Hello and welcome to my top 5 best all mountain snowboard boots for men for the 2017-18 season.
This top 5 will outline what I consider the best all mountain boots currently on the market and will cover a number of different factors that contribute to making a great all mountain boot.
Ratings & Comparisons
As always on SnowboardingProfiles.com the boots will all be given a rating out of 100 based on my scoring system. This is not an exact science but will provide a way to give you a quick look at the performance of each boot.
Of the 21 all-mountain boots that I rated:
- The average score was 84.5/100
- The highest score was 90.9/100 (see #1 below)
- The lowest score was 75.8/100
- The average price was $356.
Note: Only boots with a flex rating of 6 or 7 were considered for this category.
O.k. let’s get into the top 5!
Men’s All-Mountain Boot #5
Boot: Adidas Response ADV
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 87.1/100
The first boots we take a look at on this list are the Adidas Response ADVs.
This is Adidas’ first year they have produced BOA boots and the medium flexing Response ADV, are the mid-level BOAs they made – perfect for doing a bit-of-everything with.
They have really good response, great heel hold and all-round have no weaknesses – and of course they have Adidas’ renowned reduced outer-sole – so they’re a great choice for anyone with longer feet, looking to get on a narrower waist width board.
These are also the lowest priced boots on this list – and come in a good bit under the average price for this category of boot.
Check out the Video Below for more on the Response
Adidas Response Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Comfort: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Traction: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 87.1/100 |
Men’s All-Mountain Boot #4
Boot: K2 Maysis LTD
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 88.2/100
If you’re worried about footprint reduction because you have big feet, then the Maysis won’t be the best choice on this list but otherwise these are awesome boots for those who want charge the whole mountain.
They are super responsive, really lock your heel down, are super comfortable and have a good grippy sole for when you have to do any hiking or in an icy car park.
These boots also come in a standard version (without the “+”) which are $100 cheaper. If you’re budget is tighter then those might be the better options. The LTD versions do rate higher but the non-ltd version wasn’t far off. The LTD versions have a more supportive liner and have a better sole on them – these are the biggest differences between the two.
Check out the video for more on the Maysis LTD
This video is for the Maysis 2018, rather than the LTD version. The LTD version just has a couple of differences from the non-LTD version.
Score Breakdown for the Maysis LTD
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Traction: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 1.0 | 1/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 88.2/100 |
Men’s All-Mountain Boot #3
Boot: Vans Infuse
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Hybrid Boa/Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7 out of 10)
Rating: 88.7/100
In at #3 we have the Vans Infuse.
One unique thing about these boots is that they have removable tongue stiffeners – so you can really vary the flex feel that you get. There are 2 removable stiffeners – so you can have both in, both out or one or the other in. So, even though I rate these as 7/10 flex, I would say they are more like a range of 6 to 8. So you can make them a bit stiffer or a bit softer with those tongue stiffeners.
Also, they have a mixed lacing system which is predominantly traditional lace but also has a Boa in there. The Boa works on a harness that cranks down on your ankle to keep your heel in place. So, you get the great adjustability of traditional lace with the great heel hold of Boa.
Other than that, these are very comfortable and responsive boots.
Check out the video for more about the Infuse
Vans Infuse Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Traction: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 88.7/100 |
Men’s All-Mountain Boot #2
Boot: Burton Ion Boa
Price (USD): View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7 out of 10)
Rating: 89.2/100
The Ion BOAs are new for 2018. There is still a speed lacing version you can get, but for the BOA version just tips them. Mostly because of the improved heel hold.
But the Speed Lace version are still a great choice, if you prefer that lacing system (or if you want to save $50).
To be picky if there were anywhere that could use slight improvement it would be the shock absorption. Had they scored higher in shock absorption they would have made #1. If you’re also riding Burton bindings then this shouldn’t be an issue, as their bindings have some of the best shock absorption in the industry but if you’re pairing them with a less shock absorbing bindings, then you might feel it.
You pay for these, the most expensive on this list, but you get back performance – not for the small budget but for comfort and performance they’re an awesome boot, if you’ve got the means for them.
Chcek out the video for more on the Ion BOAs
This video is for the 2017 versions and speed lace versions – a lot of the info is still relevant for the 2018 Ion Boas – but I’ll put up an Ion Boa video once I can find one.
Burton Ion BOA Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Comfort: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Traction: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.2/100 |
Men’s All-Mountain Boot #1
Boot: Adidas Tactical ADV
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 90.9/100
And in at #1, we have the Tactical ADV – the only boot on this season’s list to feature something other than a BOA system.
These traditional laced boots are what’s left between the Adidas Blauvelt, Adidas Energy Boost and Adidas Tactical ADV from 2017. This is the survivor – and what a survivor!
For anyone looking for the ultimate in reduced footprint – great with anyone with bigger feet that want to fit on narrower boards – the Tactical ADVs are a great option.
But that’s certainly not the only reason these boots are here. They are also responsive, comfortable and one of the the best you’ll find at absorbing shock – thanks in a large part to the boost tech that’s used in the boots.
Check out the Video Below for More About the Tactical ADVs
This video is a long one – but it’s also very detailed – so if you want to know everything about this boot, check it out.
Tactical ADV Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Traction: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.9/100 |
Over to You…
There you have my top 5 all-mountain snowboard boots for the 2017/18 season.
Check out the links under each boot to see more details and to research prices and availability.
Notes
This list is made up of boots that have a 6/10 or 7/10 flex – which are typically used for do-it-all, all-mountain riding. However, some predominantly freestyle riders like a stiffer boot and some freeriders like something a little softer, so they can really be used by almost anyone (except probably a bit stiff for beginners).
This list could easily be a top 15 and still have quality boot options in it – such is the nature of boots that have around that 6/10 or 7/10 flex (hence the high average price and high average score [see top of post]). But I didn’t have time to expand the list for this season (I will try to next season or possibly even later this season).
There are some great offerings in this category by the likes of Ride, Thirty Two, DC & Salomon that haven’t quite made it in. If you’re looking for a boot in this category and you’ve found something that looks good but it’s not on this list, let me know what they are in the comments below and I can give you my opinion on them.
Awesome post Nate! I am not very good a snowboarding, but I try my best, and I really like how you have set up your reviews on this page.
Have you got one for the ladies? My beginner equipment is definitely due for an upgrade, and I’d love to see you review one for the gals.
On a side note, those red adidas look hot! Very low profile, and stylish.
Great review!
Hey Survival Chick – glad you liked the post.
I have some ladies snowboard boots posts in the works currently which are due to be published sometime this month. Come back at the end of the month and there should be a women’s all mountain boots post and a women’s freestyle boots post out.
In the meantime if you are looking to upgrade some of your other equipment (i.e. bindings and board) you can check out the following links to see if anything there is to your liking – the posts below are in the same kind of style as this one.
Best Women’s Snowboard Bindings
Best Women’s Snowboards
Love the Nike’s! Although the Salomon would be better for a friend of mine. He likes boots that are a little stiffer. I will have to send him to your site and see what he thinks. If it was me, the Nike’s would win. Do any of these boots come in different colors? Possibly the Nike’s in black? Thanks.
Hey Liz – send your friend over – the more visitors the better! The Salomon F4.0 or Ride Trident would be great for that all mountain rider who prefers his boots stiffer.
Most boots come in different colorways – the Nike also come in a black version and a white version in addition to the red one’s pictured above.
Thanks for stopping by
This is a great write-up – I feel extremely well informed after reading it. I feel very confident that I could choose one of these boots and make the right choice based on the information provided. I really like the Nike boots – I pretty much like all things Nike – one question do they come in a color other than red?
Thanks – Jeff
Hey Jeff
Yes the Nike Kaiju also comes in a black colorway and a white colorway.
Thanks for visiting.
Hello Nathanial, If you have ever seen me on a snowboard before you would know I would LOVE to own my own pair or these badboys. I always get rentals at the slopes because I only go a couple times a year. BUT I really like the Men’s All-Mountain Boot, the #5 boot. The color is sick and everything. Which ones would your recommend for a not so good snowboarder like myself.
.. i still have much to learn on the board. lol
Hey Billy
First time I’ve been called Nathanial! But it’s got a ring to it 🙂
Probably a lot of these boots will be too stiff for you if you are still a beginner or intermediate rider. If I was you I would check out my list of the top beginner snowboard boots – they’re cheaper too! Check out my top 5 beginner boots at the link below.
Top 7 Men’s Beginner Snowboard Boots
Nathan,
I own a pair of Nike Zoom Force 1’s and they have been serving me great for the last few years. I’m thinking of getting another pair that’s a little bit softer just so I can get more room to move around without affecting my orientation too much. I’ll check these out that you’ve recommended!
Hey Wing
Thanks for visiting. Most of these boots will be slightly softer than the Zoom Force Ones, except maybe the Trident. The Zoom Force Ones are probably about an 7.5 or 8 out of 10 I’d say. So if you want to go just a little bit softer the first 4 boots in this list should be suitable,
If you want to go a little softer than that, check out my top 5 freestyle boots at the link below.
>>Snowboarding Profiles Top 5 Men’s Freestyle Snowboard Boots
Nate,
I have the Burton Moto and I like the boot, but I feel that I’m starting to need slightly more stiffness since at the end of my limited time last season, there were times when I wanted the boot to respond faster. I have the Flux DS on a Slash Brainstorm (as you may remember) and there’s something in the component chain that feels … slow.
I don’t think I should go from medium-soft to medium-stiff like your picks on this page. Are there any all-mountain boots you recommend for a low intermediate rider like me who needs a true medium flex (I’m guessing)?
Thanks,
John
Atlanta, GA
Hi John
Thanks for your message. I remember your setup (you had the Rome Tour originally I think but you didn’t like it and switched to the Brainstorm, if I remember correctly?).
I agree that moving to a medium would be your best bet.
I would check out the following post. It’s a freestyle boot top 5 but they’re really what I’d consider all-mountain-freestyle (whereas this list is more all-mountain-freeride). The boots in that list are medium flex and I think something there would work well.
~ Top 5 All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboard Boots
If you like your current boots then the Burton AMB might be a good option – the Burton Imperial is also another option (though more expensive than the AMB). But if you’re happy to switch brands, I think anything in there would be good options. 32 tend to make boots that are good for those with slightly wider feet so if you think you have wider feet, then the 32 Binary Boa is a good bet.
Hope this helps
ami say something about ride lasso ?
Hi Rico
Re your comment on the other post, I will compare the Lasso to the Trident.
The Lasso are softer flexing than the Trident. They are more of a medium flex (6/10) compared to the Trident’s Medium-Stiff flex (8/10).
I think that they would go well with your setup which is all around that medium flex (your Cartels and your Lib Tech Travis Rice Pro). They will be more forgiving than the Trident’s but will also be less responsive.
They are low profile (like the trident’s and all ride boots) and have a similar amount of shock absorption. They are suitable for anyone intermediate and up – whereas the Trident’s are more for advanced and up.
They are both quality boots – the main difference is that the Lassos are more flexible, more forgiving and less responsive than the Tridents.
Hope this gives you a bit more to go off.
Hey Nate,
I just wanted to ask you about the Adidas Blauvelt boots – how did you find the fit to be?
Are they true to size? Did you go a size or half a size down from your normal shoe size as per your boot buying guide?
I wanted to get your opinion as I can’t get to a store to try these and I’m being told to buy a size bigger then my normal shoe size which is the opposite to what I normally do for snowboard boots – I normally get a size smaller!
Thanks
Hi Prem
It’s hard to say because everyone’s feet are different. Even the same length feet can fit differently because of different shapes and different arches.
In my experience this boot is a 10 for me and I’m a 10 in shoe size. So I didn’t go down. But I didn’t go down for the Vans boots I currently own either – they are a 10. But for some I would go down half a size. That would be the usual for most but this isn’t always the case and brands differ as you know.
I wouldn’t go a size bigger though. I’m not sure who told you that but they probably have something about the shape of their feet that made them need a size bigger. If you usually go a size down, then I would say go half a size down from your normal shoe size or get something that is your normal shoe size.
Definitely make sure that the store you buy from will let you return them if they don’t fit – you want to make sure you get the fit right and if you can’t try on in store, definitely go somewhere with a good return policy. If they have more than one size and you can afford the outlay, then it can be a good idea to grab too pairs and return the pair that doesn’t fit. If you’re really game you could get 3 pairs – one half down, one shoe size and one half up. Otherwise for 2 sizes I’d try shoe size and half down (if available). I don’t think you’ll be going a whole size up or down from your shoe size in this case. But like I say it’s hard to tell, as every foot is different. Just make sure you go with a good return policy and that lowers the risk.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate, that really helps! So I cant seem to find the right size in the blauvelts, hence I’m now looking at the Adidas samba and the zx 500 also. Did you find Adidas fit true to size or max a half a size smaller then normal in general?
Does this apply to the Nike Vapens also?
Sorry for asking you about 3 types of boots in one post.
Happy Easter by the way!
Hi Prem
Sorry for the late response – had a full on weekend demoing gear and then took Monday off for my fiancée’s birthday.
I find that Adidas boots all fit the same for me – and that was true to size.
Same for Nike boots from memory.
Hi Nate,
I’m trying to decide if getting a stiffer boot is the right approach or whether I should get something a bit softer. I traditionally just ride the mountain but having been venturing into the park a bit more. The boots I’m looking at are the Burton ion or the Addidas ATV to go with the Yes Greats and Burton Genesis, what would you recommend?
Thanks,
Adam
Hi Adam
Sounds like an awesome setup so far with the Greats and the Genesis!
I think the ATV or Ion would go with this setup. To more accurately match the flex of the board and bindings you have, something from the following list would be a slightly better match in terms of flex.
>>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots
But in saying that, if you feel like you want to go a bit stiffer in the boot, if you think that’s something you’ll like, then I do find that if any part of your setup is going to be stiffer, then boots are the way to do it – so you could certainly go with something 7/10 for boots to match with 5/10 board/bindings. Hope that makes sense. I wouldn’t recommend going with a 5/10 boot on a stiffer board – like a 7/10 flexing board – and I don’t like softer bindings on a stiffer board – but stiffer boots on a softer binding/board setup can definitely work.
Personally, I’d probably go with something more like 5/10 or 6/10 in boots for that setup – but some people do prefer a stiffer boot.
Hope this makes sense and helps with your decision
Thanks Nate, I phoned around my local shops and was able to get a pair of the Imperials and AMB for roughly the same price (will return the ones I don’t like). I know you like the AMB from your review but have you tried the imperials? From reading around online it sounds like they’re very similar boots with the imperials being slightly more responsive.
Thanks,
Adam
Hi Adam
I haven’t tried the Imperials but they do look similar. Imperials are slightly more expensive but you’ve managed to get them for a good price by the sounds of it. Having both to try them out is a good way to go too. I’d be interested to hear which ones you prefer.
What’s the main difference between the Ride Trident and Insano? I know the Tridents have the 3rd boa, but is it worth the extra cost? I’ve been riding DC Travis Rice boots the past 4 seasons, but want to try out Ride boots this year.
Nate, what’s the main differences between the Ride Trident and Ride Insano and does the 3rd boa make it worth the extra $100 to go with the Trident. I like a stiffer boot and I like to ride fast. I don’t do the park at all, just fast on groomers, trees and everything else. I’ve been riding the DC Travis Rice boot the past 4 seasons. I currently ride a Lib Tech T. Rice Pro with Burton Cartel Bindings.
Hi Casey
I would say that the main 2 differences are:
1. The triple boa which you mentioned; and
2. The Insano’s are a little bit stiffer
There’s not a huge difference in flex – they’re both pretty stiff. The Insanos rate a 9/10 with the Tridents at 8/10. The DC Travis Rice are rated a 9/10 as well. So in terms of sticking with the same flex, the Insanos are more in line with your current boots (though different brands do feel different in the way they flex).
The Triple Boa just gives you that little bit more in adjustability. You can tweak how tight you want different parts of the boots more independently – but that’s not a big deal, IMO. I class the Insanos as Freeride boots (which the Tridents are bordering on too, but I chose to put them in this category) as well as the DC TRice. You can check out my freeride list below if you’d like.
>>My Top 5 Freeride Boots
But yeah, it depends on how much you value being able to independently adjust as much as possible and also whether you’re willing to go to a slightly softer flexing boot (if you were to go Trident) – all be it not by that much.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.
I went to the store today and checked out the insanos. I’m not a fan of how the toe box and heel are just leather. I’d be worried that the toe would get really beat up from my board resting on it on the chairlift as well as the leather on the heel from being pressed against the back of the binding. I think I’m going to go with this year’s DC t rice boots. They seem way more durable and since my old boots are t rice’s, I know they fit me well and are super comfortable.
Hi Casey
Thanks for the update.
Nothing wrong with going for the tried and true if you know they do the job well for you.
Hi Nate
What is your opinion on 2017/18 on ride trident? I really like to carve most of the time while I am snowboarding.
Hi Champ
The Tridents are great boots for carving. Just know that they are quite stiff (8/10) – so you’ll want to be an advanced rider. But if you’re at an advanced level and like to carve, then the Trident’s are a great option, IMO. If you more at an intermediate level, then I would recommend something softer flexing.
Hey Nate,
I just got hired to work as a terrain park attendant (Park crew worker) at my local mountain. I have been in desperate need of new boots any ways but wanted to get you opinion. Because I am going to be on and off my board 50/50 all day, would you recommend a stiffer boot or a softer boot? I have been interested in the K2 Maysis for a while now. What do you think I should do? Any other suggestions would also be helpful, want to invest in a really good pair that suits the work I will be doing.
Thanks,
Spencer
Hi Spencer
I can’t say I’ve ever worked as a terrain park attendant, so I couldn’t say for sure. But if it involves testing out the features, then I would say something softer is going to be better for testing out rails, boxes etc. But something stiffer better for testing out the large jumps. I know that doesn’t help!
In terms of getting on and off your board all day, I’m not sure that stiff or soft would matter too much. I guess the only thing is if you’re riding short little bits slowly and then stopping and getting off and then riding another short bit and stopping and never really picking up speed and have to do that a lot during the day, then something softer would be better – just because a softer setup tends to be easier to maneuver with at slower speeds.
But that’s all just my theory on it, as, like I say, I’ve never actually done that type of work before, so I couldn’t say for sure. Is there anyone on your team that you could ask to see what they prefer?
Hi!
Which is the best for skinny ankles? I need one boot for skinny ankles and reduce footprint like burton or adidas.
Thanks
PD: Use all mountain frestyle
Hi Roger
In terms of something that’s good for skinny ankles, I think something with a double boa system is a good way to go. They usually produce the best heel hold. And if you’re looking at good reduced footrprint then yeah, Burton, Adidas, Ride are a good way to go. And Vans are also doing well, in that respect too.
I think in terms of boots with great heel hold and reduced footprint, the Vans Infuse Boa (medium-stiff flex) is a good choice. This is a mixture of traditional lacing and boa but has great heel hold with that boa working on the ankle. Or Vans Aura (medium flex). Some options from Ride are the Ride Trident (mid-stiff),
and Ride Lasso (medium flex).
Or if you want something Burton or Adidas, then the Adidas Response ADV (medium flex) or the Burton Photon Boa (mid-stiff), Burton Ion Boa (mid-stiff) or Burton Concord Boa (medium) could work for you. Since you’re looking at all-mountain-freestyle you might want something more mid-flex, so maybe Aura, Response ADV, Concord Boa or Lasso would be the best choices. But you could go more mid-stiff if you felt like you wanted something a bit stiffer.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Seems like you give some great advice and really care about helping people choose the right gear.
I am considering getting new boots and bindings. I am currently riding older salomon F20 and very old burton c16 bindings on a ’13 never summer cobra. Lately I am realizing the c16s are digging into my calfs a bit.
I ride most terrain, love powder in the trees, small jumps except I don’t do rails or boxes and such. I have been looking at the burton concord and salomon dialogue, both with double boa. What do you think of these 2 boot options with burton genesis bindings on a cobra?
Thanks in advance,
Mike
Hi Mike
I think those boots and bindings would be a good match with the Cobra. They’re all around that mid-flex range. I find the Genesis super comfortable so there shouldn’t be any comfort problems there.
If at all possible it’s best to try boots on before you buy – just to get that fit right – everyone’s feet are different and each brand fits slightly differently. Even if you can’t try a particular model on in person, it’s a good idea to try that brand.
Since you already have Salomon boots and assuming they fit well, then that’s probably the safest bet, if you’re unable to try on in person. I mean they would have changed since the F20s, but still should fit similarly. Well done for having boots last so long! But best bet is to try on in person.
In terms of flex/response, both the Concord Boa and the Dialogue will be similar in terms of flex and response as the F20s had when they were new – but they’ll probably feel stiffer/more responsive than them now as they would have softened up a bit over time.
Hope this helps.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the quick response.
Yes, I totally agree with always trying on boots, which I had, I just forgot to mention that. I tried both and they are both pretty comfortable. I am interested in these 2 because they are both mid-flex, comfortable and both have dual zone boa. I tried them on again today and I think the Burton are a bit more comfortable and I think I like the feel of the new England rope over the steel cables. So I’m pretty sure I am leaning towards the Concord. Too bad too cause I had a pair of last year’s dialogues lined up for $175 but if I get the concord’s, at least I will be getting $50 off.
So now I’m trying to decide between the Cartel and geneisis bindings…haha.
Regarding boot to binding fit….assuming I go with the concord’s and either cartel or geneisis would you suggest large or medium bindings? I tried the boots on today and slipped into a medium and a large binding. The medium rubbed a little on the sides of the boot in the back around the heel area of the outsole of the boot. And the front of the boot hung over the gas pedal a little even with it all the way out but it seemed it would function fine. I would just want to make sure I have enough power over my toe edge. The large binding of course easily fit but it seemed the structure was a good deal deeper front to back than the medium. Not much toe overhang without any extension of the gas pedal. What do you think? I know I just gotta decide my maybe you can give me some of your thoughts to consider. Will the different size bindings cause the board feel to be a little different or any other things like that to consider?
Thanks,
Mike
Hi Mike
I do find that Burton bindings do tend to fit pretty snug in the heel end of the boot – but this is a good thing, so long as you’re not actually having to force your boot in there, and potentially cause damage to your boots. It should still go in relatively easily. I have size 10s too and I prefer medium Burton bindings and find that my heels do fit snug but not to a point that I’m having to force them in there. I can definitely still ride Large Burtons though, but I prefer Medium. But yeah, I do out the gas pedal out most of the way. I don’t have Burton boots, so they won’t be exactly the same heel-wide – but Burton’s sizings are based on their boots, and they recommend up to 10s for the medium, so I think it would be fine.
A reasonable amount of toe overhang over the end of the gas pedal is fine.
With 10s, you really can go either way. If you’re worried about the rubbing, then go Large but otherwise, I’d say medium.
The other thing is if you were on a wider board, then going large would potentially give you more leverage on the edges as the bindings would get closer to the edges but usually in that case you would have larger boots and would go large anyway. The Cobra 161 should be fine with Mediums.
In terms of going Cartels vs Genesis, it’s a close call. The Cartels are mildly stiffer (6/10 vs 5/10 on the Genesis) but the Genesis are more comfortable and I find they have just a little more board feel (but both bindings have great board feel). The Cartels are cheaper too, which is a plus. Typically I’d say if you’re leaning more towards freestyle, then go Genesis and if you;re leaning more Freeride, then Cartel.
Hello Nate,
Debating on 3 boots for my Salomon First Call board with Salomon Alibi Bindings….Ride Lasso, Ride Fuse, and or Adidas Response? Maybe you have another boot in mind that would work better for my set up? Thanks for reading bud.
Hi Nick
I think they would all work with the First Call. The First Call is a mid-flexing board and those boots are mid to mid-stiff flexing and it’s always good to try to get a close flex match. I would say Fuse 7/10, Lasso 6/10 and Response 6/10 – I know Ride rate the Lasso 7 as well, but I just felt it was a little softer than that. The Alibis are what I would call a 7/10 flex. So those boots will match your setup well, IMO. If the boots and bindings are a little stiffer than board, I usually find that’s fine – I just don’t like it the other way around – softer boots/bindings with stiffer board doesn’t work for me.
If you you can try them on in store at all, that would be ideal, just to make sure they fit your feet well – different brands usually fit a little different and everyone’s feet are a little different (i.e. high arches, flat feet, skinny ankles, wide feet etc).
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate,
I did try on the Burton Imperial’s and those felt pretty darn good as did the Ruler. Lasso’s felt a bit uncomfortable in the calf area when walking and couldn’t find a shop with Ride Fuse or Adidas Response bummer. So I may go with the Imperial or Ruler.
Hi Nick
Yeah if you know the Burton’s fit well, then that’s a pretty safe bet. Likely that the Fuse will fit similar to the Lasso – though they can fit differently within brands. Without being able to try on the Adidas Response, it would be a gamble, especially when you know that the Burton’s feel comfortable.
I’d say that the Imperial’s are probably the better option (but cost a bit more too). I’d say that the Imperials are about a 6/10 flex and the Ruler’s are more of a 5/10 flex. I think I like the sound of 6/10 for your setup – but you could certainly go 5/10 and it would be fine – so Rulers are a possibility, but I think the Imperials have just the bit more response.
Which is the most comfortable one for men?
Hi Lenny
Comfort depends largely to what fits your foot the best. Everyone’s feet are different. Some liners are more plush than others, some have more dampening in the soles, which affects how comfortable they are when they ride – and the way the boot conforms to your foot, certainly all play a part. But if you get a boot that doesn’t fit your foot properly, then it won’t be comfortable. Fit is the most important thing.
I’m an instructor and curious what I should get that’s very durable but still comfy. I’m an advanced/expert rider.
Hi Travis
Unfortunately, I don’t really make judgement on durability. I don’t tend to have gear for long enough to know how durable it will be (apart from gear I own myself of course).
As an expert rider, you would probably appreciate something relatively stiff, but at the same time as an instructor, I imagine you are often riding at pretty slow speeds, which is where something a little softer would be better in terms of getting better maneuverability at slow speeds. But I’d say not too soft – so I think you’re in the right place on this list – unfortunately I can’t really give you any opinion on durability.
Hope this helps
Hello Nate,
I am searching for the snowboard&boots and some help from you. Mostly I am All-Mountain-Freeride rider, I like doing tricks, jumps…, but in my area there are no snowboard parks so I am usually combining groomers with off the lane, forest riding. I think I am less beginner and more intermediate rider.
Recently I bought Rome 390 Boss bindings, as I had a good offer and now I am searching for the snowboard and boots.
What I like is GNU Carbon Credit BTX Asym snowboard, and I wanted to ask you if it can go with those Rome bindings and what boots do you suggest with those two?
Also please suggest maybe some other board&boots according to what I have described above and which could fit these Rome bindings.
Thanks a lot in advance!
Keep it rocking!
Hi Dalibor
I think you could match the 390 Boss to the Carbon Credit – the Carbon Credit is going to be a softer flex (4/10 I would say) than the 390 Boss – which are rated as 6/10 – not a binding that I’ve tested so I can’t attest to that flex rating but let’s assume that’s fairly accurate. Going a little stiffer with bindings on a slightly softer board (so long as they’re not too far apart) is usually fine in my experience. I don’t like it the other way around – i.e. a softer binding on a stiffer board, but a slightly stiffer binding on a softer board is fine, IMO.
For boots, again, I think going the same or just slightly stiffer than the board, is a good way to go, so anything from 4/10 to 6/10 would be fine, IMO. Checking out the following lists would be a good place to start.
>> Top 7 Beginner Boots
>>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots
Hope this helps
Hello,
I enjoyed the article; it was really informative. I have some questions that maybe you could help with… and possibly give your opinion on.
I am planning to couple Union Atlas bindings with a Capita Mercury board and was looking for all-mountain, double boa (by preference) boots that would work well with the Union bindings.
I am hoping to find a boot that is of the flex rating you chose when reviewing the boots above, and that are both comfortable and responsive. If you can think of boots that would couple with the bindings along with align with the factors I mentioned above, I would love to hear your opinion. Also, let me know what you think about the board/bindings if you’re familiar with them.
If there are factors I should consider more than others when picking a boot, please explain in detail if you would.
Thanks!
Hi Shane
Thanks for your message.
First of all the Mercury is a very nice board, IMO. And the Atlas are good bindings and a good match for the Mercury.
In my opinion, everything on this list would work with Union bindings and with the Mercury. Really it would just be making sure you got the right sized Union bindings for both board and boots. If you’re not sure, let me know your boot size and the size of the Mercury you are looking at.
So, the Burton Ion, K2 Maysis LTD (or regular Maysis) and the Adidas Response would all be a good match to that setup, IMO.
A couple of other options that didn’t quite make this list are the Ride Lasso and the Salomon Synapse Boa.
I would say that the most important factor for boots is that they fit your feet well and are comfortable for you. So, if you can try them on in person before buying, even if you end up buying online, that’s the best way to go – and if you can’t find a particular model in a local shop, try something on from that brand – they may not be the exact fit of the model you’re looking for but should be close. Part of fit is comfort and part of fit is heel hold too.
After that, the most important, IMO, is matching the flex to the rest of your setup.
So fit and flex are the most important, IMO. Then shock absorption, traction, on and off ease, that sort of thing are secondary and more or less important depending on how you like to ride. E.g. traction is less important if you don’t do any hiking in them (though still nice to have in an icy car park!) but if you like to hike the backcountry, then traction becomes more important.
Hope this helps