Owning the right pair of snowboard boots is imperative to optimizing your ability and maximizing your fun on the mountain. This buying guide of the top men’s snowboard boots breaks down what each boot does well and what type of rider it will benefit.
But before we dive into the products, we’re going to outline some important factors to consider before shopping for snowboard boots. For a more in-depth guide, check out our How to Choose the Right Snowboard Boots article.
How to pick the right snowboard boots
Fit
The most important factor of snowboard boot shopping is having the perfect fit. You want something that is snug for maximum responsiveness and control, but not so tight it’s uncomfortable. We highly recommend going to a brick-and-mortar shop to try on snowboard boots before you buy.
An experienced boot fitter will help get dialed and decide what boots are right for the shape of your foot and riding style. It’s important to keep in mind that the boots will take several days of riding before they are fully broken in.
Flex
Another important aspect to consider when buying snowboard boots is boot flex. Snowboard boots are built with a certain amount of flex rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest. Your flex will all depend on your riding style. Softer boots are better for beginners looking for a good entry-level boot, as they are more forgiving, more comfortable, and easier to control.
Freestyle and park riders will also prefer a softer boot since they are playful when whipping around your board, and forgiving when landing tricks. Higher-level all-mountain and backcountry riders will lean toward a stiffer boot as they perform better at high speed.
Lacing Systems
Snowboard boots have three main types of lacing systems: Traditional, Zone, and Boa. Traditional laces take the longest to tie up and are the most difficult to adjust, but they generally provide the highest level of customization. Zone systems are quick and easy to lace, but have a tendency of loosening up throughout the day.
BOA system boots are the fastest to get on and are the easiest to adjust with a ratcheting dial that tightens cables throughout the boots but can at times be difficult to get the perfect fit. Lacing systems each have their pros and cons and ultimately come down to the rider’s preference.
For more information, check out our guide to buying snowboard boots here. Now, let’s get into some of the top men’s snowboard boots.
The Best Men’s Snowboard Boots
Burton Photon BOA (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $440
Historically, Burton has been one of the best snowboard boot makers, and the Burton Photon BOA is no exception. “The men’s Burton Photon BOA Snowboard Boots let you dial in a precision fit for a responsive feel that encourages you to push your riding,” writes Burton. The dual BOA lacing system offers a high level of customization with independent upper and lower adjustment zones, ensuring a snug fit throughout the entire boot.
These boots have an upper-medium stiffness level, meaning that they are perfect for the all-terrain rider. They respond well at speed but are soft enough for playing on every side hit in sight. They even have a sleeping bag reflective material under the footbed to circulate warmth throughout the boot. What more could you ask for from one of the best snowboard boots?
Burton Ruler Step On (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $350
A few years back Burton introduced their Step On series. A new innovation in snowboard boot and binding technology. No more pesky binding adjustments at the top of the trail — you just step on and go. Many of their boots come in a Step On model (including the Photon listed above). The Ruler Step On boots feature an Imprint 2 heat moldable liner, allowing you to customize the fit to the shape of your fit.
The Sequence BOA system helps keep you locked in and enhances the boots’ performance. The medium flex gives it enough oomph to drive most boards while still feeling comfortable. Note that these boots are designed to be used specifically with the Burton Step On bindings.
Vans Infuse (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $420
This is a high-performance snowboard boot whose customizability makes it one of the most versatile snowboard boots on the mountain. The Vans Infuse features a hybrid Traditional and BOA lacing system. The Traditional laces offer a snug fit exactly where you need it, while the easily adjustable BOA cinches down the instep.
This boot also has removable high-rebound Hytrel tongue stiffeners that allow you to adjust the level of flex from medium to stiff, depending on what you’re riding that day. If you’re a hard rider thirsty for everything from groomer turns to powder boosts and park laps, the Vans Infuse is the snowboard boot for you.
ThirtyTwo TM-2 X Stevens (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $380
Snowboard innovator Scotty Stevens helped create the ThirtyTwo TM-2 X Stevens snowboard boots for those looking for versatility and freestyle riding. The Performance Liners fit comfortably snug, giving you high performance without pain. The heat moldable liner helps keep your heel snug while the traditional lacing system allows for optimal customization.
The medium 7/10 flex is perfect for a range of riding styles and will help drive your board through groomers, glades, into the park, and everything in between. The ThirtyTwo TM-2 X Stevens are great snowboard boots for intermediate to advanced riders who prefer a traditional lace-up style.
K2 Maysis (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $350
“We designed the Maysis to perform like a workhorse and fit like a glove, and its feature-forward design has it ranked as a perennial bestseller,” K2 writes. The K2 Maysis men’s snowboard boot features a heat-molded open-cell Intuition foam liner, ensuring it conforms perfectly to your foot for a dialed fit that maximizes comfort, warmth, and performance.
The Double BOA lacing system in these boots makes for tight-fitting double BOA boots, paired with the Conda Liner lacing system designed to pull your heel back into the heel pocket of the boot. The dual-density EVA midsole dampens vibrations over rough terrain and hard landings, while the level 7 stiffness is that perfect happy medium between high performance and playful.
Deeluxe ID (Freestyle)
MSRP: $300
Deeluxe designed this men’s snowboard boot with freestyle riders in mind. For those who love tearing up the park and playing around on side features, the Deeluxe ID is the boot for you. The boot’s Sidekick technology uses two reinforcing elements—one lateral and one medial—to maximize the transmission of power, which allows snowboarders to transition from edge to edge faster, giving you better pop in the terrain park. Deeluxe’s Stage 3 liner and Freestyle Tongue make it a truly custom fit.
RIDE Lasso Pro (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $420
The RIDE Lasso Pro is a great snowboard boot for high-level, all-mountain riders who relish charging down the mountain. The 8/10 flex is on the stiff side of things, making this a responsive, supportive, and sturdy piece of footwear at high speeds. The Lasso Pro is also a durable boot, constructed with HDR Premium Synthetics, a Rubber Toe Cap, and a Rebound Heel Counter—it will certainly take you several seasons of hard riding to wear out this boot.
“The Lasso Pro is a stiffer flexing boot that offers a responsive ride with a hassle-free fit system that also comes in a wide option and it’s catered to riders looking for all-mountain hold, response, and durability in any and all conditions,” write the pros at RIDE.
If you want an equally do-everything men’s snowboard boot but with a softer flex and a lower price tag, then check out the Ride Jackson Snowboard Boots. The Lasso Pro is also available in a wider model.
Rome Libertine Hybrid BOA (All-Mountain Advanced /Most Durable)
MSRP: $380
“Designed for rugged all-mountain performance,” write the experts at Rome, “the Libertine is our premium boot.” A burly and supportive flex profile combined with the slip-free performance GripLight Outsole makes this men’s snowboard boot perfect for durability and all-day comfort. This is a stiff snowboard boot for hard-charging over all sorts of terrain, with a hybrid Traditional/BOA lace system for that perfect fit. The Rome Libertine Hybrid BOA boots are designed to withstand abuse, designed for the all-day everyday rider. “Perfect for riders who want a supportive, powerful boot for deep landings, high speeds, and must make situations.” Rome writes.
Salomon Dialogue Dual BOA Snowboard Boots (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $390
The Salomon Dialogue Dual BOA is a medium stiff boot with a progressive and responsive feel. It fits a little narrower on the sides of the foot but has a generous toe box making it feel precise in the heel but not too overbearing. The Dual BOA tech allows you to lock in your foot and get a smooth sense of power transmission. The experts at Salomon say it boasts a “light and durable design with superior grip and dampening underfoot.” The liner is also fully heat moldable so you can speed up that break-in process and get that ideal uniformly snug fit.
Header image: ©Breckenridge / Vail Resorts
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