“Take care of your feet!” This motto rings true across all outdoor activities but resonates especially when snowboarding. Having the best snowboard boots will not only keep you more comfortable, and thus able to shred the mountain longer, but will also give you better control of your board.
While boots aren’t as difficult to choose as snowboards, there are a variety of key factors that will make or break your boarding experience. We’ve outlined some of the most important aspects in the Things To Consider section below the reviews. Check them out for a comprehensive understanding of what type of boot is right for you.
Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, we’ve found this season’s newest and absolute best snowboard boots. Shred on!
For more of our top snowboarding gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:
Quick Answer - The Best Snowboarding Boots
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K2 Aspect
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Vans Infuse
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Burton Ion Boa
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Vans Aura Pro
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Burton Swath Boa
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Burton Driver X
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Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa
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Burton Ruler Step On
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K2 Renin
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K2 Boundary
Comparison Table - Best Snowboarding Boots
| Picture | Name | Flex | Ride Style | Experience Level | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
K2 Aspect | Stiff | Freeride | Advanced Beginners and Up | $$$ | 5.0 |
 |
Vans Infuse | Adjustable | All-Mountain | All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders | $$ | 4.9 |
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Burton Ion Boa | Stiff | Freeride | Advanced Beginners and Up | $$$ | 4.8 |
 |
Vans Aura Pro | Medium | All-Mountain | Intermediate Beginners and Up | $ | 4.8 |
 |
Burton Swath Boa | Medium | Freestyle | All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders | $$ | 4.7 |
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Burton Driver X | Stiff | Freeride | Advanced Beginners and Up | $$$ | 4.7 |
 |
Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa | Medium | Freestyle | Advanced Beginners and Up | $$ | 4.6 |
 |
Burton Ruler Step On | Medium | All-Mountain | All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders | $ | 4.6 |
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K2 Renin | Soft | Freestyle | All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders | $$ | 4.5 |
 |
K2 Boundary | Medium | All-Mountain | All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders | - | 4.4 |
| Picture | Name | Flex | Ride Style | Experience Level | Price | Rating |
Reviews - The Best Boot for Snowboarding
K2 Aspect
Specs
- Flex: Stiff
- Lacing: Traditional Laces
- Ride Style: Freeride
- Experience Level: Advanced Beginners and Up
- Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Features An Adjustable Ankle Strap
- Compatible With Crampon Additions To Splitboards
- Vibram Rubber Soles Provide Extra Grip And Are Guaranteed By Manufacturer
BEST BACKCOUNTRY SNOWBOARD BOOTS
When heading into the rugged and harsh backcountry in search of pristine, untouched powder, you’re going to need a tough boot that will not only handle downhill conditions, but also uphill ones.
The K2 Aspect are the premiere backcountry snowboarding boots and can be used with the appropriate bindings for splitboards. This means you won’t have to switch between hiking boots and snowboarding boots, making your adventure lighter and easier.
These freeride boots are able to handle any downhill conditions you throw at them, whether it’s fresh powder or rugged off-piste exploration. The stiff flex provides the necessary stability for such adventures.
Vans Infuse
Specs
- Flex: Adjustable
- Lacing: Hybrid System - Traditional/Boa
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Experience Level: All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: No
Features
- Thermoformable Liner Breaks In With A Single Day Of Wear
- “Anti-Fatigue” Tech Supports Your Feet To Help You Keep Shredding Longer
- Hybrid Lacing System Offers The Benefits Of Both Traditional Laces & Boa Systems
BEST ADJUSTABLE-FLEX SNOWBOARD BOOTS
Adjusting your boots on the fly has never been easier. When changing conditions arise or you need some extra support for some backcountry bowl exploring, the Vans Infuse are your best option!
Being able to adjust the flex means you have a truly versatile boot that not only adapts to changing conditions but can also grow with you as you become a more proficient snowboarder.
The hybrid lacing system is another unique feature that allows you to dial in the perfect fit by combining the benefits of both traditional laces and a boa system. The traditional laces can be manipulated to customize your fit while the boa system can vary the flex of the boot.
They’re also perfect for using all across the mountain, no matter what conditions or style of snowboarding you prefer.
Burton Ion Boa
Specs
- Flex: Stiff
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: Freeride
- Experience Level: Advanced Beginners and Up
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Available In 2 Different Colors
- Snowproof Seal Keeps Feet Warm And Dry
- Cushioning Beneath Soles Helps Reduce Impact When Hitting Hard Terrain Or Jumps
BEST FREERIDE SNOWBOARD BOOTS
For those more inclined to off-piste exploration, freeriding is the style most suited to you. In order to get the very best out of your riding style and snowboard, you need a pair of freeride boots to match.
The Burton Ion Boa snowboard boots are your best bet. The stiff flex are able to lend the support you need when stability and control are most necessary while the dual-knob boa system allows independent adjustment of both the ankle and foot, helping you dial in the right fit.
The thermoformable liners are also a top notch choice for any boot, allowing them to mold to your feet over the course of a few hours while also avoiding the added ski shop costs that come about with custom moldable liners.
Vans Aura Pro
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Experience Level: Intermediate Beginners and Up
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- “Heel Hold” Can Be Personalized For A Truly Custom Fit
- Thermoformable Liner Breaks In With A Single Day Of Wear
- Impact Cushioning Footbeds Provide Easier Landings For Big Jumps
BEST “JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES” SNOWBOARD BOOTS
Snowboarders looking to shred a little bit of everything needn’t look any further than the Vans Aura Pro. Their go-anywhere-do-anything versatility will work with just about any board and bindings combination you can conceive!
The medium flex splits the difference of too soft/too hard by providing just enough flex to stay comfortable and mobile while giving just the right amount of support to handle the ruggedness of off-piste conditions.
The All-Mountain construction is ideal for groomers, powder, off-piste runs, and backcountry exploration alike. The Aura Pros also feature merino wool liners to keep your feet warm and dry on extra chilly days in the backcountry.
Burton Swath Boa
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: Freestyle
- Experience Level: All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Comes In 3 Different Colors/Styles
- Streamlined Design Reduces Weight And Construction Waste
- Dual-Boa System Allows Independent Tightening Of Feet & Ankles For Custom Fit
BEST ALL-MOUNTAIN/FREESTYLE HYBRID SNOWBOARD BOOTS
Not all stunt junkies want to be solely confined to the terrain park, opting to flaunt their skills and test their limits both off-piste and on backcountry runs. If that’s you, then the Burton Swath Boa will help you reach those boundaries and blow past them!
Specifically designed with freestyle snowboarding in mind, the Swath Boas add a medium flex to increase stability outside of the terrain park. When you’re hitting an ungroomed run with variations in the snow, you’ll be thankful for the added support, but the flex isn’t so toned down that it would prevent you from laying down a swift stunt. The result is a perfectly hybridized boot.
Best of all, these boots are designed with all experience levels in mind. So whether you’re a true beginner with your sights set on lofty goals or a thoroughly experienced snowboarder looking for your next pair of boots, you’ll be in good hands (or feet?).
Burton Driver X
Specs
- Flex: Stiff
- Lacing: Quick-Pull Laces
- Ride Style: Freeride
- Experience Level: Advanced Beginners and Up
- Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Custom Moldable Liners Allow Each Rider To Obtain The Perfect Fit
- New England Laces Are “Virtually Indestructible” For Added Strength
- Vibram Rubber Soles Provide Extra Grip And Are Guaranteed By Manufacturer
BEST SELF-HEATING SNOWBOARD BOOTS
Although being chilly comes with the territory of snowboarding, it doesn’t mean that you have to be a popsicle! Burton’s Driver X snowboard boots will keep your feet toasty all day with their heat reflective liners that radiate your body’s own heat.
This is an outstanding feature especially when you consider these boots are made for freeriding: backcountry snowboarding without limits. Without a lodge to warm you up at the end of your run, these boots will serve as your fireplace-on-the-go when harsh conditions make a wintery day even colder.
Additionally, the Driver X’s feature a stiff flex for added support and stability while mating it with a quick-pull lacing system for easy adjustments. These burly boots are made to handle any and all conditions your throw at them, making them ideal for Advanced Beginners and up.
Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: Freestyle
- Experience Level: Advanced Beginners and Up
- Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- “Cat-Tongue” Increases Heel Hold For Maximum Control
- Custom Moldable Liners Allow Each Rider To Obtain The Perfect Fit
- Dual-Boa System Allows Independent Tightening Of Feet & Ankles For Custom Fit
BEST CUSTOM-FIT FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD BOOTS
If your goal is to have the best chance at nailing stunts, tricks, and landings at the terrain park, then you may have found the perfect match with the Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa snowboard boots. The extra sauce in these boots lies in the custom moldable liners.
While you could mold them yourself at home with a Youtube video and a friend on speed dial, it’d be best to take these boots into a ski shop. The experienced staff will have the right tools and techniques to make these boots a literal perfect fit from day one. The liners also feature a glue-free construction meaning they can be removed from the boot to reduce dry time but can also be thrown in the wash, making them last even longer.
The medium flex found in these freestyle boots are great for advanced beginners looking for some more support and stability when making harsh landings. These boots may be a little stiff for true beginners however.
Burton Ruler Step On
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Experience Level: All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders
- Boot Liner: Thermoformable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Snowproof Seal Keeps Feet Warm And Dry
- Easy Step-On Mounting System Simplifies Your Experience
- New England Laces Are “Virtually Indestructible” For Added Strength
BEST QUICK-MOUNTING SNOWBOARD BOOTS
If you’re looking for simplicity and convenience, then the Burton Ruler Step-On snowboard boots are your best bet. Designed for a bind-and-go approach, these boots work seamlessly with the Burton Step-On Re:Flex snowboard bindings.
This one, two punch of a system makes mounting and dismounting your snowboard much simpler and reduces the pressure points associated with traditional strap-in bindings.
The Ruler Step-Ons are perfect for snowboarders of any and all skill levels as it features an All-Mountain styling mated with a medium flex. It also features a boa lacing system for quick tightening and is super simple to adjust on the fly and/or when wearing gloves/mittens.
K2 Renin
Specs
- Flex: Soft
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: Freestyle
- Experience Level: All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders
- Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Reinforced Upper Cuffs Provide Support While Staying Flexible
- Thermoformable Liners Shorten “Break-In” Period To Just A Day
- Vibram Rubber Soles Provide Extra Grip And Are Guaranteed By Manufacturer
BEST BEGINNER FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD BOOTS
When it comes to investing in snowboarding gear, the best advice is to aim for where you’d like to be within a month or two and buy gear that will serve that goal. The reason for this is because snowboarding is relatively easy to pick up and the learning curve is short.
Newbies who have their sights set on the terrain park will be best aided in their efforts with the K2 Renin snowboard boots. The soft flex is ideal for beginners of any and all levels and the mobility present is perfect for freestyle snowboarding.
The K2 Renin also feature a heel holding technology that keeps your heels firmly in place, lending itself to better support and more control, especially in the air. These boots also sport dual-boa systems (2 knobs), meaning you can independently tighten/loosen the feet and ankles for a truly custom fit.
K2 Boundary
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Boa System
- Ride Style: All-Mountain
- Experience Level: All Skill Levels - True Beginners to Expert Riders
- Boot Liner: Custom Moldable
- Removable Liner: Yes
Features
- Comes In 2 Different Colors
- Custom Moldable Liners Allow Each Rider To Obtain The Perfect Fit
- Dual-Boa System Allows Independent Tightening Of Feet & Ankles For Custom Fit
BEST BUDGET SNOWBOARD BOOTS
Breaking the bank isn’t necessary in order to have high quality snowboarding gear and the K2 Boundary snowboard boots are one such example. They’re the intersection of affordability and excellence.
The K2 Boundary boots are a classic All-Mountain snowboard boot that performs well all over the mountain. No matter what type of terrain you find yourself in, these boots are aided by a medium flex that straddles the line of mobility and support.
The custom moldable liners are a surprising find, as they are normally a staple of pricier boots. Take them to a certified ski shop to have them custom molded to your feet for best results. With options like this, it’d be apt to award these as the best bang-for-your-buck snowboard boots!
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING SNOWBOARD BOOTS
BOOT FLEX AND RIDING STYLE
When deciding on the best snowboard boots, knowing what kind of flex you’ll need will really help to narrow the field. The 3 styles of flex found in snowboard boots will determine how much control and mobility you’re able to initiate. These depend mostly on what type of snow you’ll be shredding.
BOOT FLEX
Soft
- Best for Flexibility
- If you need maximum mobility or a boot that will feel relaxed enough to spend the whole day in, then soft flex boots are your best choice.
Medium
- Best for Varied Terrain
- This middle of the road flex style hedges its bets by offering some of the comfort and flexibility of softer boots while providing more support. They’re a great choice for using on any type of terrain, whether it’s groomed or backcountry.
Stiff
- Best for Control & Stability
- High-speed snowboarders bombing downhill and/or those initiating sharp turns will be given the best edge (pun-intended) with a stiff flex boot. They will provide the control necessary to prevent speed wobbles and the stability needed to handle uneven, choppy snow in backcountry/off-piste conditions.
RIDING STYLE
Riding style plays an integral part in choosing the proper snowboarding boots since each type of snowboarding requires some variation in technique.
All-Mountain
Preferred Boot Flex: Soft to Medium
For those preferring to ride all available types of terrain (powder, groomers, off-piste, & terrain park), then All-Mountain is your go to riding style. This will be helpful to know both when buying boots and your board.
Advanced Beginners may prefer a Medium Flex for their boots to add stability to their higher speed pursuits while True and Intermediate Beginners will likely prefer Soft Flex.
Freeride
Preferred Boot Flex: Stiff
Marked first and foremost by shredding off-piste (ungroomed terrain & backcountry runs), freeriding focuses on speed. It’s like the more high-octane version of All-Mountain boarding. Freeriders tend to prefer Stiff Flex boots to deliver support at higher speeds and when the snow gets choppy.
Freestyle
Preferred Boot Flex: Soft
Adrenaline junkies and stunt addicts that enjoy high-flying acrobatics and landing sweet tricks fall in the freestyle category. Soft Flex is the preferred choice here to maximize comfort and mobility.
BOOT LACING
Boot lacing, and the variety of lacing systems, are an integral part of ensuring a good fit. You want your boots to be tight enough to support your riding style but not so tight that your feet end up with blisters or decreased blood flow! Your heels and ankles should also stay firmly in place and your toes shouldn’t be cramped. You’ll this especially important once you buckle your boots into your snowboard.
The 3 available lacing systems are largely left to personal preference as they each have their benefits and drawbacks. Beyond the 3 basic lacing systems, you may also find some hybrid systems that marry the best of each into a better arrangement.
Traditional Laces
Pros
- Different lacing methods can be used to achieve a custom fit
- Laces are easy and inexpensive to replace
- Least expensive and simple
Cons
- Laces may loosen or come undone the more you ride
- If knotted too tightly then laces can be difficult to untie
- Gloves/mittens make them difficult to tie
Quick-Pull Laces
Working in a similar manner as a corset, quick-pull laces are tightened with one big pull. You will usually find 2 sets of these laces on each boot that are able to independently tighten the foot and ankle.
Pros
- Multiple laces on each boots allows independent tightening of ankle/foot
- Easy to tighten/loosen when wearing gloves
- Laces are easy to tuck away
Cons
- Broken laces aren’t as easy or convenient to replace as traditional laces
- Hard to achieve a custom fit the way traditional laces do
- Laces could potentially create pressure points
Boa System
Like a Boa Constrictor snake that wraps tightly around its prey, a boa lacing system constricts to tighten (and loosen) the boot via a knob. Some boots will have 2 boa systems on each boot, each with their own knob, to offer custom tightening for both the foot and ankle.
Pros
- Ability to easily tighten/loosen with a single hand and with gloves/mittens
- Able to adjust tightness on the go
- Laces won’t freeze
Cons
- Uniform tightening of single-dial systems make a custom fit hard to achieve
- Though unlikely, broken lacing system requires ski shop assistance
- Can create pressure points when trying to achieve proper fit
BOOT LINERS
Boot liners are the inner walls of your snowboard boots that keep your feet comfortable and warm. Some liners are removable, offering a quicker way to dry wet boots. The 3 types of boot liners are:
Non-Moldable
Least Expensive
Most budget boots are basic models feature non-moldable liners. These respond like a regular hiking boot/shoe in that it will take some time to break them in.
Thermoformable
More Expensive
Relying on heat and pressure, thermoformable liners will mold to your feet after a single day of snowboarding.
Custom Moldable
Most Expensive
Custom moldable liners are the most luxe option. It’s best to head to a ski shop that is proficient at molding liners to achieve your custom fit, though they can be done at home.
HOW WE QUALIFY SKILL LEVEL
True Beginner
- True beginners have little to no snowboarding experience.
Intermediate Beginner
- Intermediate beginners may have had a lesson or two, can handle Green runs fairly well, and are still mastering their basic skills.
Advanced Beginner
- Advanced beginners have mastered the basic skills and are working to apply them to bigger runs that require more technical ability. They are able to hit many Blue runs quite well, while other Blue runs may find them struggling a bit as it pushes their upper limit.
- Basic skills include, but are not limited to: exiting the ski lift safely, snowboarding with an awareness of themselves and others in a responsible manner, carving/slaloming, riding fast (again with safety), being able to turn on both edges, and can completely stop.
Experienced Rider
- Experienced snowboarders are extremely confident in their ability and have an ample amount of experience to show for it. Blue runs of any and all kind come easily. The experienced snowboarder might dabble in Black Diamond runs with some success.
Expert Rider
- Expert snowboarders tear up Black Diamond runs with ease and may be fairly proficient in Double Black Diamond runs.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
CARVING
Carving is the act of snowboarding down the mountain in an “S” shaped trail, using transitions between the heel and toe edge to travel in a zig-zag manner. Some carving can be slower, characterized by wide, sweeping turns while other riders carve at higher speeds, using quick transitions and short powerful turns to aggressively tackle a run.
GROOMED RUNS
Also known as “groomers”, these are your standard runs found at ski resorts. The slopes are maintained with grooming equipment to keep the snow even. True beginners find these the easiest to practice and grow their skills.
OFF-PISTE
Literally translating as “off the beaten path”, off-piste runs are backcountry trails that aren’t maintained by grooming equipment. They may include wide open areas with just a few obstacles or it could be a heavily wooded area with quite a few objects to dodge (or jump) such as trees, logs, rocks, and more.
POW / POWDER
Freshly fallen snow is often referred to as powder. It is characterized by being deep and soft snow that makes snowboarders feel as if they’re floating.
TERRAIN PARK
The terrain park is the section of a ski resort reserved for those seeking to lay down stunts, acrobatic maneuvers, and high flying aerials. Terrain parks feature jumps and ramps as well as novelties such as rails, boxes, and a halfpipe for creative endeavors. Wearing a helmet is super important here.
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