Snowboard boots are one of the three essential B’s when getting into snowboarding: Boots, Bindings, and Board. Yet, it may be the most important piece of gear out of those three that you buy. You’ll only board as well as your boots suit you!
While finding the right style of snowboard is of course important, finding the right type of boots can make or break your day on the mountain. You can even have the wrong kind of board, but by having the proper boots, you’ll be able to coax your board to do just about whatever you want.
Since snowboarding is pretty quick to pick up, think about what your goals are and choose a board that matches that. Most of the boards we’ve listed are All-Mountain boards, meaning they’ll do well in almost all conditions, but we’ve also included a few specific options for the advanced beginner looking to specialize. Check ‘em out below!
Fortunately, there aren’t too many factors to overwhelm you in your decision making, but the specs are very important to know. In this article, we’ve streamlined the “what” and the “why” when choosing the best beginner snowboard boots to simplify the process.
For more of our top snowboarding gear recommendations, check out the Best Snowboard Boots.
Quick Answer - The Best Beginner Snowboard Boots
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Burton Ruler Boa
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Vans Verse
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Salomon Synapse Focus
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Burton Moto Boa
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Vans Infuse
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K2 Renin
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Burton Photon Boa Wide
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Vans Hi-Standard OG
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Salomon Malamute
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K2 Maysis Heat
Comparison Table - Best Beginner Snowboard Boots
| Picture | Name | Flex | Ride Style | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Burton Ruler Boa | Medium | All-Mountain | $$ | 5.0 |
 |
Vans Verse | Adjustable | Freeride | $$ | 4.9 |
 |
Salomon Synapse Focus | Medium | All-Mountain | $$ | 4.8 |
 |
Burton Moto Boa | Soft | All-Mountain | $ | 4.8 |
 |
Vans Infuse | Adjustable | All-Mountain | $$ | 4.7 |
 |
K2 Renin | Soft | Freestyle | $$ | 4.7 |
 |
Burton Photon Boa Wide | Stiff | Freeride | $$ | 4.6 |
 |
Vans Hi-Standard OG | Medium | All-Mountain | $ | 4.5 |
 |
Salomon Malamute | Stiff | Freeride | $$ | 4.4 |
 |
K2 Maysis Heat | Stiff | All-Mountain | $$ | 4.4 |
| Picture | Name | Flex | Ride Style | Price | Rating |
Reviews - The Best Snowboard Boots for Beginners
Burton Ruler Boa
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Comes In 2 Colors
- Boot Will Be Fully “Broken In” After A Single Day Of Use
- Insulation And Heat Reflecting Foil Provides Extra Warmth For Chilly Days
BEST FOR: ANY TYPE OF TERRAIN
Whether you’re carving through fresh powder, flying down a groomed run, pushing your skills off-piste (backcountry trails), or practicing your ollies in the terrain park, Burton’s Ruler Boa Boots are your most versatile option that can tackle any type of terrain.
Sporting a medium flex, these boots are soft enough to give you mobility when carving or landing stunts yet also stiff enough to give you control at high speeds. The sleek Boa lacing system eliminates chunky laces and is paired with a minimal design that sloughs off excess ice and slush.
The Ruler Boa Boots feature removable liners that can be taken out of the boot to dry quickly. The liners are also thermoformable, meaning that after a single day of snowboarding they will have molded to your feet.
Vans Verse
Specs
- Flex: Adjustable
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: Freeride
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Sleek Black Styling Pairs Well With Any Board/Clothing Color Scheme
- Smartwool Merino Wool Liners Wick Away Excess Moisture To Keep Feet Warm
- Removable Liners Can Be Extracted From Boots After Boarding For Quicker Drying
BEST FOR: FREERIDING
Freeriders, or those who seek more off-piste (backcountry) trails and fresh powder, will appreciate the innovation of the Vans Verse Boots. While most freeriding boots come in stiff flex to provide control and stability for high speeds, these boots offer supreme versatility in an adjustable flex option.
It achieves this feat by offering two dials in the boa lacing system where one dial tightens the “laces” for your feet and the other dial tightens the “laces” for your ankle. The added benefits of a dual-boa lacing system is that it can easily be tightened with a single hand (even while wearing gloves) and can be readjusted as necessary while on the go.
A potential downside to these boots is that as they rely heavily on the boa system (named for the way a boa constrictor tightens), this can also be their biggest weakness. Some people dislike boa systems as they can potentially create uncomfortable pressure points when riding.
Despite this, the Vans Verse Boots shine by offering footbeds that include an impact cushioning technology that softens the blows after a jump when boarding off-piste. The liners themselves also feature a lacing harness that helps you customize your heel hold to reduce slippage and increase stability. Secure heels = better boarding.
Salomon Synapse Focus
View Women's Version
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Can Be Tightened With A Single Hand For Convenience
- Includes Removable Ankle Inserts That Can Be Molded For A More Custom Fit
- Removable Liners Can Be Extracted From Boots After Boarding For Quicker Drying
BEST FOR: LONG-TERM INVESTMENT
When buying a pair of snowboard boots, it’s best to invest in a high-quality pair that will grow with you through your beginner stage. After all, you won’t be a beginner forever!
The Salomon Synapse Focus Boa Boots are the perfect pair to invest in for several seasons of snow. These All-Mountain boots can pretty much do anything you ask of them and ride all over the mountain with flexibility and ease. Their medium flex is the perfect sweet spot for most riding capabilities, balancing support with comfort.
These boots also feature a custom moldable liner (the inside of the boot) that can be formed to your foot either at home or at a ski shop (recommended). This means you’ll have a perfect fitting boot molded to your unique feet!
Burton Moto Boa
View Women's Version
Specs
- Flex: Soft
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: No
Features
- Boot Will Be Fully “Broken In” After A Single Day Of Use
- Boa Lacing System Can Be Adjusted With A Single Hand
- Insulation And Heat Reflecting Foil Provides Extra Warmth For Chilly Days
BEST FOR: CARVING
When you imagine snowboarding, you probably envision yourself carving back and forth down the mountain, zig-zagging across freshly fallen snow and spraying powder with each glamorous and fluid turn. Let me tell you, it’s a lot easier than you think and it’s even more fun than you could ever imagine!
In order to achieve those results, you’re going to need a boot that offers a full range of mobility for those wide, sweeping turns. The Burton Moto Boa Boots are a fantastic pair that can help you master carving.
It has a soft flex for supreme ankle movement and offers a break-in time of pretty much zero. Imagine all the comfort of pre-worn boots without the sweat – oh, and it’ll mold to your foot after just a single day of riding.
If there’s any drawback to these boots, it’s that the liner (the inside of the boot) uses a quick-lace system that can potentially create pressure points if tightened too much and may be hard to achieve a perfect fit. However, many people love the quick lace system for its ability to tie up/tighten with a single pull – no fussing with laces!
Vans Infuse
View Women's Version
Specs
- Flex: Adjustable
- Lacing: Hybrid Lace
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: No
Features
- Boot Will Be Fully “Broken In” After A Single Day Of Use
- “Anti-Fatigue” Technology Helps You Ride Longer And More Comfortably
- Hybrid Of Traditional Laces Matched With Boa System Creates Best Of Both Worlds
BEST FOR: ADJUSTING ON THE FLY
Adjusting your boots is an inevitability. Sometimes you’ll need to tighten them up to create some extra support before hitting a big run at speed while other times you’ll need to loosen them for comfortable, easy riding. You don’t want to have to head down to the lodge every time this happens, and with Vans Infuse Boots, you won’t need to!
Now, adjusting your boots on the fly has never been easier. Nor has dialing in the perfect fit. That’s because the Infuse sport a hybrid lacing system that includes traditional laces (which are great for getting the perfect fit) along with a strap to increase ankle support.
These boots also have an adjustable flex that can be changed with the turn of a dial. No need to have a second pair of boots for days when you want to hit the terrain park. Just turn the dial to soften the flex and create more mobility and then turn it back to tighten it up for high speed runs.
These options to customize the flex and fit on the fly just can’t be understated. These are truly a unique boot that can serve a variety of riders in just about any condition.
K2 Renin
View Women's Version
Specs
- Flex: Soft
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: Freestyle
- Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Boots Mold To Your Feet After A Single Day
- Stylish “Brown Leather Look” Complements Any And All Gear
- Synthetic Exterior Finish Lasts Longer And Holds Up To More Extreme Elements
BEST FOR: LEARNING TRICKS AT THE TERRAIN PARK
Even if you’re a true beginner that’s never set foot on a snowboard, it’s not too early to think about the right boots for the terrain park. You might think that you’re years away from that skill level, but the fact is that snowboarding has a really short learning curve. Make a goal and aim for it, buying gear that will help you achieve that goal.
That said, if you have eyes for grinding rails and popping ollies, then you’ll need boots built specifically for that! Enter the K2 Renin Boots. It sports a soft flex for premium mobility and is designed specifically with freestyle snowboarding in mind.
Both the boots themselves and the liners inside have a boa lacing system, allowing you to ratchet down the tightness to just the right fit with the spin of a dial. The bonus of having it on your liners is that you’ll ensure maximum heel hold which translates to better performance.
Lastly, these boots also feature a Vibram rubber sole (highly regarded brand in the shoe industry) on the exterior that provides ample amount of grip when you’re off the board. No slipping or sliding outside the lodge in these boots.
Burton Photon Boa Wide
Specs
- Flex: Stiff
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: Freeride
- Ride Type: Freeride
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- “Snowproof” Design Keeps Your Feet Warm And Dry
- Insulation And Heat Reflecting Foil Provides Extra Warmth For Chilly Days
- Removable Liners Can Be Extracted From Boots After Boarding For Quicker Drying
BEST FOR: RIDERS WITH WIDE FEET
Not all feet are made the same, so why is it so hard to find proper fitting boots sometimes?? I feel you my “wide” footed friend. I, too, have normal sized feet that don’t seem to fit into ballerina sized boots.
Burton earns extra points in my book for being considerate enough to offer wide sizes. Their Photon Boa Wide Boots are both awesome and comfortable. Made for freeriding snowboarders who prefer ungroomed slopes and fresh powder, these Burton bad boys will help you shred whatever terrain you desire with both speed and stability.
The stiff flex provides extra support when you need it and the two dial boa lacing system ratchets down to achieve just the right fit, both in the ankle and the insole. Last but not least, they come in a neutral black that can be paired with any style choices you have.
Vans Hi-Standard OG
View Women's Version
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Traditional
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: No
Features
- Comes In 2 Colors
- Traditional Laces Allow You To Experiment With Lacing Patterns To Customize Fit
- Lace “Lockouts” Allow You To Tighten Ankle And Foot Independently Of Each Other
BEST FOR: THE BUDGET CONSCIOUS BEGINNER
We get it: snow sports can be expensive. After boots, board, bindings, goggles, helmet, snow jacket, snow pants, and lift passes, you may be feeling a little drained. However, you can most certainly apply a “financially strategic” mindset when investing in gear.
The Vans Hi-Standard OG Boots are one such place you can start. Vans has a tradition of creating quality boots so rest assured, you’re not sacrificing durability or craftsmanship here. Rather, you’ll be rocking a throwback design that sports more budget friendly options like traditional laces.
You don’t always have to have the fanciest and newest lacing technology to get out on the powder. In fact, many snowboarders (pros included!) prefer simpler designs. They’re less likely to encounter problems and are easily fixable on the fly.
The Hi-Standard OG’s are also a medium flex, All-Mountain boot meaning they will accommodate the widest possible range of snowboarding styles and conditions.
Salomon Malamute
Specs
- Flex: Stiff
- Lacing: Quick-Pull
- Ride Style: Freeride
- Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Custom Moldable Liners Ensure A Perfect Fit
- Quick-Pull Laces Tighten With A Single Tug And Then Tuck Away
- Removable Liners Can Be Extracted From Boots After Boarding For Quicker Drying
BEST FOR: SPEED AND AGILITY
Calling all high-flying speed demons and adventure junkies! The Salomon Malamute Boots are just what you need to hold that extra edge at high speeds.
Sporting a freeride design for off-piste (backcountry) runs and fresh powder, as well as a stiff flex for support, these are the ultimate backcountry boots. They’ll help you plow through chunky snow, give you more control to avoid obstacles, and enough support to keep you pushing through fresh, fluffy powder.
Salomon is a trusted name when it comes to hiking, skiing, and snowboarding boots. They use the highest grade materials and back their products should any problems arise. When it comes to solidly made boots, these are your go-to.
K2 Maysis Heat
View Women's Version
Specs
- Flex: Stiff
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Custom Moldable Liners Ensure A Perfect Fit
- Boa Lacing System Can Be Adjusted With A Single Hand
- Electronic Heater And Foil Based Insulation Provide Extra Warmth For Chilly Days
BEST FOR: STAYING WARM
Got cold feet? We’ve got you covered on this one! The K2 Maysis Heat Boots are truly an impressive engineering feat. These boots include an electronic heating system that will keep your toes toasty even in the coldest conditions.
The heating system fully charges via a USB cable in 7 hours and provides up to 19 hours of warmth, with 3 modes of heating. Not only that, the liners (the inside portion of the boot) are insulated with a heat reflecting foil that bounces the heat back to your feet.
Aside from keeping you warm, the K2 Maysis Heat are a stiff flex, All-Mountain boot which will keep you stable at high speeds and through tight turns no matter what part of the mountain you’re boarding.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING SNOWBOARD BOOTS
BOOT FLEX AND RIDING STYLE
The type of boots you buy depends largely on the type of snowboarding you’ll be doing. Flex relates to mobility and control and is typically tied to the types of terrain you’ll be riding. Riding style on the other hand is your intended type of snowboarding.
BOOT FLEX
Soft
- Best for Mobility
- Soft flex boots are ideal for those spending a lot of time on the mountain each day. They’ll be more comfortable while also being incredibly resilient.
Medium
- Best for Mixed Terrain
- Medium flex boots combine the mobility of soft flex with the support and control of stiff flex. They’re also great for all-mountain use, meaning you can use them in a variety of conditions.
Stiff
- Best for Stability & Control
- Stiff flex boots are best suited for those who will be powering through sharp turns and gaining high speeds. The stiffness provides more control and the extra stability allows for better handling through difficult terrain.
RIDING STYLE
Choosing the proper boots also depends on your snowboarding style. Since snowboarding has a pretty short learning curve, it’s best to choose the type of riding style you would like to attain. This means shoot for a goal above your current skill level, knowing that you’ll make it there quickly.
All-Mountain
Preferred Boot Flex: Soft to Medium
All-Mountain riding is your Jack-of-all-Trades riding style, meaning you’ll be able to tackle groomed runs, fresh powder, backcountry terrain, and even the terrain park. Most snowboarders are All-Mountain riders and Soft Flex boots are the most common choice.
True beginners riding All-Mountain style should gravitate towards Soft Flex boots while more advanced beginners preferring more speed may want Medium Flex boots.
Freeride
Preferred Boot Flex: Stiff
Freeriding is primarily done off-piste (backcountry/ungroomed runs) but can also include fresh powder and the occasional groomed run. With its focus on speed, those who freeride tend to prefer Stiff Flex boots that will provide more control and stability.
Freestyle
Preferred Boot Flex: Soft
Freestyle riding is primarily done in the terrain park and focuses on hitting jumps, grinding rails, dropping into the half-pipe, and getting big air. With all those tricks to nail, mobility is your biggest need. You’ll want Soft Flex boots for comfort and flexibility.
BOOT LACING
Lacing your boots is one of the most important aspects of riding. Your boots should be laced snug enough to provide support without causing blisters or cutting off circulation to your feet. Ankles and heels shouldn’t slip or slide while toes should have a decent amount of wiggle room (jammed toes don’t help anyone).
There are 3 different types of lacing systems and your choice really boils down to personal preference. Each have their pros and cons. You’ll also find that there are some boots that provide hybrid lacing systems that combine two systems to maximize the benefits.
Traditional Laces
Pros
- Custom fit can be obtained through a variety of lacing styles
- Simplest and least expensive lacing system
- Replacing laces is also easy and low-cost
Cons
- Can be difficult to tie while wearing gloves/mittens
- May come loose/undone as the day goes on
- May be hard to untie when knotted tightly
Quick-Pull Laces
Quick-pull laces works similarly to a corset by tightening the boot with a single pull. Many boots with quick-pull laces have two sets, allowing you to tighten the ankle and foot independently of each other.
Pros
- Many systems offer independent systems to tighten the ankle and foot
- Quick and easy – can be tightened while wearing gloves
- Quick-Pull Laces can be tucked out of the way
Cons
- If laces break, it could cause an early end to your day while you seek repair
- Lace eyelets can cause unintended pressure points
- Can be difficult to tighten or achieve perfect fit
Boa System
A boa system uses stainless steel cables in a manner similar to quick-pull laces but relies on a knob to tighten and lock the cables in place. Boa systems with 2 dials/knobs offer independent ankle and foot adjustment.
Pros
- Quick and easy – can be tightened with one hand and/or while wearing gloves
- Easy to readjust fit in the middle of snowboarding
- Don’t have to worry about laces freezing
Cons
- If the system breaks, it could cause an early end to your day while you seek repair
- Single-dial systems prevent custom fit / independent ankle and foot adjustment
- Lace eyelets can cause unintended pressure points
BOOT LINERS
The lining of a boot is the inside portion that cradles your foot. Some boots have removable liners which can be taken out of the boot for quicker drying than non-removable liners. There are 3 types of liners:
Non-Moldable
Least Expensive
These are the de facto option for most snowboard boots and will eventually form to your foot over time. However, they have the longest break-in period.
Thermoformable
More Expensive
These liners use heat to form a custom fit to your foot. They will typically form to your foot after a full day of snowboarding as the heat and pressure mold the liner.
Custom Moldable
Most Expensive
These custom fitted liners use a different method to heat and form to your foot. They can be done at home but are best if molded at a ski shop.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
CARVING
A type of snowboarding whereby you zig-zag back and forth down the mountain in an “S” pattern. It’s the simplest style of snowboarding but also insanely fun!
GROOMED RUNS
These are the most common runs found at a ski resort and are characterized by clear markings, named paths, and smooth snow that has been prepared for easy riding. These are the best runs for true beginners to work on their skills.
OFF-PISTE
Runs that are not maintained or groomed. These backcountry trails are for adventurous snowboarders in search of a challenge where there will be tree dodging and an effort to avoid rocks and logs.
POW / POWDER
Powder is a slang term given to freshly fallen snow. Deep and fluffy, riding on powder is often analogized to “floating” or surfing.
TERRAIN PARK
Most ski resorts have a terrain park that includes various novelties for performing stunts such as jumps for hitting big air, rails for grinding, boxes for unique maneuvers, and a half-pipe (among other things). It’s like a winter version of a skatepark! Just remember to protect your noggin and wear a helmet.
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