The Vans Hi-Standard are a tried and tested boot, but stepping up to a pro model version for both Benny Urban & Jill Perkins the Hi-Standard pro looks to set itself apart from the pack with extra tech designed to deliver when you need it.
“The Hi-Standard pro looks to set itself apart from the pack with extra tech designed to deliver when you need it”
Who Are The Hi-Standard Pro’s For?
Vans bill these boots for both intermediate and advanced riders and it’s hard to disagree. The medium flex provides the perfect response for a comfortable but responsive ride that lends itself to those looking to improve their riding across the whole resort, and advanced riders looking for a more freestyle orientated boot that’s reliable in the park or the streets.
Shell & Outsole
Our tester highlighted how impressed they were with the waterproofing and breathability of these boots as they wore them day in, day out and tend to run hot – two key ingredients for the dreaded trench foot.
However the waterproof valves (a couple of small venting holes on the side of the boot) proved effective in managing moisture.
The lacing and powerstrap combo allows you to fine tune the perfect fit for your foot, however one thing we did notice was that, for those with skinnier calf muscles you will be running on the very ends of the velcro if you try and crank that strap. It’s a common occurrence across the boot market, but we’d love to see the velcro section extended further to accommodate skinnier legs.
That being said, the velcro never slipped!
On the bottom Van’s patented ‘V2 Waffle Pro’ outsole not only provides fantastic grip for a smooth interaction with your bindings footbed (or slippery car parks) but uses Vans own proprietary rubber compound tailor made for maximum grip in cold climates. There’s also a high performing midsole that adds a cushioning layer of impact protection to help absorb heavy landings.
Liner
As the wise Howard Moon once said, “its what’s inside that counts, my friend.” and if you peel back the boots stylish outer you’ll find a bundle of tech designed to keep you warm, dry and locked in.
The Vans ‘V2 Ultra Cush Liner’ features a healthy dollop of Merino Smartwool that can retain up to 30% of it’s own weight in moisture while still feeling dry – pretty smart some might say.
An extended x-cage snakes it’s way around your ankle and provides a solid heel hold, which in partnership with the ‘V2 harness’ system keeps your foot locked in place for premium response and comfort.
Van’s ‘Popcush’ insole provides the key marker that this boot is a little more freestyle / street orientated, the dual density foam offers a high level of impact absorption and doesn’t pack out so you’ll get the same response and protection all winter long.
Wrapping around your trotters and creating a barrier between the outsole and the liner is a 360’ heat retention system, a nifty little layer that ensures the heat stays in and the cold stays out. Simple really.
“There’s something for everyone from an aesthetic point of view”
Roundup
The Hi-Standard Pro sets a…pause… “High Standard” for pro-model snowboard boots. Available in Benny Urbans’ clean white that will have you feeling like a member of the green street elite, plain black or Jill Perkins subtler, earthy brown tones there’s something for everyone from an aesthetic point of view.
And from a technical standpoint these boots hit their target bang on the money. Ludicrously comfortable, and packed with performance tech in a medium flex, they’re perfect for resort cruisers, park laps and street missions.
Pros:
Cons:
Tester Verdict
Patrick Nichols – Whitelines Commercial Manager
I rode these boots everyday for December, hitting the resort, park, sidecountry, powder, groomers and a couple of small street spots. Throughout that time they delivered the goods constantly and comfortably.
Straight out of the box I was impressed with the comfort and fit, they hugged my feet perfectly and had no “break-in” pains. The flex was spot on for a go-everywhere boot, I found I had enough response for quick, reactive riding. But also plenty of flex for rails and features.
My feet stayed totally dry despite early season varying weather conditions, and the sole provided amazing grip and padding. Perfect for stomping around, shovelling a spot and absorbing landings!
My only advice would be that vans say the boots fit true-to-size and advise you to order your usual boot size, but I reckon I could have sized down half a size by the time the boot packed out a little.
That being said, these are some of the best boots I’ve slapped on my feet, and I’d wear them every day for the rest of the season in a heartbeat!
9/10
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