UPDATE: Check out our review of the Best Snowboard Boots for 2019/2020 by clicking here.
Nothing is more important than your choice of boots. Sure, snowboards are sexy and contain all kinds of cool tech that can help you become a better rider, but a poor snowboard won’t exactly hurt; the wrong footwear, by contrast, can cause agonising pain that will ruin even a perfect bluebird powder day.
For this reason, we always recommend that your first purchase after learning to ride should be a comfortable pair of snowboard boots.
That is easier said than done, though. There are a dizzying variety of models and styles to choose from these days, which is why we’ve sifted through them all to bring you this list of the best snowboard boots for winter 2018/19.
“We always recommend that your first purchase after learning to ride should be a comfortable pair of snowboard boots”
Of course, it’s impossible to say for sure if an individual boot will suit your particular foot shape (for this reason, you should take your friends’ recommendations with a grain of salt) but between your budget and preferred riding style you can draw up a safe shortlist from the lineup below.
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Snowboard Boot Advice
- How To Choose Your Boots
- Boot Fitting
Of all the more objective factors to consider, flex is key. Softer boots (just like softer bindings) offer more potential to tweak out your tricks, and are often comfier straight out of the box; stiffer models provide faster response when turning and increased support for those heavy landings/dodgy angles. As a rule of thumb, beginner to intermediate riders will usually prefer something softer.
Should you look to pair your boots with some bindings from the same brand? While there can occasionally be some benefits in terms of the way the whole package fits seamlessly together, it’s not strictly necessary unless you’re purchasing the new Burton Step On system. Again, how the thing feels on your foot is the number one consideration.
Do you have narrow tootsies? According to popular myth, you might suit some Salomons. More of a sasquatch? Try Burton or Vans, which many claim are roomier at the forefoot. The aim always is to achieve a snug fit in which your toes faintly brush the end when standing upright, and there is minimal (if any) heel lift when flexing your shins. Don’t take anyone else’s word for it, though – try as many as you can in a store until you’ve found the best snowboard boots for your feet.
Heat molding – found on many models – can add the finishing touch, but will not make up for a downright poor fit. Other features to consider include lacing systems (traditional, speed laces and Boa all have their merits) lightweight materials and extra cushioning, such as that found on the adidas Boost models.
Scroll down to view all the best snowboard boots, or skip to a particular model using the links below
adidas Acerra ADV | Adidas Samba ADV | adidas Superstar ADV | adidas tactical ADV | Burton Imperial | Burton Ion | Burton Limelight | Burton Ruler StepOn | DC Judge | DC Mutiny | Deeluxe Edge | Deeluxe Empire Lara | Deeluxe Empire TF | Deeluxe Footloose | Deeluxe ID 7.1 WOW | Head Operator | Head Seven BOA | Head Three BOA | K2 Ender | K2 Taro Tamai | K2 Taro Tami Women’s | Nidecker Lunar | Nidecker Talon | Nidecker Tracer | Northwave Decade | Northwave Domino | Ride Jackson | Rome Libertine | Rome Stomp | Salomon Kiana Toast | Salomon Synapse | Salomon Trek S-Lab | ThirtyTwo Focus BOA | ThirtyTwo Lashed | ThirtyTwo TM-Three | Vans / The North Face Verse
