When it comes to choosing new snowboard boots, it’s all about your individual preferences, riding style, and foot shape. Therefore the ‘best snowboard boots’ don’t really exist — or, at least, they won’t be the same from person to person. Snowboard boots come in all different shapes and sizes and there’s something out there for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a versatile all-mountain option, an uber stiff freeride demon, or a mellow freestyle boot, you’ve come to the right place.
“The sheer number of boots on offer these days is toe-tally mind blowing, so we’ve narrowed it down to our top choices”
When purchasing a new snowboard boot there are a few things you’ll want to bear in mind. Fit will always be the most important factor, followed by flex and then lacing. Head into your local snowboard store to try a bunch of different models and brands on, you’ll find out what works for you, and what doesn’t. I know a guy with six toes on one foot and even he manages to find a boot that works. The sheer number of boots on offer these days is toe-tally mind-blowing, so we’ve narrowed it down to our top choices.
A good pair of snowboard boots are the single most important part of your set up, get them right and you’ll be laughing. A properly fitted boot has a myriad of benefits from improved edge control when you’re railing turns all the way up to keeping all of your toenails after a trip. Whereas an ill-fitting pair of boots can leave you jaded, hobbling off the slope in agony as you head to the nearest bar to numb the pain with booze.
“A lycra suited piste charger will often opt for a stiff boot to garner more control”
After you nail down the fit, you’ll want to decide on your flex preferences. The stiffer the boots are, the more responsive they’ll be. Jib kids and park rats will generally want a softer option to get more tweak-ability and playfulness out of them. Whereas a lycra suited piste charger will often opt for a stiff boot to garner more control. There’s no right or wrong with it, but as a general rule of thumb, a newer rider generally fares better with a softer, more mellow model as they’ve got more margin for error.
Remember, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better, you could have a £1000 pair of gold flaked boots that do themselves up and are woven with fibres made of Shaun White’s pubes but if they don’t fit you properly then that shit ain’t gonna fly. And whatever you do please, please, don’t just buy a pair of boots because your pal Barry has them and swears they “fit like a glove m8”. When choosing a women’s boot, you can go for a women’s-specific model, or a gender neutral/unisex option. Both are totally legit choices – as long as they fit your feet and your riding style.
“You could have a £1000 pair of gold flaked boots that do themselves up and are woven with fibres made of Shaun White’s pubes but if they don’t fit you properly then that shit ain’t gonna fly”
We’ve compiled our list of the best snowboard boots for this season in one handy place. There’s a bit of everything in this list, from soft flexing budget options to ultra-aggressive crampon-compatible boots, so have a gander, check them out and find out what’s best for you – and while you’re at it, make sure to check out the best snowboards, the best snowboard bindings and the best snowboard jackets and pants for this season too.
