Ride Fuse Snowboard Boots Review

Hello and welcome to my Ride Fuse snowboard boots review.

In this review I will take a look at the Fuse as freeride snowboard boots.

As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Fuse a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other freeride boots.

Overall Rating

Boots: Ride Fuse

Price: $409 (USD recommended retail)

Style: Freeride 

Flex Rating: Stiff (8/10)

Flex Feel: Stiff (8/10)

Rating Score: 84.6/100

Compared to other Freeride Boots

Overview of the Fuse’s Specs

Who are the Fuse Most Suited to?

The Fuse are are best suited to anyone looking for a stiffer boot but want a more reasonable price than boots are typically in the 8/10 to 10/10 flex range. And ideal for someone who wants a stiff boot, but still not ultra stiff. 

Not for a beginner - the stiffer flex makes things less forgiving and more difficult to ride in at slower speeds. 

The Fuse in More Detail

Bindings angles: +15/-15

Board Demoed With: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker

Bindings Demoed With: Burton Malavita

Outersole Length:  30.8cm (mondo 28cm)

Difference between Mondo & Outersole: 2.8cm

Backstay Height: 10.8" (27.5cm)

Weight: 2lbs 2oz (960 grams)*

* The average of the boots I've weighed is 1018g (2lbs 4oz), so a bit lighter than the average but pretty close to average. Though quite light for boots this stiff - typically stiffer boots tend to be heavier than average. Heaviest were 1320g (2lbs 15oz) and lightest were 740g (1lb 10oz). . 

Fit

Width: It's a true medium width, IMO. They're not narrow, but not wide enough to be mid-wide. 

True to Size?: I'm typically a 10 and these felt just right in a 10. My toes were just brushing the end, but without any pressure. A 9.75 in this boot might be OK (if it existed) for me, but 9.5 would be too small and 10.5 certainly too big. 

High or Low Arch: Pressure on top of foot felt really normal, so shouldn't be an issue for those with high arches.    

Responsiveness

As expected, they weren't as good for shorter/sharper turns, particularly at slow speeds versus my control boots (Adidas Tactical ADV) - but I was able to carve harder/deeper in them versus my control boots. 

Heel Hold

Very minimal heel lift. Very good heel hold for my feet in this boot in this size. 

Adjustability

Really good adjustability with the traditional lacing - and even better for the fact you can tighten around the ankle easily and without opening out the outer boot, with the boa. It uses Ride's "tongue tied" to pull the tongue around into the ankle. 

Let’s Break up this text with a Video

Comfort

The first thing I was worried about was the plasticy tongue and what kind of shin bite that might cause, but it turns out I didn't get any shin bite - a big part of the reason is likely because of how plush the top of the liner is. 

I felt some pressure behind right ankle and some pressure on top of right foot but that's normal and nothing but nothing major.  

My biggest issue with comfort was the cramping I got in my feet. This won't be the same for all feet and every foot feels different, but I did get some foot cramping after a couple of laps. 

Shock Absorption

Noticeably less shock absorption versus my control boots (both in my stomp test and when riding on snow), but that's never a surprise given the Tactical ADVs are the most shock absorbing boots I own. 

But in both stomp test and riding they felt less shock absorbing than other boots I was testing as well - the Burton Ion, Photon, the Vans Aura Pro and the DC Travis Rice. 

Board Feel

Board feel wasn't terrible in these boots, but not amazing either. 

Reduced Footprint

Slightly reduced footprint versus the average but not super low profile. 

Entry/Exit

Had to make a little bit of effort to get foot in, but not as bad as some other boots can be. They have that Boa that works on the liner - and no other lacing on the liner, so that is really fast and easy. And you can readjust it after doing the laces. Quite simple with not having that lacing harness in addition. There is Velcro to get the top part of the liner tighter. Laces slower and require a bit more muscle than the likes of speed lace and BOA, but all good - and you get that extra customization. 

Score Breakdown and Final Verdict

Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.

The Fuse are stiff, without being ultra stiff - and allow you to carve hard. I didn't find them super comfortable, mostly because of cramping, but that could be specific to my feet. 

Overall, they feel like well made, quality boots and come in at a really decent price compared to other boots in their flex range.