- SIZES: UK 2-7
- FLEX: 6
- LACING SYSTEM: Speed Lace with Powerstrap
- PRICE: £275 / €299
Do you want women’s snowboard gear that doesn’t look like women’s snowboard gear? The Deeluxe range of female-specific boots ditches the flowers and pastels, whilst still tweaking the tech just right for the riders it’s designed for. Take the Deeluxe Empire Lara women’s snowboard boots, for example.
Other than the new ‘Girl Power’ lace handles (which appear to be more an excuse for a bad pun than any real innovation), the Deeluxe Empire Lara boots have much the same aesthetics and features as the men’s equivalent. Both are as all-rounder-friendly as it’s possible to be, covering all bases from park to backcountry.
“The Deeluxe Empire Lara boots rank among the most impressive all-mountain models of the year”
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The outer shell doesn’t just look great – it’s made from a durable waterproof membrane that allows your feet to breathe at all times, whilst staying protected from the snow. It’s also been made to flex slightly more on the medial side of each foot (that’s the one that your big toe is on) than the lateral side. As you move your weight along the length of the board, it’s easier to get those surf-style turns, but when you’re whipping from edge to edge across the corduroy then you still get plenty of support.
If you like a stiffer tongue, the addition of a firmer ‘TPS Shield’ (available with the Empire Lara for a slightly higher price) can make it more suited to aggressive riding. Furthermore, the powerstrap can be pulled tighter at the front. However you choose to set it, the backstay gives you reliable support for all the heelside carves or take-offs you need.
