Owning the right pair of snowboard boots is imperative to optimizing your ability and maximizing your fun on the mountain. This snowboard boot buying guide compiles some of the best snowboard boots this season and 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.
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 recommended going to a brick and mortar shop to try on snowboard boots before you buy. It’s important to keep in mind that the boots will take several days of riding before they are fully broken in.
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, 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest. Softer boots are better for beginners 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.
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. Boas 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 latest and greatest snowboard boots on the market this season.
Men’s Snowboard Boot Round-Up
Burton Photon Boa (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $400
Burton’s Photon Boa is a top-tier option for an all-mountain snowboard boot. “Charge harder. Explore more. Stomp every move,” the engineers at Burton beckon. “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.” The Dual-Zone Boa Fit 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 also are soft enough for playing on every side-hit in sight. They even have sleeping bag reflective material under the footbed to circulate warmth throughout the boot. What more could you ask for?
Vans Infuse (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $420
This is a high-performance snowboard boot whose customizability makes it one of the most versatile 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 allows 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, this is the boot for you.
ThirtyTwo Lashed Chris Bradshaw (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $270
The ThirtyTwo Lashed is an excellent boot for the intermediate snowboarder (or the advanced snowboarder looking for a comfortable, playful boot). It has fully a Traditional lacing system for the perfect amount of snug from toe to shin, and a medium stiffness for versatility. This isn’t the boot for charging as hard as possible down the mountain, but for bobbing and weaving through the trees and popping off side-hits. The 3D molded tongue offers even flex throughout, while the Performance Backstay enhances spine support. For that mid-level rider looking to up their game, the Lashed Chris Bradshaw is a great option.
K2 Maysis (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $330
“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. This 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 in these boots makes for a tight fit, 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.
Deelux Team ID LTD (Freestyle)
MSRP: $300
Deelux designed this boot with freestyle riders in mind. For those who love tearing up the park and playing around on side features, the Team ID LTD is the boot for you. It has an L3 Zone lacing system for quick adjustments, and a Double Power Strap for maximum support. This boot has a medium-soft flex, perfect for freestyle snowboarders who still require some umph. The ultra-grippy Skate Flex sole provides optimal boardfeel and control.
RIDE Lasso Pro (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $400
The RIDE Lasso Pro is a great snowboard boot for high-level, all-mountain riders who relish in 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 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.
Nidecker Rift (Beginner)
MSRP: $330
The Nidecker Rift is a soft-flex, easy-on and -off snowboard boot, great for newer riders and freestyle riders alike. “The brand new Rift is a softer boot that allows you to express your own style but which is still packed with tech,” Nidecker writes. The Dual Boa lacing system makes this snowboard boot super easy to adjust, and the 3D molded liner offers optimal comfort. The soft-flex makes this a really forgiving and playful boot to ride in, which is ideal for those who aren’t riding super aggressively yet. But it’s not just for beginners; the Rift also makes an excellent park boot that is ultra-sensitive, lightweight, and moves with the motion of your ankle.
Rome Libertine Hybrid (Most Durable)
MSRP: $380
“Built for riders who spend all day in their boots,” write the experts at Rome, “the Libertine Collection is our most powerful and supportive collection, designed to create the perfect blend of support and lightweight, adjustable 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. These boots are designed to withstand abuse, designed for the all-day everyday rider. The FIT Liner with dual density foam makes for a comfortable fit, while the DuraFit shell creates a consistent flex. “Durable, dependable, and always down for another lap,” Rome writes.
Header image: ©Park City Mountain Resort/Vail Resorts
October 11, 2022
