Best Snowboarding Boots of 2022

Updated on November 26, 2021

“Take care of your feet!” This motto rings true across all outdoor activities but resonates especially when snowboarding. Having the best snowboard boots will not only keep you more comfortable, and thus able to shred the mountain longer, but will also give you better control of your board.

While boots aren’t as difficult to choose as snowboards, there are a variety of key factors that will make or break your boarding experience. We’ve outlined some of the most important aspects in the Things To Consider section below the reviews. Check them out for a comprehensive understanding of what type of boot is right for you.

Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, we’ve found this season’s newest and absolute best snowboard boots. Shred on!

For more of our top snowboarding gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:

Beginner Snowboard Boots | Women’s Snowboard Boots | Freestyle Snowboard Boots

 

Quick Answer – The Best Snowboarding Boots

Burton Moto BOAView at AmazonSystem APXView at AmazonThirtytwo Lashed Double BOAView at BackcountryK2 AspectView at EvoDC PhaseView at BackcountryVans InfuseView at REIBurton Ion BoaView at BackcountryVans Aura ProView at REIBurton Swath BoaView at BackcountryBurton Driver XView at Backcountry

 

Comparison Table – Best Snowboarding Boots

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Name	Flex	Ride Style	Experience Level	Price	Rating	Review
Burton Moto BOA	Soft	All-mountain	All	$$	5.0	Read Review
System APX	Soft	All-Mountain	All	$	4.5	Read Review
Thirtytwo Lashed Double BOA	Medium	All-Mountain	All	$$	4.7	Read Review
K2 Aspect	Stiff	Freeride	Advanced Beginners and Up	$$$	5.0	Read Review
DC Phase	Medium	Freestyle	Beginners and Up	$	4.5	Read Review
Vans Infuse	Adjustable	All-Mountain	All Skill Levels – True Beginners to Expert Riders	$$	4.9	Read Review
Burton Ion Boa	Stiff	Freeride	Advanced Beginners and Up	$$$	4.8	Read Review
Vans Aura Pro	Medium	All-Mountain	Intermediate Beginners and Up	$	4.8	Read Review
Burton Swath Boa	Medium	Freestyle	All Skill Levels – True Beginners to Expert Riders	$$	4.7	Read Review
Burton Driver X	Stiff	Freeride	Advanced Beginners and Up	$$$	4.7	Read Review
Name	Flex	Ride Style	Experience Level	Price	Rating	Review

Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews – The Best Boot for Snowboarding

Burton Moto BOA

Specs

Flex: SoftLacing: Dial LaceRide Style: All-mountainExperience Level: AllBoot Liner: ThermoformableRemovable Liner: Yes

Features

Snowproof internal gussetsFootprint reduction technologyDynoLITE outsoles with heat-reflective foil

BEST OVERALL SNOWBOARD BOOT

If you’re looking for the most comfortable boot on the market for taking anywhere on the mountain, look to the Motos.

Burton products rarely disappoint — and the Moto is no exception. What really makes the Moto stand apart from the rest is how much comfort the underfoot cushioning and soft flex tongue provides for. The BOA lacing system is simply icing on the cake, allowing for fast and simple lacing adjustments every time — even on the fly.

What I like most about the Moto BOAs is how comfortable they are, whether you’re tearing up the park or carving wicked lines through the backcountry.

View at Amazon

System APX

Specs

Flex: SoftLacing: Traditional with heel lockingRide Style: All-MountainExperience Level: AllBoot Liner: ThermoformableRemovable Liner: No

Features

Built-in flex panelsThree year warranty Smoothed metal lace hooks

BEST FOR: BOARDERS ON A BUDGET

Like most outdoor sports, there’s a financial barrier to entry in snowboarding, but these $100 performance boots serve to help level the playing field.

The APX boots lack the bells and whistles of fancier alternatives but they perform well and their pretty darn comfortable, too. Meant for long days on the mountain, these boots feature a thermofit heat moldable liner that does an excellent job at eliminating pressure points by adapting perfectly to the curves of your foot.

What I like most about the System APX is how well it performs for beginner and intermediate riders specifically.

View at Amazon

Thirtytwo Lashed Double BOA

Specs

Flex: MediumLacing: Boa SystemRide Style: All-MountainExperience Level: AllBoot Liner: ThermoformableRemovable Liner: Yes

Features

Performance Backstay and a 3D-molded tongue deliver even supportTeam Fit liner crafted with heat-moldable Intuition FoamMolded footbed cradles the heel and supports the arch

BEST WOMEN’S-SPECIFIC SNOWBOARD BOOT

The brand hit the trifecta with this one, ticking the top-tier boxes in the categories of stability, comfort, and adjustability.

The Double BOA has a women’s specific design, including a super secure heel hold that effectively prevents slippage while you’re carving and a heat-moldable liner that provides for a secure fit tailored to your individual feet. This one gets its name from the dual zone lacing system — both featuring BOA. Its comfort comes from the integration of the brand’s proprietary Evolution foam, which also succeeds in keeping things relatively light weight.

What I like most about the Double BOA is how durably these are constructed, making for a quality boot that’s sure to last you many solid seasons.

View at Backcountry

K2 Aspect

Specs

Flex: StiffLacing: Traditional LacesRide Style: FreerideExperience Level: Advanced Beginners and UpBoot Liner: Custom MoldableRemovable Liner: Yes

Features

Features An Adjustable Ankle Strap Compatible With Crampon Additions To SplitboardsVibram Rubber Soles Provide Extra Grip And Are Guaranteed By Manufacturer

BEST BACKCOUNTRY SNOWBOARD BOOTS 

When heading into the rugged and harsh backcountry in search of pristine, untouched powder, you’re going to need a tough boot that will not only handle downhill conditions, but also uphill ones. 

The K2 Aspect are the premiere backcountry snowboarding boots and can be used with the appropriate bindings for splitboards. This means you won’t have to switch between hiking boots and snowboarding boots, making your adventure lighter and easier. 

These freeride boots are able to handle any downhill conditions you throw at them, whether it’s fresh powder or rugged off-piste exploration. The stiff flex provides the necessary stability for such adventures.

View at Evo

DC Phase

Specs

Flex: MediumLacing: Traditional LacesRide Style: FreestyleExperience Level: Beginners and UpBoot Liner: Memory foamRemovable Liner: Yes

Features

UniLite Foundation outsoleMulti-layer memory foam linerFleece lining

BEST FOR: FREESTYLE

If you’re a newer or primarily recreational resort rider, a solid freestyle boot is the way to go — and the DC brand is well respected in the industry.

The Phase boots have a medium/soft flex that will serve beginners well while also being stiff enough to keep up as your skills improve, too. The liners are removable so it’s easy to dry them out after a long day on the mountain. The thoughtful design coupled with a traditional lacing system will appeal to riders looking for a simple snowboard boot.

What I like most about these boots is how comfortable they are to walk in.

View at Backcountry

Vans Infuse

Specs

Flex: AdjustableLacing: Hybrid System – Traditional/BoaRide Style: All-MountainExperience Level: All Skill Levels – True Beginners to Expert RidersBoot Liner: ThermoformableRemovable Liner: No

Features

Thermoformable Liner Breaks In With A Single Day Of Wear“Anti-Fatigue” Tech Supports Your Feet To Help You Keep Shredding LongerHybrid Lacing System Offers The Benefits Of Both Traditional Laces & Boa Systems

BEST ADJUSTABLE-FLEX SNOWBOARD BOOTS

Adjusting your boots on the fly has never been easier. When changing conditions arise or you need some extra support for some backcountry bowl exploring, the Vans Infuse are your best option!

Being able to adjust the flex means you have a truly versatile boot that not only adapts to changing conditions but can also grow with you as you become a more proficient snowboarder. 

The hybrid lacing system is another unique feature that allows you to dial in the perfect fit by combining the benefits of both traditional laces and a boa system. The traditional laces can be manipulated to customize your fit while the boa system can vary the flex of the boot. 

They’re also perfect for using all across the mountain, no matter what conditions or style of snowboarding you prefer.

View at REI

Burton Ion Boa

Specs

Flex: StiffLacing: Boa SystemRide Style: FreerideExperience Level: Advanced Beginners and UpBoot Liner: ThermoformableRemovable Liner: Yes

Features

Available In 2 Different ColorsSnowproof Seal Keeps Feet Warm And DryCushioning Beneath Soles Helps Reduce Impact When Hitting Hard Terrain Or Jumps

BEST FREERIDE SNOWBOARD BOOTS

For those more inclined to off-piste exploration, freeriding is the style most suited to you. In order to get the very best out of your riding style and snowboard, you need a pair of freeride boots to match. 

The Burton Ion Boa snowboard boots are your best bet. The stiff flex are able to lend the support you need when stability and control are most necessary while the dual-knob boa system allows independent adjustment of both the ankle and foot, helping you dial in the right fit. 

The thermoformable liners are also a top notch choice for any boot, allowing them to mold to your feet over the course of a few hours while also avoiding the added ski shop costs that come about with custom moldable liners.

View at Backcountry

Vans Aura Pro

Specs

Flex: MediumLacing: Boa SystemRide Style: All-MountainExperience Level: Intermediate Beginners and UpBoot Liner: ThermoformableRemovable Liner: Yes

Features

“Heel Hold” Can Be Personalized For A Truly Custom FitThermoformable Liner Breaks In With A Single Day Of WearImpact Cushioning Footbeds Provide Easier Landings For Big Jumps

BEST “JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES” SNOWBOARD BOOTS

Snowboarders looking to shred a little bit of everything needn’t look any further than the Vans Aura Pro. Their go-anywhere-do-anything versatility will work with just about any board and bindings combination you can conceive!

The medium flex splits the difference of too soft/too hard by providing just enough flex to stay comfortable and mobile while giving just the right amount of support to handle the ruggedness of off-piste conditions. 

The All-Mountain construction is ideal for groomers, powder, off-piste runs, and backcountry exploration alike. The Aura Pros also feature merino wool liners to keep your feet warm and dry on extra chilly days in the backcountry.

View at REI

Burton Swath Boa

Specs

Flex: MediumLacing: Boa SystemRide Style: FreestyleExperience Level: All Skill Levels – True Beginners to Expert RidersBoot Liner: ThermoformableRemovable Liner: Yes

Features

Comes In 3 Different Colors/StylesStreamlined Design Reduces Weight And Construction WasteDual-Boa System Allows Independent Tightening Of Feet & Ankles For Custom Fit

BEST ALL-MOUNTAIN/FREESTYLE HYBRID SNOWBOARD BOOTS

Not all stunt junkies want to be solely confined to the terrain park, opting to flaunt their skills and test their limits both off-piste and on backcountry runs. If that’s you, then the Burton Swath Boa will help you reach those boundaries and blow past them!

Specifically designed with freestyle snowboarding in mind, the Swath Boas add a medium flex to increase stability outside of the terrain park. When you’re hitting an ungroomed run with variations in the snow, you’ll be thankful for the added support, but the flex isn’t so toned down that it would prevent you from laying down a swift stunt. The result is a perfectly hybridized boot. 

Best of all, these boots are designed with all experience levels in mind. So whether you’re a true beginner with your sights set on lofty goals or a thoroughly experienced snowboarder looking for your next pair of boots, you’ll be in good hands (or feet?).

View at Backcountry

Burton Driver X

Specs

Flex: StiffLacing: Quick-Pull LacesRide Style: FreerideExperience Level: Advanced Beginners and UpBoot Liner: Custom MoldableRemovable Liner: Yes

Features

Custom Moldable Liners Allow Each Rider To Obtain The Perfect FitNew England Laces Are “Virtually Indestructible” For Added StrengthVibram Rubber Soles Provide Extra Grip And Are Guaranteed By Manufacturer

BEST SELF-HEATING SNOWBOARD BOOTS 

Although being chilly comes with the territory of snowboarding, it doesn’t mean that you have to be a popsicle! Burton’s Driver X snowboard boots will keep your feet toasty all day with their heat reflective liners that radiate your body’s own heat. 

This is an outstanding feature especially when you consider these boots are made for freeriding: backcountry snowboarding without limits. Without a lodge to warm you up at the end of your run, these boots will serve as your fireplace-on-the-go when harsh conditions make a wintery day even colder. 

Additionally, the Driver X’s feature a stiff flex for added support and stability while mating it with a quick-pull lacing system for easy adjustments. These burly boots are made to handle any and all conditions your throw at them, making them ideal for Advanced Beginners and up.

View at Backcountry

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING SNOWBOARD BOOTS

BOOT FLEX AND RIDING STYLE

When deciding on the best snowboard boots, knowing what kind of flex you’ll need will really help to narrow the field. The 3 styles of flex found in snowboard boots will determine how much control and mobility you’re able to initiate. These depend mostly on what type of snow you’ll be shredding.

 

BOOT FLEX

Soft

Best for FlexibilityIf you need maximum mobility or a boot that will feel relaxed enough to spend the whole day in, then soft flex boots are your best choice.

Medium

Best for Varied TerrainThis middle of the road flex style hedges its bets by offering some of the comfort and flexibility of softer boots while providing more support. They’re a great choice for using on any type of terrain, whether it’s groomed or backcountry.

Stiff

Best for Control & StabilityHigh-speed snowboarders bombing downhill and/or those initiating sharp turns will be given the best edge (pun-intended) with a stiff flex boot. They will provide the control necessary to prevent speed wobbles and the stability needed to handle uneven, choppy snow in backcountry/off-piste conditions.

 

RIDING STYLE

Riding style plays an integral part in choosing the proper snowboarding boots since each type of snowboarding requires some variation in technique.

All-Mountain

Preferred Boot Flex: Soft to Medium

For those preferring to ride all available types of terrain (powder, groomers, off-piste, & terrain park), then All-Mountain is your go to riding style. This will be helpful to know both when buying boots and your board.

Advanced Beginners may prefer a Medium Flex for their boots to add stability to their higher speed pursuits while True and Intermediate Beginners will likely prefer Soft Flex.

Freeride

Preferred Boot Flex: Stiff

Marked first and foremost by shredding off-piste (ungroomed terrain & backcountry runs), freeriding focuses on speed. It’s like the more high-octane version of All-Mountain boarding. Freeriders tend to prefer Stiff Flex boots to deliver support at higher speeds and when the snow gets choppy.

Freestyle

Preferred Boot Flex: Soft

Adrenaline junkies and stunt addicts that enjoy high-flying acrobatics and landing sweet tricks fall in the freestyle category. Soft Flex is the preferred choice here to maximize comfort and mobility.

 

BOOT LACING

Boot lacing, and the variety of lacing systems, are an integral part of ensuring a good fit. You want your boots to be tight enough to support your riding style but not so tight that your feet end up with blisters or decreased blood flow! Your heels and ankles should also stay firmly in place and your toes shouldn’t be cramped. You’ll this especially important once you buckle your boots into your snowboard. 

The 3 available lacing systems are largely left to personal preference as they each have their benefits and drawbacks. Beyond the 3 basic lacing systems, you may also find some hybrid systems that marry the best of each into a better arrangement.

Traditional Laces

Pros

Different lacing methods can be used to achieve a custom fitLaces are easy and inexpensive to replaceLeast expensive and simple

Cons

Laces may loosen or come undone the more you ride If knotted too tightly then laces can be difficult to untieGloves/mittens make them difficult to tie

Quick-Pull Laces

Working in a similar manner as a corset, quick-pull laces are tightened with one big pull. You will usually find 2 sets of these laces on each boot that are able to independently tighten the foot and ankle.

Pros

Multiple laces on each boots allows independent tightening of ankle/foot Easy to tighten/loosen when wearing glovesLaces are easy to tuck away

Cons

Broken laces aren’t as easy or convenient to replace as traditional lacesHard to achieve a custom fit the way traditional laces doLaces could potentially create pressure points

Boa System

Like a Boa Constrictor snake that wraps tightly around its prey, a boa lacing system constricts to tighten (and loosen) the boot via a knob. Some boots will have 2 boa systems on each boot, each with their own knob, to offer custom tightening for both the foot and ankle.

Pros

Ability to easily tighten/loosen with a single hand and with gloves/mittensAble to adjust tightness on the goLaces won’t freeze

Cons

Uniform tightening of single-dial systems make a custom fit hard to achieveThough unlikely, broken lacing system requires ski shop assistanceCan create pressure points when trying to achieve proper fit

 

BOOT LINERS

Boot liners are the inner walls of your snowboard boots that keep your feet comfortable and warm. Some liners are removable, offering a quicker way to dry wet boots. The 3 types of boot liners are:

Non-Moldable

Least Expensive

Most budget boots are basic models feature non-moldable liners. These respond like a regular hiking boot/shoe in that it will take some time to break them in.

Thermoformable

More Expensive

Relying on heat and pressure, thermoformable liners will mold to your feet after a single day of snowboarding.

Custom Moldable

Most Expensive

Custom moldable liners are the most luxe option. It’s best to head to a ski shop that is proficient at molding liners to achieve your custom fit, though they can be done at home.

 

HOW WE QUALIFY SKILL LEVEL

True Beginner

True beginners have little to no snowboarding experience.

Intermediate Beginner

Intermediate beginners may have had a lesson or two, can handle Green runs fairly well, and are still mastering their basic skills.

Advanced Beginner

Advanced beginners have mastered the basic skills and are working to apply them to bigger runs that require more technical ability. They are able to hit many Blue runs quite well, while other Blue runs may find them struggling a bit as it pushes their upper limit.Basic skills include, but are not limited to: exiting the ski lift safely, snowboarding with an awareness of themselves and others in a responsible manner, carving/slaloming, riding fast (again with safety), being able to turn on both edges, and can completely stop.

Experienced Rider

Experienced snowboarders are extremely confident in their ability and have an ample amount of experience to show for it. Blue runs of any and all kind come easily. The experienced snowboarder might dabble in Black Diamond runs with some success.

Expert Rider

Expert snowboarders tear up Black Diamond runs with ease and may be fairly proficient in Double Black Diamond runs.

 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

CARVING

Carving is the act of snowboarding down the mountain in an “S” shaped trail, using transitions between the heel and toe edge to travel in a zig-zag manner. Some carving can be slower, characterized by wide, sweeping turns while other riders carve at higher speeds, using quick transitions and short powerful turns to aggressively tackle a run.

GROOMED RUNS

Also known as “groomers”, these are your standard runs found at ski resorts. The slopes are maintained with grooming equipment to keep the snow even. True beginners find these the easiest to practice and grow their skills.

OFF-PISTE

Literally translating as “off the beaten path”, off-piste runs are backcountry trails that aren’t maintained by grooming equipment. They may include wide open areas with just a few obstacles or it could be a heavily wooded area with quite a few objects to dodge (or jump) such as trees, logs, rocks, and more.

POW / POWDER

Freshly fallen snow is often referred to as powder. It is characterized by being deep and soft snow that makes snowboarders feel as if they’re floating.

TERRAIN PARK

The terrain park is the section of a ski resort reserved for those seeking to lay down stunts, acrobatic maneuvers, and high flying aerials. Terrain parks feature jumps and ramps as well as novelties such as rails, boxes, and a halfpipe for creative endeavors. Wearing a helmet is super important here.

 

READ MORE

For more of our top snowboarding gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer’s guides:

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Snowboard Bindings

Snowboarding Boots

Snowboarding Goggles

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Snowboarding Pants

Snowboarding Helmets

Snowboarding Gloves

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