Best Snowboard Boots: 2021 Review

Getting the top pick can be quite challenging, especially if this is your first time finding one for yourself. Worry no more! With your needs in mind, we have rounded up the top 5 best snowboard boots. Check out their individual features and specifications, and take into consideration the buying guide below.

Top 5 Best Snowboard Boots

HEAD Unisex Snowboard Boots

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Black
  • Sole Material: Trace sole
  • Lacing Style: Boa Lacing

Product Description

  • Boa Lacing Style

This pair of snowboard boots use Boa lacing system. It is designed to allow the boot to be easily fastened with just a simple turn of a dial. It will also be loosened in just a snap. This means convenience on your part, and that there will no more uneasy fumbling with the laces out in the cold.

  • Comfortable Cuff System and Trace Outsole

This boots also use a comfort cuff system, delivering extra flex on the boots’ medial side. This ensures additional comfort, along with more natural flex. It also uses a trace outsole, which is designed to offer supreme quality grip.

It also works in providing stability and enough dampening of the foot. Its centered rubber studs also provide quality traction. This pair of boots is also constructed with the main frame that offers superior support to the feet.

  • Flex Index 5 and Tongue Pull

This boot comes with an interesting design, featuring a forgiving flex which makes it recommended even for beginners and intermediate snowboarders.

With the use of a tongue pull design, this snowboarder’s boots come with a loop of fabric that is located at the top of its tongue. This design assists in putting on and taking off the boots. All you need to do is to pull the tongue forward, and towards the side, and the foot will easily slide right in.

Pros

  • Comfortable cuff system
  • Supreme grip
  • Superior performance  

Cons

  • Some concerns with tightening the Boa lace

DC Control BOA 2021 Snowboard Boots

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Tan
  • Sole Material: EVA
  • Lacing Style: Boa

Product Description

  • Double Boa Boots

This design is very unique; given that it features a double Boa system. In fact, it is the only one currently available right now to feature both upper and lower separation. Other designs usually simply overlap around the ankle area. This offers a more secure grip on the snowboard boots.

  • Comfort and Flex

While you may need some time to break in to these boots, but once you do, they are very comfortable. It also features a good middle ground flex which is ideal for a wide range of board styles.

The turn initiation of these snowboard boots is ideal enough for the park, and can also rail a hard turn, especially on a moderate flex board.

  • Adjustability and Heel Hold

For a Boa-designed pair of boots, this option offers outstanding adjustability. Both the upper and lower parts are separate. In fact, this is what makes it different from others that also offer the Boa feature. If you are interested in Boa features but are also looking for the adjustability that is offered by speed lace, this is one of the best options that you can take into consideration.

  • Traction Control

Because this snowboard boot comes with a single mold EVA sole, it is lighter and even cheaper than other pairs. It works really well in soft snow, though it may be quite sketchy when walking in an icy area. Unlike rubber, it also wears down faster compared to those that are made out of rubber soles.

Pros

  • Comfortable to use
  • Good heel hold
  • Easy adjustability  

Cons

  • Some issue with traction

thirtytwo Snowboard Boot

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Black
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Lacing Style: Double Boa

Product Description

  • Boa Closure System

If you find laces inconvenient and do not suit your preferences, then this pair of snowboard boots is what you may want to include in your list. It features the Boa Closure System, offering an interesting combination of flex, support, and comfort. It will certainly allow you to enjoy your favorite outdoor sport. It comes with skate-inspired energy foam, along with the use of a performance rubber outsole which can cling to any type of terrain with full confidence.

  • Performance Fit Liner

This pair of snowboard boots are made out of dual density intuition foam that maximizes overall support and a good level of stiffness. It also offers improved comfort, which is designed strategically overlaying for extra spine and forefoot support. It also features a customized fit with heat molding and a heel hold kit.

  • Medium Flex

With medium flex features, this pair of snowboard boots are well suited for any style of riding. The best fit is focused on both durability and comfort, made possible with its use of ultra-soft STI energy foam.

  • Performance Footbed

These boots feature medium flex. With enough support from this boot, you can expect to go anywhere with convenience. It is also equipped with a performance footbed. This is all thanks to its use of molded evolution foam that comes with a heel cradle, heel cushioning, and arch support.

Pros

  • The double Boa lacing system
  • Minimal modern boot
  • Performance fit liner included

Cons

  • It may take some time to break-in  

K2 Maysis Snowboard Boot

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Black
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Lacing Style: Boa

Product Description

  • Intuition Liners

This pair of boots is ideal for advanced to expert snowboard riders. It features intuition liners that easily mold to all curves of the feet, working really hard to further maximize durability and comfort.

  • Dual Boa Lacing System

With its dual Boa lacing system, this pair of boots allows for exact adjustments on the boots. This easily allows you to modify the comfort needed on-the-go, while confidently shredding all types of terrain and features.

Specifically, it uses the Boa Conda liner lacing, allowing you to tighten, adjust or loosen the liner right away from the outer part of the boots. It also uses a patented chip that works in cupping the ankle and the top of the foot through a flexible and soft urethane structure. This works in distributing the pressure of the lacing, dispersing the tension for an even more secure and comfortable heel hold.

  • Endo 2.0 Flex Construction

This type of flex construction offers a precise and engineered flex system that keeps its consistency since day one, and throughout the entire life of the boot. Its 100% urethane structure can also ensure energetic and lively feet that prevent and reduces fatigue.

  • Quality Cuff

Its articulating cuff is constructed with performance in mind, offering a flexible and smooth feel without unnecessarily sacrificing durability and support. It even uses reinforced rubber which is abrasion resistant, located in high-stress areas to further extend the life of the boot while increasing durability.

Pros

  • Stiff flex
  • Automatic tightening
  • Excellent design 

Cons

  • Some complaints about feet hurting  

Rome Snowboard Boots

Rating: 4.5/5

Technical Specs:

  • Color: Black
  • Sole Material:
  • Lacing Style: Boa

Product Description

  • Ideal for Bigger/Wider Feet

The Rome Libertine snowboard boots are ideal for those with bigger/wider feet. It fits quite comfortably without feeling pressure points. While users may feel some light pressure on the forward flex, especially from where the tongue begins right after the toe, but it will be fine after a few runs.

  • Lacing and Adjustability

The use of traditional lace is amazing for those who do not mind being patient while trying how their boot fits. While it may take some work, but when you can finally break-in, it will be very comfortable to the feet.

  • Flex Retention

This pair of snowboard boots feature modern technology which works in preserving the flex right at the ankle, along with a rubber backstay. It offers a good balance between long-term flex retention and overall comfort.

  • Response Initiation

This medium or soft flex on these snowboard boots offer a medium response. While some may think that it is not as responsive as opened, but it works really well on the board from edge to edge.

  • Good Shock Absorption

The use of D30 on these boots is what makes the sole still shock-absorbent despite being thinner. It offers a good balance between a good and comfortable feel, along with being shock absorbent. The use of Vibram soles also helps in making sure that this pair of snowboarding boots serves as an amazing option for all temperatures and weather conditions.

Pros

  • Amazing for conditions and temperature
  • Good shock absorption
  • Medium and Soft Flex  

Cons

  • Bigger size than others  

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Snowboard Boots

We all know that choosing the best snowboard boots can be quite challenging. This is particularly true if this is your first time getting one. If so, then you definitely need the information presented in this buyer’s guide. Before making a decision on which option to buy, the following are among the most important features that you need to take into consideration.

Size

The size of your choice mainly depends on where you are located, the model of the boots that you are getting, and its manufacturer. It is not recommended to get just any snowboard boots that are based on your shoe size because the actual shape of your feet and the board size may differ.

Fit

Your chosen boot should tightly fit on your feet. Note that it is not really recommended to choose a loose fit, mainly for safety reasons. It is also ideal if you count your socks and liners first when evaluating the best fit.

Liners

When it comes to making a choice with liners, it is very important to make the right option. Liners can be found in the interior parts of every boot. They are usually made out of different types of materials. They can also be removable and fixed. It is recommended that you begin your snowboarding activity with ones that are removable. At the same time, it is recommended to be careful when it comes to selecting the fabric because it could either make or break your overall comfort.

Flex

Snowboard boots can either be stiff or soft. You can choose one that meets the requirements in between, but make sure to take your preference into consideration. Beginners in using the best snowboard boots are commended to stay on the safe side and choose soft ones, while professionals and experts often opt for stiffer boots.

Lacing System

The lacing system that you choose for your snowboard boots can either make your life complicated or simple. Your previous experience may be taken into a note, but you also have to consider your preference. It would be comfortable if you are able to lace them well while still giving your feet comfort and freedom to move.

Among the most common options on the lacing system include the traditional style, Boa lacing, and quick-pull lacing. These different types of lacing systems come with their advantages and flaws, which is why it is important to do your homework and investigation before selecting one.

Socks

Comfort in the inner part of your snowboard boots is important, which means that the right type of socks can help you in resolving this issue. Even though you can safely choose a regular sock, it would still be best to choose one that will provide warmth and comfort to your legs without having to experience too much sweating.

Footbeds

The floor on your boots is another important element that you need to take into consideration. As such, you need to have the right footbeds for your boots. There are orthopedic options currently available but you may want to choose those that are comfortable. These footbeds may be pricier than others but they are certainly a good investment on your part.

FAQs

Are snowboard boots designed to be waterproof?

By design, snowboarding boots are made with the goal of providing protection to users against weather conditions that they may encounter while doing their favorite activity. While doing so is possible to some level, there is no specific pair of snowboard boots that can be described as 100% waterproof. They perform well in most scenarios, thanks to the use of quality materials and methods that they are constructed with.

Are stiffer snowboard boots generally better?

To some extent, yes. However, this is only true if you are aiming at having better edge control as you make cuts on a lane. Stiffer boots are generally designed if you are aiming at snowboarding like a professional.

How often should snowboard boots be replaced?

The answer to this question highly depends on how often you use it, and your style of snowboarding. Generally, these snowboarding boots last up to 100 days. However, if you use them often, you may want to replace them ahead.

What are freeride and freestyle boots? Is there any difference?

Freeride boots, in general, are designed for professional snowboarders. They offer more stiffness and support. They can work on aggressive moves. On the other hand, freestyle boots are designed and suited for beginners. They are generally softer.

Should the boots liners be heat-molded?

This is totally up to your preference as it is not really required. It is not that necessary to have your liner molded, though you can still prefer to. If they fit at the time you first try them on, a liner may no longer be needed. However, if the fit is off, you may mold them.

Should the toes reach the edge of the snowboard boots?

The most important thing when trying any shoe to wear on is comfort. As such, when you wear your boots on, you need to feel comfort from all sides. The toes should go towards the end of the board, but not more than that.

Conclusion

With this list of the best snowboard boots, you are now in a better position to choose the best pair that will fit your needs and preferences. As you may have observed, the options are many, which guarantees that you can really find one that will match your requirements. With the tips mentioned above, you are also now able to identify which ones will fit you best. Taking all factors into consideration, you are now ready for shopping.