Top Rated Snowboarding Boots Reviews
In a Hurry? The Test Winner after 15 hrs of research!
DC Men’s Phase Lace Up
Why is better?
- Great design
- Tough shell
- Made to last
13
Researched Sources
5647
Total
Readers
2300
Reviews Considers
19
Hours Research
13
Products Evaluated
Here are the top 10 snowboard boots to check out!
Flex
5 (1 Soft – 10 Stiff)
Liner
Red Liner – Pure performance.
Lacing System
Traditional Laces
Footbed
Snow Basic Insole
Ability Level
Beginner-Intermediate
Flex Rating
Medium
Lacing System
Traditional
Internal Lacing System
Quick-Pull
Warranty
1 Year
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
Flex
9 (1 Soft – 10 Stiff)
Liner
Performance Liner
Performance Internal Harness
Pressure Pad
Heel Hold System
Lacing System
Traditional Lacing
Tongue Tension System
Footbed
Performance Footbed
Ability Level
Advanced-Expert
Flex Rating
Stiff
Lacing System
Traditional
Internal Lacing System
None
Backcountry Boot
Yes
Warranty
1 Year
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
Flex
8 (1 Soft – 10 Stiff)
Liner
Heat Reflective Foil
Wrap Liner
Cored Ankle Pockets
Intuition™ Dream Liner
Black Gold™ Liner Mesh
Lacing System
Boa® Tongue Tied™ Focus Closure System
The Closer™ Lace Guide
Footbed
Impacto™ Insole
Sole
Michelin® Peak Sole
Additional Features
TPU Toe Cap
Ability Level
Advanced-Expert
Flex Rating
Stiff
Lacing System
Boa®
Warranty
1 Year
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
Flex
6 (1 Soft – 10 Stiff)
Fit
Thermo-Formable Internal and External J Bars
Liner
Intuition Support Foam Liner
Aegis™ Antimicrobial Coating
Lacing System
Boa® Coiler Closure System
The Closer™ Lace Guide
Footbed
3D Formed Dual Density EVA Foam Footbed
Sole
Michelin® Summit Outsole
Additional Features
Articulating Cuff
3D Formed Tongue
Ability Level
Intermediate-Advanced
Flex Rating
Medium
Lacing System
Boa®
Internal Lacing System
Quick-Pull
Warranty
1 Year
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
Flex
3 (1 Soft – 10 Stiff)
Fit
1:1 Lasting – True Half Sizes
3D Molded Tongue
Independent Eyestay – Supportive fit
Liner
Comfort Harness
Comfort Liner
Lacing System
Boa Coiler Lacing System
Footbed
Comfort Footbed – Molded Footbed
Sole
STI Evolution Foam
Additional Features
Overmold Fused Overlay for Added Durability
Ability Level
Beginner-Intermediate
Flex Rating
Soft
Lacing System
Boa®
Internal Lacing System
Quick-Pull
Warranty
1 Year
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
Flex
Soft Flex
Fit
1:1 Soft Flex PowerUP Tongue
Total Comfort Construction
Women’s Specific True Fit™ Design
Liner
Imprint™ 1 Liner with Integrated Lacing
Lightweight Power Panels
Inner Lace Lock
Lacing System
Boa® Coiler™ Closure System
Exclusive New England Rope Laces
Footbed
Level 1 Molded EVA Footbed
Sole
DynoLITE Outsole
Sleeping Bag Reflective Foil
Additional Features
Snow-Proof Internal Gusset
Ability Level
Beginner-Intermediate
Flex Rating
Soft
Lacing System
Boa®
Internal Lacing System
Quick-Pull
Warranty
1 Year
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
Flex
8 (1 Soft – 10 Stiff)
Fit
1:1 Firm Flex PowerUP Tongue
Total Comfort Construction
Outer Pressure Relief Panel
Liner
Life Liner
DryRide Heat Cycle™ Lining
Tuff Cuff
Lacing System
Speed Zone™ Lacing
Exclusive New England Rope Laces
Sole
EST® Optimized Midsole
ReBounce Cushioning
Sleeping Bag Reflective Foil
AutoCANT Cushioning
Shrinkage™ Footprint Reduction Technology
Additional Features
Snow-Proof Internal Gusset
Ability Level
Advanced-Expert
Flex Rating
Stiff
Lacing System
Quick-Pull
Internal Lacing System
None
Warranty
1 Year
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
Flex
5 (1 Soft – 5 Stiff)
Flex Zone Upper
Endo 2.0 Construction
Liner
Boa® Conda™
Intuition® Pro Foam 3D
Intuition® SpaceHeater™
Lacing System
H3 Boa® Focus
Footbed
3D Formed Dual Density EVA
Sole
Vibram® V4 Outsole
Harshmellow™ Dampening
Additional Features
Rubber Reinforced
Ability Level
Advanced-Expert
Flex Rating
Very Stiff
Lacing System
Boa®
Warranty
1 Year
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
Flex
4 – 5
Liner
V1 UltraCush Liner
Lacing System
Traditional Laces
Footbed
V1 POPCUSH Footbed
Sole
V1 Waffle Lug
Ability Level
Intermediate-Advanced
Flex Rating
Medium
Lacing System
Traditional
Internal Lacing System
Quick-Pull
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
Flex
(1 Soft – 10 Stiff) – 5
Fit
Natural Fit
Liner
Silver Level Ultralon Heat Moldable Liner
Inner Ankle Harness with Speed Lacing
Lacing System
Traditional Laces
Sole
Continental™ Rubber Outsole
Additional Features
Synthetic Leather Upper
Slip-Free Ride
Ability Level
Intermediate-Advanced
Flex Rating
Medium
Lacing System
Traditional
Internal Lacing System
Quick-Pull
Warranty
2 Years
Price Comparison
Last Update (October.10.2019)
IN DEPTH REVIEW
- DC Men’s Phase Lace Up
- Thirtytwo TM-Two XLT 2018
- Ride Trident Boa
- Ride Jackson
- Thirtytwo STW Boa
- Burton Mint Boa
- Burton Ion
- K2 Thraxis
- Vans Hi-Standard OG 2019
- Adidas Samba ADV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- How to Choose the Best Snowboard Boots
- Conclusion
Top 10 Snowboard Boots
DC Men’s Phase Lace Up
MATERIALS
90
BREATHABILITY
90
STYLE
85
Value
92
POCKETS
95
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- Great design
- Tough shell
- Made to last
CONS:
- Poor choice of colors
- Laces
Thirtytwo TM-Two XLT 2018
MATERIALS
92
BREATHABILITY
90
STYLE
85
Value
88
POCKETS
89
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- Attention to detail
- Angle support
- Tongue
- Grip
CONS:
- Expensive
- Heavy
Ride Trident Boa
MATERIALS
88
BREATHABILITY
90
STYLE
88
Value
85
POCKETS
90
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- Intuition™ Wrap Dream Liner
- Aegis coating
- Massive shell
- Feel nice and solid
CONS:
- Some elements don’t look high-end
Ride Jackson
MATERIALS
80
BREATHABILITY
95
STYLE
100
Value
94
POCKETS
85
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- Michelin® Summit Outsole
- Lace system
- Comfort
- Strength
CONS:
- Odor while new
Thirtytwo STW Boa
MATERIALS
80
BREATHABILITY
95
STYLE
100
Value
94
POCKETS
85
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- Comfort
- Fully adjustable
- Great tongue
- Strong and durable
CONS:
- Too stiff
Burton Mint Boa
MATERIALS
80
BREATHABILITY
95
STYLE
100
Value
94
POCKETS
85
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- Lightweight
- Secure fit
- Adjustable dial
- Heat transfer
CONS:
- Thread construction is an issue for some people
- Black version looks ordinary
Burton Ion
MATERIALS
80
BREATHABILITY
95
STYLE
100
Value
94
POCKETS
85
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- Innovative technologies
- Good cushioning
- Comfortable
- Quick lacing system
- Versatile
CONS:
- Might feel a bit heavy for some
K2 Thraxis
MATERIALS
80
BREATHABILITY
95
STYLE
100
Value
94
POCKETS
85
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- Boa® Conda
- Different adjustment zones
- J bars
- Design
CONS:
- Poor inserts
Vans Hi-Standard OG 2019
MATERIALS
80
BREATHABILITY
95
STYLE
100
Value
94
POCKETS
85
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- 2 sets of laces
- Desirable model
- Footbed
- Stiffness
CONS:
- Poor packaging
- A bit expensive
Adidas Samba ADV
MATERIALS
80
BREATHABILITY
95
STYLE
100
Value
94
POCKETS
85
BEST OFFER FOR TODAY
PROS:
- Good lacing system
- Professional outsole
- Comfortable fit
- 3D molded tongue
- Nonslip interior
CONS:
- Tongue might feel uncomfortable for very wide feet
How to Choose the Best Snowboard Boots
Boot Flex
The boot flex is all about responsiveness. A higher rating is a stiffer flex. At this point, you have close to no flexibility. A lower rating is softer and more forgiving. New or intermediate riders should go with a soft or medium flex.
It is worth noting that different manufacturers have different flex rating systems. However, anything under 2 classifies as soft, 3 to 5 is medium and 6 to 8 is stiff. Anything over 8 is rated as very stiff. It might sound hard to believe, but some of the world’s professionals use boots with different flex ratings in the same set.
Riding Style
Freestyle riding is all free – you can do tricks or just cruise. Backcountry riding is more sophisticated and involves jumps, cliffs and obstacles. All mountain riding is similar, while the freeride style is self explanatory. Other less popular styles include alpine, powder and cruising riding.
Preferred Terrain and Style
The preferred terrain is obviously related to the actual style. For instance, you can freestyle in a park, but you require more open space when it comes to racing or cruising.
Fit
Just like in regular shoes, the fit relates to the shape of your feet. The best snowboard boots are adjustable, so they can perfectly match your feet. Pay attention to the actual shape and the toe space.
The fit must be snugly – just not tight enough to cause painful sensations. Keep in mind that most boots will need at least a few days of riding in order to get to their actual fit after many months of being unworn. Some might feel tight in the beginning, but they will loosen up a bit with time.
Generally speaking, toes should barely touch the toecap. You should also be able to move your toes a bit. As for the heel hold, push your knee forward and check – if the knee stays in place, you are alright.
Lacing System
There are a few different lacing systems and they relate to the actual fit.
Traditional
Traditional lacing systems are inexpensive and allow manual adjustment, yet they can get loose by themselves and tightening is hard with gloves. Differences from one system to another are not impressive. It is mostly a matter of personal preferences, budget and convenience.
Quick Pull
Quick pull systems are fast, easy to do with gloves on and neat. They do look sophisticated at first though, while some riders may find them impossible to properly tighten.
Boa
The boa system is fast, can be done with one hand and highly adjustable. It is a one dial system. However, it is expensive and might create some pressure points on your feet.
Lining
The lining is basically an inner boot stuck within the main boot. It is responsible for the insulation and cushioning required for a good snowboarding experience. There are more types of liners out there.
Stock Liners
Stock liners are basic. They do have enough padding for a good experience, as well as stability. With time, they will naturally reshape after your foot.
Moldable Liners
The moldable alternative involves better materials and a higher price. They mold when in use, as they become softer when exposed to your body heat.
Heat-Moldable Liners
This is the ultimate choice in terms of liners. Not all the best snowboard boots have this option, yet the professional ones do. They provide a highly customized fit.
Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, deciding on the best snowboard boots implies researching your options, but also your personal needs. Be honest to yourself when it comes to your ability level, but also think about your expectations. After all, you do not want to change your boots every five months as you become better. At the same time, try out all kinds of riding styles and surfaces to figure which one is more appealing to you.