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Every snowboarder knows the importance of a good pair of boots. They are essential for controlling your board as well as making you feel comfortable on the snow. You could say that, along with the bindings and the board itself, the boots are the most important part of snowboarding gear.
But how do you choose the right pair? In addition to size and fit, you should consider your skill level and riding style. Factors like flex and lacing system also play a big role here.
To help you pick the ideal pair, we’ve selected the best boots for snowboarding currently available and discussed their pros and cons in various snowboarding scenarios. On top of this, our buying guide will talk about everything there is to know about boots so you can easily figure out what you need.
OUR TOP PICK
Burton Swath Boa Snowboard Boots
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Double BOA closure makes fit adjustments quick and easy
- GripLite back ensures that the boots grip well on the binding
- Articulating cuffs allow the upper and lower part to flex independently
- 3D PowerUp tongues and thermoformable liner guarantee comfort
- Good shock absorption
Best For: Quick Response and Motion Precision
Riding Style: Freestyle
Flex: Medium
Upper: Rubber, Plastic, Textile
Liner: Textile, Rubber (Thermoformable)
Outsole: DynoBite EST Rubber
Lacing: Dual BOA
Skill: Intermediate
EDITORS CHOICE
Ride Deadbolt Boa Snowboard Boots
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Dual BOA Focus for adjusting upper and lower part independently
- Heat-moldable liner fully conforms to your foot while wearing
- Rugged Michelin outsole prevents movements inside the binding
- Mesh liner inside wicks sweat away and prevents nasty odors
- High quality lacing system
Best For: Demanding Terrain
Riding Style: All-Mountain, Freeride
Flex: Medium Stiff (8/10)
Upper: HDR Premium Synthetics
Liner: Intuition Mobile (Thermoformable)
Outsole: Michelin Fiberlite
Lacing: Dual Focus BOA
Skill: Intermediate/Advanced
BEST VALUE
DC Phase Snowboard Boots
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Foundation Unilite outsole provides impressive traction
- Comfortable sewn-in liner with thermo-regulating fleece
- Traditional lacing is easy to replace in case of an accident
- Medium flex makes it great for any type of snowboarding
- Good shock absorption
Best For: Riding Comfort
Riding Style: All-Mountain, Freestyle
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Upper: Hybrid (Synthetic Fabric and Leather)
Liner: EVA Foam + Thermo-Regulating Fleece
Outsole: Foundation Unilite
Lacing: Traditional
Skill: Beginner/Intermediate
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Fully compatible with Burton’s Step-On binding systems
- Snowproof gussets prevent snow from getting in the boot
- Sleeping Bag heat-reflective underfoot retains your body heat
- Lock-Up low-profile inner cuff makes entry and exit easier
Best For: Fast Setup (Step-On Compatible)
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Flex: Medium
Upper: Synthetic Leather, Polyurethane
Liner: Thermoformable Foam
Lacing: BOA
Skill: Beginner/Intermediate
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Traditional lacing for easily getting the foot in and out
- Intuition Elite liner easily adapts to the shape of your foot
- Power Strap on the cuff makes the boot very secure
- STI Foam midsole and rubber outsole absorb impacts well
- Good shock absorption
Best For: Jumps and Tricks
Riding Style: All-Mountain, Freestyle
Flex: Medium (4-6/10)
Upper: Synthetic Leather and Fabric
Liner: Intuition Elite (Thermoformable)
Outsole: Performance Rubber
Lacing: Traditional
Skill: Beginner/Intermediate
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Aggressive and reliable in deep snow and powder
- Custom fit Imprint 3 liner guarantees comfort
- Vibram EcoStep outsole with Ice Spikes for traction
- Sleeping Bag reflective underfoot foil prevents body heat loss
Best For: Powder and Deep Snow
Riding Style: Freeride
Flex: Medium Stiff Flex
Upper: Synthetic
Liner: Imprint 3 (Heat-Moldable)
Outsole: Vibram EcoStep Rubber
Lacing: Dual BOA
Skill: Intermediate/Advanced
ThirtyTwo STW Boa Snowboard Boots
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Soft flex makes the boot ideal for learning and practicing
- BOA coiler makes fit adjustments incredibly easy
- STI Evolution foam absorbs hits and makes the ride smoother
- Velcro strap additionally secures the boot to the binding
- Good shock absorption
Best For: Learning
Riding Style: All-Mountain, Freestyle
Flex: Soft (3/10)
Upper: Synthetic
Liner: Dual-Density Intuition Foam (Heat-Moldable)
Lacing: BOA
Skill: Beginner
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Responsive and forgiving both on and off the piste
- Intuition foam liner molds to the shape of your foot
- 3D Molded Tongue ensures that the flex is even
- Customizable Heel Hold kit prevents heel lift
- Good shock absorption
- High quality lacing system
Best For: All-Around Snowboarding
Riding Style: All-Mountain, Freestyle
Flex: Medium (4/10)
Upper: Synthetic
Liner: Intuition Foam (Heat-Moldable)
Lacing: BOA System
Skill: Beginner/Intermediate
System APX Snowboard Boots
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Built-in flex panels make the boot more comfortable
- Rugged construction with a 3-year warranty coverage
- No uncomfortable pressure points on the toes or heel
- Soft interior lining keeps your foot warm and cozy
- Good shock absorption
Best For: Durability and Strength
Riding Style: All-Mountain, Freestyle
Flex: Soft
Upper: Synthetic Leather and Fabric
Liner: Foam
Outsole: Rubber
Lacing: Traditional
Skill: Beginner/Intermediate
- What Makes These Boots For Snowboarding Stand Out
- Soft flex allows you to perform tricks and jump off ramps
- Intuition comfort liner adapts to your foot for all-day comfort
- Fast-In liner lacing system prevents the heel from lifting
- Die-cut EVA footbed easily absorbs every shock and impact
- Good shock absorption
Best For: Shock Absorption
Riding Style: All-Mountain, Freestyle
Flex: Soft
Upper: Synthetic Leather
Liner: Intuition Comfort Foam (Heat-Moldable)
Outsole: Rubber
Lacing: BOA System
Skill: Beginner/Intermediate
How To Choose The Best Snowboard Boots – Buying Guide
Size
Generally speaking, snowboard boots are sizes just like regular boots and it’s usually best to go with your standard size. This being said, most brands will provide size charts with dimensions. Since you won’t be able to try the boot when shopping online, we advise that you take your time, measure your foot, and compare with the size chart before ordering.
Related Post: Ski Boot Size Chart
Fit
Along with the size, the fit of your boots for snowboarding is the most important aspect to consider. A snowboard boot should fit more snug than a standard one, but not too tight to cause discomfort. The most important area to check is the heel – it should stay in place when you lean forward, otherwise you should go with a smaller size.
Style
The style of your boot is largely determined by where and how you ride your snowboard. If you enjoy riding in the park, you should look for a freestyle boot with soft flex. On the other hand, if you like riding powder and deep snow, you should go with a stiff freeride boot. If you enjoy a little bit of everything but mostly ride on groomed tracks, you should take a look at the best all mountain snowboard boots with a medium boot flex.
Related Reviews: Beginner Snowboard Boots & Freestyle Snowboard Boots
Lacing
There are three different lacing systems on your snowboarding shoes – traditional, quick pull, and BOA laces. As their name suggests, traditional laces are the same as on any other shoe and need to be tied. Quick pull laces come with a single tab that you pull to tighten, lock, and tuck away. The BOA system comes with one or several knobs that you turn to tighten or loosen the laces.
Footbed and Liner
The main tasks of liners and footbeds are to give you stability and make your foot comfortable. The footbeds are often made of a material that will give good support to the rider and absorb shock and vibrations. Liners, on the other hand, need to be fairly soft and have a snug fit around your foot. The snowboard boot should have a heat-moldable liner, as you’ll be able to heat it and customize it so it fits perfectly around your foot.
Material
The materials used in the construction determine both the performance and the durability of your boot. For example, uppers that are mostly made from nylon and polyester are used for the lightest boots. They are comfortable and have a softer flex, but can be damaged in harsh conditions. On the other hand, synthetic leather is a lot more long-lasting but might make your boot stiff.
Gender
When discussing gender, we aren’t talking about color differences. Men and women have different calf and foot shapes which should be taken into account when choosing. For example, women’s calf sits lower compared to men’s, which is why the cuff on the best women’s snowboard boots are lower. On the other hand, men have wider feet so the footbed in the best snowboard boots for men tends to be wider too.
Related Reviews: Ski Boots For Narrow Feet & Ski Boots For Wide Feet
FAQs
Q:Â How Tight Should I Make My Boots?
The boots should be pretty tight – it needs to prevent your foot from moving inside and your heel from lifting. However, it shouldn’t be too tight to cause discomfort or pressure points when going down the slopes.
Q:Â Are Speed Laces As Good As Traditional Laces?
Speed laces are more convenient for tightening the boot and adjusting the fit, but they are more difficult to replace. On the other hand, traditional laces will take more time to tighten but you can replace them on your own (if needed). Quality-wise, there isn’t a lot of difference between the two.
Q:Â How Can I Make My Boots More Comfortable?
First and foremost, you should get a boot with the right size and fit as this is essential for initial comfort. Furthermore, it’s a plus if the boot comes with a heat-moldable liner that will adapt to the shape of your foot. Finally, you’ll need to ‘break-in’ the boot by wearing in (a stiffer pair of boots take longer to break in).
Related Post: Ski Boot Stretching
Q:Â Are Stiff Snowboard Boots Better?
This depends on where you’ll be using the boots (and board). If you prefer going off-track and riding in powder and deep snow (freeriding), the stiffest snowboard boots will improve the board's response and precision. On the other hand, if you’re a beginner or you mostly go to the park to perform tricks, you should go with a softer boot.
Q:Â Do You Need Special Snowboard Boots?
Yes, you do. Compared to regular snow boots, snowboard boots are designed differently to give your feet additional protection. Furthermore, their shape and size allow them to connect perfectly to the bindings. This, in turn, improves board control.
Globo Surf Overview
To properly experience the slopes on your board, you’ll need to have the right equipment. As we’ve pointed out, the most efficient snowboard boot will keep your feet warm, dry, and protected, and improve the control over your board. Hopefully, our reviews and guide have pointed you in the right direction and made your choice easier.
More Snow Reviews:
- Snowboards
- Ski Pants
- Heated Jacket
- Thermal Underwear
- Snowboard Goggles
- Snowboard Bindings
- Snowboard Jackets
- Snowboard Helmet
- Base Layer
- Ski Socks
