When shopping for outdoor gear, there seems to always be a dizzying array of options to choose from. Our buyer’s guide to women’s snowboard boots will walk you through some of the best snowboard boots for this season, explaining what they do well and what type of snowboarder will be best suited to those boots. Before we dive into the product, let’s go over some need-to-know info about snowboard boots.
How to pick the right snowboard boots
Fit
First and foremost: Fit. No factor is more important when choosing a pair of snowboarding boots than getting the right fit. You want something that is snug but not uncomfortable; an uncomfortable pair of boots will make for a painful day of snowboarding. However, if the boot is too loose you will lose control of your board—having space for your heel to rise will ruin your toeside turns. We always recommend going to your local ski shop and trying on snowboard boots before you buy. It’s also important to remember that snowboard boots will usually take a couple days of riding, if not more, to break them in.
Flex
Next, is boot flex. Snowboard boots are built on a flex scale generally rated from 1 to 10. Soft boots are more forgiving, playful, and comfortable. For those reasons, newer snowboarders will usually want a soft flex to help them get acclimated to riding. Freestyle and park snowboarders will also want a softer boot, as the forgiveness makes landing tricks much smoother. More experienced all-mountain and backcountry riders will want a stiffer boot, as they offer greater support and response at higher speeds.
Lacing systems
The three main types of lacing systems for snowboarding boots: Traditional lacing system, Zone, and Boa. Each has pros and cons and choosing which system is “best” really comes down to the preference of the rider.
A traditional lacing system tend to give the most snug and customizable fit, although they take the longest to get on and off and are difficult to make quick adjustments to. Zone laces consist of pull cords to cinch down different zones of the boot, which are quick and easy to adjust but have a tendency of loosening up throughout the day. Boa lacing systems are metal cables that run to a ratcheting dial. They are surely the quickest and easiest to get on and off, but can at times be difficult to get a fully customized fit. There are also a handful of hybrid lacing systems available, featuring a combination of Traditional and Boa lacing system, for that fully customizable boot that can be easily adjusted on the fly.
For more information, check out our guide to buying the right snowboard boot here. Now that we’ve broken down some of the basics to know before buying a snowboard boot, let’s get into the top women’s snowboard boots.
The Best Women’s Snowboard Boots
DC Mora (All-Mountain Advanced)
MSRP: $310
“High end tech and luxe detailing come together for our top-of-the-line Mora,” write the experts at DC. The Mora is a stiff-flex boot, designed for total control while hard charging. The Impact-S insole technology creates a comfortable footbed and absorbs shock on hard landings and while cutting through choppy snow. The internal ankle harness offers support and peace of mind, helping you avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your joints. Finally, the Double Boa system ensures you get a tight fit everywhere you need it, with one zone covering the top of the foot and the other zone cinching down the tongue. Comfortable, easy to adjust, and ready to shred.
Burton Limelight Boa (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $310
The Limelight is a boot designed with the ease of a Boa closure system, but created to give you the perfect fit. The Dual-Zone with Lockdown tech increases heel-hold by including a heel-specific cable system that locks the ankle and heel in place. This gives you maximum control over your boots, and thereby maximum control over your board. In terms of stiffness, Burton writes: “An overall soft and forgiving flex brings it all together for boots that work with you to bring more fun and freedom to every run.” Now who doesn’t want more fun and freedom on every run?
RIDE Hera (All-Mountain Intermediate)
MSRP: $330
“The Hera blends performance, comfort, and durability,” write the boot engineers at RIDE. “At home anywhere on the mountain, you won’t be disappointed in the Hera.” The Hera is an excellent all-mountain boot, with medium stiffness that performs on groomers, dancing through glades and moguls, and in the park. The rugged rubber outsole and +Slime Heel Pod provide optimal comfort and grip, maximizing control over your snowboard. This is a true all-arounder, designed for the all-around rider who loves to rip through any terrain.
Nidecker Kita (Speed)
MSRP: $400
Now this is a serious boot. Rated at 9/10 on the flex scale, this is one stiff mama. Designed specifically for riding fast and going hard, the Kita performs. Despite its stiffness, however, the Kita is also a super comfortable piece. “Comfort is key to its design,” Nidecker writes, “starting with an asymmetrical shape that perfectly matches our bindings for a really natural connection to your board.” There are also two EVA inserts in the midsole to dampen vibrations and ensure a smooth ride, which is a nice feature at 60-miles-per-hour.
Burton Supreme (Speed)
MSRP: $519
If you’re obsessed with laying down hard corduroy carves at top speed or charging through choppy afternoon snow with assertion, the Burton Supreme may be the boot for you. This is a stiff-flex boot for aggressive riders tearing up the mountain. The Speed Zone lacing system allows you to get the perfect fit in the upper- and lower-zones in just seconds, and Burton claims that the American-made fibers are “virtually indestructible.” Burton also boasts that the Supreme is: “As accomplished as the pros who ride it,” and that “the women’s Burton Supreme Snowboard Boots channel the best of the best into one boot that balances pro-level performance with out-of-the-box comfort that any rider will appreciate.” While the Burton Supreme boot is more expensive than other boots, there’s no wonder why this is one of the best women’s snowboarding boots.
Salomon Scarlet Boa (All-Mountain Beginner)
MSRP: $249
Salomon Boasts that: “The Scarlet BOA emphasizes comfort and convenience in a softer profile, allowing progression and performance for those seeking a forgiving boot.” The Boa lacing system makes for easy-on, easy-off, and quick adjustments without having to remove your gloves. Additionally, the soft-flex makes for a super forgiving boot that is easy to wrangle around without responding too harshly. This makes it a great option for newer snowboarders hoping to up their game and get out of those dirty resort rentals, or for more experienced riders looking for a fun and playful boot for park riding and mellow days on the mountain alike.
STW Double Boa W’s (Freestyle)
MSRP: $260
The STW Double Boa boots are a great combination of comfort, easy flex, and control. The Dual BOA Closure System locks in your forefoot, while riders can control upper stability independently. Rated at a 3/10 on the flex scale, this thing really moves with your feet, allowing you to put as much stank on your riding as your heart desires, while being extremely forgiving. The Double Boa fit system allows you to lock in your feet and make micro-adjustments to the fit with ease. The fleece collar ensures all-day dry warmth, and the Heel Hold System optimizes control over your board.
Header image @Breckenridge Ski Resort / Vail Resorts
September 07, 2023
