Welcome to our best snowboard boots featured review page. If possible, snowboard boots should be your first purchase in the boots/snowboard/bindings set up, then you can match the boots with the right pair of bindings. The right pair of snowboard boots will keep your feet comfortable, hold up over a grueling season of frequent mountain trips, and maybe even win you some style points.
We’ll provide an overview of the best snowboard boots based on popularity and ratings but it still makes sense to follow a few common sense tips before hitting that buy button.
During the course of this run, you’ll find the first stop is a discussion about snowboarding boots and some essential advice. Next is our selection guide, where you’ll see a list of the top features to look for and tips for buying online. The last stop is the gear lodge aka review section, which just got a recent shipment of the latest and greatest snowboard boots, excellent timing on your part friend.
The Captain’s Orders: Take your Time & Find the Right Fit
It makes sense to be wary of any snowboard boot “review,” you really need a solid couple of months riding in a pair to make a sound judgement. Plus, everybody’s feet are different, so who’s to say one pair that is perfect for one rider will be just as comfortable for the next. But buying a pair of boots from a shop or an online vendor doesn’t have to be a roll of the dice.
There are a few guidelines to follow that will help you make the right decision. You don’t want to make your decision based purely on brand allegiances or marketing statements.
Finding the Best Snowboard Boots
If you have a riding style, you’ll want to buy your boots accordingly (or if you are a beginner, you probably want all mountain boots). Thankfully, most brands are upfront about what each of their boots is best at and designed for. Most companies will indicate if their boots are for park riding, all-mountain, etc. So if you like puttering around the park and doing butters, don’t get a beastly stiff pair of boots.
Did you buy a season pass? Then you probably don’t want to go for cheap snowboard boots that may only last half the season.
Tips for Trying On Snowboard Boots
- One of the best moves you can make is going down to a local board shop and trying on a half dozen pairs or so. Then you can get an idea of which brands you like and what sizes are going to work out for you.
- Get each foot measured, especially if you are still growing.
- Lean backwards and forwards as if you are simulating going down a slope. You should feel firm but comfortable pressure everywhere other than your toes. Your toes should be just brushing the end of the boot.
- Another good idea is experimenting with the lacing systems. There’s a lot of different designs out there so try and get an idea of which one is going to give you the least amount of headaches when changing in and out of your gear.
If you don’t find a pair you like at the shop, keep in mind what sizes and brands work well for you so when you continue looking for the right pair online you know where to start. Take your time, buying the wrong boots is a decision that your feet will pay for many times over. Plus if your boots suck, you’ll be running for the lodge in no time while your friends greedily eat up all the pow while your gone.
Check out our list of the best snowboard boots, but make sure you know they will fit and work with your board/bindings configuration before buying (or that they have a very liberal return policy).
Top 15 Pirate Picks: Best Snowboard Boots Comparison Table
Our comparison table below just gives you a summary of all of our picks for best snowboard boots for women and men. They are in order of price range ascending, to make it easy for you to compare quality, features, and benefits. Our product roundup section below reflects this same order.
If you’re on mobile or a smaller screen, click the green plus sign next to each product to view more information.
| Image | Boots | Lacing | Flex Rating | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2021 DC Step On Lotus Women's Snowboard Boot | BOA | Medium 6/10 |  |
 | 2021 K2 Haven Women's Snowboard Boots | Lace Up | Soft 2/10 | |
 | 2020 Salomon Pearl Boa Women's Snowboard Boot | BOA | Soft 4/10 | |
 | 2019 Rome Stomp Men's Snowboard Boot | BOA | Medium 6/10 | |
 | 2020 Thirtytwo STW Women's Snowboard Boots | BOA | Soft 2/10 | |
 | 2021 DC Search Women's Snowboard Boots | BOA | Medium 6/10 | |
 | 2021 DC Men's Mutiny Snowboard Boot | Direct Power Lacing | Medium 6/10 | |
 | 2021 Ride Anthem Men's Snowboard Boots | BOA | Medium 5/10 | |
 | 2020 DC Men's Scout Snowboard Boots | BOA | Medium 6/10 | |
 | 2020 Adidas The Samba Men's Snowboard Boots | Traditional | Medium 5/10 | |
 | 2020 Thirtytwo Lashed Men's Snowboard Boots | Internal | Medium 6/10 | |
 | 2020 Salomon Lo Fi Men's Snowboard Boots | BOA | Medium 4/10 | |
 | 2021 Burton Limelight Women's Snowboard Boots | BOA | Medium 5/10 | |
 | 2020 K2 Men's Maysis Snowboard Boots | Double BOA | Medium 4/10 | |
 | 2021 Burton Ion Men's Snowboard Boots | Speed Zone Lacing | Stiff 8/10 | |
A Closer Look: 15 Best Snowboard Boots for the 2020-2021 Season
Ahoy Matey! You’ve found the treasure. Here is our list of the best snowboarding boots currently available. Our pages are updated regularly, so you’re always viewing the freshest information and latest product selections. Here you’ll find a little something for everyone: the top women’s snowboard boots, men’s snowboard boots, and youth snowboard boots.
We take a look at the top brands and their best boot models. Sometimes you can get lucky and come across a snowboard boots sale with discount snowboard boots but the newer models stay pretty expensive for awhile. You can do a little price research at your local shop but most of the time Amazon has very competitive pricing and fast shipping.
1. DC Step On Lotus Women’s Snowboard Boot
- Flex: 6/10 Medium
- Lacing: Traditional Lace-Up
- Ability-Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Warranty: 1 Year
DC’s Step-On technology is worth every penny. Jump off the lift and quickly step into your boots, hear the click sound, a go! No more ratcheting up the straps in the cold, wet snow. DC Lotus Snowboard Boots use BOA lacing with updated style to give more advanced snowboarders the right fit and feel in the snow.
2. K2 Haven Women’s Snowboard Boots- Flex: 2/10 Soft
- Lacing: H3 Boa Coiler
- Ability-Level: Beginner
- Warranty: 1 Year
These slick looking K2 Women’s Haven Snowboard Boots, feature an ultra lite sole, and boa coiler laces for a quick and easy to wear boot. The comfort foam 3D used in these boots make them some of the most comfortable on the market. Their simple design will blend in with the rest of your getup in the best way possible.
3. Salomon Pearl BOA Women’s Snowboard Boot- Flex: 4/10 Medium
- Lacing: Boa
- Ability-Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Warranty: 2 Years
Salomon’s Pearl BOA Snowboard boot is one of the top choices for women. If you’re on the hunt for the best women’s snowboard boots, these are it but be warned. You’ll need to pay an arm and a leg for them. A clean style matched with top tech such as the D-Light Outsole, C1 Footbed, and functional lacing system round out this pair of boots nicely.
4. Rome Stomp Men’s Snowboard Boot- Flex: 6/10 Stiff
- Lacing: Boa
- Ability-Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Warranty: 2 Years
If you’re looking for all-mountain powder boots that will help you jump and maneuver in new ways, look no further than the Stomps from Rome Snowboards. The heat activated moldable foam that will becoming more and more comfortable after each use. The heel is also designed to absorb impact, reducing that day-after stiff feeling and increasing your stamina.
5. Thirtytwo STW Women’s Snowboard Boots- Flex: 2/10 Soft
- Lacing: Boa, Quick-Pull
- Ability-Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Warranty: 1 Year
If you’re a beginner or intermediate snowboarder, looking for a softer boot with great flex, ThirtyTwo makes some great options for you. We suggest you try out the STW’s featuring Boa laves and synthetic materials. The lining responds to the heat from your feet to give you a custom fit.
6. DC Search Women’s Snowboard Boots- Flex: 6/10 Medium
- Lacing: Boa
- Ability-Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Warranty: 1 Year
One of our favorite women’s snowboard boots from DC is the Search. The synthetic design is simple, lightweight, and features a basic insole. This means you’re getting a solid boot without flashiness. AKA: a better price.
7. DC Men’s Mutiny Snowboard Boot- Flex: 6/10 Medium
- Lacing: Quick-Pull
- Ability-Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Warranty: 1 Year
The DC Mutiny Boots win the award for the best beginner snowboard boots. On a scale of 1 to 10, the DC Mutiny Boot ranks a 5 on the stiffness level. That is perfect for beginners who just want to learn and then try everything out. And they are reasonably priced, you aren’t going to break the bank picking up a pair of these.
8. Ride Anthem Men’s Snowboard Boots- Flex: 5/10 Medium
- Lacing: Quick-Pull Boa
- Ability-Level: Intermediate
- Warranty: 1 Year
The RIDE Anthem snowboard boots for men are fitted with some of the most comfortable foam liners, high quality thermal features, and the best grip in the game. We suggest this as the best snowboard boots for intermediate riders. They will last you quite a few season of regular use.
9. DC Men’s Scout Snowboard Boots- Flex: 6/10 Medium
- Lacing: Boa
- Ability-Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Warranty: 1 Year
The DC Men’s Scout Snowboard Boot is a lower priced boot made of a combination of textiles and synthetic leathers. This gives you a lighter feel on the board. The boa technology laces will save you a lot of time and get you going down the slopes and courses faster. If you’re a beginner or bleeding over into intermediate level, we highly recommend these for you.
10. Adidas The Samba Snowboard Boots- Flex: 5/10 Medium
- Lacing: Traditional Lace-Up
- Ability-Level: Advanced
- Warranty: 1 Year
Adidas flirted with the snowboard boot market for some time, and they finally broke in a couple years ago. Their boot line-ups have gained quite a bit of steam since then. If you like their style, check out the Adidas Samba Snowboard Boots, their most popular offering. If you’re looking for cheap snowboarding boots though, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.
11. Thirtytwo Lashed Men’s Snowboard Boots- Flex: Soft 3/10
- Lacing: Traditional Lace-Up
- Ability-Level: Intermediate
- Warranty: 1 Year
Thirty-Two really makes some impressive snowboard boots that sometimes are overlooked which shouldn’t be the case. Some of their models have quickly stolen away enthusiasts of other brands because of their excellent performance. The Thirty Two Lashed Snowboard Boots are perfect for all mountain riders that enjoy a trip through the park every once and awhile.
They are a clear contender for the best men’s snowboard boots of 2020. Dual density heat molding foam give riders the custom fit they want, and the medium stiffness is perfect for rolling with whatever part of the mountain feels right that day.
12. Salomon Lo Fi Snowboard Boot
- Flex: 4/10 Medium
- Lacing: BOA
- Ability-Level: Intermediate/Advanced
These snowboard boots were designed to be a custom boot for a professional snowboarder — so you know what you’re getting is worthy of your ride. The Salomon Lo Fi has a medium support level and a customizable fit due to the high quality foam liner. The most recent edition of these shoes feature a soft fit with goof flex.
13. Burton Limelight Women’s Snowboard Boots- Flex: 5/10 Medium
- Lacing: Boa
- Ability-Level: Intermediate
- Warranty: 1 Year
The Limelight line from Burton is our top pick for best women’s snowboard boots right now. They are designed with Burton’s women’s specific true fit cushioning as well as toe and heel. Closing in on $300 is nothing to scoff at, but you’ll be getting Burton’s latest New Boa System, Coiler and Sequence tech, and a comfortable boot built to last.
14. K2 Men’s Maysis Snowboard Boots- Flex: 4/10 Stiff
- Lacing: Double Boa
- Ability-Level: Advanced
- Warranty: 1 Year
These are not cheap snowboard boots and will cost you quite a bit of pirate gold! But what do you get for that higher price tag? K2 boasts that the Maysis men’s snowboard boot is the perfect balance of style, performance, and durability. A stiffer boot with low flex, the fit is focused on the heel for more control.
15. Burton Ion Freestyle Snowboard Boots- Flex: 8/10 Stiff
- Lacing: Speed Zone Lacing
- Ability-Level: Advanced
- Warranty: 1 Year
Always a major player in the snowboard category, Burton has some solid boot models. For the money, Burton’s boots are arguably the best snowboard boots overall. Many have dubbed the Burton Ion Snowboard Boots as the best all mountain snowboard boots out there. In fact, the Ions are the boot of choice for most of Burton’s sponsored team.
The Ion boots are for the serious freestyle rider who loves high speeds and pushing it to the limit. They are costly, but you won’t find many boots that offer such excellent responsiveness.
Top Considerations Before Purchasing Snowboard Boots
Here are the most important things to keep your eye on before selecting your boots. What makes the best snowboard boots the best? It depends on what you’re using them for.
Riding Style
The biggest consideration when it comes to buying boots is your preferred riding style.
- If you are a backcountry line slayer, you don’t want your boots to have a soft flex. Like a good drink, you want them stiff. Rigid boots help generate edge power for slicing lines across the snow with speed and precision.
- Conversely, freestyle riders that love the half pipe, jumps, jibbing and tricks in park terrain will want soft flexible boots. Soft boots will give them a boost in maneuverability and quick responses that are vital to a good park experience.
The materials used to construct the sole, upper, and insoles of the boot will contribute to the snowboard boot’s overall flex level.
Flex
There are three general categories of boots when it comes to flex and support: stiff, medium-flex, and soft-flex.
- Stiff boots are just as they sound, they offer little side-to-side flex while providing riders with a higher degree of response to rough terrain. Boots labeled as free-ride, all mountain, and back-country will typically be on the stiff side.
- Medium-flex boots are a middle ground, with many all mountain boots falling in this range. They offer just enough flex for the occasional lap through the park and enough stiffness for responsive riding elsewhere.
- Last not not least are soft-flexing snowboard boots. Certainly ideal for the freestyle and park rider, soft flex boots are more comfortable out of the box. On top of that they give you unparalleled lateral mobility which is helpful for rail tricks and stylistic grabs. The trade-off is less weight transfer when your leaning into sharp turns and more impact when bombing through choppy snow.
Comfort and Fit
The best shock absorbent and lightweight materials aren’t going to do jack unless the boots actually fit you properly. Crush toes, cramped feet, sore heels from heel lift are all issues that can be prevented with a comfortable pair of boots.
Beginners often make the mistake of buying the same size boot as their street shoe size. Then they break in their boots after a couple hard days of riding and they end up being too big and loose.
Most board shop employees who have any idea of what they are talking about will encourage buyers to get a size or half size down from what they usually wear. They will feel tight at first, but after awhile they will expand a bit and feel just right. It is pretty easy to avoid choosing boots that are too small, you probably won’t be able to get them on in the first place.
Of course, much of the comfort will depend on the snowboard boot sizing and if it fits your feet well.
Sizes (Men’s, Women’s, and Kids)
Hand-in-hand with fit and comfort is getting a boot that is designed specifically for you. Snowboard boot sizing isn’t too tricky, you usually want a size or half size down from your regular size. Women’s snowboard boots are customized to address women’s specific anatomical needs.
This includes narrower heels and smaller footbeds and the like. Some great models of kids’ snowboard boots actually have footbeds with layers. As the feet grow, layers can be peeled away to accommodate the larger foot.
This is a lifesaver for most parents as they won’t be dropping hundreds on boots every couple seasons. It also helps parents avoid getting dramatically oversized boots for their kids and making them sacrifice performance until they grow into them. Men have the most choices by far when it comes to snowboard boots and likely won’t have to look too hard for a pair that fits their riding style and preferred aesthetic.
Lacing System
In our opinion, the right lacing system makes or breaks (sometimes literally) a pair of snowboarding boots. There are a number of lacing systems, each with their own pros and cons. Over the years, three systems has surfaced as clear winners in the snowboard boot category. Boa lacing systems, traditional lace systems, and speed lace systems are the three most popular.
Boa snowboard boots are quite convenient. The boa lacing system is simple: all you have to do is twist cable reels and it tightens the boot right up. You also press the reels that releases tension for quick on and off. This makes it easy to operate these system even when wearing gloves.
The drawback is that you sometimes experience uneven tightening. Higher end models solve this probably by adding additional lace reels and lacing zones.
Traditional lacing systems are still our lacing system of choice, call us oldschool if you want. Sure they take more time and effort to get tightened up and adjusted just right, but once you do they are usually dialed in for the day. Another benefit is that the snowboard boot laces in this category are easy to replace when they break, whereas more advanced lacing tech sometimes gets tricky.
Speed lace systems are built for you guessed it, speed. These lacing systems are also known as quick-pull laces. Each lace zone usually can be tightened with the yank of a handle then locked in with some type of locking mechanism. The benefit is that you spend minimal time in the cold windy parking lot getting things ready to go.
Footbed and Liner
Liner refers to the entire inner of the snowboard boot. Like with regular shoes, liners will have a big impact on how the boot feels. High end boot models will incorporate materials such as heat moldable foam that gives riders a custom fit and optimal feel. Some boots may even have closure systems, ankle harnesses, or removable “J bars” that lock your ankle in place for extra stability.
If you like to go boarding consecutive days and want everything as dry as possible, look for a boot with removable liners. That enables you to remove them after the day of riding and put them in front of a fireplace or heater for them to dry out.
Appearance
Sure your bindings will cover up large portion of the boots when your riding, but there’s still going to be plenty of times you’re wearing them around the lodge and whatnot. You’ve got a wide range to choose from. As always we recommend selecting on functionality and comfort first, appearance second.
However, if you’re going to drop a bunch of money on a nice pair of snowboarding boots, may as well get some that look cool.
