Why We Chose The Northwave Decade: The Decade prioritises durability, dependability, comfort and innovation over flair – just as every boot should.

This isn’t technically a ‘new’ boot, but it’s hard to find an aspect of the Northwave Decade that hasn’t been overhauled for 2024/25. Some brands like to drip–feed their upgrades, so it’s refreshing to see the Italians opt to just dump a whole load of new and improved features in a oner. At the same time, everything that has made the Decade popular for – well, decades – is still present and correct.

“For the lower boot it’s a quick and easy speedlace, while up top is Northwave’s own ‘Spin’ system”

Who Are The Northwave Decade For?

This is definitely an everyman boot, with a flex rating that can handle aggressive riding but doesn’t insist upon it. Plus with three different versions available – the regular Decade, the Decade Hybrid and the Ethan Morgan-inspired Decade Pro – it’s pretty likely you’ll find one that suits you.

Shell & Outsole

If we had to pick one upgrade to the Northwave Decade that we’re most stoked about, it has to be the reported 11% decrease in overall weight. Shaving grammes is pretty much always a bonus in the snowboard hardware world – and while it might not seem like much when you’re hefting it off the shelf of your local snowboard store, it’s something from which you’ll definitely feel the benefit after a full day of riding.

Tightening the boot is a piece of cake. This one’s ‘Hybrid’ name derives from its use of two different systems; for the lower boot it’s a quick and easy speedlace, while up top is Nothwave’s own ‘Spin’ system. This allows you to fine-tune your fit higher up the boot, which is where most people tend to do this. The Spin system consists of an uber-strong lace and a simple dial that, according to Northwave, takes less time to fasten than similar methods (although it’s much of a muchness in reality).

“An 11% decrease in overall weight… you’ll definitely feel the benefit after a full day of riding”

Under the lace is a redesigned tongue which is more resistant to cold than its predecessor, and keeps the front of your foot feeling secure without going full straight-jacket.

Liner

The ‘Sender Pro’ liner is a step up from the standard ‘Sender’ model found on the Freedom and the Dahlia. Key points of deviation include the extra ankle support, as well as an increase in height that makes it a bit more stable at speed and powerful through turns.

“It’s hard to find an aspect of the Northwave Decade that hasn’t been overhauled for 2024/25”

When it comes to keeping liners feeling (and smelling) fresh, breathability is everything. The recycled foam layer of the footbed keeps air moving, while also providing a bit of extra padding for comfort and protection. A layer of wool underneath keeps you cosy on colder days – and yes, that’s recycled too.

The simple one-pull fastening system does its job well and is easy to secure in place, while the lace’s anchor points are sensibly spaced to ensure an even distribution of pressure.

Roundup

Given that the Northwave Decade has been around since long before Red Gerard grew his first flecks of peach-fuzz, it’s great to see it continuing to lead the charge in boot design. Tried and tested performance meets innovation and a commitment to sustainability, in a neat package that just about all levels of rider can get on with – what’s not to like?

Don’t forget to check out all three versions of the Northwave Decade before committing!

Pros:

• Lighter, leaner and greener than ever
• Multiple models from which to choose

Cons:

• While we’ve no reason to doubt its reliability, sourcing replacement parts for the Spin system won’t be as easy as Boa

“These were probably the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn, so props for that. And, tbh, I’ve got nothing to complain about here in terms of performance. But if I could alter these to my personal preference, I would replace the laces with a quicker option for getting in and out of the boots. But that’s just me.

9/10”