Past Season All-Mountain Boots Lists

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #10

Boot: DC Judge

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)

Rating: 84.8/100

Starting off the list at #10, we have the DC Judge. 

The Judge are a great do-it-all boot for those leaning more freeride than freestyle, but still versatile enough that you can ride these boots with an eclectic style. 

They're on the stiffer side of medium, for those that prefer their boots a little stiffer but not ultra stiff. 

Score Breakdown for the Judge

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #9

Boot: Burton Photon

Lacing System: Speed Lacing

Flex:  Medium (6.5/10)

Rating: 84.8/100

>>See Full Review

Next up we have Burton's Photon boots. 

The Photon are really comfortable boots (which can be subjective when it comes to boots of course), and offer a great balance between support and response, while still being forgiving enough to ride playfully in. 

They also have really good footprint reduction, so if you're on the cuff between a wide and regular width board and would prefer the narrower option, these can help you get onto it. 

If you prefer a BOA lacing system, these also come in a double BOA option.

Score Breakdown for the Photon

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #8

Boot: Thirty Two TM-TWO

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 85.3/100

>>See Full Review

Next up at #8, we have Thirty Two's TM-TWO. 

The TM-TWOs feature great response and some of the best heel hold I've felt - and that's saying something from a traditional lace boot. 

So if you're into Traditional Lace and want a solid, responsive boot with a slightly stiffer than mid-flex and at a decent price for this quality and flex of boot, the TM-TWO should be taking up a spot on your short list, for sure. 

Score Breakdown for the TM-TWO

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #7

Boot: K2 Orton

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 85.3/100

In at #7, we have K2's Orton. 

Like everything on this list, the Orton offers up a great balance between everything you want to do on the mountain. You can lay into carves and bomb when you need to, but they're also forgiving enough that they are still fine to ride slower with too. 

Score Breakdown for the Orton

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #6

Boot: Ride Deadbolt Zonal

Lacing System: Double Boa with power strap

Flex:  Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 85.9/100

At #6 we have the Ride Deadbolt. 

With great heel hold, the simplicity of Boa and basically great performance across every function, the Deadbolt are a great option for those looking for something just that little bit stiffer than medium, that can do a bit of everything and can match with a wide range of boards. 

Score Breakdown for the Deadbolt

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #5

Boot: K2 Ender

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with internal boa

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 87.0/100

>>See Full Review

At #5 we have the K2 Ender. 

Apart from being super comfortable (depending on fit of course) and having awesome heel hold, the Ender Feature an internal Boa which tightens a harness around the liner. This has 2 great benefits - it really helps with that heel hold but is also super convenient to re-tighten your liner without having to open the outer boot. 

They're not for those who are looking for a low profile boot, but if that's not an issue for you, these are great boots for anyone looking for that mid-flexing boot that straddles that perfect mixture of carveability with enough forgiveness and playfulness that you can still play around and get casual riding in them too. 

Score Breakdown for the Ender

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #4

Boot: Thirty Two TM-Three XD

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 89.7/100

The TM-3XD are all round just a high quality, high-end boot that provides oodles of heel hold, comfort and adjustability. And, like any good all-mountain boot should, sits nicely in that area where there's enough support and power to lay down big carves, but at the same time enough forgiveness to get playful and ride slower when you want to. 

Score Breakdown for the TM-3 XD

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #3

Boot: Salomon Dialogue Lace BOA SJ

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with Internal BOA

Flex:  Medium (6/10)

Rating: 89.7/100

>>See Full Review

The Salomon Dialogue Lace SJ BOA come in at #3. 

Salomon's lace/SJ BOA system allows you to tighten the liner and really crank the heel hold with the BOA (and allows you to re-tighten when you need to without untying the outer boot), whilst giving you the customization of traditional lacing for the outer boot. 

Of course that adjustability is only the icing on top of an otherwise high quality, comfortable boot. 

Especially good for those with narrower feet.

The Dialgoue also comes in a Speed Lace and a Dual Boa (which are also a great option and would have made this list - but didn't feel the need to double up on essentially the same boot (bar the lacing system). The Dual BOA version score slightly differently because of that lacing system, so I have included the score for the Dual Boa version below as well). 

Score Breakdown for the Dialogue Lace BOA SJ

Score Breakdown for the Dialogue Dual BOA

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #2

Boot: Vans Infuse

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with Internal Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10) - but can be 6/10 or 8/10 depending on whether you have the tongue stiffeners in or out. 

Rating: 90.8/100

>>See Full Review

In at #2 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 per boot – 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 around the ankle section of the tongue (on the outside of the boot, rather than around the liner - there's a separate liner 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.

On top of all that, these are very comfortable and responsive boots, with really good footprint reduction. 

Score Breakdown for the Infuse

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #1

Boot: Burton Ion Boa

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)

Rating: 91.8/100

>>See Full Review

And finally, coming in at #1, we have Burton's Ion Boa. 

You pay for these, the most expensive on this list, but you get back performance (and apparently durability, but I can't confirm that, as I don't ride boots long enough to determine that). Not for the small budget but for comfort and performance they’re an awesome boot, if you’ve got the means for them.

They're the stiffest on this list, but still not ultra stiff or anything - so they work well as an all-mountain boot for those boards in that mid-stiff range or for those who prefer their boots a little stiffer. They are still fine for riding at slower speeds, but just a little less suitable for that than the softer flexing options on this list. 

But for carveability, they are right up there - and add to that good footprint reduction, traction, shock absorption, adjustbility and comfort and you've got a pretty awesome boot.

Score Breakdown for the Ion Boas

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #10

Boot: Thirty Two TM-TWO

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 85.3/100

Starting off the list at #10 we have Thirty Two's TM-TWO. 

The TM-TWOs are the 2nd lowest priced boot on this list and the lowest priced 7/10 flex boot on this list. So, if you're looking for that mid-stiff boot but have a limit on what you can spend, the TM-TWOs are a great option. 

And of course it's not just price that makes these a great choice. To make #10 on this list they had to be quality boots - and they are certainly that, featuring great response and some of the best heel hold I've felt - and that's saying something from a traditional lace boot. 

So if you're into Traditional Lace and want a solid, responsive boot with a mid-flex at a decent price for this quality and flex of boot, the TM-TWO should be taking up a spot on your short list, for sure. 

Score Breakdown for the TM-TWO

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #9

Boot: Burton Photon

Lacing System: Speed Lacing

Flex:  Medium (6.5/10)

Rating: 85.3/100

Next up we have Burton's Photon boots. 

The Photon is technically new for 2022, but it carries on where the outgoing Imperial left off. It's not a carbon copy of the Imperial, there have certainly been some changes, but nothing fundamentally different. 

It's a name that certainly works, given that the Imperials were , for the most part, though not exactly, just a speed lace version of the Photon Boa.

Really comfortable boots (which can be subjective when it comes to boots of course), a great balance between support, response and still being forgiving enough to ride playfully in and some really good footprint reduction, the Photon carry on where the Imperial left off, with a subtle makeover.

Of course, if you prefer a BOA lacing system the Photon Boa is also a great option. 

Score Breakdown for the Photon

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #8

Boot: Ride Deadbolt Zonal

Lacing System: Double Boa with power strap

Flex:  Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 85.9/100

At #8 we have the Ride Deadbolt. 

With great heel hold, the simplicity of Boa and basically great performance across every function, the Deadbolt are a great option for those looking for something just that little bit stiffer than medium, that can do a bit of everything and can match with a wide range of boards. 

Score Breakdown for the Deadbolt

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #7

Boot: K2 Ender

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with internal boa

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 87.0/100

At #7 we have the K2 Ender. 

Apart from being super comfortable (depending on fit of course) and having awesome heel hold, the Ender Feature an internal Boa which harnesses the liner. This has 2 great benefits - it really helps with that heel hold but is also super convenient to re-tighten your liner without having to open the outer boot. 

They're not for those who are looking for a low profile boot, but if that's not an issue for you, these are great boots for anyone looking for that mid-flexing boot that straddles that perfect mixture of carveability with enough forgiveness and playfulness that you can still play around and get casual riding in them too. 

Score Breakdown for the Ender

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #6

Boot: Burton Ion Boa

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)

Rating: 88.6/100

In at #6, we have Burton's Ion Boa. 

You pay for these, the most expensive on this list, but you get back performance (and apparently durability, but I can't confirm that, as I don't ride boots long enough to determine that). Not for the small budget but for comfort and performance they’re an awesome boot, if you’ve got the means for them.

They're the stiffest on this list, but still not ultra stiff or anything - so they work well as an all-mountain boot for those boards in that mid-stiff range or for those who prefer their boots a little stiffer. They are still fine for riding at slower speeds, but just a little less suitable for that than the softer flexing options on this list. 

But for carveability, they are right up there - and add to that good footprint reduction, traction, adjustbility and comfort and you've got a pretty awesome boot.

Score Breakdown for the Ion Boas

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #5

Boot: Thirty Two TM-Three XD

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 89.7/100

New for 2022, the TM-3XD is an amalgamation of the outgoing 3XD (formerly Mullair) and TM-3 boots - so it's aptly named of course! 

Thankfully they retain the price tag of the TM-3 and not of the 3XD, but inherit some of the features from the 3XD. 

All round just a high quality high-end boot that provides oodles of heel hold, comfort and adjustability - and, like any good all-mountain boot should - sits nicely nicely in that area where there's enough support and power to lay down big carves, but at the same time enough forgiveness to get playful and ride slower when you want to. 

Score Breakdown for the TM-3 XD

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #4

Boot: Adidas Response 3MC ADV

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 90.2/100

In at #4, are the Adidas Response 3MC ADVs.

The Response 3MC ADV, are Adidas' mid flexing BOA boots – perfect for doing a bit-of-everything with.

They have really good response (as you might expect from the name!), 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. Adidas boots are also known to be good for those with wide feet.  

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.

Score Breakdown for the Response

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #3

Boot: Salomon Dialogue Lace BOA SJ

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with Internal BOA

Flex:  Medium (6/10)

Rating: 90.2/100

The Salomon Dialogue Lace SJ BOA come in at #3. 

These boots are new for 2022 and awesome to see the Dialogue get Salomon's Lace/BOA combo in the Lace BOA SJ version.

This system allows you to tighten the liner and really crank the heel hold with the BOA (and allows you to re-tighten when you need to without untying the outer boot) whilst giving you the customization of traditional lacing for the outer boot. 

Of course that adjustability is only the icing on top of an otherwise high quality, comfortable boot. 

Especially good for those with narrower feet.

The Dialgoue also comes in a Dual Boa which are also a great option and would have made this list (but didn't feel the need to double up on essentially the same boot, bar the lacing system - they score slightly differently because of that lacing system, so I have included the score for the Dual Boa version below as well). 

Score Breakdown for the Dialogue Lace BOA SJ

Score Breakdown for the Dialogue Dual BOA

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #2

Boot: Vans Infuse

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with Internal Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10) - but can be 6/10 or 8/10 depending on whether you have the tongue stiffeners in or out. 

Rating: 90.8/100

In at #2 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 around the ankle section of the tongue (on the outside of the boot, rather than around the liner - there's a separate liner 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.

On top of all that, these are very comfortable and responsive boots, with really good footprint reduction. 

Score Breakdown for the Infuse

ALL-MOUNTAIN BOOT #1

Boot: Adidas Tactical ADV

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 93.5/100

And finally, in at #1, we have the Tactical ADV.

For anyone looking for the ultimate in reduced footprint – great for anyone with bigger feet that want to fit on narrower boards – the Tactical ADVs are a great option. They're also great for those with wider feet. 

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.

There is also a Tactical Lexicon ADV version which has a more plush liner. 

Score Breakdown for the Tactical ADV

Boot: Burton Imperial

Price: $339

Lacing System: Speed Lacing

Flex:  Medium (6/10)

Rating: 85.3/100

Starting the list at #10, we have Burton's Imperial boots. 

The Imperials have been a staple in Burton's line for a while now, and no surprise there, given the quality across the range of factors. Great option for those that are looking for something low profile to get on a narrower board too. 

Score Breakdown for the Imperial

Boot: Ride Deadbolt

Price: $369

Lacing System: Double Boa with power strap

Flex:  Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 85.9/100

At #9 we have the Ride Deadbolt. 

With great heel hold, the simplicity of Boa and basically great performance across every function, the Deadbolt are a great option for those looking for something just that little bit stiffer than medium. 

Score Breakdown for the Deadbolt

Boot: Thirty Two TM-Three

Price: $449

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 87.0/100

The TM-Three features 32s Elite Liner for great comfort and support. 

But that's not all that's going for the TM-3. They have really good response, great adjustability (including a heel hold kit to ensure great heel hold) and are overall a quality feeling boot. 

Score Breakdown for the TM-3

Boot: K2 Ender

Price: $339

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with internal boa

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 87.0/100

At #7 we have the K2 Ender. 

Apart from being super comfortable (depending on fit of course) and having awesome heel hold, the Ender Feature an internal Boa which harnesses the liner. This has 2 great benefits - it really helps with that heel hold but is also super convenient to re-tighten your liner without having to open the outer boot. 

Score Breakdown for the Ender

Boot: Adidas Response 3MC ADV

Price: $320

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 87.0/100

In at #6 on this list are the Adidas Response 3MC ADVs.

The Response 3MC ADV, are Adidas' mid flexing BOA boots – perfect for doing a bit-of-everything with.

They have really good response (as you might expect from the name!), 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. Adidas boots are also known to be good for those with wide feet.  

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.

Score Breakdown for the Response

Boot: Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa

Price: $349

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex:  Medium (6/10)

Rating: 87.0/100

The Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa comes in at #8.

The Dialogue are great for anyone who needs great heel hold and wants their boots to be super comfortable (obviously depending on fit), and want plenty of shock absorption.  

Especially good for those with narrower feet.

Score Breakdown for the Dialogue Focus Boa

Boot: Burton Ion Boa

Price: $559

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 88.6/100

The speed lacing versions have been around a long time, but I was glad to see they put out a Boa version for these a few seasons back, as I prefer it over the speed lacing, even if it does add another $50 to an already pricey pair of boots.  

To be picky if there were anywhere that could use slight improvement it would be the shock absorption. 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.

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.

Score Breakdown for the Ion Boas

Boot: Vans Infuse

Price: $389

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with Internal Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10) - but can be 6/10 or 8/10 depending on whether you have the tongue stiffeners in or out. 

Rating: 90.8/100

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 around the ankle section of the tongue (on the outside of the boot, rather than around the liner - there's a separate liner 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.

On top of all that, these are very comfortable and responsive boots.

Score Breakdown for the Infuse

Boot: Thirty Two 3XD

Price: $549

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)

Rating: 92.4/100

The 32 3XD were new in Thirty Two's line for the 2019-20 season (under the name "Mullair" and continue on for the 2020-21 season. And they are a mean pair of boots. 

Responsive, comfortable and with all the adjustability you'll ever need (including a heel hold kit and arch support kit). If you're OK with heavier boots (these are the heaviest I've weighed) and traditional lacing, these are one of the best you can get in that mid to mid-stiff flex range. 

Score Breakdown for the 3XD

Boot: Adidas Tactical ADV

Price: $350

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 93.5/100

And in at #1, we have the Tactical ADV.

For anyone looking for the ultimate in reduced footprint – great for anyone with bigger feet that want to fit on narrower boards – the Tactical ADVs are a great option. They're also great for those with wider feet. 

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.

There is also a Tactical Lexicon ADV version which has a more plush liner. 

Score Breakdown for the Tactical ADV

Boot: Burton Imperial

Price: $339

Lacing System: Speed Lacing

Flex:  Medium (6/10)

Rating: 85.3/100

Starting the list at #10, we have Burton's Imperial boots. 

The Imperials have been a staple in Burton's line for a while now, and no surprise there, given the quality across the range of factors. Great option for those that are looking for something low profile to get on a narrower board too. 

Score Breakdown for the Imperial

Boot: Ride Deadbolt

Price: $349

Lacing System: Double Boa with power strap

Flex:  Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 85.9/100

At #9 we have the Ride Deadbolt. 

With great heel hold, the simplicity of Boa and basically great performance across every function, the Deadbolt are a great option for those looking for something just that little bit stiffer than medium. 

Score Breakdown for the Deadbolt

Boot: Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa

Price: $349

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex:  Medium (6/10)

Rating: 86.4/100

The Salomon Dialogue Focus Boa comes in at #8.

The Dialogue are great for anyone who needs great heel hold and wants their boots to be super comfortable (obviously depending on fit). 

Especially good for those with narrower feet.

Score Breakdown for the Dialogue Focus Boa

Boot: Thirty Two TM-Three

Price: $449

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 87.0/100

The TM-Three features 32s Elite Liner for great comfort and support. 

But that's not all that's going for the TM-3. They have really good response, great adjustability (including a heel hold kit to ensure great heel hold) and are overall a quality feeling boot. 

Score Breakdown for the TM-3

Boot: Adidas Response 3MC ADV

Price: $320

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 87.0/100

In at #6 on this list are the Adidas Response 3MC ADVs.

The Response 3MC ADV, are Adidas' mid flexing BOA boots – 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. Adidas boots are also known to be good for those with wide feet.  

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.

Score Breakdown for the Response

Boot: K2 Ender

Price: $339

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with internal boa

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 87.5/100

At #5 we have the K2 Ender. 

Apart from being super comfortable (depending on fit) and having awesome heel hold, the Ender Feature an internal Boa which harnesses the liner. This has 2 great benefits - it really helps with that heel hold but is also super convenient to re-tighten your liner without having to open the outer boot. 

Score Breakdown for the Ender

Boot: Burton Ion Boa

Price: $549

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 88.6/100

The speed lacing versions have been around a long time, but I was glad to see they put out a Boa version for these a few seasons back, as I prefer it over the speed lacing, even if it does add another $50 to an already pricey pair of boots.  

To be picky if there were anywhere that could use slight improvement it would be the shock absorption. 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.

Score Breakdown for the Ion Boas

Boot: Thirty Two Mullair

Price: $499

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 90.8/100

The 32 Mullair are new in Thirty Two's line for the 2019-20 season. And they are a mean pair of boots. 

Responsive, comfortable and with all the adjustability you'll ever need (including a heel hold kit and arch support kit). If you're OK with heavier boots (these are the heaviest I've weighed) and traditional lacing, these are one of the best you can get in that mid to mid-stiff flex range. 

Score Breakdown for the Mullair

Boot: Vans Infuse

Price: $369

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing with Internal Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10) - but can be 6/10 or 8/10 depending on whether you have the tongue stiffeners in or out. 

Rating: 90.8/100

In at #2 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 around the liner 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.

Score Breakdown for the Infuse

Boot: Adidas Tactical ADV

Price: $350

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 91.8/100

And in at #1, we have the Tactical ADV.

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. They're also great for those with wider feet. 

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.

There is now also a Tactical Lexicon ADV version which has a more plush liner. 

Score Breakdown for the Tactical ADV

Boot: Adidas Response ADV

Price: $320

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 88.0/100

The first boots we take a look at on this list are the Adidas Response ADVs.

This is Adidas’ second year of producing 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. Adidas boots are also known to be good for those with wide feet.  

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.

Score Breakdown for the Response

Boot: K2 Maysis Heat

Price: $449

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)

Rating: 88.0/100

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 nice and 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.

The Heat are new for 2019 and offer a battery powered boot heating system, with 3 different heat settings. This is pretty unique and great for those who ride in seriously cold conditions or who tend to run cold. 

These boots also come in a standard version (without the heat liner) which are $150 cheaper. If you’re budget is tighter and/or you don't need the heat, then those might be the better options. 

Score Breakdown for the Maysis Heat

Boot: Burton Ion Boa

Price: $549

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5 out of 10)

Rating: 88.6/100

The Ion BOAs were new for 2018 (and continue for the 2019 model). The speed lacing versions have been around a long time, but I was glad to see they put out a Boa version for these as I prefer it over the speed lacing, even if it does add another $50 to an already pricey pair of boots.  

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.

Score Breakdown for the Ion Boas

Boot: Vans Infuse

Price: $369

Lacing System: Hybrid Boa/Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium-Stiff (7 out of 10) - but can be 6/10 or 8/10 depending on whether you have the tongue stiffeners in or out. 

Rating: 90.8/100

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.

I liked them so much I bought them! Why didn't I buy #1 - well a. because Vans boots fit me very well (I have flat feet and a normal width foot) and b. my brother bought the Tactical ADV (and loves them!) but I couldn't copy him right!? 

Score Breakdown for the Infuse

Boot: Adidas Tactical ADV

Price: $350

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium (6/10)

Rating: 91.8/100

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.

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. They're also great for those with wider feet. 

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.

Score Breakdown for the Tactical ADV