Hello and welcome to my Burton Swath Boa review.
In this review I will take a look at the Swath Boa as freestyle snowboard boots.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Swath Boa a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other freestyle boots.
Overall Rating
Boots: Burton Swath Boa
Price: $379 (USD recommended retail)
Style: Freestyle
Other Uses: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium
Flex Feel: Medium (5/10)
Rating Score: 89.5/100
Compared to other Freestyle Boots
Out of the 27 freestyle boots that I rated:
Overview of the Swath Boa’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Swath Boa’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freestyle, All-Mountain, All-Mountain Freestyle |
Price: | $379 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Edge-to-edge: | Medium-Fast |
Weight: | On the lighter side of normal |
Lacing System: | Double Boa |
Who are the Swath Boa Most Suited to?
The Swath Boa are a great option for riding the park, but also for riding the whole mountain, particularly if you're looking to ride the freestyle over the whole mountain.
A great match to all-mountain freestyle or freestyle snowboards - something with around a 4/10 to 5.5/10 flex is ideal.
You'll need a healthy boot budget to get them, but they give back good performance and great comfort.
The Swath Boa in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Swath Boa are capable of.
Demo Info
Boots: Burton Swath Boa 2020
Size: 10.5 (US Men's Sizing)
Date: January 24, 2020
Conditions: A little rain with warmish temperature. But didn't feel super warm, with the wind.
Visibility was relatively bad but not terrible.
Snow was well groomed with a hint of slushiness on groomer and a little slushy off.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Board Demoed With: Rossignol One LF 2018
Bindings Demoed With: Burton Malavita 2017
Outersole Length: 31.3cm (mondo 28.5cm)
Difference between Mondo & Outersole: 2.8cm
Backstay Height: 29.8cm
Weight: 920 grams*
* Average of a sample of boots I weighed was 1006 grams, so a little lighter than average.
Flex
The Swath Boa feel about what the Ruler feel, but maybe just that touch stiffer, but pretty close overall. They have a more snug feel to them, but still without any pressure points that I found, and even a bit more comfortable. Overall, I would say a solid 5/10, pushing 5.5/10.
Fit
Width: Before heat molding I felt that they were about a medium in terms of width, but after heat-molding they felt more like the mid-wide that I would usually feel from Burton. Good amount of room for toes.
True to Size?: The 10.5 fit me really well - and I would usually be a 10, so going up half a size isn't a bad call for these. I haven't tried them in a 10, so I don't know if those would work too, but this fit so well in the 10.5.
High or Low Arch: Not particularly low or high I felt. Before heat molding I felt a bit of pressure on the top of my right foot (which has a higher arch than my left foot) but that went away after heat molding and riding.
I liked the feeling of the liners in these boots - and the velcro around the sides of the liner, which I felt gave a nice snug but comfortable fit, even before tightening the harness around the liner.
Shock Absorption
The shock absorption is good without being great. Vs the Ruler, which I also rode that day, it was a little better. Flat landings weren't as uncomfortable. Vs my testing boots (Vans Aura), they were just a little less, but not far off.
Board Feel
I found I got really good board feel out of these boots. Feeling the sole before riding, they do have good flex in the sole, and then when riding I felt they were a little better vs the Ruler and about the same vs the Aura.
Responsiveness
I found the Swath Boa to be a little more responsive than my test Auras and the Rulers. Subtly so, but just that bit more. I felt they allowed me to get a little deeper in a carve. But still ride well at slower speeds.
Adjustability
Burton's double boa system provides good separation between the lower and upper sections. I like to keep the lower looser, so that was nice to have. But overall just a little better in terms of adjustability vs a boa system that has both boas focus around the ankle.
Comfort
Really comfortable boots. Even before heat molding, these boots were comfortable, then after heat molding they were ultra comfortable. I could wear them all day for a week! A really snug feel, but without any pressure points at all. Some boots it feels like you can feel the shell through the liner, but the Swath Boa just felt like your feet are wrapped in snuggly formed foam.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
The Swath comes in at around 3:25
Heel Hold
The Swath Boa give really good heel hold. It's not epic. I found some lift in the heel, but nothing that was that noticeable - certainly not while riding.
Reduced Footprint
The Swath Boa measured 2.8cm longer than their Mondo. That's pretty good, without being super low profile. However, they do have more boot bevel in the toe, typical of Burton boots, which helps give you more leeway on the toe side. Whilst I would probably give them more like 3.5/5 for the length alone, they are made more low profile with that bevel.
Traction
The soles aren't super grippy and not that much in terms of tread. And there's some flex in them. Certainly better for boardf feel than for traction, IMO.
Entry/Exit
You've got to deal with both velcroing and tightening the harness on the liner. That extra step with the velcro really adds to the feel though, so worth the couple of seconds of extra time - and certainly not difficult to do.
With having two boas on the outer boot it's a little more to do than a single boa - but again it's worth the very small extra effort to get that adjuatbility.
Easy to get the boot opened out enough to get foot in and out fairly easily. I found that I didn't really have to loosen the lower boa (not that I had it that tight as I like it looser down there) to get my foot out - so was just really dealing with the one boa, getting in and out, which made it a little easier.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 14/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 12/15 |
RESPONSE | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TRACTION | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
The Swath Boa is a great buy for someone with a reasonable budget.
I tested them on the same day as the Burton Ruler Boa and compared, the Swath Boa was a little bit better in most areas. Wasn't massively better in any one factor, but adding up all the little things, overall a reasonable step up, IMO. With a tighter budget the ruler are a good buy, for sure, but the Swath Boa are just that step up in performance and comfort.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Swath Boa, are ready to buy or want to research current prices and sizing availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Swath Boa compared to other freestyle boots, or want to check out some other options, check out the link below.
Hello and thank you very much for this review! I’m thinking about getting the Swath 2021/22. I’m riding freestyle on the piste and hit a few (little) jumps and side hits. Right now I’m riding a Nidecker Sensor Plus with Cartel Reflex Bindings, but maybe next season I will get a little bit less stiffer board for easier butters and rolls. Do you think the Swaths will be a good choice?
Thank you so much!
Hi Stefan
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Sensor Plus but based on specs rating I would say that the Swath is softer than ideal for it. On a softer board they would work well though – anything in that 3/10 to 6/10 flex range they would work well, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
How would the Swaths match up with the Burton Process Pure Pop camber?
My current boots are the Burton Kendo which I have had for a couple seasons now and
are feeling pretty soft. I am torn between last years Imperial and the Swath. I am a small dude at 5’7″ and 145 lbs.
Thanks
Hi Brandon
Thanks for your message.
I think the Swaths would be a really good match for the Process. But if you’re looking for something stiffer than the Kendo, they won’t be that – I would go Imperial, if you’re finding the Kendo too soft.
Hey Nate, awesome website…it’s certainly helped educate a noob. I’ve only hit the trails twice on a snowboard, but I’m already carving, switching stance, and going a pretty good pace down the mountain. I plan to snowboard at least 25-50 times per year, if not more, and was looking for a “better” boot to avoid upgrading in the near future. I’m 5’10” and 180-190lbs…don’t have a board yet, but wanted to get into boots and start the break-in period before springing for a board/bindings. I originally looked at the Moto, then considered the Ruler, and finally chose the Swath BOA because of the superior features. Being a 5flex, I figured it would be OK to learn on and use for at least 3yrs before moving up to a stiffer boot. I don’t plan on hitting the parks but groomers, trees and bowls, and I’m fairly aggressive on skis. 2 questions: do you think the Swath is a good boot for my intended purpose and what initial setup of board and bindings would you recommend? Appreciate all you do…keep up the good work!
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message. Given that you seemed to have picked things up quickly and that you plan to go so often, I think the Swath are a good choice. The Moto is something you would progress out of pretty fast – probably half a season or less with that many days. The Ruler would be good to last in terms of progression, but the Swath will last longer physically, with the amount of days you plan to do, that’s something to take into account.
In terms of an initial board/binding setup, it kind of depends. If you wanted to progress as quickly as possible and were happy to upgrade quickly. In your case, assuming 50 days per year, you might be talking half way through this season upgrading. Then a beginner board like one of these, something easy to ride and progress with, would be a good bet still. However, if you want something that’s going to last you a little while through your progression, without having to upgrade too soon, then something from here is a better bet.
In terms of bindings, it would depend on the board you ended up going with. Happy to have a look at the bindings, once we’ve narrowed down the board.
Hi Nate,
Wanted to ask for your input on which boots would fit my current set up. 154 Super DOA with Union Strata bindings. 5 foot 10
About 165 lbs. All mountain rider with minimal park. Enjoy small and medium kickers as well as side hits. Like to bomb slopes but can’t bomb the real step stuff (will casually S turn down those). Home mountain is Mammoth.
I tried on some boots the other day and really liked how low profile the burton ruler were but they felt too soft as far as the flex. Tried Thirtytwo slashed and just didn’t quite do it for me but the flex felt right, not as soft as rulers but not too stiff. What do you think about the Swath, protons, thirty two Tm-2 and maybe one you would recommend?
Appreciate your input.
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
I found the Swath fairly similar to the Ruler in terms of flex. Maybe marginally stiffer, but really close – both around 5/10 flex. For your setup, I’d be looking at 6/10 to 7/10 in terms of flex. The Lashed is, by my feel, more like 6/10 flex.
I felt the Photon at 6.5/10, maybe bordering on 7 and the Thirty Two TM-2 at 7/10 flex. So, I think those would be the better options from the boots you listed, for your setup. If you wanted other options also check out:
>>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
Hope this helps
Hey man, thanks for the great review.
I just bought these from my local shop because it’s all they had in my size that was relatively comfortably. But I’m concerned about the flex rating.
I mainly ride groomers, trees and bowls pretty aggressively. Barely park. I’m on a time
Sawtooth with burton custom bindings. Been using thirty two jp walkers since 2012, so I’m pretty used to a soft packed out boot at this point.
Although the Swaths are rated at a 5, I’m
Wondering if they’d be responsive enough for
My type of riding. What do you think?.
*Rome sawtooth
Hi Adam
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Sawtooth, so I can’t say for sure, but on paper it looks to be mid-stiff. Swath Boa not ideal – they’re on the soft side for that board, IMO. But Burton Custom bindings are too. Given that you’ve been riding 32 JP Walker 2012’s and that they won’t have been any stiffer than the Swath Boa, even brand new – and recently they would be considerably softer than brand new Swath Boa, I think you get away with it. And given you’ve been riding the Burton Custom on it and sounds like you’ve been fine.
Ideally I’d say stiffer boots and bindings for that board. For you’re style, given you ride relatively aggressively, going stiffer wouldn’t hurt either. But given what you’re used to, I don’t think you’re going to have a bad time or anything.
I actually made a mistake and am riding burton mission bindings.
So currently my setup is softer boots (packed out jp walkers) and a stiffer board / binding setup.
Maybe the softer swaths are actually a good balance for that setup? What do you think?
I agree that I’m so used to those old jp walkers, any new boot is likely to give me a more responsive feel regardless.
Hi Adam
Burton Mission a better match. And by my feel, I’d say Mission and Swatch are very much on that same mid-level flex. The board maybe a little stiffer than the rest of the setup (again, I haven’t ridden it, so not entirely sure). But yeah, like you say, compared to the boots you’ve been riding, and given that you’re used to that, I think that setup should work for you.
Hi Nate
First of all it’s awesome to follow your page, it has helped me alot min search for new gear.
I’ve ended up buying a Nitro Team board and Nitro Team Pro bindings.
I ride All Mountain, i enjoy Groomer, Carving and hitting the smaller jumps. Also i will be riding alot with my kids, so i seek something comfortable.
I have been looking at these Burton Swath Boa, would it be a good pick for me, or should i look in other directions?
Hi Tobias
Thanks for your message.
I think the Swath Boa could work. Ideally, I think something a little stiffer flexing to match the Nitro Team, but the Swath Boa is within a good range. And for their flex, they have a response better than you’d expect, so I think they’d be enough to drive your board/binding setup. I found them very comfortable (but note that comfort in boots can be quite subjective as we all have different feet) and they’re nice for riding at slower speeds too – depending on how fast your kids ride.
So yeah, definitely tick a lot of boxes for you, IMO. The only question mark would be whether you wanted to go a little stiffer or not.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
I have been considering Burton Swath in Step On.
Im a bit concerned that it may be too soft for me though. I currently ride Burton Ion leathers in Genesis bindings. Most say the ion leather is a touch softer than regular Ion – say 7/10.
Having not tried the Step On system, Im not sure if I need a stiffer boot or softer boot to get a similar response and feel to my current strap binding set up?
So I guess Im considering Swath, Photon and possibly even Ion in Step On?
Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Always enjoy your reviews. A great resource of information.
Thanks.
Hi Paul
Thanks for your message.
Unfortunately I still haven’t got on any step-ons yet, so I’m not sure if it’s better to err stiffer, softer or if it’s pretty much the same idea as going in regular boots. Also, I’m not sure if they compensate the flex in the boots or not. Like maybe they make the Swath step on boot a little stiffer than the regular Swath Boa, to give it the same overall feel as the regular Swath Boa, to compensate for the lack of straps. I really have no idea so I can’t be much help for this one. I am supposed to be getting a pair of step ons this season, but haven’t got them yet.
The non-step on Swath Boa feels around a 5/10 flex, versus the regular Ion, which is more like 7.5/10. If the Leather Ion (I haven’t tried them) is 7/10, you’re still looking at something softer if going Swath Boa, assuming the Step On setup gives you a similar overall feel.
Thinking of buying the swath boa. I ride a 2017 Burton Custom and I’m coming off 14 year old packed out Driver X boots. I have Burton Diode bindings. Are these going to be stiff enough for me? I ride backcountry prob 4 days a year when I go out west. Other days are groomers and ice back east. What do you think?
Hi Cam
Thanks for your message.
Definitely going to feel softer than the Driver X. For me the Driver X are around 9.5/10 in terms of flex, with the only stiffer boots I’ve ridden being the Ride Insano. The Swath Boa feel, to me, more like a 5/10 maybe pushing 5.5/10. If you think you have a preference for softer boots, they’re doable, but I think ideally for your setup I would go a little stiffer.
Hope this helps
Wanted to start off by thanking you. Your page is very helpful as I’ve resorted to it for most of my snowboarding / winter gear as I’ll be working as a lifty at copper mountain Woodward. So grateful for the detail and amount of passion you have which gives everyone good results to work with. Considering you covered quite a bit I’ll hit you with a question that might be helpful to others in my boat as you have covered other areas.
Wanted your opinion about getting the swath BOA size 13 for my wide 159 bataleon evil twin. I’m 6’2” 170
Plan on doing lots of park freestyle (once I get better) haha , or a feel for my balance. Doing plenty of hot laps as comes with the job, and getting speed and doing carvs. Hitting boxes and everything Woodward copper has to offer and then some. Probs won’t hit the back country too often but more shredding back and forth down the runs and hitting tricks . Good set up ? In your opinion would you suggest soft medium flex like these swaths ?
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your message.
I think the Swath BOA is a good match for the riding you’re describing and likely a good match to the Evil Twin. I haven’t ridden the Evil Twin, so I’m not sure how it feels but on paper it looks to be a good match to the riding you’ll be doing and a good match with the Swath Boa. To note I would rate the Swath 5/10, which I would consider medium flex, rather than soft medium. But still a very good match for what you’re describing, IMO, and Bataleon rate the evil twin 5/10 so I think you’re good there.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
Wondering your thoughts on a setup of Swath, Malvitas and Skelton key? Not going into park, rather enjoy using the mountain as a park, side hits, trees and some powder days. Older I get more enjoy slowing it down and nothing to aggressive. What are you thoughts on this route? Thanks!
Hi Logan
Thanks for your message.
Everything there works together for sure. If I was being fussy, I might say a tad bit stiffer in the boots for the Skeleton Key – but that’s getting super fussy, because it’s a really close match, and I think that would all work together really well and be a good match for how you describe your riding. I wouldn’t say the Skeleton Key is ultra-playful or anything. It is predominantly camber – but it’s certainly not that stiff (mid flex – 5.5/10 by me feel) which does make it quite easy going. And it does have rocker in the nose. Not great for riding switch, but if you’re not doing that much, then I think it would serve you well for what you’re describing – assuming you get the right size.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the awesome response Nate!! Totally helpful. Hole you have a great riding season.
You’re very welcome Logan. Hope you have a great season too!
Hi, I know this is all subjective but I was wondering how the Swath compared in feel to the Imperial. Based on your review the stiffness difference is between 1 and 1.5 in the flex-rating.
Would there be a problem riding park with the Imperials compared to the Swath? I assume after some break-in both will feel softer anyways. What was your experience in that regard? Did the Imperials feel that much stiffer when it came to freestyle? Thanks for your input. Regards, Phil
Hi Phil
Thanks for your message.
Yeah definitely subjective – like your weight plays a part in how stiff the boot will feel, but relatively the difference that you feel between the boots should be similar. The difference between the Swath and Imperial is fairly subtle. Noticeable but subtle.
Certainly after breaking in boots get softer, but they will retain some flex. So it’s likely that the Swath will always be softer for any given amount of use as it starts out softer. There are differences in how boots retain flex, so in some cases a boot that starts out stiffer might loose flex faster than a softer flexing boot. I’m not sure in the instance of the Imperial and the Swath, since these are boots that I’ve tested but haven’t used long term. The Imperials should be fine for riding freestyle, especially if you prefer a slightly stiffer flex for freestyle riding. I would say the Swath as well as being a little softer flexing also have subtly better board feel, which for me also plays into in terms of freestyle. I preferred the Swath for it, but the Imperial would certainly be fine but if you’re looking for a softer feel, it might just take more time to get that feel you’re after.
Hope this helps
Thank you for the reply, very much appreciated.
Maybe a bit more context:
I have a bit over 30 years of riding behind me and I’ve always been a big air/pipe guy more than a jib guy. However, I bought new boots last spring (Imperials) to replace my much beloved Sabbath (those lasted a looong time and weren’t used much for a couple of years when we our kids were young), based on what I’m used to: more support for bigger landings and higher speed.
I’ve ridden 3 days on the Imperials I bought last season before the virus closed down the mountain.
Nowadays, I ride a much smaller mountain than I used to so lots of park and all-mountain freestyle (as usual) but things are much smaller (smaller jumps, no pipe, etc), which means I’ll most likely end-up doing more jibbing than I used to.
So, not having tested the Imperials throroughly (as I said, only 3 days) and the 2020 Swath being on sale at great prices, I’m second-guessing my choice, hence the question.
So I’m wondering whether buying a pair of Swath would make a difference or will be negligible in feel.
The Imperials appeared quite stiff on those 3 days but they were brand new so they will soften eventually.
At 6’2” and 190lbs, I usually like more support but again: context.
Thanks for any additional info/opinion you might have.
Keep up the good work! Cheers!
Hi Phil
I don’t think the difference would be negligible in feel. But it won’t be drastic either. I think you would notice it for sure, but it’s not going to be like the difference between the Moto and Driver X! Or anything like that. The Imperials probably feel stiffer than your Sabbath did at the end of their life, assuming you rode them a long time, but the Imperials will soften with use, like you said. I think if you like more support and and at your weight, that the Imperials will work for what you’re describing. I do think that the Swath would probably be the slightly better choice, based on what you’re describing, but since you already have the Imperials, I’m not sure it’s worth the switch, for the effort/monetary costs.
If you were somehow able to get enough back for your Imperials for selling them that mostly pay for the on sale Swath, if it was easy enough, it wouldn’t be a bad call if you wanted to make the effort. But otherwise, I think you’ll be good with the Imperials, especially if you feel like they fit well. Good fit is the most important part of boot selection, IMO, and everything else after that is secondary.
Again, thanks for your insight and advice. Yes, my Sabbath did feel quite softer than at the beginning of their life but were still surprisingly good (forward support was good, side-to-side was a lot softer obviously).
The used market here is ridiculously bad so selling my boots for anything worthwhile isn’t possible.
I’ll ponder this a bit more but I’m very grateful for you taking time to answer and advise. Keep up the good work!
You’re very welcome Phil. Happy riding, whichever boots you end up riding in!