Thirty Two Zephyr Review: Snowboard Boot Reviews

Hello and welcome to my Thirty Two Zephyr review.

In this review I will take a look at the Zephyr as freestyle snowboard boots.

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

NOTE: The 2020 model was the last model of the Zephyr as I rode it, so this review will no longer be updated. The Zephyr Santa Cruz is very similar but has a different/upgraded sole and more articulation in the cuff. It's also $80 more expensive than the Zephyr was. 

Overall Rating

Boots: Thirty Two Zephyr 2020

Price: $219 (USD recommended retail)

Style: Freestyle

Other Uses: Beginner, Casual All-Mountain

Flex Rating: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Flex Feel: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Rating Score: 83.7/100

Compared to other Freestyle Boots

Out of the 33 freestyle boots that I rated:

Who are the Zephyr Most Suited to?

The Zephyr are a great choice for beginners or low intermediate riders or those that prefer softer boots (but not too soft) and ride more casually than aggressively. Also great for those wanting softer boots for playful freestyle riding. 

Not for hard, fast aggressive riding, but great for beginner to intermediate riders. 

Board Demoed With: Rossignol One LF 2018

Bindings Demoed With: Burton Malavita 2017

Outersole Length: 30.8cm (mondo 28cm)

Difference between Mondo & Outersole: 2.8cm

Backstay Height: 28.2cm

Weight: 840 grams*

* Average of a sample of boots I weighed was 1006 grams, so a good bit lighter than the average. Softer flexing boots tend to be lighter. They are about normal compared to others I weighed with similar flex

Flex

The Zephyr aren't super soft, but they are just that little bit less than medium. 4/10 bordering on 4.5/10. 

Fit

Width: I would say medium. Quite tight around the toes and balls of the feet, but not circulation cutting off tight. But not for wide feet. 

True to Size?: I usually ride a 10 and I rode these in a 10. When first trying on they were super tight, but once heat molding and riding for a bit, they weren't as bad. Still bordering on needing a 10.5. Borderline between true to size and running 1/2 a size small. 

High or Low Arch: Initially quite a bit of pressure on the top of my right foot, but that got noticeably better with heat molding and riding. I typically notice this with most boots on my right foot. So, I'd say normal in terms of arch. 

Shock Absorption

Decent amount of shock absorption. Better than average for sure and as much as most riders would need. 

Board Feel

Some good board feel, without being out of this world. But overall pretty good. 

Responsiveness

They were better for carving in than I was expecting and better than what the flex would suggest. Still not an aggressive carving boot, but better than what you'd expect for the flex. And still nice and maneuverable when riding at slower speeds. 

Adjustability

Being traditional lace means there is a lot of adjustability to get your fit just right. 

That and they also come with a heel hold kit, so you can improve your heel hold, if it's not quite good for you without using the kit. 

Comfort

They were on the tight side and that made them less comfortable than they would otherwise be. But there were not distinctive pressure points that I found - just an overall tightness, which may be solved by going to the 10.5 or after more time to break them in. Though with softer boots like this break in typically happens pretty quickly. 

Let’s Break up this text with a Video

Heel Hold

Really really good heel hold, especially for traditional lace boots. Minimal heel lift - and if that wasn't the case for your foot, they have the heel hold kit, to help minimize heel lift even more. 

Reduced Footprint

Pretty good. A little lower profile than the average boot.  

Traction

There's a reasonable tread on the sole, but it doesn't look like a super high quality sole or anything, but wouldn't expect that at this price point. 

Entry/Exit

I found the 10 was a bit of an effort to get my foot in and out of, but not so much so that I thought my foot was stuck in there forever, which I sometimes get from trying to get a boot on!

They're traditional lace, so that takes a bit more time/effort vs the likes of boa or speed lace and then there's the extra strap on the liner, so overall not the quickest/easiest to get in and out of, but this is only a small factor, IMO.

One thing to note is that I felt I had to tighten the strap that goes around the liner almost as far as it could tighten to get it tight. I have relatively skinny legs, so this certainly wouldn't be an issue for those with bigger legs, but something to note for those with skinnier legs. 

The Zephyr are a nice pair of boots for the price point and a solid choice for beginners or intermediate riders, looking for a boot to progress with or those looking for a boot for playful freestyle riding or more casual all-mountain riding.