Investing in the best snowboard boots can take your snowboarding experience to another level. Whether you need ultra-flexy snowboarding boots or you need snow boots as per your riding style, there is a wide range of options available in the market.
However, not all snowboard boots are created equally and can suit every rider. So, it is wise to pay close attention when buying snowboard boots. How will you decide which snowboard boots are ideal for you? Is the size of snowboard boots matter? How much you should spend on your snowboard boots?
Well, in this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about snowboard boots. In order to find yourself the right pair of snowboard boots and clear all your doubts, keep reading. Also, we are going to review the 10-best snowboard boots that you can buy without any second thought. Without ado, let's get started.
Top 10 Best Snowboard Boots Comparison Table
Now that you know what this guide is all about-let's check out a quick comparison between the top 10 best snowboard boots.
| Best Snowboard Boots | Color options | Weight | Sole Material | Closure type |
| DC Phase Snowboard Boots | 2 | 4.5 pounds | Unilite | Lace-up |
| 5th Element ST-1 Lace Up Snowboard Boots | 1 | 5.31 pounds | EVA | Lace-up |
| System APX Snowboard Boots | 1 | 2.47 Kg | Not Specified | Lace-up |
| Vans Hi-Standard Snowboard Boots | 1 | 5.3 pounds | Lug Sole | Lace-up |
| Thirty-Two 32 Exit Snowboard Boots | 1 | 1 pound | Foam | Quick-Pull |
| Thirty-Two Shifty Men's Snowboard Boots | 2 | 5.05 pounds | Foam | Lace-up |
| Thirty Two Men's Lashed '19/20 Snowboard Boot | 6 | 5.9 pounds | Not Specified | Lace-up |
| Ride Lasso Snowboard Boots | 3 | 5.15 pounds | PU | Quick-pull |
| DC Step On Lotus BOA Women's Snowboard Boots | 1 | 5.5 pounds | Not Specified | Lace-up |
| Thirty-Two TM-2 Men's Snowboard Boots | 4 | 7 pounds | Rubber | Lace-up |
Reviews of the Best Snowboard Boots-Top Picks
DC Phase Snowboard Boots
The shoe packs in elegantly soft flex to help you move with ease in the forward direction. With these boots on your feet, you can bum or stoke out in the mountains as you snowboard.
The DC Phase is ideal for helping you master your free-styling skills in the mountains, with each move getting easier than the previous one. In case you plan to avoid renting out snowboard boots and hate that smelly experience, these boots will definitely help you feel fresh and comfortable in your snowboarding lessons.
Further, the boot flaunts a great outer shell to help protect your feet from freezing off in the cold. However, the material is breathable enough to avoid sweating issues that might make your experience rather slippery. With a hybrid upper material, the shoe is cozy enough to aid you in your winter escapades.
The boot also flaunts a year-long manufacturer warranty that essentially guarantees the quality and makeup of these shoes. Although the design is simple, it isn't your basic boot for snowboarding. With a traditionally lace-based closure system, the boot is easy to wear and packs in top-notch comfort from its lightweight UNILITE outsole.
Pros
- It keeps your feet snug and warm without overheating
- Comfortable design that allows easier flex
- Waterproof material
Cons
- It starts to break a bit in the boot's front tie area
- Runs smaller (Buy a size bigger if you have wide feet)
Product Details
- Material: Hybrid Upper, EVA-UNILITE Sole
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Size: 18.8*13.3*5.9 Inches
- Special Features: Shell Closure, Pure Performance Red Liner, Moisture Wicking Design
Rating: 4.6/5
Where to Buy: Click here
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5th Element ST-1 Lace Up Snowboard Boots
If you have a special love for free-style Mountain snowboarding, you need a boot that fits your needs the right way. With the 5th Element ST-1 snowboard boot, you get a stylish option with a softer flex while being minimally rigid compared to other boots in the market.
Further, the boot makes use of traditional laces that help in fine-tuning the fit to ensure that you ride with ease throughout the day. This boot is a favorite for park riders, given its high flex that can help you ride through the groomed slopes in the area.
The snowboarding boot is designed for customized comfort, given the fact that it packs a synthetic shell for optimum support. Not just that, the boot comes with a softer flex that is minimally rigid and not as tasking as other stiffer snowboarding boots.
The 5th Element also houses a high-quality EVA comfort liner that can easily be replaced with an orthotic liner. The traditional lace design helps fine-tune the fit to ensure optimal day-long ride through varying terrains.
In terms of warranty, the shoe is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty for any design failures.
Pros
- Ideal for mountain climbing and snowboarding through rough terrains
- Reasonable pricing for the feature brought in
- Soft inner material to help keep you snug and warm
Cons
- The boot might run short; make sure you order one size up
- Not designed to be linearly thermo-moldable
Product Details
- Material: Synthetic shell + EVA liner
- Size: 6 to 9
- Weight: 5.31 pounds
- Special Features: Traditional lacing, softer flex, removable insole
Ratings: 4.4/5
Where to Buy: Click here
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System APX Snowboard Boots
Do you plan to rein the mountains as soon as winters arrive? Well, you would need a reliable snowboard boot for that, and nothing could replace the comfort and luxury brought to you by the System APX Men's Snowboard Boots.
This unique and ultra-durable boot combines comfort and peak performance at a reasonable price tag. Further, the boots feature metallic hooks to ensure a strong and long-lasting lace hold with lasting ride power.
This snowboarding boot has inbuilt panels for optimum flex that allow for a fun and smooth riding experience while evading bulging boots. The makers have also included a space-age waterproofing feature to ensure that the feet are dry and warm even as you ride through the coldest and wettest mountains.
With the System APX snowboard boot, you also get access to a thermofit heat-moldable design that ensures a secure fit within the boot while eliminating the pressure points as you ride. Further, the heat molding design aids with feet curve adaptation to ensure it can easily fit different types of feet.
Pros
- Makes use of traditional lace design for a secure fit;Â avoiding random fall offs
- The waterproofing element helps evade any slippery moments
- Interior with thermofit heat-molding design
Cons
- The inner liner is of poor quality; tends to shift around a lot
- It could be a bit stiff under colder temperatures
Product Details
- Material: Thermofit liner
- Size: 42.16*36.83*13.21 cm
- Weight: 2.31 kilograms
- Special Features: Heel locking cinch loop, smooth metal hooks for lace tightening, padded arch
Rating: 4.5/5
Where to Buy: Click here
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Vans Hi-Standard Snowboard Boots
The Vans Hi-Standard snowboard boots are perfect for beginner riders as well as low intermediates that need access to a playful freestyle snowboard ride. While the boots aren't designed for the deep carves or speed demons, it definitely is an amazing bet for your daily snowboarding adventures.
The snowboard boots start off a bit tight around the toes & balls of the feet. However, it gets better once the heat molding starts. The boot features a classic low-arch design and feels a tad flat. While the snowboard boots might not be ideal for shock absorption, they do the job of transitioning from one plane to another with ease.
With this unique snowboarding boot, you get access to soft flexing with faster response time as you curve around. The traditional lace design helps you adjust the shoe with ease, depending on your feet' design. However, the laces' plastic aglets might not be as durable as other boots in this list.
The boots also give you a tad lift in the heels. The Vans sole is created more for the board feel as opposed to the traction. So, it might not be as ideal for hiking missions.
Pros
- Features both white and black laces for personal preference
- Ultra-cushioned footbed and liner
- Perfect for wide footed individuals
Cons
- Plastic aglets might not be as durable and come off with ease
- It tends to run smaller than normalÂ
Product Details
- Material: Lug sole material, nylon/synthetic leather
- Size: US 7 to 13
- Weight: 2.33 pounds
- Special Features: Instep lockout lace, V1 pleasure cuff harness, Mid flex rating
Rating: 4.7/5
Where to Buy: Click here
Video
Thirty-Two 32 Exit Snowboard Boots
Decked with premium comfort & looks minus the high cost, the Thirty Two 32 Exit Snowboard boots for men is a top-choice in this list for adventure hunting snowboarders. It is the softest available flexing boot that will add extra supple to your ride for long hours.
The boots also pack in a comfortable fit liner along with the heat-molded intuition foam that helps you achieve a personalized feeling for day-long rideability. Further, the moldable footbed comes with an integrated internally fitted lacing.
These snowboard boots feature a rip and grip heel hold that helps you attack those wicked turns with ease and confidence. In order to add to the traction and durability, the high-performance rubber-based outsole can easily bite into different types of surfaces so that you don't have to worry about any embarrassing slippages as you sail through the snow.
Further, the snowboard boots pack in a comfy tongue that helps evade any possible abrasion as you flex around. The boot also flaunts 1-year manufacturer warranty for various design aversions. The evolution foam in the outsole reduces unwanted chatter.
Pros
- Features traditional lace design to help with a comfortable and customized fit
- Dual-density liner intuition foam material
- Synthetic upper to help evade any moisture from entering
Cons
- The boot runs way too big; buy a size smaller than your normal sizing
- Metal grip for lace might come off after few uses
Product Details
- Material: Foam outsole, rubber sole, synthetic leather
- Size: US 9 to 14
- Weight: 1.00 lbs
- Special Features: Integrated lacing, Shock-absorbing outsole, comfortable footbed
Rating: 4.6/5
Where to Buy: Click here
Video
Thirty-Two Shifty Men's Snowboard Boots
When in need of a safe and forgiving boot designed for your snow adventures, make sure you put your feet into the Thirty Two Shifty Men's snowboard boots. Backed by a comfy tongue and high-quality comfort liner, this boot ensures that you can ride with ease for long hours.
The evolution foam in the outsole ensures that you get a better grip on the slippery slopes. The heat-moldable intuition foam ensures that your feet adjust properly into the shoe's design without compromising the build's quality.
The reliable and light cushioning with the STI foam help eliminate any unnecessary pressure within the boot. Backed by the greatest and latest tech in the shoe-making industry, the shoe showcases a soft and comfortable flex design.
With the 32 Shifty, you get access to all the features that come for beginner-level riders. The rubber outsole ensures that you can stand tall in different weather conditions up in the mountains.
When working together with the microfleece, the comfy tongue & heat-moldable fit liner ensures optimum snowboarding performance.
The internal lacing feature ensures that you get access to a superior hold in the heel area along with cushioned comfort.
Pros
- Ideal for park and all-mountain terrains
- Micro-fleece design provides top-notch warmth in cold mountains
- Heat-moldable custom fit for better wearability
Cons
- A low flex rating might not be ideal in the curves
- It might not be perfect for backcountry terrains
Product Details
- Material: Foam outsole materialÂ
- Size: 17*14.1*5.4 inches
- Weight: 5.05 pounds
- Special Features: internal lacing design, Grip-Rip Heel, Comfy fit linerÂ
Rating: 4.3/5
Where to Buy: Click here
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Thirty Two Men's Lashed '19/20 Snowboard Boot
The 32 Men's Lashed snowboard boots are designed for an all-mountain ride and come with a medium flex rating ideal for beginner snowboarders. The traditional lacing system embedded into the boots ensures that you get access to a snug fit without compromising on the secure binding.
The boot is also normal weighted and doesn't weigh you down or make you feel tired as you are tailing through the terrains. With 32 Men's, you get access to a decent response time without actually having to invest a lot.
They also stand strong against light rain or even as you transition into the wet snow or light windy days. Before the shoe is exposed to heat-molding, it might feel quite narrow. However, after, they tend to feel wider, especially around the ball of your feet & toes, leaving just enough room to wiggle your toes.
The boot could be a bit tight at the place where the toes start and metatarsal ends. The Lashed snowboard boot is quite efficient in terms of maneuverability, even as you scale the mountains at slow speeds. Overall, the boots provide efficient responsiveness for the pricing.
Pros
- Perfect heel hold with traditional lacing design
- Constructed with intuition foam that packs in dual-density design
- Enhanced support with medium flex design & heat molding
Cons
- It tends to seem flat in the sole area
- The tongue might start ripping after few uses
Product Details
- Material: Dual-density foam
- Size: 18.4*14.8*5.6 Inches
- Weight: 5.9 pounds
- Special Features: Internal harness liner, Articulated cuff with eliminated shell distortion, customizable inserts
Rating: 4.4/5
Where to Buy: Click here
Video
Ride Lasso Snowboard Boots
The Ride Lasso snowboard boots for men are a design that is ideal for someone who needs something stiff but in the medium range. This boot is ideal for someone who loves boots that help with great carving in the most difficult terrains.
With these snowboard boots, you get an option that doesn't tank around when you are riding slow and ideal for the ones with problems with the heel lift. The molded tongue design fits you better while making the ride pretty comfortable even as the hours go long.
The boots tend to hold the flex while providing a bit of ankle articulation while keeping the boot on the softer end for an abrasion-free ride. Moreover, they also provide a reliable ground response with edge-to-edge support.
The rubber outsole helps add to the traction factor while keeping you one with the ground and avoiding any slipping issues in the terrains. Further, the heel area provides you optimum shock absorption to avoid off landings or pain in the joints.
The boot is easy to wear and remove within seconds and doesn't require you to hustle for long.
Pros
- It runs true to its size; not need to size down or size up
- No pressure felt on the foot's top section
- Ideal heel hold to ensure an abrasion-free experience
Cons
- Not meant for super-wide feet
- No scope for independent upper or lower boot adjustment
Product Details
- Material: Michelin rubber outsole, PU, Mesh
- Size: 17.8*14.8*5.6 Inches
- Special Features: Reduced footprint, antimicrobial layers for reduced odors, heat reflective base layer
Rating: 4.4/5
Where to Buy: Click here
Video
DC Step On Lotus BOA Women's Snowboard Boots
The DC Step-On women's snowboard boot is the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. This medium-flex boot brings together a revolutionary convenience and quickness that comes from years of experimentation by snowboard boot designers.
Constructed with proven support imparted by the dual-zone fit system (BOA), this snowboard boot ensures a secure fit as you walk through varying terrains. The premium-quality liner brings in ample warmth from the 3M trademark Thinsulate for optimum insulation.
The Impact-S technology added to the insole offers protection and comfort for a high-impact snowboarding experience. Further, the shoe also features an internally fixated ankle harness to ensure that you do not feel wobbly or slip off on the curves.
The articulated construction is strong enough to withstand the harsh cold winters without breaking down or tearing off midway. The boots also bring in a high flex rating as compared to other popular options in the market.
DC's Step-On snowboard boots offer an unbeatable coiler with an H4 design that brings in features such as micro-adjustability to allow perfection in support and flex balance.
Pros
- Multi-layered construction combined with EVA Foam
- Thermal-regulating internal fleece for warmth
- Impact S design for the insole that minimizes harsh landings
Cons
- It might not be ideal for people with wide feet
- Tend to be way high on the calves
Product Details
- Material: White Liner, Thinsulate 3M Insulation, EVA, Synthetic Upper
- Size: 19*14*6 Inches
- Weight: 5.5 Pounds
- Special Features: Dual Closure System (BOA), White Liners with heat-moldable design, ankle harness fitted internallyÂ
Rating: 4.6/5
Where to Buy: Click here
Video
Thirty-Two TM-2 Men's Snowboard Boots
With a higher than medium stiffness and faster turn initiation, the Thirty Two TM-2 Men's Snowboard boots are perfect for a great morning snowboarding experience. The traditional lace design is a quick fix for snowboarders who want everything fast.
Moreover, the articulating cuff makes it an amazing option for mountain rides. The boots are perfect for someone with wide feet who need proper room to wiggle their toes every now and then. The best thing about 32 TM-2 is the fact that its tongue is perfectly locked down with the help of the eye-stays while you tighten its lace.
It keeps everything in place in a firm manner while ensuring that the heel lift is negligible and doesn't cause you to wobble around. Additional support is packed in by the harness surrounding the liner. Additionally, the shoe's outer shell is fairly light, with a finish that makes it waterproof in all manners while keeping your feet dry and warm.
The front design with medium flex allows you to easily bend down without actually warping its shape. Further, the foam and gel combination within the sole allows for targeted cushioning to handle impacts from high-speed terrain chatter.
Pros
- Dual-density foam in the liner contorts to the foot design for ample support
- Reduces foot pain experienced during snowboarding
- Impactful aesthetics with a slimmer profile
Cons
- Is a tad bit on the pricier end
- It might not be ideal for the beginners
Product Details
- Material: Rubber sole, foam cushioning
- Size: 15.75*19.69*7.87 Inches
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Special Features: High flex design, Optimum heel hold, Ultra-high shock absorption
Rating: 3.3/5
Where to Buy: Click here
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Buying Guide for Best Snowboard Boots
For a fun-filled snowboarding experience, your boots need to be much durable and comfortable. So, while you buy snowboarding gear, you must ensure that your snowboard boots have an enhanced grip on the board.
But if you buy the boots with no prior knowledge, you might end up purchasing the wrong shoe offering inadequate performance. Thus, you need to consider some crucial things in the boot while you opt for it.
So, have a look at the following factors that you need to consider before buying your snowboard boots.
Riding Style
While you pick a snowboard boot for yourself, make sure you choose one that goes suitable with your riding style. It is crucial to ensure a properly active performance during snowboarding.
- All-mountain
For all-mountain riders, it is essential to pick flexible boots. In the case of beginners, it is better to choose softer boots. On the contrary, if you are a fast rider, look for a stiffer boot that renders much stability.
- Free-riding
Free-riders deal with untracked terrains and include some groomed runaways. Free-riding also includes riding on extensive mountain ranges.
So, free-riders need to maintain premium speed and precision. Thus, stiffer snowboarding boots will be quite suitable for such purposes. The rigidity of these boots helps generate more power to have a better grip on the snowy surface.
- Freestyle
Freestyle riding is much more fun packed with free-riding on various terrains. Thus, the maneuvering needs to have better focus in such cases. For quick and free-flowing responses, the boot needs to be relatively soft and flexible.
Fit
Before you go to purchase your snowboard boots, make sure they fit snugly. But it must not be tight enough to cause pain in your foot. While most of the shoes come with their true-to-fit size, many require some break-in time.
In a boot with good fitting, your toes will graze in the toecap area gently. Make sure you can wiggle your toes inside the shoe. Also, you need to have a very fine heel hold, which is an essential factor in ensuring comfort to your feet.
When it comes to snowboarding, your knee is going to be driven forward. Thus, your heel needs to be in place. So, while you test your snowboard boots, it is better to try them, along with wearing a pair of socks, so that they fit you comfortably without causing any irritation.
Snowboard boot flexing
Snowboard boots usually come with various flex ratings. Whether you want it soft or stiff, it entirely depends on your comfort. Boot flex is utterly dependent on your personal preference.
If you are looking for a shoe for beginner-level riding and snowboarding in parks, then a softer flex will be ideal for you. On the other hand, stiffer boots are often recommended to achieve better performance and adequate comfort for advanced and free-riders.
Boot flexes also vary from one brand to another. Hence, you need to try it properly while buying. The flex rating range for snowboard boots lies between 1-10. Here one denotes the softest one, while ten stands for the stiffest boots.
Snowboard boot lacing systems
While picking snowboard boots, make sure it comes with proper lacing mechanism, compatible with your comfort requirements. Following are the types of laces that you are going to get for your snowboarding boots.
- Traditional Lacing
This typical lacing system for snowboard boots is the best option for prototypical riders. Usually, the traditional laces are very easy to tie and offer you a customizable fit to your feet area. However, the laces sometimes tend to loosen, which can irritate while riding.
- Quick pull lacing
It is undoubtedly the easiest one compared to the traditional lacing system. The quick pull lacing system lets you tighten your forefoot and ankle area individually. This type of lacing mechanism is best for those who are always in a hurry and do not want to spend much time adjusting the shoelaces.
Snowboard boot footbed
As you choose a snowboard boot, you need to pay much attention to the footbed and insole area. The footbed area decides your comfort level in the shoe while you wear it.
To make your snowboard boot more active and comfier, you need to ensure that you pick a padded footbed that supports your feet' natural shape. Also, ensure that the footbed has enough cushioning to support and render comfort to your underfoot area.
Boot liners
The boot liners in your snowboarding shoes play an important role in enhancing your comfort. A liner in the inner boot area comes with a very lightweight and moldable material, enhancing comfort to your feet.
It is better to pick Ethelene Vinyl Acetate material of lining that supports your feet correctly. A good quality lining enhances the cushioning and stability of the boot and, at the same time, offers proper insulation, which is vital to keep your feet warm and protected in the snow.
Here are the types of boot liners you can opt for.
- Moldable liners
These are comfy boot liners as they are built to mold along with your foot shape. Also, these liners help retain the body heat so that your feet stay highly active even in the chilly weather.
- Stock liners
These types of liners come with base-level padding that offers adequate stability to your foot so that you can keep making each of your steps stable and easy.
- Heat-moldable liners
These liners render a custom fit to your feet and offer brilliant insulation to retain the heat and keep your feet cozy during your snowboarding activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy or rent your snowboard boots?
The answer to this varies depending on your budget. If you are new to snowboarding and don’t have that kind of money to invest, renting would be a great idea. However, buying gives you access to a custom and comfortable fit with a faster learning experience.
How can I make my snowboard boots comfortable?
In order to make your snowboard boots comfortable, you can do a lot of things. Here are a few tricks you can try
- Wear thin socks during the break-in period of the boots
- Heat molding helps with faster break-in and foot-shape contorting
- Check if there is space to wiggle your toes with ease
Do I need special boots to snowboard?
If you plan to venture out for snowboarding with a regular, basic snow boot, you might not get the ankle support you need or the binding fit required as you raid through the snow. Apart from safety, these boots are essential for beginners who need comfort with good longevity.
Why is my snowboard boot hurting my feet?
Making the wrong choice for snowboarding boots can cause unending pain during or after your snowboarding session. Try and loosen the boots a bit to see if it helps. If this is not working for you, the boot definitely is way too small for your feet, and you need to up the size and replace it with a new one.
Apart from this, the lack of proper padding in the heel area could cause pain. Sometimes the pain may go all the way up to the back of your knees.
Can I use my snowboard boots to walk?
Snowboard boots are definitely comfortable; however, they tend to be way difficult to wear than ski boots. These boots aren't meant for walking and don't allow proper ankle movements. So, it's better to stick to shoes that are meant for walking in the snow.
Can heat moldings make the snowboard boots bigger?
With snowboarding boots, it is easy to expand them as opposed to making them smaller. You can try heat-molding in case this is an option meant for you. With the heat-molding process, your shoes get extra space and fix in the same pattern after normalizing.
The Bottom Line
I hope that this article will give you a better idea of which snowboard boots is best for you. The right pair of snowboard boots make your snowboarding fun and enjoyable.
There's a wide array of snowboard boots you can choose from and ensure you achieve your snowboarding goals. If you're searching for any recommendations, then DC Phase Snowboard Boots is the perfect option for you. It's safe and comfortable.
However, if you prefer a cheaper alternative, opt for 5th Element ST-1 Lace Up Snowboard Boots. These snowboard boots help you improve your performance and offer you a great fit.
Do you have a favorite snowboard boot yet? Have you had any experience with the snowboard boots mentioned in this article? Feel free to share your thoughts and questions below.
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