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Best Snowboarding Boots
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
When discussing and analyzing any sort of footwear, no matter if it is sandals, boots, shoes, etc., it all starts with comfort. After all, footwear is generally going to be used for extended periods of time so, as such, if they are uncomfortable they are basically a complete hindrance. Even though you may not plan to snowboard for long periods of time, comfort is still essential as they need to be comfortable for at least the time that you want to use them. In terms of comfort, there are a few huge areas to look for and two of them are cushioning and impact absorption.
Padding and cushioning are pretty self-explanatory and you want the lining and footbed to have enough memory foam. But, this also lends its way for impact or shock absorption. When you violently land on the boots, you want them to absorb as much of the blow as possible. Of course, there are also features such as an articulating cuff that allows you to flex without distortion and proper heel hold to prevent your heel from sliding up while moving.
Outsole
For those who are not literate when it comes to footwear jargon, the outsole (as the name eloquently states) is the outermost layer of the sole of the boot. As this portion of the boot is going to be exposed to impact and receive the most damage out of any part of the boot, it is important that it is constructed to be durable. But, doing so while not adding too much excess weight.
Ideally, you would also like an outsole that provides you with a great amount of traction and grip. Even if you lock your boots while snowboarding, you may still walk with them through icy or snowy conditions. Also, the outsole itself can aid in comfort as it should be made with enough cushioning to further soften the blows of impacts and general walking.
But, as far as what types of outsoles to look for, there are a lot of great ones. However, a brand that came up continuously was Vibram. Manufacturers such as Vibram make outstanding and efficient outsoles that you can trust.
Overall Fit
Trick question, is there a real purpose to buying a boot that does not fit your foot? If you answered anything but no, then you must be buying someone a gift. Simply put, if you are going to invest your hard-earned money into a snowboarding boot (and they are generally not very cheap) then you better ensure that it is going to properly fit you properly.
For sizing, if you ever have any doubts if it will contour to your foot, glance around and see if any reviewers have complained about sizing consistency issues. If not, then trust your normal boot sizing and go with that. However, a key element that also comes into play with sizing is the lacing system.
A lot of times, you will see designers integrate a Boa Lacing System. This is a very innovative system that forgoes the traditional laces and replaces them with a cable attached to a dial that you twist to loosen and tighten the boots. No doubt, this is much easier and faster than a normal lacing system.
Insulation
It seems that sometimes this design feature flies a little under the radar and it should not. Unless you have figured out how to create artificial snow (and a lot of it), you must snowboard in colder climates. At times, you are exposed to whatever Mother Nature intends to throw at you. Who knows, you could set up a snowboarding date and it could reach frigid temperatures of below zero.
In these times, it is important for your boots to provide you with warmth. This could include some sort of insulation technology to reflect the heat back to your feet or a specific lining (for example fleece) that naturally delivers warmth when you need it the most.
Of course, moisture can also come into play here. If moisture builds up in your boots, they can become damp and wet. With a lining such as fleece, or any other moisture-wicking technology, moisture will be managed efficiently and should not affect you. No matter, just look out for any design features that provide heat as it is vitally important.
Also read about best socks for cold weather
Style
Ah, is there really anything more important than style? It really does not matter how great you are at snowboarding, as long as you look good doing it then you really can’t go wrong. Alright, so maybe it is not that important but it is still a noteworthy feature. If not, then why else would designers craft their boots with different color schemes?
They understand, just as you should, that visual appeal will sell. It takes more than that, but if someone likes a specific color (especially when dealing with apparel or footwear) over another there is a higher probability that they will choose that one. Of course, do not let this be the only important criterion. If you are trying to decide between two fantastic snowboarding boots and everything equals out, then allow the color to be the deciding factor. But, under no circumstance, you should never prioritize visual appeal over factors such as comfort, warmth, and sizing.
Top Ten Snowboarding Boots
1. Burton Imperial
Spoiler alert, the top two spots on this list are secured by Burton. What does this tell you? It provides you the reassurance that anytime you see Burton, you know it is of high-quality (most of the time). Their Men’s Imperial Boots embody what snowboarders look for in a pair of boots.
Read moreComfort
The construction of this boot is tailored around comfort with a level 2 molded EVA footbed with a support shank. Also, with B3 Gel cushioning it manages to put an emphasis on comfort and the ultimate board feel.
Outsole
A 30 percent recycled outsole with rubber ice spikes not only provides a great amount of stability, but it also is crafted from rubber ensuring plenty of cushion and resistance.
Overall Fit
This boot is tailored to fit a man’s foot, so the sizes will as well. With increments of 0.5, up to 11.5, you can select from sizes 9 to 14.
Insulation
To defy the cold weather and keep your feet warm no matter the extreme climate outdoors, there is a heat-reflective foil present. In addition, the internal gusset is snowproof.
Style
A few color options are open at your fingertips including black and gray, black and red desert, and green.
Overall
As a whole, it is difficult to get better than this. While previous Burton boots have had superior shock absorption, few can match this boot’s overall insulation, comfort, and durability.
2. Burton Felix Boa
Similar to their Imperial Boots, it is hard to find more quality in a boot than with the Felix Boa Boots. Designed for women, it to excels in all the major areas you need to look for.
Read moreComfort
Straight out of the box, you need not concern yourself with the “breaking-in” period of shoes and boots as they are comfortable and form-fitting from the word go. Past this, the cuffs ride slightly higher on your ankles to improve the response time when you move.
Outsole
With its DynoBITE EST outsole, there is enough cushioning and grip on the outside to satisfy even the pickiest of snowboarders.
Overall Fit
Burton specifically designed these boots to contour to a woman’s foot and it supports the riding tendencies of females. For size options, select from 5.5 to 11 with increments of 0.5 all the way up to 10.
Insulation
Certainly, Burton placed an emphasis on warmth here. With insulation technology underneath the foot to reflect the heat back and heat-moldable liners that wick away moisture, your feet will remain insulated and dry.
Style
Only two-color options are available and while that does not seem like a lot, the options for black or purple velvet will adapt to a majority of buyers.
Overall
Even though the cuffs ride high on your ankles, there has still been some complaints about heel lifting. But, really, past this, you would be better pressed finding a needle in a haystack than trying to find legitimate concerns with the Felix Boa boots.
3. DC Scout
Indeed, there are other manufacturers outside of Burton that know how to design an efficient snowboarding boot. It just so happens that DC, which sports the same rating as the other two boots on this list, has one of the best with their Scout Boots.
Read moreComfort
Being designed with a Snow Basic insole, these boots manage to absorb and ease the impact. But, the Red liner also aids in comfort with a fleece-lining material and memory foam for cushioning.
Outsole
DC integrated an all-EVA Unilite outsole into this boot for a responsive amount of cushioning and a lightweight feel to not add excess weight.
Overall Fit
No matter the size that men pick here, with choices from 7 to 13 (with occasional increments of 0.5), the Boa H3 Coiler reel allows you to fine-tune the perfect fit in a matter of seconds.
Insulation
Most notable here is the fleece lining that is utilized in the interior of the boots. This not only adds warmth in its own right but it also manages moisture at an efficient rate.
Style
Once again, there are only a few color options available. However, they both resemble each other quite a bit. No matter, select between either a variation of dark shadow, blue, and white.
Overall
It is rare that three products achieve a rating this high for one category. But, alas, DC proves that they can construct as good a snowboarding boot as anyone on the face of God’s green earth.
4. DC Search
Here is another entry on our list featuring DC boots, and this is for good reason. These women's snowboard boots are some of the most solid pairs you will find on the market today. They are made to be durable and will definitely last for seasons to come. Find out more details about them below.
Read moreComfort
These DC Women's Search Snowboard Boots have a rating of 6/10 for flex. This means that they will take some time to break-in, and they may be stiff at the beginning. However, once they are broken in and molded to your feet, you have a great pair of boots that will be durable in all snowboard situations (whether you are a beginner, intermediate or novice).
Outsole
The outsole is a sturdy and tractioned Unilite material. Not only will the grip and sturdiness of this material keep you situated in your bindings and on your board's surface, but it is also quite light (so as not to weigh you down).
Overall Fit
The closure on these boots is simple to use, as they boast a BOA H3 closure system. It is easy to use, so you don't need to worry about struggling with laces. Most reviewers agree that they run slightly small and that you may want to order up a half of a size.
Insulation
These boots are ideal for all seasons. The liner inside helps to keep your feet warm without overheating. For colder climates, you'll want to pair these with a warm, insulated sock.
Style
These boots come in a few different colors including Black with red, Black with blue, Maroon, and Brown.
Overall
If you are looking for a pair of boots that will stand the test of time and remain stiff enough, so they don't get sloppy on you, these boots will do the trick. However, some users mentioned that breaking them in took some time.
5. Vans Ferra Pro
The Ferra Pro is a women's style boot that is great for backcountry or all-mountain riding. They feature a hybrid boa/lace-up system that really allows you to dial in the fit that is most comfortable and secure for you. Above all of the great features, we love the style of these boots.
Read moreComfort
With a five to seven flexibility rating from Vans, these are a great backcountry or all-mountain boot. The V2 UltraCrush liner offers great stability, arch support, and shock absorption. Many features make the fit of these boots very comfortable.
Outsole
The V2 WaffleFlex outsole is made entirely from rubber and features lugs that provide great grip. The outsole is lightweight and has a great balance of traction ad shock absorption while still allowing you to feel the board beneath you.
Overall Fit
The Ferra Pro tends to run about half of a size small. However, even if they feel tight upon arrival, they do mold and stretch to your feet with a few rides. There is a hybrid boa system integrated into this boot that allows you to dial-in the fit. The front features a traditional lace-up tie and the side-mounted boa dial tightens the boot around your instep.
Insulation
The insulation of these boots hasn’t been a popular subject. However, there’s nothing bad to say about it, just that you may need some cozy socks in extreme cold. The inner is made from heat-moldable V2 UltraCrush with a smart wool liner. There are also built-in airflow perforations to avoid overheating.
Style
Depending on which retailer you choose to support, your style options will differ. However, with this women’s boot, you can expect neutral colors with feminine accent colors and flowers.
Overall
If you are looking for a stylish and versatile woman’s boot, we highly recommend the Ferra Pro. While these boots are stiff to begin with, they loosen up after a few rides.
6. Burton Mint
The Mint has been the best selling women's snowboarding boot for thirteen years and running. With its great insulation and comfort that makes it ready to wear out of the box, it's no wonder why. This may not be the ideal choice for an advanced snowboarder, but it is great for beginner to intermediate levels.
Read moreComfort
The Mint has a flexibility rating of 3 on the Burton scale. They are soft and forgiving, giving you great control when gliding or turning. Thanks to the Total Comfort Construction, there is minimal to no break-in period. The EVA footbed is comfortable and absorbs vibrations and small bumps.
Outsole
The outsole of these boots is made from 100% rubber. The intricate traction of the DynoLITE sole provides great grip and cushioning.
Overall Fit
The imprint 1+ liner is heat-moldable, meaning that you can bring it to a local snowboarding shop and have it specially fit your foot. The shoe tends to run a ½ size large. The speed zone lacing allows for quick and easy adjustments to the upper and lower zones separately.
Insulation
If you tend to have cold feet, the Mint is a great option for you. The interior is lined with sleeping bag reflective foil that uses and traps your own body heat to insulate the boots. There is also a snowproof internal gusset to ensure that no snow enters the boot, keeping your feet warm and dry.
Style
There are plenty of style options, depending on where you buy this boot from. You’ll find different colors available on Moosejaw, Backcountry, Amazon, and Gearcoop. A few options that you can expect to find include Tan, Black, Purple, Floral design, and Blue.
Overall
The women’s Mint boot has been a best seller for over a decade for a reason. With its great flexibility and control, it is ideal for beginner to intermediate snowboarders and function well on multiple terrains.
7. ThirtyTwo TM 2
ThirtyTwo is a brand you will quickly become familiar with and while their Tm-Two Boots are hindered a tad by their warmth deficiencies, they are still terrific in their own right.
Read moreComfort
With so many features enhancing the overall comfort and feel, it is clear that ThirtyTwo does not want your feet to ache. Features such as an articulated cuff, a performance harness for additional support and flexibility, and a molded foam footbed for cushioning all aid in this area.
Outsole
A Vibram outsole is utilized here and it delivers a high amount of durability to the shoe, while also giving you a lot of traction on your board or on the ground.
Overall Fit
Ideally, for a man’s foot, there are size options from 7 to 13. Almost every single size option is available between them, in half-sizes, except for size 12.5.
Insulation
With a performance liner providing dual-density insulation foam, a storm shield sealing the weather out and a half-gaiter that prevents the lower laces from freezing all combine to deliver warmth to your feet. But, even with all these features, reviewers have complained that their feet have gotten a little cold.
Style
Just as the rest, only a few color options are provided. The choice is yours for either black and blue or black and yellow.
Overall
Even though the warmth features are there, it can still be an issue. As with most the others on this list, this is the one design issue that prevents it from climbing any higher on this list.
8. Adidas Samba
The Adidas Samba Boots look just as fun as their name is. They sport the classic Adidas three stripes and come in black, white, or grey. Not only will your feet look super styling on the mountain, but they will also be comfortable and in a pair of solid quality boots.
Read moreComfort
These boots have reviewed very well, and users state that they are really comfortable and break in with a little effort. You may simply want to wear them around the house for a few days. The liner in these boots is quality and very formable to your feet. It is a moldable Silver Level Ultralon Liner, that once broken in, will feel completely comfortable and supportive to your feet. It allows you to optimally customize the boot to your exact feet.
Outsole
Along with looking super fly on the mountain, you also get a rubber sole that provides optimal traction on the snow, and this means that your feet will stay firmly placed in their bindings and on the board.
Overall Fit
The power lacing system ties up as though they are sneakers. Some love the laces and some prefer the BOA system, but it really depends on what you desire and prefer. There is an ankle harness to keep your feet totally in place, so you don't suffer from that incredibly annoying feeling of slippage.
Insulation
These boots are lined with faux leather and faux suede to provide comfort and warmth.
Style
These boots are great if you are wanting a boot that looks fashionable. The black pair comes with a touch of flashy gold stripes to uphold that classic Adidas look.
Overall
If you want a boot that is going to provide you with complete comfort and still be stylish, these are your go-to.
9. DC Travis Rice
Dc returns with yet another entry on this highly-impressive list, which says something about the brand’s quality. Their Travis Rice Boots, in specific, excel in the aspects that a great boot should.
Read moreComfort
In the instance where your snowboard slams down viciously to the surface, these boots will resist as much of the impact and vibrations as possible. Past this, the EVA SE liner has memory foam for a superb amount of cushion and comfort.
Outsole
With the manner in which the anti-drag outsole is designed, the overall footprint is reduced and it translates into catch-free descents when you are on steep terrains.
Overall Fit
While not every size option can be promised to be available, men can choose between sizes 7 to 12. But, no matter, the curved tongue allows for a great fit around your shin.
Insulation
DC integrates Aerotech ventilation in the liner to allow the moisture to escape. While you would think ventilation would lead to coolness, allowing the moisture to escape will actually prevent overheating and wetness.
Style
For color choices, you can choose from Black with yellow accents or Brown with black accents.
Overall
Only minor downsides result in this placement, but its rating justifies why it is worth your investment. Even though DC designs their Travis Rice Boots as great as you possibly could, the truly noteworthy feature is the superb comfort.
10. K2 Maysis
A new manufacturer is presented here. This time, K2 is responsible and their Maysis Boots are crafted with quality in mind. They may not be flawless, but they are sufficient enough to perform well.
Read moreComfort
As with every other boot on this list, K2 ensures that comfort is not a design feature that is lacking. With all sorts of integrations present, such as foam 3D liners, an articulated cuff, and external J bars for an enhanced heel hold, comfort and feel are not an issue.
Outsole
It has become clear that many designers tend to go with a Vibram outsole and K2 is no different. The Pro-Light Vibram outsole provides a great amount of grip while not supplying excess weight.
Overall Fit
Designed for men, there are size options available from 9 all the way to 12 (with some half-sizes). With the Boa lacing system, adjusting is also a piece of cake.
Insulation
Here is where the Maysis boots are lacking a little. While there is a thermal-formable foam, even with thicker and warmer socks your feet may still get a little chilly after too long in cold climates.
Style
With the options open for the black, canyon, and russet color choices, each man should be able to find a color that suits them.
Overall
Minor issues aside, these are worth a chance. Obviously, there are other snowboarding boots that are superior in many ways. But, that does not mean that the great features such as the comfort and the outsole should be overlooked.
Sources
- , Top 7 Women’s Snowboard Boots, Winter Sports Site
- , The Very Best Women’s Snowboard Boots, Snowboarding Site
- , BEST SNOWBOARD BOOTS 2018-2019, Winter Gear Site