Nidecker Altai Snowboard Boots Review

O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Altai are capable of.

Demo Info

Boots: Nidecker Altai 2024

Size: 10 (US Men's Sizing)

Date: May 8, 2024

Foot to Boot Fit

Length Fit:

My toes didn’t quite touch the end, and I didn’t have any pressure on the tops of them either. I had room to wiggle my toes, but it didn’t feel sloppy, just more space than many. These boots will give your toes a happy place to live, unless you’re someone who grips a lot and needs to feel like you’re controlling the board all the way out to the end of your feet.

Width Fit:

I would call these mid-wide to medium, which is a little vague, but the point is they’re not narrow, they’re slightly to the wide side of the spectrum.

In-Step:

No pressure here to speak of. I noticed it a little more when I put them on outdoors and the material was colder, but this boot is definitely worth considering if you have a high forefoot and sometimes struggle with constriction over your instep.

Around Ankles:

There was a little pressure around my ankles, but not uncomfortable. I might have noticed it more because there was more room in the toes and forefoot. No hot spots, just a little snugger.

True to Size?: 

I would say yes. There’s always some uncertainty as to how they will pack out, but that is the case with any other boot that you might consider too.

Carving/Slow Speed Response

The Altai are a solid boot for carving and would match well with medium to mid-stiff boards. Bear in mind that the conditions were warm and slushy so I couldn’t really gauge maximum edge grip, but they’re on the beefier side of the spectrum which bodes well for high edge angles.

These seem to do a good job of striking that magical blend of having good carving performance but at the same time feel good to ride slow in. 

A little better for carving than my control boots. Not quite as good for slow speed turns, but pretty close.  

Heel Hold

The heel hold was decent but even when I cranked everything down I still experienced some slight lift. But not enough to bother me or for me to think about it when riding. It was only when I really focused on it that I could feel the lift - and it wasn't a lot of lift. 

Adjustability

It’s easy to make adjustments to match your personal preferences for upper boot/lower boot feel because the Boa’s are independent of each other. The top Boa tightens the 4 cables all the way down the tongue, including crossing over the top part of the ankle. Then the side BOA tightens the remaining 2 cables that are on top of the foot area of the boot. 

The liner has velcro attachments at the top. One on each side. This brings the sides of the top of the liner across the front of the tongue, to get a snugger, more secure fit.

For me the two sections at the side of the liner that come over the tongue almost overlapped each other when I had them at the tightness I wanted. This won't be a problem for those with with thicker lower legs, but those with thinner lower legs, these sections could end up overlapping. I would say I have thinner than average lower legs, and at a guess I would say 60-70% would have thicker lower legs than me, but anyone who might have particularly thin lower legs may have issues here. 

The issue would be that if they are overlapping, that would create more bulk behind the tongue of the shell of the boot, which may make it less than optimal for tightening - and may not feel right against your shins. Possible also that having them overlap could lead to the velcro disconnecting more easily. 

Comfort

These boots score well in the comfort department with a very even feel, and even when I cranked them down it stayed that way with no pressure points.

Shock Absorption

For my indoor stomp test the Altai’s gave a dull thump with less sharp vibrations than my control boot. And they are decent for shock absorption, so that was a good sign. 

On snow they felt the same as my control boots, so really decent overall for shock and chatter absorption. 

Board Feel

For ollies, presses etc, I didn't get as good a board feel as from my control boots, but was decent enough. 

Reduced Footprint

They are a pretty average length for their mondopoint. Just the slightest bit of reduced footprint but nothing super low profile. But also nothing super bulky or anything. 

Entry/Exit

Was a slightly tighter than normal squeeze to get my feet in the Altai, but nothing too difficult. Then there's just the liner lacing, the upper velcro attachments on the liner, then the Double Boa outer, which is nice and easy. 

See adjustability section for more on adjusting the liner.