Liner
The inside of the Rift is a comfortable place to be. It features Nidecker’s Silver Level heat-moldable liner which (you guessed it) is second only to their Gold offering for tech.
The liner can be custom-fitted in store but will adapt naturally to your foot over time anyway, and to be honest, we found the Rifts to be comfy straight out of the box. There are chunkier liners on the market that will perhaps withstand more riding before they give out, but the advantage of this compact foam design is it weighs very little and requires minimal bedding in. We also like the way it wraps around at the front and stays locked in using velcro, enclosing your foot snugly with no danger of the tongue slipping sideways.
Finally, there’s a dual density insole that provides a little extra cushioning underfoot and reasonable arch support.
“Skate-inspired tweaks and surf-like turns are the order of the day”
Roundup
Unless you’re a serious speed freak or you ride north of 28 days a year, the chances are you won’t get the most out of the stiff-as-fuck boots that tend to sit at the top of every range. Instead, the majority of riders – park shredders, cruisers, holidaymakers, weekend warriors – would do well to consider a softer (and for that matter, cheaper) boot like the new Rift. It looks sick (we especially like the blue camo option) and the flex is ideal for playful turns and tricks. Most importantly, the Rift doesn’t make you suffer for a good day on the hill; it fits well straight away, and the dual Boa takes the hassle out of the morning and afternoon routine.
Pros:
- Straight out the box comfort
- The mellow flex keeps them super versatile
Cons:
- The support won’t last as long as stiffer boots
- No Hybrid BOA option
