The following is a list of our top rated freestyle snowboard boots for the 2025-2026 season of all those that we have tested and rated.
Who is this list for?
This category features boots in the flex range 5.5/10 and below. While it is labelled "freestyle" these boots are suitable for all-mountain-riding too, for those that have a more playful style, like things more at a more slow to medium pace, are a more casual rider or are a lighter weight rider that can find stiffer boots too hard to flex.
As always on SnowboardingProfiles.com the boots are given a rating out of 100 based on my scoring system. This is not an exact science (especially with boots as personal fit is so important) but will provide a way to give you a quick look at the performance of each boot.
Category Stats
Of the 23 current model freestyle snowboard boots that we tested:
OK, let's have a look at the top 10 for 2026!
#10: Salomon Launch Boa SJ
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Lacing System: Double Boa
Rating score: 83/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Starting off the list at #10 are Salomon's Launch Boa SJ.
The Launch Boa SJ offer a versatile medium flex and give a nice agile feel with good board feel.
They use a double Boa system that's a little different to what's typical of most double boa systems. In the Launch Boa's case, the "SJ" stands for straight jacket, which refers to a harness that sits against the liner of the boot around the ankle area.
When the side boa is dialed, it tightens that harness, which helps to hold your heel down. The tongue boa is used to tighten the whole outer boot (shell), rather than having one boa tighten the lower section and the other boa the upper section of the shell, which is more common in a double boa system.
The advantage of this system is that you can typically achieve better heel hold, and you can adjust how much pull you're getting on the heel on the fly, without having to open the shell to do it.
The downside is that you don't get separate adjustability for the upper and lower portions of the shell.
Score Breakdown for the Launch Boa SJ
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 3 | 12/20 |
| Board Feel | 4 | 12/15 |
| Carving | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Adjustability | 3 | 9/15 |
| Comfort | 4 | 8/10 |
| Heel Hold | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Traction | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 83/100 |
#9: Burton Ruler Boa
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Lacing System: Double Boa
Rating score: 83/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Next up, we have Burton's Ruler Boa boots.
Unlike the Launch SJ Boa above, the Ruler's double boa system is the more common type that uses the tongue boa to tighten the upper section of the shell and the side boa to tighten the lower section of the shell, giving you that independent adjustability of different areas of the shell of the boot.
However, they do share the same versatile medium flex found in the Launch SJ Boa and all round a really decent quality pair of boots.
Score Breakdown for the Ruler Boa
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Board Feel | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Carving | 3 | 6/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability | 4 | 12/15 |
| Comfort | 4 | 8/10 |
| Heel Hold | 4 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 4 | 4/5 |
| Traction | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 83/100 |
#8: Vans Hi-Standard OG
Flex: Mid-Soft (3.5/10)
Lacing System: Traditional Lace
Rating score: 83/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
In at #8 are the Vans Hi-Standard OG. While the Hi-Standard Pro (see #5 below) are the better boot, the OG are really good freestyle boots in their own right. Particularly good for those who are looking for a really soft, flexy feel from their boots - and for those who are on a tight budget.
If you're good with, or prefer, traditional lacing, and like your boots nice and flexy, the Hi-Standard OG are a great option that won't cause your bank account to go into shock.
They are both the lowest-priced (by a good margin!) and the softest flexing boots in this list.
Score Breakdown for the Hi-Standard OG
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Board Feel | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Carving | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability | 4 | 12/15 |
| Comfort | 4 | 8/10 |
| Heel Hold | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Traction | 2 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 83/100 |
#7: Salomon X Approach Lace SJ BOA
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Lacing System: Hybrid - Trad lace with Boa
Rating score: 85.2/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
The #7 spot is occupied by the Salomon X Approach.
Among other great qualities, they provide excellent adjustability with their hybrid lacing system, helping you to dial in a fit that works with your feet/ankles/calves.
The Hybrid lacing system offers the best of both worlds when it comes to adjustability. The Traditional Lacing is the most adjustable you can get for the shell and the boa operates a harness that pulls the heel back into the heel pocket of the boots and you can re-adjust this on the fly, without having to open the shell to do it.
Score Breakdown for the X Approach
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Board Feel | 4 | 12/15 |
| Carving | 3 | 6/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Comfort | 4 | 8/10 |
| Heel Hold | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 3 | 3/5 |
| Traction | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 85.2/100 |
#6: Burton Swath Boa
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Lacing System: Double Boa
Rating score: 87.5/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
The Burton Swath Boa take the #6 position this year.
The Swath Boa are an awesome boot for riding the whole mountain, riding the park, riding freestyle over the whole mountain or combining all of the above.
With strong performance across all the things we test for, they strike a great balance for freestyle/all-mountain-freestyle riding.
Score Breakdown for the Swath BOA
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Board Feel | 4 | 12/15 |
| Carving | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability | 4 | 12/15 |
| Comfort | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Heel Hold | 4 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 4 | 4/5 |
| Traction | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 87.5/100 |
#5: Vans Hi Standard Pro
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Rating score: 90.3/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
At #5 we have the Vans Hi-Standard Pro.
The Hi-Standard Pro's achieve a great balance between shock absorption and board feel - both important qualities for freestyle riding, IMO.
And they also offer great comfort, reduced footprint and adjustability. Our go-to recommendation for a traditional lace freestyle snowboard boot.
Score Breakdown for the Hi-Standard Pro
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 4 | 16/20 |
| Board Feel | 4 | 12/15 |
| Carving | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Adjustability | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Comfort | 4 | 8/10 |
| Heel Hold | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 4 | 4/5 |
| Traction | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 90.3/100 |
#4: Vans Aura Pro
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Lacing System: Double Booa
Rating score: 90.9/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
The Vans Aura Pro come in next.
The Aura Pro are not to be confused with the Aura "OG" - a more budget friendly, softer flexing, single boa version.
Like the Hi Standard Pro (see #5 above) they have that great combination of both shock absorption and board feel - they are in a lot of ways Double Boa versions of the Hi Standard Pro.
The Aura Pro’s are super comfortable, have great shock absorption and really good heel hold. They also have a good bit of footprint reduction - and are just overall a well rounded boot for freestyle or all-mountain-freestyle riding.
Score Breakdown for the Aura Pro
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 4 | 16/20 |
| Board Feel | 4 | 12/15 |
| Carving | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Adjustability | 4 | 12/15 |
| Comfort | 4 | 8/10 |
| Heel Hold | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 4 | 4/5 |
| Traction | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 90.9/100 |
#3: K2 Overdraft
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Lacing System: Hybrid - Trad lace with Boa
Rating score: 91.5/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
In at #3 are the K2 Overdraft.
With so many great qualities, the Overdraft are probably the best value-for-money boots going around. They are second lowest costing boots in this list but have the quality of boots in a much higher price range.
They offer a hybrid lacing system that gives the best of both worlds where adjustability is concerned and in general just felt great for riding freestyle, in and out of the park.
Score Breakdown for the Overdraft
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 4 | 16/20 |
| Board Feel | 4 | 12/15 |
| Carving | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Comfort | 4 | 8/10 |
| Heel Hold | 4 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 4 | 4/5 |
| Traction | 4 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 91.5/100 |
#2: Vans Invado Pro
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Lacing System: Hybrid - Trad lace with Boa
Rating score: 92/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Our #2 spot belongs to the Vans Invado Pro. Like the Overdraft above, the Invado Pro feature a hybrid lacing system that offers some of the best adjustability going around and allows to really dial in the fit of these boots to fit your feet as well as possible.
They also manage that great shock absorption/board feel combo along with a nicely reduced footprint to reduce the chances of boot drag.
Score Breakdown for the Invado Pro
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 4 | 16/20 |
| Board Feel | 4 | 12/15 |
| Carving | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability | 5 | 15/15 |
| Comfort | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Heel Hold | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 4 | 4/5 |
| Traction | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 92/100 |
#1: Nidecker Rift
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Lacing System: Double Boa
Rating score: 93.2/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
And finally taking out the #1 position this year, we have Nidecker's Rift snowboard boots.
For out of the box, day 1 comfort, the Rift are the best that I've had the pleasure to put my feet into. From the very get-go, they felt like I'd been wearing them for years.
Of course that alone wouldn't get the Rift into the #1 spot - they also tested really well across all the other factors we tested and proved to be a really nice, capable boot for everything we did in them.
Score Breakdown for the Rift
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Board Feel | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Carving | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability | 4 | 12/15 |
| Comfort | 5 | 10/10 |
| Heel Hold | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Traction | 4 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 93.2/100 |
Thanks for Checking Out Our Top Rated Men's Freestyle Snowboard Boots
Thanks for checking out our top rated men's freestyle snowboard boots. I hope this has helped you to narrow down your options for your next pair of boots.
Check out the links in the where to buy boxes (the ones with the flags) for prices, availability and more info on the boots. And the full review links for more details on how we experienced each pair of boots.
Hey Nate –
Currently looking to replace my 2021 DC Mutanys and am between the Vans Hi-Standard Pros and Vans Invado Pros. I feel like I would fully be going for the Invados (better price & curious about BOAs but not sure I want to fully leave traditional laces), but the place I’m buying from only 10.5s (which is my normal size) and from what I see on your review, that might be a gamble. My Mutanys right now are perfect because if I “stretch” I can touch the end of my boot on the inside. Do you think after heat molding, the Invados are still a viable choice? Or do I play it save and go with the Hi-Standard Pros? Also worried about longevity; usually get in 10 on hill days that are split between park and side-hits, and otherwise plenty of backyard kicker/misc jib sessions. Thoughts? Otherwise, is there another boot you would recommend? Thanks in advance!
Hi Ryan, thanks for your message.
It’s hard to say for sure, because everyone’s feet are different, but when I tested the Mutiny (2020 model), I felt like they were also on the tighter side in my normal size, similar to the Invado Pro – maybe not quite to the same extent, but close. So, I think you’d be OK with the 10.5 Invado Pro, you might just have a little more of a break in time. Heat molding them would speed up that time a bit. If you’re able to try them on, that would be the best way. Keeping in mind that your Mutiny’s are well broken in, so going a bit snugger than them to start with is likely a good idea.
Having not had them long-term, I couldn’t say for sure what their longevity would be like, but they seemed well-made to me and I’ve had Vans boots in the past that I rode for over 100 days that I could still ride in now if I wanted. They’re certainly a lot softer than when I first got them – but that happens to all boots over time, but they’d still do the job.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate, I’m wondering if you could give me some insight on a boot comparison. I own a pair of Photons and have always struggled with heel lift in them. I’ve modified the liners, tried thicker socks, tongue wedges etc. They’re better now, but not great. I’ve read elsewhere that the Burton Swath has a true dual-zone BOA design that has better hold and more focused use of tension on areas of the foot. Have you found the same? I think I’m ready to move into the mother of all heel-hold system (whatever that is) and trying to narrow it down. I also have size 12s, so reduced-footprint is ideal. You rock man.
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message. Yeah, I did find the heel hold was a little better in the Swath Boa vs the Photon Boa. I wouldn’t say it was the mother of all heel hold! But pretty good and a little better than Photon. But I did test the Swath in a 10.5, which was fine for testing, but a little bit big for me and if I was to buy it I would get it in a 10 for sure, so the Heel Hold would likely have been better in the smaller size. So, I think you would get better heel hold for sure. Couldn’t say for sure how much better as everyone’s feet/ankles are different, but would likely to give you some improvement, IMO.
Have you tried boots in an 11.5? If you could fit into an 11.5, that would also help with heel hold, with the tighter fit. If you have the opportunity try on, I would see if you could try an 11.5 (if you haven’t before).
I found the Swath Boa were good in terms of footprint reduction. Not super low profile but more low profile than average. And they have a good amount of toe bevel, which also helps to reduce the chances of boot drag.
Some other options include:
– Salomon Launch Lace SJ BOA: I found these to have really good heel hold and you get that focus around your ankle with the BOA in the hybrid lace/boa version.
– Vans Aura Pro
I felt both of those at around 5/10 flex, like the Swath.
Some other options in a stiffer flex:
– Vans Infuse
– Vans Invado Pro
– Burton Ion BOA (pretty pricey though!)
– DC Judge
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I scored a pair of Swath BOAs in an 11.5 and they’re great. The fit is snug but entirely tolerable, and the heel lift is improved. If Inrin a thinner insole I could maybe get away with an 11, but of course I want that balance of comfort and function. Thanks for the guidance!
Hey Nick
Thanks for the update and great to hear they’re working for you!
Hi Nate,
I am on the market for a new pair of boots to go with an Arbor Westmark Rocker 161W and Contact Pros. I am 6″0 and 220lbs with a boot size of 12/13. This is my 3rd season riding and consider myself to be a high level beginner/intermediate. I stick to blue groomers and like to ride relatively slow-medium speeds and be a little playful as I learn small tricks. I currently own a pair of Adidas Sambas however they really hurt my feet after only a few runs. I am very interested in the Vans Hi Standard Pros. Would you recommend these or have better recommendations? Thanks, much appreciated.
Hi Rob
Thanks for your message.
I think the Hi-Standard Pros would be a great match for your setup and the style of riding you’re describing. Whether or not they eliminate/improve your foot pain or not is hard to say. Fit is really important. If they fit well, then they might help. Some things at the links below for fit and also some things that are typical for each brand. If you can discover if you have wide, narrow or normal width feet, high or low arches, that kind of thing, it can help to guide you to a better fitting boot.
>>How to Size Snowboard Boots
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
Hope this helps
Hello Nate,
Love your “top x” list.
I’ve recently purchased Arbor Draft and Union Contact Pro.
Now can’t decide what flex and boots should I choose for my setup. I’m riding switch and want to learn flat tricks and how to butter.
Right now I’m riding on my old Northwave boots (don’t know model name) but the are too stiff for me and not comfortable at all.
Hi Piotr
Thanks for your message.
I would go either 4/10 or 5/10 for your setup and how you describe your riding. 3.5/10 would be fine too – if you were looking at something like the DC Mutiny. But yeah, something in that range would be best, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate I am have a hard time deciding on if I should get a wide board or stick with the one I have right now. I bought a Capita Doa 158 and im not sure if its width is too small for me or not. I have a shoe size of 10.5/11 depending on the shoe. I heard that having a wider board can hinder you in terms of how well u can control the board and maybe in park but im not sure if its true. I have yet to receive my binds but just by standing on the board with my boots on they overhang about half an inch to an inch if that. If you could let me know I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you so much!
-JJ
Hi JJ
Thanks for your message.
If it’s less than an inch you should likely be fine.
A couple of questions to gain a little more certainty.
What size boots are currently in?
What is the brand/model of your boots?
Do you know your typical binding angles?
How deep do you like to carve?
If you could also let me know your height/weight specs. A wider board can certainly make it harder to initiate turns on (if it’s too wide for your boots), but this is more pronounced for lighter weight riders than it is for heavier weight riders. Heavier weight riders have more force they can apply, so the affect of the wider board, is less noticeable.
Hi Nate!
Can I ask you a question ? I’m looking for a snb boot mainly for going down “on piste” and sometimes just an easy pow ride (nothing special , more for fun). I’m an intermediate to advanced rider, and… considering Vans Aura Pro as my “daily boots”. My board for 2022 will be Rome Ravine 2022 and flux XF Bindings. I love that set, really (had ravine 18/19 and flux xf 19/20) but can not find a good snowboard boot for my feet (problems with sizing. Burton ion, ride lasso pro or even Insano, thirty two tm-2, – all do not fit: too small or too big for my 302mm feet 🙂 ).
So a friend of mine told me – try Vans Aura Pro. The flex is around 6 , they have double boa… so they also should be to try the on morning groomers, to ride a little bit faster on the edges… But nothing crazy – I’m 40 🙂 and quite big (193 cm + 105 kg , but in a good shape – not fat :D)
So.. i ordered them and waiting but … also wanted to ask – are they good for AM?
WIll be very please for your feedback
Greetings !!
Hi Michal
Thanks for your message.
I felt the Aura Pro at 5/10 flex, rather than 6/10. With the Ravine rated 7/10 (I haven’t ridden it so not sure how that feels in reality) and the XF 7/10, I think ideally something a little stiffer – and for your weight something a little stiffer too would be ideal. That said, however, fit is the most important thing, so if you find that they fit really well, they are doable. They’re not like super soft for your setup or anything, so that would work, but ideally I’d look at something a little stiffer. If you find that they fit well and don’t feel too soft, then you should be fine. If you find they fit well but feel a bit too soft, you could look at other stiffer Vans options, which might have a similar fit. Not all boots within a brand fit the same, but tend to have a similar fit. The Infuse would be a good bet – or even the Baldface or High-Country and Hell Bound, if you wanted to go stiffer again. The Verse are possibly a little too stiff.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Really enjoy reading your site, need some advice on new boots, I had K2 maysis double boa boots for 3 seasons now, size 11, wanted something better and stiffer so this season I bought the adidas response 3MC ADV in size 11, I have a mid-wide foot, but these were way roomier than I expected..they also felt more flexible than I would like.. took them on a 5 day trip to colorado and these were too large even under the tightest adjustment…really wish I ended up buying these in 10.5 although I still think they are not the right boot for me. I tried on a pair of Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa size 11 in store, and these were too narrow (slightly tight on the sides) so crossed them off the list..
I have a jones frontier 158w board (absolutely love this board, about 15-17days on it now) and using Flow rear entry bindings, which im pretty happy with and will keep them for this season at least.
I am not limited to choosing boa-only boots, will consider laces. I am an intermediate-advanced rider, mostly bomb blues,blacks, chase power days, enjoy tree runs, and spend less then 10% of my time in the small/medium park..
my next choices for boots are K2 ENDER, SALOMON LO-FI, or would you recommend I try something stiffer?
greatly appreciate your help.
Hi Linas
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think 10.5 would probably have been the better fit for you for the Response ADV, if you’re typically 11. But also I would consider the Response ADV to be softer than the Maysis. So if you’re looking for stiffer boots, I think they aren’t, IMO. I felt the Maysis at around a 7/10 flex and the Response at more like a 6/10 flex – and if the size is too big will probably feel softer still. The Ender to me is also softer than the Maysis, more like a 6/10. And Lo-Fi around 5.5/10.
If you’re looking to stiffen up, then I would look at at least going 7/10 in terms of flex. If you were to go back to Adidas, I would go for the Acerra (8/10 flex) and in a 10.5. But also check out: The first list is 8-10/10 for flex and the second 6-7/10 (I would look at those that are 7/10, if you go off that list).
>>My Top 5 Freeride Boots
>>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
Hope this helps
Hey Nate I ride a DOA wide 159 with 2021 union atlas bindings and wanted some new boots was thinking something med stuff like 6/10 ish? What do you think I ride pretty hard but like to have fun also. I’m open to different brands and have a narrow foot?
Hi Jeff
Thanks for your message.
Yeah I think around a 6/10 or 7/10 flex is a good way to go for that setup and what you’re describing. Something from here would work well, IMO:
>>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
Some general things about fit/sizing for the brands that I test:
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
With narrow feet, I would be open to both narrow and medium width fitting boots. You don’t necessarily have to go narrow. I have medium width feet and like to ride either medium width or wide width. I find wide width boots are fine for my medium foot, so I think you could happily go medium width.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
Would you see this is a good list to base off for all mountain freestyle? Still trying to sort out what equipement I’m after for all mountain freestyle boarding.
Cheer
Hey Jono
Yeah, I think these boots are great options for all-mountain freestyle. I kind of see this boots as being for freestyle, all-mountain-freestyle and the all-mountain list is kind of all-mountain-freeride, if that makes sense. So yeah, unless you’re all-mountain-freestyle riding is super aggressive, then this would work. If you were more extreme, then you might want to go a little stiffer, but for a typical all-mountain-freestyle setup, they’re spot on, IMO.
Hope this helps
What would be the best all mountain boot our of the Salomon Dialogue, Salomon launch sj, or the Salomon Hi fi.
Thanks
Hi Charlie
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the Dialogue are the most suited to all-mountain riding – it makes my top 10 all mountain boots list.
But the Hi-Fi could well be used as all-mountain boots (as could the lo-fi). But the Dialogue are just that little bit stiffer. Not by a huge amount, but just a little (6/10 by my feel for the Dialogue Boa). The Launch is a little softer flexing. I think they would be less suitable, IMO.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
This year i want to buy my first pair of boots (i’m a beginner-intermediate rider, 4 seasons now) and this mid flex of 5 sure will help me advance more easily that a stiffer boot. But at the same time i want to think of the future and keep these boots for 4-5 years. Can the Salomon Lo Fi a good choice for me? I will ride mainly groomers and maybe a little off piste.
And in the spring i will buy a pair of bindings and a board. I was thinking of the Union Strata or Now x Yes bindings that i would like to pair with the Yes Standard. What do you think?
Have a good one,
M
Hi Mihai
Thanks for your message.
I think the Lo-Fi would be a good option for you. As a beginner/intermediate, I wouldn’t go too much stiffer than 5/10. You could go up to 6/10, if you wanted, but to get a good balance of better/faster progression, and something that can last you a long time, I think 7/10 would be out of balance on the too stiff side and 4/10 out of balance on the not last you long enough side. So either 5/10 or 6/10 flex is a good way to go, IMO. The Lo Fi are quality boots. I can’t say anything about longevity because I don’t ride boots long enough to comment on that, but they feel like good quality boots and should last a good while. If you’re riding like 100 days a year they won’t last 4-5 years (no boot will), but depending on how often you ride, they should last a good while – again just guessing, but they seem to be good quality.
The Strata and X Yes would both be good matches to the YES Standard. Personally I prefer the Strata, mostly because I’m quite fussy on board feel and the Strata have better board feel than the X Yes. Otherwise the X YES is a good binding, but mostly because of the board feel, I’d go Strata, personally.
Hope this helps with your decisions
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your feedback!
It helps me a lot :D, as a matter of fact tonight i will go and try on the boots, so excited.
Can you please recommend other all-mountain and powder boards that would be good for the set-up that i just told you? I follow your Top 10’s and it’s a good guidance for me, that’s how i ended up choosing the Yes Standard.
Thanks
Hi Mihai
Let me know how you go once you’ve tried them on.
If you’re looking for something to complement your Standard, then I would look at a more directional board, so you’ve got something different in your quiver. To go with the Lo-Fi and Strata/X YES, I wouldn’t go too stiff in the board, so something mid-flex, but more directional would be the call, I would say.
Something like the YES Hybrid, if you wanted to stick with YES and go for something a little short/wide, but not overly short/wide. The GNU Antigravity and Hyperkyarve are good mid-flexing options too or the Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero (if you went with the X YES bindings, you’d need a separate disc to make it compatible with the Channel mounting system used on Burton boards – the Strata’s mini-disc is already compatible with the channel). Jones Mind Expander is another that comes to mind. Or the Lib Tech Cold Brew. That’s all I can think of for now. Hopefully there’s a good option for you in there.
One more thing to mention that I just thought of, is that the Strata won’t work on the Standard’s slam back inserts because of the mini-disc. If you didn’t think you were going to use the Slam Back inserts, then it’s not an issue, but if you were going to, then you would need to get bindings without a mini-disc.
Hi Nate,
Bought the LoFi’s! Really happy with the fit without breaking them in. So much space for the toes to wiggle.
As for the board and bindings… the Standard would make a lot more sense for me right now because I would like to give it a try to riding switch (i’m goofy), I know that the board is a Directional Twin, but i will change the position of the bindings. And the slam back inserts don’t really interest me that much right now (with this in mind i will stick to Strata), if i will need a POW board i’ll go with a Mind Expander or Orca.
For the Standard can you help me with a size recommendation?
I’m 240 pounds (slimming down right now, aiming for 200) and 5’10” and Size 11 LoFi (29 cm). I was thinking to go with a 162 because of the waist width of 26.8, not taking into consideration my weight haha :)).
Thank you Nate!
Hi Mihai
Awesome that the Lo Fi’s fit well! So good to get boots sorted!
For the Standard, I would say the 162 is probably your best bet. If you were down to 200 pounds, I’d even consider the 159. Both the 159 and 162 are certainly wide enough for your boot size. Even a little on the wide side, but sizing down in length a little bit helps there. So, yeah I would say you’d be closer to 163, 164, but with that extra width, the 162 would be a good bet. Depending on how fast you though you would get down to 200, the 159 is also a consideration.
Nate, i really do appreciate your awesome advice! You’ve been of great help and have a great season! I know i will, now with my feet perfectly comfortable.
Sorry for the reply at this message, for the ones below i could not reply 😀
You’re very welcome Mihai. Hope you have an awesome season too!
Hi Nate – your advice is always spot on so thank you for that! My question is on boot flex as it relates to binding/board flex. I see you typically recommend to roughly match your boot/binding/board flex. I ride a mid-stiff board (jones explorer), with mid-stiff (k2 formula, maybe more mid than stiff) and northwave legend boots (on the soft to mid range – 4ish, I would say). Looking at new boots and my question is what will I lose in performance if I stick to a softer boot like the northwave vs what do I gain if I went to a stiffer flex boot? I like the comfort of the softer flex, so if I’m not missing out on much (maybe a bit of response?) I’d prefer to stay with a soft boot. I’m intermediate, mostly riding groomers and powder when available, but typically cruising blues and easier blacks. no park, and not what I’d call a bomber (but do like some speed). Thanks!
Hi dd
Thanks for your message.
Going with a stiffer boot will help to give you more response. And it will help to drive a stiffer board/binding setup. Softer flexing is typically better for riding at slower speeds, so going stiffer definitely helps for when riding fast and getting that response – and being able to push carves deeper and hold them for longer. I find some stiffer boots can still be really comfortable, but they typically take longer to get comfortable – longer to break in.
But yeah the main thing you loose by going softer is that response. Things just take that little bit longer to happen. I personally don’t like a softer boot on a stiffer board/binding setup, but everyone is different. I also don’t like overly stiff boots on a softer board/binding setup. Which is why I find it good to try to roughly match.
Since both your board and bindings are bordering on medium (Explorer I would say 6.5/10 and Formula 6/10) and since you like softer boots, then maybe going for something around 5/10 flex is a good compromise. Not going too soft, but not going too stiff, and being a relatively close match.
Excellent Nate, thank you for the response!
You’re very welcome dd.
Hi Nate
I wonder how you compare vans aura pro to adidas response adv in terms of sizing and fit? Auro pro fit me perfectly in 8.5, but I wonder if response adv performs better with all mountain ride.
Thanks for building such a wonderful site for all of us!
Hi Riley
Thanks for your message.
I find that Adidas and Vans boots typically fit me in the same size. Though I have heard for some that they can go half a size smaller for Adidas boots. Wasn’t the case for me, but some find that. The Response has a wider toe box (as typical of a lot of Adidas boots) vs the Aura Pro.
Aura Pro, definitely still good for all-mountain riding as well. Just that little bit softer flexing, and a touch less responsive than the Response, but not a huge difference. And the Response have a little more traction. The Aura Pros with a bit better board feel though.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate
Your comments are in line with all the reviews I could find on line. It sucks that there’s very limited snowboard gear selections that we can try on in my country. Most reviewers wear same size with aura and response. Auro pro had to be a blind buy but the toe box happens to fit me perfectly. So I’ll stick with it, thanks a lot!
Hi Riley
Awesome that they fit. Sometimes you have to buy a little blind when it comes to boots, if you don’t have the chance to try on. But there are some things that can help you narrow it down. Glad you managed to get a good fitting boot in the end.
Hello Nate,
I will probably go for the Hi-Standard Pro – will try both in the shop.
I have 1 month until i go to the mountains (meanwhile indoor) so i’m not in a hurry and maybe there are good deals during januari sales.
Thanks again for your advise
You’re very welcome Jurgen. Hope you have a great season!
Hello Nate, thank you for your excelent reviews and top x charts !
They helped me decide ordering the Union Strata binding.
For boots, I’m thinking about the Vans Aura Pro but i suspect that the different colour versions are not quite the same.
Maybe you can help me out ?
The grey boots have a rubber strip on the heel and toe, that will help locking into the bindings.
I do not see this in the brown and the black versions, which seems to be made entirely from leather.
As I do not care much about the colour or looks, maybe you can help me decide which is the better one out of the 3 ?
Also i have no experience with boa lacing – (maybe unfounded) but i think it is fragile and will break sooner than classic laces.
Maybe i will be better of with the Vans Hi Standard Pro or are there other features that stand out comparing to the Aura Pro ?
Thanks and greetings from Belgium 😉
Hi Jurgen
Thanks for your message.
First of all, I think the Aura Pro would be a great match with the Strata.
In terms of color ways, I wasn’t aware that the Khaki coloway was different, but now that you mention it, it does seem to have different materials. I wouldn’t imagine it would make much difference performance wise, to be honest. But potentially could make a difference durability-wise?
I haven’t personally broken BOA lacing before, so I wouldn’t say BOA was fragile. But it is harder to fix, if it does break. Whereas with Traditional lacing it’s usually easier to replace. But in my experience other parts of the boot have warn out before the lacing. Though this isn’t the experience of everyone as I have heard of people who have broken BOA lacing, Traditional Lacing and Speed lacing.
The Aura Pro and Hi-Standard Pro are very similar apart from the lacing. Not exact but very close. So, if you were concerned about BOA and would prefer Trad lacing, then the Hi-Standard Pro would be a good option, IMO.
Hope this helps
I read your review about Snowboard Boots. Snowboarding was one of my passionate areas and I didn’t know much about this field. I used to live in Canada and snow is very common there. During Winter, I used to buy snow boots – but I didn’t have much idea earlier. You clearly detail the different categories of Snowboard boots and it all makes sense to me now.
Hey Shivaram
Thanks for visiting. I’m glad this has helped you make more sense of choosing snowboard boots.
Yes we do get plenty of snow in Canada! Send me a message next time you’re in Canada (if you’re in BC) and we can hit on of the many mountains BC has.
This is sort of off topic, but your menus are great! Anyway, admittedly, I know very little about snowboarding, but I’ve always wanted to do it. This definitely helps because I can make sure I get the highest quality boot (which I hadn’t considered, but is extremely important) when I go shopping for them. Snowboarding 2016 here I come!
Hey Jay
Awesome that you are keen to get into snowboarding. Yeah good snowboarding boots are definitely important. You should start out with beginner boots – check out the link below to check out some great beginner boots.
Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you like the menus – I try to make the site as easy to navigate as possible and appreciate the feedback.
Hey Nate,
Great review! My boyfriend is (or was) an avid boarder until he broke his leg a few years ago. He’s been talking about getting back at it this winter. His talking has become window shopping online, so I’m pretty sure he’s serious about it this year, haha.
His birthday is coming up and I think buying him new boots would be an awesome gift, but I know nothing about this stuff. He needs something that will offer stability and flexibility (he has screws in his thigh bone – his docs have said it was safe for him to get back on a board), and I’m guessing shock absorption.
With all this info, what boot would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Catherine
Hey Catherine.
Thanks for visiting – glad you liked the review.
I can’t claim to be an expert when it comes to the best gear for someone with screws in the leg but my best guess would be that something with a bit of give (so some flexibility) would be good – so going with a really stiff flex may not be the right way to go because it won’t offer any give for his leg. Also, yeah shock absorption would help I imagine.
If he is a freestyle rider – which I’m guessing he is since you are checking out freestyle boots – then shock absorption and a mid to soft flex is a goo thing anyway so he’s covered there I would say (but again I am just guessing here).
Again assuming he is a freestyle rider then anything on this list would be suitable – assuming it fits right. You can check out my post on getting the right fitting snowboard boots at the link below to help you choose something that will fit right. It’s a little bit tricky when you are buying as a gift if he is unable to try them on – but doable – the more info you can get about his feet the better – check out the link below for more.
How to Size Snowboard Boots
Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi Nate, thanks for the great information and the in depth reviews. Seems like the Salomon F3.0 is definitely the best hands down all around freestyle boot. I’m living in Canada, can I ask what is the average price for those boots, is it better to get the best or go with something not quite as good and save a few bucks?
Hey Kurt
Thanks for checking out the review.
The recommended price for the F3.0 is USD$299 which would currently convert to roughly CAD$390 at the current exchange rate. But you are likely to be able to get them cheaper most times of the year (just maybe not right before the season starts) – the lowest I’ve seen them recently is USD$145 so that’s around half of their recommended price – though that would be an awesome deal.
Whether it’s better to go with the best or not quite as good to save money is done to your own personal budget and what you are willing to invest. That said, when it comes to boots I wouldn’t skimp on them to save cash – boots are going to make a big difference to your comfort and performance – as does other snowboarding gear, but I would sacrifice on board and bindings before I sacrificed on boots.
It should also be noted that the most expensive aren’t necessarily the best. Sometimes boots can be overpriced.
I hope this answers your questions.