Driver X is designed for aggressive riders looking for a highly stiff and responsive boot that will efficiently transfer all body energy to the snowboard. It features a high-traction Vibram sole so that you can hike off the slopes for as long as you want. If you enjoy snowboarding at full speed, this could be your model.

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BURTON RULER

DESCRIPTION: The Burton Ruler has become a classic boot that doesn’t lose popularity year after year—rather the opposite! This model has a medium flex that allows you to improve your riding technique, while maintaining a forgiving character. Thanks to the sturdy construction, the Boa lacing system (it’s also available with Speed ​​Laces), and the comfortable thermo-moldable liners, the Burton Ruler suits all types of snowboarders, from beginners (but not beginner-beginners) to advanced riders.

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K2 MARKET BOA

DESCRIPTION: The K2 Market Boa features a soft flex, really comfortable liners, and an efficient Boa lacing system that make it the perfect choice for beginners and intermediate riders. If you are a freestyle snowboarder, it performs very well in the park, too.

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K2 RAIDER BOA

DESCRIPTION: The K2 Raider is a comfortable, medium-soft flex boot that will allow you to go from beginner to intermediate in record time. It’s also perfect for freestyle riders who want to do tricks while descending the slopes.

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SALOMON FACTION

DESCRIPTION: The Salomon Faction is designed for those who seek comfort above all else. This model features a soft flex, a nice thermo-moldable liner, an “Imprint” footbed that provides great cushioning, and a lightweight sole that improves comfort when walking. It’s perfect for both beginners who want to brush up on their technique and experienced riders looking for a flexible model.

WOMEN’S SNOWBOARD BOOTS

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BURTON MINT BOA

DESCRIPTION: The Burton Mint Boa allows beginner and intermediate snowboarders to progress quickly, always providing great comfort and style. This model features a soft flex construction, super comfortable liners, and excellent cushioning, all at a very attractive price.

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BURTON LIMELIGHT

DESCRIPTION: The Burton Limelight is another popular medium-soft flex model, perfect for all types of terrain, from resort slopes to terrain parks. The Imprint 2 liner, the 3M Thinsulate padding, and the Lock-Up Cuff system provide excellent fit and thermal protection. This model is perfect for beginners and intermediate snowboarders, as well as for advanced riders looking for a medium flex that will help them do tricks.

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BURTON COCO

DESCRIPTION: The Burton Coco is designed for beginners who don’t want to spend a fortune on their first boots. Obviously, it doesn’t perform as well as high-end models, but it’s probably the best women’s budget model. However, if you can spend a bit more, I recommend that you get the Burton Mint.

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THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

First, keep in mind that there is no secret formula to determine exactly what type of boot you’ll need. It’s more of a personal choice based on your preferences, style, and skill level. Nevertheless, some key factors will help you decide if you still have doubts.

ABILITY LEVELS AND FLEX

Beginner

With a few exceptions, most beginners prefer soft or soft-medium flex boots. Generally, soft flex models are more comfortable to wear and prevent your legs from feeling tired at the end of the day. Also, as a beginner, you are going to fall a lot. A soft flex is more forgiving with beginner mistakes. In this respect, it’s important to prioritize comfort over final performance.

Intermediate-advanced level

Most experienced riders prefer a medium-to-stiff flex that is more responsive and that allows for greater speed and control. However, ability level is not the only factor to consider when choosing the right flex. It will depend on the activity and style, too.

TYPE OF ACTIVITY

All-mountain

All-mountain boots are designed to perform well on all types of terrain, including ski slopes, virgin snow, and terrain parks. This versatility makes them the favorite option of most snowboarders. Most of the time, they have a soft or medium flex (3-7).

Freestyle

Terrain park lovers will usually choose a softer flex (1-4), which allows for greater freedom of movement and comfort when doing tricks.

Freeride / Backcountry

Backcountry, aggressive riders will opt for stiffer flex boots (6-10). These models provide greater power transfer and control, which is essential when you are descending the slopes at full speed.

HEIGHT

Boot height has an impact on final flex, too. High-cut boots provide for greater control over the board, so they are great for freeriding. Low-cut boots allow for a greater range of movement, so they are popular among beginners and freestyle riders. Women’s models tend to have a lower design that better adapts to their body shape.

LACING SYSTEM

Traditional laces

As the name implies, these are the traditional laces that everybody knows. They are similar to your street shoelaces, just a bit thicker. Traditional laces are effective, resistant, and durable, and they provide great heel hold and overall fit. On the downside, they are more difficult to tie and untie, and they are virtually impossible to use with gloved hands.

Speed ​​laces

The speed lace system features a resistant lace that, when pulled, closes the boot and provides a tight fit. Some models use two separate laces—one for the top and one for the bottom part of the boot—for greater hold. This system is really fast and easy to use.

The main drawback is that some models (mainly budget models) don’t provide a really tight fit. However, manufacturers have improved speed lace systems over the years, and today’s speed laces are practically as effective as traditional laces.

Boa

The Boa system is becoming very popular because it provides a reliable, tight fit in a matter of seconds. This system uses fine steel cables that are tightened by turning an adjustable dial and that are released with a simple click. Boa models are usually expensive.

SIZE AND FIT

Although sizes may vary slightly from one manufacturer to another, your boots should be the same size as your tennis shoes. The main difference is that your snowboard boots should feel quite snug. Don’t worry if they feel too tight at first. Of course, if you feel too much pressure or pain on any part of the foot, you may have gotten the wrong size.

Tip: if two sizes fit you well, I recommend that you choose the smaller size, as the liners will mold to your foot over time.

Make sure you don’t choose a too-big boot, as your foot will have too much space inside it, which can cause blisters and discomfort when you are doing some movements. Also, big sizes make it more difficult to maintain control over the snowboard.

To improve comfort throughout the day, you can leave your laces loose before you get on the board, when you take a coffee break, or whenever you aren’t snowboarding. This is especially helpful when you are wearing a stiff boot.

LINERS

Liners are key elements for a secure, comfortable fit. Also, they provide cushioning, stability, and thermal protection. Liners can be fixed or removable (these are easy to wash and dry). Generally, comfort level increases with price. Top-end boots use heat moldable liners that offer the best performance.

Stock liners

Non-moldable liners are commonly found in budget models. They are not as comfortable as heat moldable liners, but they are OK. The main drawback is that they take longer to mold to the foot shape. If you snowboard occasionally and don’t want to spend a lot of money, this type of liner might be a good solution.

Moldable liners

Moldable liners are more expensive, comfortable, and efficient. They use body heat to adapt and mold to your foot shape.

Heat moldable liners

Heat moldable or thermo-moldable liners provide a custom fit that molds perfectly to your foot shape. The molding process can be accelerated by applying heat to the boot. However, keep in mind that unless you have some experience, this heating process should be done by a professional (you can ask at your nearest ski shop).

Regardless of the type of liner, make sure you wear comfortable socks that provide good thermal protection. Some riders prefer thin socks, and others thicker socks, but you should always try on your boots with the same type of sock that you’ll be wearing on the track.

SOLES

High-quality insoles improve foot support, ensuring that the weight is evenly distributed, so that your foot is held in the right position. In addition, they avoid muscle tension in the arch of the foot and in other areas.

Some advanced riders prefer custom footbeds, which are made of special polymers that adapt exactly to the shape of the foot.

Make sure the outsoles provide a strong grip with the board. If you are going to get off-piste and hike a lot, go for a boot with an aggressive outsole.

MATERIALS

Most models are made from plastic materials, which are filled with synthetic fibers (for thermal protection). Some top-end models are made from leather, which is generally stronger and more durable than plastic.

BINDINGS

When you are adjusting your snowboard bindings, make sure the heel and ankle are firmly held. Also, bindings should allow your boot to flex. They should grip the boot firmly and securely, though without putting too much pressure on any part of the foot.

After you adjust your bindings, check that the boot doesn’t hang over the edge of the board. Otherwise, you will be more likely to fall. In that case, you should look for a bigger board.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S MODELS

Men’s and women’s models are slightly different, as they are designed to better adapt to each gender’s anatomy. Generally, women’s models have a narrower shape, especially at the ankle, that prevents the foot from being too loose inside the boot.

COLD FEET

Some people can practice winter sports and never complain about low temperatures. Other people (like me) are more sensitive to cold. You can try a few things to avoid that horrible sensation of cold feet.

1- Look for boots that feature high-quality liners with good thermal insulation. Wear a pair of warm, comfortable socks (for example, merino wool socks).

2- If your feet are still cold, try using chemical toe warmers. These warmers are like small insoles that release heat (through a chemical reaction) and keep your feet warm for a few hours.

3- If toe warmers don’t provide enough heat or are not comfortable for you, try boot heaters, which are special insoles connected to electric batteries that provide a nice amount of heat. Boot heaters should be placed correctly (preferably by an experienced person). They can be a bit expensive, but they will help in your fight against cold feet.

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