Hello and welcome to my list of the best freeride snowboard boots for the 2017/18 season. This list covers what I consider to be the best 5 men’s freeride boot choices.
Each pair of boots in this list has been rated on a number of factors that are important for boots that will serve the freerider/powder rider/big mountain rider and, as always here at SnowboardingProfiles.com, given a total score out of 100.
Some Quick Stats Before We Start the List
Of 15 boots that I rated:
- The average score was 85.9
- The lowest score was 69.1
- The highest score was 92.3 (see #1 below)
- The average price was $414 (USD)
O.k. let’s get into the top 5!
Men’s Freeride Boot #5
Boot: DC Travis Rice
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Stiff (9 out of 10)
Rating: 88.1/100
Super-stiff and super responsive is what the DC Travis Rice boots are all about.
They also have some awesome traction for hiking in the backcountry and have some decent reduced footprint so you can crank the hard carve without fear of catching a boot (given that you have the right sized board of course!).
They could be more comfortable – but this is often just a personal thing. Everyone’s feet are different so you may find these boots perfectly comfortable.
They’ve also recently adding in some tech to help keep your feet dry, particularly on those backcountry expeditions, so that’s a nice bonus.
Learn more about the DC Travis Rice boots in the Video Below
Overall if you are a freerider/aggressive all mountain rider, who likes stiff boots with awesome response, then these boots are definitely worth checking out.
DC Travis Rice Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Traction: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Heel Hold: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Comfort: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 88.1/100 |
Men’s Freeride Boot #4
Boot: K2 Thraxis
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Triple Boa
Flex: Stiff (9 out of 10)
Rating: 89.2/100
K2’s Thraxis boots are bursting with tech and their performance reflects this. You do pay for it though. So if money is no object and you’re main concern is performance then the Thraxis are an option worth checking out.
But if you’re more budget conscious but like the sound of the Thraxis but just not their price tag you might want to check out the K2 T1 – they’re considerably cheaper and whilst you do have to sacrifice slightly on performance they’re still great freeride boots.
Learn more about the Thraxis in the Video Below
About the only complaint with the Thraxis is the lack of a reduced footprint. But if this isn’t a big thing for you then they are virtually the ideal freeride boot, boasting super responsiveness, awesome traction for hiking – and they’re super comfortable.
And as for heel hold? Well you shouldn’t have any issues there, even if you have thin ankles or heels. The Thraxis features a triple Boa system. The first boa works on the liner of the boot to pull and hold your heel in place. The 2 outer boas are like other double boa systems with the second boa controlling the bottom section of the boot and the third the top section.
K2 Thraxis Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Traction: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Heel Hold: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 1.0 | 2/10 |
| Comfort: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.2/100 |
Men’s Freeride Boot #3
Boot: Ride Insano
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Stiff (9 out of 10)
Rating: 89.7/100
The Insanos are the cheapest boots on this list but this by no means compromises their performance (as you can see it made #3!).
What can I say, these boots perform well in every factor that I assessed them on. Just awesome across the board – responsive, great heel hold, comfortable, good shock absorption, great reduced footprint and plenty of traction for hiking.
Learn more about the Insanos in the Video Below
Taylor made to bomb the mountain hard and to bomb it all day!
Ride Insano Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Traction: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.7/100 |
Men’s Freeride Boot #2
Boot: Burton Driver X
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Speed Lace (Speed Zone™)
Flex: Stiff (10 out of 10)
Rating: 90.2/100
A true freeride boot in every sense of the word.
Stiff as hell, responsive as hell and aggressive as hell.
The Driver X will do just what it suggests – help to drive you hard down the mountain. If you like your boots super aggressive then these are the boots for you. In fact these bad boys rate 10 out of 10 on the stiffness scale!
But they also offer superb comfort, shock absorption and some awesome traction to help you out when hiking the backcountry.
Add to all of that, some awesome footprint reduction, allowing you to ride a narrower board for more precision and reducing the risk of catching a boot in the snow on those hard carves, and you’ve just about got yourself the perfect freeride/aggressive all-mountain snowboard boots.
Learn more about the Driver X in the Video Below
Driver X Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Traction: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.2/100 |
Men’s Freeride Boot #1
Boot: Adidas Acerra
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Stiff (8 out of 10)
Rating: 92.3/100
This is the debut season for the Acerra and the debut season for Adidas using boa. But they’ve done it pretty darn well if you ask me.
These are the softest flexing in this list – but still really stiff. They’ve just got that little bit more give, which I like. If you’re after more stiffness, then there are stiffer options (on this list and some others too), but if you want a boot that gives just a little bit more, but still provides awesome response, then the Accera should be high on your list.
They’re also super shock-absorbing (thanks to the boost tech in their sole), have a really reduced outersole footprint and are really comfortable. Apart from if you’re looking for the stiffest of the stiff (or if you don’t like boa), the Acerra are pretty much the ideal freeride boot.
Learn more about the Acerra in the Video Below
Adidas Acerra Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Response: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Traction: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Shock Absorption: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 92.3/100 |
Over to You…
Well there you have my list of the top freeride boots for the 2017/18 season. I hope this has helped to make your decision easier.
If you are interested in any of the boots in this list check out the links for each boot above to learn more and to check prices. If you think you would prefer something with just a bit of a softer flex – but still want something that is responsive and performance oriented, check out the link below.
>>My Top 5 Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Boots
Hey Nate,
Thanks a lot for all your insightful articles!
As you might remember from your snowboard width post (I´m the one getting the Hel Yes) I’m looking at getting some new gear which includes Boots (and bindings).
The boots you mention here sound really nice but would be a bit of a stretch for me (price wise) because I don’t get to ride too much and have to renew everthing this winter. Do you have any other recommendations? I was looking at the Burton Ruler because I can get them somewhat cheaply but I think that they might not be stiff enough.
I will be going into stores to test some boots but I would like some references 🙂
Thanks a lot!
Hey Manuel
The ruler is a mid-flexing boot – a 6/10 on Burton’s scale – so if you’re looking for something quite stiff then it may not be stiff enough for you.
Unfortunately stiffer boots do tend to be more pricey but below I’ve mentioned a couple that were close to making this list but are a little bit cheaper.
Burton Imperial – stiffness = 7/10 – price = $299 (USD Recommended price) – scored 81.5/100
K2 T1 – stiffness = 8/10 – price also $299 recommended price in USD – scored 85/100
If you’re happy with a 6/10 stiffness then the Ruler are also a good option especially if you can get them cheap.
You could also check out these links for outlet stores to see if you can find a past year’s model of any of these boots which you’ll be able to get at a cheaper price – after you’ve tried them on in store. I saw past year’s models of some of these boots – it just depends if they’re cheap enough still and if they have them in your size.
evo outlet store men’s snowboard boots
the-house outlet store men’s snowboard boots
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other question and let me know what you go with in the end.
was the salomon malamut considered!?
mind sharing the list of 25 boots your looked at?
Hey
Thanks for the message
Yes the Malamut was considered. It scored 83/100 in my rating system and was 8th on the list.
If you want to send me a private message by going to the contact page and I can email you the spreadsheet with all the freeride boots I looked at and their score breakdowns.
Hey Nate,
thank you for that very helpful list! I sent you an email via the contact page but I think it didn’t work. I just wanted to ask if you could send me your spreadsheet with all the tested freeride boots – that’d be very nice! 🙂
Thanks!
Hey
I didn’t get your email. Thanks for letting me know. I will have to check and make sure everything is working properly there.
I’ll send that freeride boot list through to you now. Let me know if you don’t get it.
Hi Nate, I have the 2009 driver x and love them. Have you got any idea if size wise the driver x’s have stayed the same. Also, just compared to Ions, what gives them the edge? I like stiff boots also since I’m 6,5 and 200 pounds. Thanks!
Hey Tim
I’m not that familiar with the 2009s but I think that the sizing should be pretty consistent. I think that the boots, though still super-stiff, have softened slightly in the last few years – but the idea behind that is to make them easier to break in. They are slightly more forgiving but still really stiff and super responsive.
The Ions aren’t as stiff, so if you like them really stiff then the Driver X’s are the better bet. The Ion’s are marginally more comfortable but there’s very little in it these days as they’ve made the Driver Xs more comfortable. The Driver Xs have just that little bit better response. And they have slightly better traction – which is good if you do any hiking in the backcountry. That said, the Ions also have great traction but the Driver Xs just have the slight edge. I think that the Driver Xs have superior shock absorption over the Ions too.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the very swift reply! I think I’ll order a pair!
Hey Nate,
Great reviews and very helpful!
Trying to understand why the Thraxis scored low on adjustability, despite the 3 Boas and the comments about great heel-hold.
Can you explain? Thanks!
Hi Josh
Maybe a little bit harsh to give it a 2.5 but certainly no more than a 3/5. The reason for this is that all 3 Boas are kind of centered around that heel hold. They have amazing heel hold – and part of that is the fact that all 3 Boas actually help with that heel hold. But because both the upper and lower Boas overlap at the ankle (which is the case with most Boas and why Boas tend to be good with heel hold but not as adjustable). So when you crank the upper boa it will pull around the ankle and when you crank the lower boa it will pull the wires around the ankle. They’re not completely independent – which means if you want tight around your lower boot and looser on the upper if you like a bit more flex around there, you can’t really do it that well.
This isn’t a problem for a lot of people though. I personally really like great heel hold and I’m happy to sacrifice a little bit of lower/upper adjustability to get it – others are the other way around.
Hope this explains it.
Nate’s response is 100% accurate, just wanted to confirm the same; stiffness is 8-9/10. The “problem” is that you can’t precisely adjust zones even with 3 BOAs, because they are overlapping. Clearly, it is a keeper, despite on the latter. Make sure the boot size/bindings is right and play with boas to make thrm comfy as much as possible.
Hi Lenka. Thanks for the input. Good to hear someone elses experience with the these.
Nate,
Really appreciate the run down on these boots! My question pertains to the D.C. TRS, I have found a size 12 and I wear a 12 in work boots and such. I know snowboard boots are hitting closer to true to size these days and wondered what your experience was.
Hi Alex
In my experience snowboard boots are typically 1/2 a size down or true to size, these days. For the DC Travis Rice I would say true to size. But everyone seems to have a different experience with boot fitting. I’ve heard some say that they had to go a full size up. This isn’t my experience but I’ve seen a couple of reviews that say this.
So I would say that these definitely aren’t the type that you would need to go 1/2 size down for but potentially that you’d have to go up for. I would say that the 12s would be best if you where 12s in work boots – but no guarantees just based on others experiences with them – which is why is always good when possible to try boots on in person – if not, then make sure you buy them from somewhere that will take them back if they don’t fit.
Hope this helps
Ey Nate , first off thanks for the reviews , i just want’d to comment on my experience on boots, bin riding for almost twenty yrs and have gone thru the northwave , nidecker ,burton boots trial and errors and determined that burton ion worked best for my application of riding (im sixty now) i ride an average of 50-80 days a season just carving and was blowing thru boots, and was fortunate to have burton warranty my boots for awile (then they got wise and would send me the same yr model so i couldnt return them) cause i would wear them out in a season. i carefully take my boots apart and dry them every time i rode them. when i would return them they asked how many days i had on them , they couldnt believe how well they looked and for how many days i had on them!, they told me the average boarder only puts 10-12 days a season riding. my thoughts are im paying 400 bucks for boots and would wear em out after being really good on taking care of them. i wish they would make a bullet proof boot for us old school surf the sno boarders, anyway im going for the driver x , i believe will be best for my application! oh i also recommend getting fitted insoles as they add to ur riding ability 15-20 percent in my opinion. Thanks man Rick
Hey Rick
Thanks for your input. Appreciate it.
Yeah boots don’t last that long when you’re doing 50+ days that’s for sure. It would feel like they lasted a lot longer if you were only doing 10 days a season and they lasted 5 years! But when you do 50+ and you’re getting new boots every season it doesn’t feel like they last that long, for sure.
Thanks for the advice on fitted insoles. I haven’t personally used fitted insoles but it sounds like they’ve made a real difference for you – I might just have to try them.
Hey Nate !
I want to know what do you think about 32 TM TWO XLT boots ? how stiff you found them on your scale ?
Hi Patricio
I would say that the TM Twos are Mid-Stiff. They’re not off the scale stiff, but they’re more than a medium flexer. I’d say 7/10.
thanks Nate your answer was very helpfull !
You’re very welcome! Thanks for visiting the site
Hi Nate ! I´ve another question, wich boot would you recommend me thinking in durability, the Ride Insano or the Salomon Malamute ? Because I`ve been reading many reviews about both boots and many people say that the Ride Insano don’t last more than a full season.
Hi Patricio
One thing that I don’t really comment on is durability because I never have gear for long enough to test it for durability. Typically I have found boots to last anywhere from 50 to 100 days. I can’t comment on the Insano’s particularly though.
And lasting a full season depends on your definition of a full season too. A 10 day season is a lot different to a 100 day season. If you’re only doing say 10 days a season, then I would expect you should have your boot for at least 4-5 years. But if your season is 50+ days, then they might only last 1-2 years.
If you’re worried about the durability of the Insanos, the Malamutes are great boots – but I couldn’t tell you one way or another if they are more durable. One thing to watch out for on the Malamutes is that the reduced footprint isn’t great on them. So, if you’ve got large feet, then that would be something to watch for.
Thanks again for your time Nate ! I`ll probably buy the Insano !
You’re very welcome Patricio.
Sorry, but all this industrial boots are really too fragile.
I’ve riden many brands, and they were dead after 3 or 4 months (sewings cut or broken, shape tired, sole comes away…). And they are not made for real mountain and walking or touring.
I’m not very heavy 72kg (about 160lbs) but i have a powerful style that tired the boots quickly.
The only good brand for me, after more than 30 years riding the snow is Fitwell (https://fitwellboots.com). A small company with real quality products handmade in Italy. Of course, there is no freestyle boots, just freeride/mountain boots. Perfect for exposed riding, touring, carving and freeride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPlzxfEPmhI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uj18flP7Qg
Hey
Thanks for your input.
I don’t make any judgement on durability on gear as I typically don’t have it long enough to be able to make that call. But in my experience boots tend to last me between 70 and 100 days, which is 1 1/2 to 2 typical seasons for me. If you’re riding more often or doing a lot more hiking and that kind of thing, I can see them lasting less – and also if you’re riding quite aggressively most of the time.
I’d never heard of Fitwell. Thanks for pointing them out.