Liner

The liner comes ready to be heat-moulded, but even if you don’t they’ve been designed to bypass any ‘breaking in’ period and take you straight to Comfytown. This is especially valuable if you only get a precious week or two a year in the mountains.

Then there’s the aforementioned Str8jkt, an internal harness that wraps around your ankle to keep your heel down where it belongs. Thanks to the Boa closure, adjusted using the dial on the outer shell, you can fine-tune this element to ensure you can banish heel lift without feeling too ‘locked in’. It also means the rest of the boot can be worn a little looser, if that’s what you prefer.

Under your foot sits an insole made in partnership with the sole senseis over at Ortholite. The springy, uber-breathable material – often found in quality walking boots – cancels out troublesome vibrations and keeps boot-stink buildup to a minimum.

“Freestyle boots simply don’t get better than this”

Roundup

From top to toe, the Salomon Launch Lace Boa snowboard boot is a marvel; well-designed rather than over-designed, and comfortable without taking the focus off performance. Freestyle boots simply don’t get better than this.

As things stand, it won’t be long before most mentions of the word ‘Launch’ refer to whichever billionaire bellend has just entered the great intergalactic pissing contest. For now though, let it only be reserved for DJ Jean’s late-90s floor-iller, and the best boot in Salomon’s stable.

BUY FROM

“Team Colour of the Launch Lace boot, Closely designed with the team, Str8 Jkt Ankle Hold system for zero Heel lift, Heat mouldable, matching Salmon Shoe to go with it.”