Past Season Beginner Boots Lists

BEGINNER BOOT #10

Boot: K2 Rosko BOA

Lacing System: Single BOA

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Width-Fit: Average width feet

Rating: 86.6/100

Starting off the list at #10 we have K2's Rosko BOA.

The Rosko BOA is low cost, no nonsense option that's super easy to get in and out of and has a nice soft flex making progression fast, easy and forgiving, to have you riding all day. 

Score Breakdown for the Rosko

BEGINNER BOOT #9

Boot: Thirty Two Shifty Lace

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Soft (2/10)

Fit: Mid to Mid-wide feet

Rating: 86.6/100

Next up at #9 we have the Shifty Lace. 

The Shifty Lace have the softest flex of all boots in this list - and the lowest equal price (along with #1 & #2 below). 

These are ideal for those lighter riders - for those who even a 4/10 flex might feel on the stiffer side. 

The Shifty come in both a Lace and Boa version, so if you think the Boa is more your style, that's an option too - with the Boa version you gain easier Entry/Exit, but sacrifice adjustability. The Boa version costs a little more too, but still really reasonably priced.  

Score Breakdown for the Shifty Lace

Score Breakdown for the Shifty BOA

BEGINNER BOOT #8

Boot: Salomon Launch Lace Boa SJ

Lacing System: Traditional Lace with Liner Boa

Flex: Medium (5/10)

Fit: Normal to narrow width feet

Rating: 87.2/100

Next up at #8, we have the Launch Lace Boa SJ. 

Whilst not a boot I would typically call a beginner boot - both because of flex and price. But for those who are higher end beginner riders - or heavier/stronger riders, they can work really well as a beginner boot. If you're a lighter rider, I'd go something softer, but for some this a great option. 

Salomon's Launch range comes in 3 different lacing options - traditional lace, boa and lace boa. IMO, the lace boa is a great option that gives you the adjustability of traditional lacing with the heel hold advantage of boa - and not only that, gives you a really easy way to crank down that heel on the fly, without having to open up the outer boot. 

Score Breakdown for the Launch Lace Boa

BEGINNER BOOT #7

Boot: Ride Anthem

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Average width feet

Rating: 89.0/100

In at #7, we have Ride's Anthem boots.

The Anthem hit what I think is a really nice flex for beginners, at around 4/10 - just a little softer than medium, but not too soft. Easy to ride, but still providing some stability and boots that will take you through a bit more progression-wise than super soft boots. 

They're also overall a decent quality boot for the price. 

Score Breakdown for the Anthem

BEGINNER BOOT #6

Boot: Thirty Two STW Double Boa

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

Fit: Normal width to mid-wide feet

Rating: 90.7/100

At #6, we have the STW Double Boa. 

The STW use to also come in a single Boa option (but that didn't get a 2023 model) The remaining Double Boa version may be the more pricey option (2nd most pricey on this list). But you do get more adjustability and better heel hold than you would with a single BOA version, which helps you to get that fit just right.  

Score Breakdown for the STW Double Boa

BEGINNER BOOT #5

Boot: Ride Rook

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width feet

Rating: 91.3/100

Next up at #5 are the Ride Rook.

The Rook are a nice simple single boa boot that's super easy to get in and out of and provides a nice forgiving, but not ultra-soft flex. 

Not great in terms of adjustability, but they come in at a really reasonable price tag and still with decent quality. 

Score Breakdown for the Rook

BEGINNER BOOT #4

Boot: K2 Raider

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width feet

Rating: 91.9/100

In at #4 are the K2 Raider.

The Raider are a no nonsense single Boa boot that's comfortable and are easy and quick to get in and out of. 

They lack adjustability, just the downside of being single Boa, but do provide good overall quality for the price-point.  

Overall a nice boot for a beginner and something that isn't so soft that you would grow out of it too quickly. 

Score Breakdown for the Raiders

BEGINNER BOOT #3

Boot: Vans Aura OG

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

Fit: Average width feet 

Rating: 93.0/100

At #3, we have the Vans Aura OG.

The Aura OG provide that nice flex level that's forgiving enough for beginners getting started and are of a decent enough quality that they're the kind of boots that can move with you while you progress. 

They're also nice and comfortable (taking into account that comfort can be subjective) and super easy to get in and out of. 

Score Breakdown for the Aura OG

BEGINNER BOOT #2

Boot: Vans Hi Standard OG

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

Fit: Normal width feet (note also that those with high arches may not fit well)

Rating: 95.9/100

Coming in at #2 we have the Vans Hi Standard OG.

The Hi-Standard OG are a good low profile option, if you're needing to get into boots that will help you get on a narrower board. And they're quality belies their price-tag.

They're similar to #3 above (Aura OG). Get these if you want Traditional Lacing and get the Aura OG if you'd prefer Boa. 

Score Breakdown for the Hi-Standard OG

BEGINNER BOOT #1

Boot: Burton Moto Lace

Lacing System: Speed Lacing

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet

Rating: 96.5/100

And finally at #1, we have the Burton Moto Lace. 

The Moto’s are very popular beginner boots and it’s easy to see why. They have the right flex and the right price-tag.

They also have really good reduced footprint (which essentially means that the outside of the boot is smaller than what the inside of the boot is – so a boot that will fit a size 10 foot on the inside would have a size 9-9.5 footprint on the outside), so if you’ve got larger feet and are looking to get on a narrower width board than you otherwise could, these are also a great choice for that reason.

These also come in a Boa version and a speed lace version - which also make good beginner boots. Note that the Boa and speed lace version scores slightly differently. The price goes up a little for the speed lace version and then a little more for the Boa version.  

Score Breakdown for the Moto Lace

Score Breakdown for the Moto (speed lace)

Score Breakdown for the Moto BOA

BEGINNER BOOT #10

Boot: Salomon Launch Lace Boa SJ

Lacing System: Traditional Lace with Liner Boa

Flex: Medium (5/10)

Fit: Normal to narrow width feet

Rating: 86.6/100

Starting off the list at #10, we have the Launch Lace Boa SJ. 

Whilst not a boot I would typically call a beginner boot - both because of flex and price, but for those who are higher end beginner riders - or heavier/stronger riders, they can work really well as a beginner boot. If you're a lighter rider, I'd go something softer, but for some this a great option. 

Salomon's Launch range comes in 3 different lacing options - traditional lace, boa and lace boa. IMO, the lace boa is a great option that gives you the adjustability of traditional lacing with the heel hold advantage of boa - and not only that, gives you a really easy way to crank down that heel on the fly, without having to open up the outer boot. 

Score Breakdown for the Launch Lace Boa

BEGINNER BOOT #9

Boot: Thirty Two Shifty Lace

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Soft (2/10)

Fit: Mid to Mid-wide feet

Rating: 87.8/100

Next up at #9 we have the Shifty Lace. 

This is the opposite end of the spectrum from #10 above and has the softest flex of all boots in this list - and the lowest price. 

So, these are ideal for those lighter riders - for those who even a 4/10 flex might feel on the stiffer side. 

The Shifty come in both a Lace and Boa version, so if you think the Boa is more your style, that's an option too - with the Boa version you gain easier Entry/Exit, but sacrifice adjustability. The Boa version costs a little more too, but still really reasonably priced.  

Score Breakdown for the Shifty Lace

Score Breakdown for the Shifty BOA

BEGINNER BOOT #8

Boot: Ride Anthem

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Average width feet

Rating: 89.0/100

In at #8, we have Ride's Anthem boots.

The Anthem hit what I think is a really nice flex for beginners, at around 4/10 - just a little softer than medium, but not too soft. Easy to ride, but still providing some stability and boots that will take you through a bit more progression-wise than super soft boots. 

They're also overall a decent quality boot for the price. 

Score Breakdown for the Anthem

BEGINNER BOOT #7

Boot: Thirty Two STW Double Boa

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

Fit: Normal width to mid-wide feet

Rating: 90.7/100

At #4, we have the STW Double Boa. 

The STW also comes in a sinlge Boa is also a good option (and comes in cheaper than the Double Boa version) for beginners, but the Double Boa just helps to give you more adjustability and better heel hold. 

Score Breakdown for the STW Double Boa

BEGINNER BOOT #6

Boot: K2 Rosko Lace

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Fit: Average width feet

Rating: 90.7/100

Next up we have K2's Rosko.

The Rosko is low cost option, whilst still being of an OK quality. 

If you like the idea of the adjustability of traditional lacing and don't mind things taking a little longer getting into your boots, and have a small budget, the Rosko are worth a look. It also comes in a single BOA version if you prefer BOA (and happy to sacrifice adjustability for a quicker/easier entry exit).

Score Breakdown for the Rosko

BEGINNER BOOT #5

Boot: Ride Rook

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width feet

Rating: 91.3/100

Next up at #5 are the Ride Rook.

The Rook are a nice simple single boa boot that's super easy to get in and out of and provides a nice forgiving, but not ultra-soft flex. 

Not great in terms of adjustability, but they come in at a really reasonable price tag and still with decent quality. 

Score Breakdown for the Rook

BEGINNER BOOT #4

Boot: Vans Aura OG

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

Fit: Average width feet 

Rating: 91.9/100

At #4, we have the Vans Aura OG.

The Aura OG provide that nice flex level that's forgiving enough for beginners getting started and are of a decent enough quality that they're the kind of boots that can move with you while you progress. 

They're also nice and comfortable and super easy to get in and out of. 

Score Breakdown for the Aura OG

BEGINNER BOOT #3

Boot: K2 Raider

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width feet

Rating: 91.9/100

In at #3 are the K2 Raider.

The Raider are a no nonsense single Boa boot that's comfortable and are easy and quick to get in and out of. 

They lack adjustability, just the downside of being single Boa, but do provide good overall quality for the price-point.  

Overall a nice boot for a beginner and something that isn't so soft that you would grow out of it too quickly. 

Score Breakdown for the Raiders

BEGINNER BOOT #2

Boot: Vans Hi Standard OG

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

Fit: Normal width feet (note also that those with high arches may not fit well)

Rating: 95.9/100

Coming in at #2 we have the Vans Hi Standard OG.

The Hi-Standard OG are a good low profile option, if you're needing to get into boots that will help you get on a narrower board. And they're quality belies their price-tag.

They're similar to #4 above (Aura OG). Get these if you want Traditional Lacing and get the Aura OG if you'd prefer Boa. 

Score Breakdown for the Hi-Standard OG

BEGINNER BOOT #1

Boot: Burton Moto Lace

Lacing System: Speed Lacing

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet

Rating: 96.5/100

And finally at #1, we have the Burton Moto Lace. 

The Moto’s are very popular beginner boots and it’s easy to see why. They have the right flex and the right price-tag.

They also have really good reduced footprint (which essentially means that the outside of the boot is smaller than what the inside of the boot is – so a boot that will fit a size 10 foot on the inside would have a size 9.5 footprint on the outside), so if you’ve got larger feet and are looking to get on a narrower width board than you otherwise could, these are also a great choice for that reason.

These also come in a Boa version and a speed lace version - which also make good beginner boots. Note that the Boa and speed lace version scores slightly differently. The price goes up a little for the speed lace version and then a little more for the Boa version.  

Score Breakdown for the Moto Lace

Score Breakdown for the Moto (speed lace)

Score Breakdown for the Moto BOA

Boot: Ride Rook

Price: $199

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width feet

Rating: 88.4/100

Starting off the list at #10 are the Ride Rook.

The Rook are a nice simple single boa boot that's super easy to get in and out of and provides a nice forgiving, but not ultra-soft flex. 

They come in at a really reasonable price tag too, but still have decent quality. 

Score Breakdown for the Rook

Boot: Salomon Launch Lace Boa

Price: $269

Lacing System: Traditional Lace with Liner Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4.5/10)

Fit: Normal to narrow width feet

Rating: 88.4/100

Next up we have the Launch Lace Boa. 

Salomon's Launch range comes in 3 different lacing options - traditional lace, boa and lace boa. IMO, the lace boa is a great option that gives you the adjustability of traditional lacing with the heel hold advantage of boa - and not only that, gives you a really easy way to crank down that heel on the fly, without having to open up the outer boot. 

The Launch Lace is also the stiffest boot in this list. Stiff boots aren't good for beginners, IMO, but they aren't too stiff, but just a bit stiffer than others in this list. So they are a great option, IMO, for heavier riders, looking for a good beginner boot, but need something a little firmer than other beginner boots. 

Score Breakdown for the Launch Lace Boa

Boot: Thirty Two Zephyr Santa Cruz

Price: $299

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet

Rating: 89.5/100

In at #8, we have the 32 Zephyr Santa Cruz. 

If you want something that's beginner friendly but that will still give enough performance if you progress quickly, then these are a great option.  

They are the kind of boot that you won't have to upgrade from for a good while. 

They have surprisingly good heel hold for traditional lace boots and also come with a heel hold kit to get an even more tailored heel hold. 

The Zephyr were higher in this list last year, but the price tag went up and that reduced the score.  And the Zephyr Santa Cruz is a slightly different boot, with an different/upgraded sole and more articulation in the cuff. 

Score Breakdown for the Zephyr

Boot: K2 Raider

Price: $229

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width feet

Rating: 89.5/100

In at #7 are the K2 Raider.

The Raider are a no nonsense single Boa boot that's comfortable, has good shock absorption and are easy and quick to get in and out of. 

They lack adjustability, just the downside of being single Boa, but do provide decent heel hold for those that find it hard to keep their heel down in their boots. 

Overall a nice boot for a beginner and something that isn't so soft that you would grow out of it too quickly. 

Score Breakdown for the Raiders

Boot: Adidas The Super Star

Price: $300

Lacing System: Traditional Lace with power strap

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Mid-wide to wide feet

Rating: 89.5/100

At #6 we have the Adidas Superstar boots. 

Whilst not for the budget conscious beginner, they are one of those boots that are great for riding freestyle/park, if that's something you see yourself getting into. 

They're a great option for those with wide feet and whilst they're not as low profile as other Adidas boots that I've measured, they're decently low profile. 

They can also take you well past the beginner stage and with that power strap, you can crank that down as you get more advanced for a little bit more hold and response for when you start riding faster and harder. 

If that sounds like you and you have a good budget to work with, then these are a great option. 

Score Breakdown for the Superstar

Boot: Vans Aura OG

Price: $229

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

Fit: Average width feet 

Rating: 90.7/100

At #5, we have the Vans Aura OG.

The Aura OG provide that nice flex level that's forgiving enough for beginners getting start and are of a decent enough quality that they're the kind of boots that can move with you while you progress. 

They're also nice and comfortable and super easy to get in and out of. 

Score Breakdown for the Aura OG

Boot: Thirty Two STW Double Boa

Price: $239

Lacing System: Double Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

Fit: Normal width to mid-wide feet

Rating: 90.7/100

At #4, we have the STW Double Boa. 

The STW Double Boa are new for 2021 and add a double boa option to the existing STW Boa. The STW Boa is also a good option (and comes in cheaper than the Double Boa version) for beginners, but the Double Boa just helps to give you more adjustability and better heel hold. 

Score Breakdown for the STW Double Boa

Boot: K2 Rosko Lace

Price: $179

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Fit: Average width feet

Rating: 90.7/100

Next up we have K2's Rosko.

The Rosko is new for 2021 and offers a very low cost option (the lowest priced on this list), whilst still being of an OK quality. 

If you like the idea of the adjustability of traditional lacing and don't mind things taking a little longer getting into your boots, and have a small budget, the Rosko are worth a look. 

Score Breakdown for the Rosko

Boot: Vans Hi Standard OG

Price: $219

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)

Fit: Normal width feet (note also that those with high arches may not fit well)

Rating: 93.6/100

Coming in at #2 we have the Vans Hi Standard OG.

For 2019 (and continuing for the 2020 and 2021 models), Vans made a Hi-Standard OG and a Hi-Standard Pro (and did the same with the Aura). The Pro version is a little stiff to make this list, but the OG is just the right mix of a softer flexing boot, still with plenty of comfort. 

The Hi-Standard OG are also a good low profile option. Get these if you want Traditional Lacing and get the Aura OG if you'd prefer Boa. 

Score Breakdown for the Hi-Standard OG

Boot: Burton Moto

Price: $199

Lacing System: Speed Lacing

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet

Rating: 95.3/100

And finally at #1, we have the Burton Moto. 

The Moto’s are very popular beginner boots and it’s easy to see why. They have the right flex, the right price-tag and are super easy to get in and out of (once you learn the speed lacing system).

They also have really good reduced footprint (which essentially means that the outside of the boot is smaller than what the inside of the boot is – so a boot that will fit a size 10 foot on the inside would have a size 9.5 footprint on the outside), so if you’ve got larger feet and are looking to get on a narrower width board than you otherwise could, these are also a great choice for that reason.

These also come in a Boa version, which also make good beginner boots - if you think you would prefer a Boa boot. Note that the Boa version scores slightly differently. And for 2021 there is also a Lace version of the Moto, which is also a great beginner option, if you would prefer Traditional Lacing. The Boa version is the priciest, with the Lace version the cheapest and the Speed Lace in between. 

Score Breakdown for the Moto Speed Zone

Boot: K2 Raider

Price: $209

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width feet

Rating: 89.5/100

Starting off the list at #7 are the K2 Raider.

The Raider are a no nonsense single Boa boot that's comfortable, has good shock absorption and are easy and quick to get in and out of. 

They lack adjustability, just the downside of being single Boa, but do provide really good heel hold for those that find it hard to keep their heel down in their boots. 

Overall a nice boot for a beginner and something that isn't so soft that you would grow out of it too quickly. 

Score Breakdown for the Raiders

Boot: Adidas The Super Star

Price: $299

Lacing System: Traditional Lace with power strap

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Mid-wide to wide feet

Rating: 89.5/100

In at #6 we have the Adidas Superstar boots. 

Whilst not for the budget conscious beginner, they are one of those boots that are great for riding freestyle/park, if that's something you see yourself getting into. 

They're a great option for those with wide feet and whilst they're not as low profile as other Adidas boots that I've measured, they're decently low profile. 

They can also take you well past the beginner stage and with that power strap, you can crank that down as you get more advanced for a little bit more hold and response for when you start riding faster and harder. 

If that sounds like you and you have a good budget to work with, then these are a great option. 

Score Breakdown for the Superstar

Boot: Burton Invader

Price: $159

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Soft (2/10)

Fit: Average to mid-wide feet 

Rating: 90.1/100

At #5, we have the softest and lowest priced bindings on this list, the Burton Invaders.

These boots will help to make riding easier from the get go whilst still being of a decent quality – and they won’t break the bank!

They’re strictly beginner boots and once you become more advanced you’ll want to upgrade – but they will help you to advance super-quickly.

If you’re fine with traditional lacing and have a modest budget, the Invaders are a great choice.

Score Breakdown for the Invader

Boot: Thirty Two 86 FT

Price: $179

Lacing System: Speed Lace

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Fit: Normal width to mid-wide feet

Rating: 91.3/100

In at #4, we have the second lowest priced boots on this list , the Thirty Two 86FT.

The 86FTs are really comfortable and have (like most on this list) a nice forgiving medium-soft flex.

This flex is ideal for beginners because it offers a good amount of forgiveness and helps with control at lower speeds – but isn’t too soft – so you can progress to a more advanced level without having to buy new boots straight away.

Score Breakdown for the 86FT

Boot: Vans Hi Standard OG

Price: $199

Lacing System: Traditional Lacing

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Fit: Normal width feet (note also that those with high arches may not fit well)

Rating: 93.0/100

Coming in at #3 we have the Vans Hi Standard OG.

For 2019 (and continuing for the 2020 models), Vans made a Hi-Standard OG and a Hi-Standard Pro (and done the same with the Aura). The Pro version is a little stiff to make this list, but the OG is just the right mix of a softer flexing binding, still with plenty of comfort. 

And if your looking to get something at a great price, then the Hi Standard are a great option and are $17 lower than the average beginner boot price (of those that I rated) and the 3rd lowest on this list.

Vans boots are also one of the more low profile in the industry nowadays - second only to Adidas of the boots that I've measured. 

Score Breakdown for the Hi-Standard OG

Boot: Burton Moto

Price: $199

Lacing System: Speed Lacing

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet

Rating: 94.2/100

The Moto’s are very popular beginner boots and it’s easy to see why. They have the right flex, the right price-tag and are super easy to get in and out of (once you learn the speed lacing system).

They also have really good reduced footprint (which essentially means that the outside of the boot is smaller than what the inside of the boot is – so a boot that will fit a size 10 foot on the inside would have a size 9.5 footprint on the outside), so if you’ve got larger feet and are looking to get on a narrower width board than you otherwise could, these are also a great choice for that reason.

These also come in a Boa version, which also make good beginner boots - if you think you would prefer a Boa boot. Note that the Boa version scores slightly differently. 

Score Breakdown for the Moto Speed Zone

Boot: Thirty Two Zephyr

Price: $219

Lacing System: Traditional Lace

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet

Rating: 94.8/100

And finally at #1, we have the 32 Zephyr. 

Where the ThirtyTwo 86 FT (see #6) is a lot more freestyle/park focused, the Zephyr is more of an all-rounder. And it's a little more performance oriented, so if you want something that's beginner friendly but that will still give enough performance if you progress quickly, then these are a great option.  

They are the kind of boot that you won't have to upgrade from for a good while. 

They have surprisingly good heel hold for traditional lace boots and also come with a heel hold kit to get an even more tailored heel hold. 

The Zephyr also come in a single boa version. The boa version scores slightly differently, but is still a very good beginner option, if you prefer the sound of boa. 

Score Breakdown for the Zephyr

Boot: Adidas The Super Star

Price: $299

Lacing System: Traditional Lace with power strap

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Mid-wide to wide feet

Rating: 90.7/100

Starting off the list at #7 are the Adidas Superstar boots. 

Whilst not for the budget conscious beginner, they are one of those boots that are great for riding freestyle/park, if that's something you see yourself getting into. 

Adidas have the lowest profile boots going around at the moment, so if you've got bigger feet, then they can help you to get on a narrower board. They're also great boots for those with wide feet. 

They can also take you well past the beginner stage and with that power strap, you can crank that down as you get more advanced for a little bit more hold and response for when you start riding faster and harder. 

If that sounds like you and you have a good budget to work with, then these are a great option. 

Score Breakdown for the Superstar

Boot: Thirty Two 86FT

Price: $179

Lacing System: Speed Lacing

Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)

Fit: Normal width to mid-wide feet

Rating: 91.3/100

In at #6, we have the second lowest priced boots on this list , the Thirty Two 86FT.

The 86FTs are really comfortable and have (like most on this list) a nice forgiving medium-soft flex.

This flex is ideal for beginners because it offers a good amount of forgiveness and helps with control at lower speeds – but isn’t too soft – so you can progress to a more advanced level without having to buy new boots straight away.

Score Breakdown for the 86FT

Boot: K2 Raider

Price: $209

Lacing System: Single Boa

Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)

Fit: Normal width feet

Rating: 91.3/100

The K2 Raider are a no nonsense single Boa boot that's comfortable, has good shock absorption and are easy and quick to get in and out of. 

They lack adjustability, just the downside of being single Boa, but do provide really good heel hold for those that find it hard to keep their heel down in their boots. 

Overall a nice boot for a beginner and something would work great as a park boot too, if you end up getting into that style of riding.  

Score Breakdown for the Raiders