The best snowboard boots in 2022

Nowadays, a healthy and active lifestyle is becoming fashionable. Increasingly, there are hobbies and hobbies related to sports. In this regard, consumer interest in sports equipment and equipment is increasing.

Snowboarders will say with confidence that the main thing is shoes, and only then everything else.

What to look for when choosing snowboard boots

Since snowboarding involves riding while standing on the board, the role of shoes becomes on a par with the board itself.Before proceeding with the choice, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the features of this type of shoe, because there are subtleties and serious points that are best not to be overlooked. Compliance with the rules for choosing snowboard boots will save you from unnecessary discomfort and even injuries during training.

Main criteria:

The presence or absence of an inner liner-boot

Manufacturers offer a choice: single boots or with an internal insert in the form of a boot. In terms of practicality, everyone will opt for the second option. The ability to remove the inside after riding, dry, ventilate and, if necessary, wash it definitely becomes an advantage over the first option.

The material of the boot is lightweight and has a cushioning effect. Softness creates additional comfort for the foot, cushioning allows you to transfer the forces of the foot to the board. The liner has a special locking system in the ankle, which prevents the shoes from "playing" on the leg. The undoubted advantage is the water-repellent function, antimicrobial impregnation for the foot, the presence of insulation.

An important feature of most models of boots is the possibility of thermal adjustment of the liner to the leg, which, as a rule, is made when buying directly in the store using a special warming device.

A special role is given to the insole, which becomes one with the boot liner, creating additional comfort for the foot and, at the same time, helping to increase control over the board. The insole creates additional depreciation, respectively support, and ventilation.

The main characteristics of the sole of a snowboard boot are: cushioning inserts and a tread pattern that must be non-slip.

Rigidity

The second important criterion is the rigidity of this type of footwear. It is rated on a scale where 1 is the softest shoe and 10 is the hardest. Accordingly, for beginners, soft snowboard boots are the best option. The stiffer the shoes, the more professional the skills must be.

Lacing

The plug-in attachment is fastened manually using a buckle (according to the button principle). The lacing of the outer boot is no less important, since the strength of fixation and at the same time fit to the leg will depend on its quality.

Lacing can be of three types:

• Classical (traditional).

In simpler terms: hand lacing, which is considered not the best due to the difficulty of tightening the laces tightly on your own, the inconvenience of doing this in bad weather, the impossibility of this procedure with gloves on your hands. But, at the same time, the advantage of this type is the ability to adjust the tightening density: for example, when you need to make it weaker at the bottom and pull the top up to the stop or it’s easy to replace a frayed lace while being right on the slope (this is not possible if the boot is laced in a different way ).

• Fast lacing.

This lacing has both advantages and disadvantages.

• the speed of the procedure due to the system of clips that fix the loops of the laces;
• tightening density adjustment (two-zone) on different parts of the leg;
• gloves will not interfere with tightening loose laces.

• But, if suddenly they are torn, then this problem cannot be solved by yourself.You will have to contact the repair service center for help.

 

• BOA system

Mechanized type of "tying" shoelaces. The loops are also fixed with clips, but the laces themselves are stretched by rotating a special wheel, which is fixed on the lower leg. This system, like the quick one, can be two-zone (separately adjust the tightening on the foot and shaft) or even three-zone (where the lacing of the inner boot is added).

• The speed of the process and its possibility without removing other equipment (gloves);
• Lacing of this type does not loosen during riding and does not require tightening.

• The cost with BOA is much higher;
• Repair requires the intervention of a master and takes time.

Shoe size

The definition of shoe size is traditional - by the length of the foot (in centimeters). It must be remembered that different manufacturers may have a different size scale (European, American, etc.)

Proper fitting of shoes

One way or another, but the width of the foot is individual for everyone, so you can’t do without trying on. In addition, you need to measure snowboard shoes in special socks (they perform an important compression, supporting function for the muscles).

Insert your legs tightly into fully laced shoes, tap your heels on the floor so that they squeeze tightly into the “backs”, then firmly holding the “tongues” tighten the lacing. Having stood on both legs, it is important to half-squat and make foot movements in such a way as to understand whether the foot is comfortable in the boot. Ideally, it is best to walk in shoes for a few minutes. It must be remembered that the size should be on the leg. Loose shoes tend to rub, and tight shoes create unnecessary pressure, from which the whole leg will quickly get tired.

thermoforming

Thermoforming can be done for a precise fit. It consists in warming up the boot to 90 degrees so that it becomes soft and pliable. Still warm inners are put on the legs. As they cool, they take on the exact shape of their wearer's feet. This whole process is best done together with a specialist, so as not to spoil the quality of the product. With qualified help, the snowboarder will be provided with perfectly fitted boots that will not only be comfortable, but will accurately transfer all the efforts of the legs to the board.

Having an idea of ​​​​what snowboard boots should be and what to look for when choosing, you can proceed to the next step: study the manufacturers and their offers.

Popular snowboard boot models

Salomon Titan 77217 FW 18

Great option for beginner snowboarders. On a hardness scale - 3 out of 10. Despite the softness, they are distinguished by their special strength and endurance. Due to the softness, there is no need to wear them in, they will immediately fit on the leg without creating discomfort. This model has already gone through several stages of improvement, since it has been on the market for several years. The boots are quite capable of withstanding a couple of years of active use, until their owner gains enough experience to buy tougher ones. The quick lacing system Quicklock makes it easy to tighten even on the slope, without being distracted for a long time from the process. The BronzeSeries internal tab provides a snug fit throughout the leg. Discomfort associated with friction is completely eliminated.

Price: 6500 - 8000 rubles.

• The liner is thermoformable (rare on beginner shoes)
• Quicklock lacing that allows you to quickly tighten the laces without taking off your gloves, right on the slope;
• D-Light foam insole with enhanced cushioning;
• Improved thermoregulatory function: the foot will not be cold or hot, the temperature is balanced;
• Good moisture protection.

• Visually, the lacing looks flimsy, although there have been no cases of damage.

Burton Tourist 2018

The boots are designed for comfortable splitboarding. They are equally comfortable as the descent and ascent. Ideal for off-the-beaten-path places. The level of hardness is high.

The boots are equipped with super strong NewEnglandRope laces complete with SpeedZone lacing, the dual-zone design of which ensures uniform tightening of the upper and lower parts separately. The lacing system can be easily transformed into a classic one.

The sole is made of durable ecological material with an additional anti-skid system RubberIсeSpikes. In addition, the sole has a special two-layer RebounceCusioning insert, which performs two functions: it absorbs excess vibration and participates in thermoregulation, retaining heat.

• High-quality insole with a shock-absorbing effect, which is particularly durable;
• The sole, designed for difficult passages, is equipped with an additional support system, anti-slip;
• The liner is made of a balanced soft and stiff material with active performance for more comfort during steep climbs and descents;
• Much attention is paid to thermoregulation and heat retention. In these shoes it is impossible to freeze even in the lowest temperatures;
• There is an antibacterial impregnation that protects against the appearance of unpleasant odors;
• Fast lacing, which can be reformatted if necessary into a classic one. The manufacturer gives a lifetime quality guarantee for the lacing itself.

• The heel of the boot is made quite rigid, so the boots need to be broken in before going through the first serious descent;
• High cost: 22,000 - 24,000 rubles.

Head Five Boa 2018

Snowboard shoes for professionals who have more than one season of difficult tracks behind them. Rigidity is average, adjustable. Boa lacing + ProgressivePowerStrap is a guarantee of super fixation of the legs. To ease the load on the muscles and ligaments of the legs, ComfortCuff was applied.

The PerfectFit liner bootie is thermoformable to the leg and has a separate lacing. 100% tight fit with no pressure points that usually make boots difficult to wear.

For greater moisture resistance, the Frequency running shoe system is used, which perfectly protects the feet from dampness.

Cost: 13,000 - 14,000 rubles.

• Thermoforming of the liner, which takes no more than 5 minutes;
• Additional heel insert HeelTransmissionSystem, which contributes to a better grip of the boots with the board;
• Flexibility in the mid-section of the boot design for ease of maneuvering on slopes;
• The cost is relatively affordable: 13,000 - 14,000 rubles.

• There is no two-zone lacing adjustment.

Salomon Malamute

Of all the Salomon snowboard boots, this one is the most rigid and designed for confident athletes.

The manufacturer used a large number of exclusive technologies in this piece for a snowboard "art".

This is a rigid model with the use of FullCustomFitPro technology, which is responsible for the strength of the fixation and the quality of comfort. The thermoformable liner has an uneven wall thickness: seals are made in the areas of the ankle, heel and foot, which are more sensitive than other areas. The inner boot can be washed without fear of deformation.

The outsole is made of two different materials: rubber + EVA foam inserts, this combination increases the cushioning properties and adds more grip to the snowboard.

The durability of the NewOrtholite C3 insole is guaranteed by the material from which it is made. In addition, thanks to this, heat retention and protection against moisture are enhanced.

Price: 28,000 - 30,000 rubles.

• High-quality lacing, which is convenient to fix shoes in different parts of the leg;
• For tight fastening of the heel, not only the rigid back of the boot is adapted, but also the inner tab in this place with a rough surface (“cat's tongue”);
• Inner bootie with a special design of different density to support individual parts of the leg (for additional comfort);
• NewOrtholite C3 insoles that perform several functions at once: heat regulation, cushioning, moisture protection;
• The liners are washable without deformation and have their own lacing system;
• The ability to adjust the stiffness of the boots with the help of special inserts.

• High price.

Vans ENCORE Black/Gum

Laconic appearance, there is a choice of colors. These boots will attract attention not only with external characteristics, but also with technical capabilities.

Hardness - 3/10.

The liner is double-density and can be quickly thermoformed in minutes, while keeping the foot comfortable during strenuous workouts. Its frame has an unusual oblique shape, which helps to secure the ankle more securely. To avoid the effect of seam pressure, the hidden seams of the liner are made soft with a special material.

The sole of the boots is light and reliable (Reverse Waffle Outsole). Waffle tread provides grip and stability. The outsole profile is lowered for better board feel.

The insole perfectly absorbs impacts upon landing, removes excess vibration.

Boa lacing securely fixes the boots on the foot.

Cost: 12000-13000 rubles.

• Reliable inner boot Trifit X-Liner with thermoforming, in which the shock-absorbing inserts are thoughtfully placed at the bottom, there is an additional oblique fixation on the shin of the leg;
• The sole fully complies with the requirements and perfectly fulfills its intended purpose: grip reliability, anti-slip system, shock-absorbing stability;
• V2 Footbed technology provides good support for the foot, there are additional inserts for cushioning;
• There is antibacterial protection and perforation responsible for air circulation.

• Boa lacing in the event of a breakage will require a specialist to repair it.

Deelux XVe TFP

Super comfortable hard boots for professionals. Rigidity 7 out of 10. Designed by Xavier de Le Rue. The Extra Long Stride (XLS) system has been used to provide increased shaft mobility. This allows you to increase the step of the splitboard exits by 30 centimeters.The Dupont® Surlyn heel counter enhances the boot's endurance and durability. Three-zone C3 lacing in combination with BOA - the boots are securely fixed on the leg. High-quality Vibram outsole that removes unnecessary vibration and creates additional grip with the board.

Thermo Flex Premium liner with thermal molding option.

Price: 23000-25000 rubles.

• While the lacing is secure, there is an additional Powerstrap Velcro strap to help adjust the external lockdown;
• The outsole pattern guarantees traction even on the most uneven surfaces;
• High quality durable interior.

• High price.

Conclusion

All brands that produce snowboard boots follow the latest technologies and innovations, so both novice snowboarders and professionals can find fixation systems, reliability and comfort for their favorite activity. Shoes are very individual for everyday wear, and in the case of active sports, this individuality increases significantly. Given the large selection of models and manufacturers, it is no longer difficult to find the right snowboard shoe.