You can toggle (by clicking the "+" sign) each year below to see the lists from past season's.
BEGINNER BOOT #10
Boot: Ride Anthem
-
US
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Fit: Average width feet
Rating: 88.4/100
Starting off the list at #10, 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 last you longer, progression-wise, than super soft boots.
They're also overall a decent quality boot for the price.
Score Breakdown for the Anthem
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.4/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #9
Boot: Salomon Launch Lace Boa SJ
-
US
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Traditional Lace with Liner Boa
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Fit: Normal to narrow width feet
Rating: 89.0/100
Next up at #9, 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 comes in 2 different lacing options - SJ BOA and the Traditional Lace/SJ BOA that we feature here. IMO, the Hybird 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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 3.5 | 14/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 5.0 | 10/10 |
PRICE | 2.5 | 5/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.0/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #8
Boot: DC Phase Lace
-
US
-
CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Width-Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet
Rating: 86.6/100
In at #8, we have DC's Phase Lace snowboard boots.
The Phase Lace have the maneuverability, flex and price that should make these really appealing to beginners and help build technique and confidence.
Score Breakdown for the Phase Lace
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 3.0 | 9/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 10/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.0/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #7
Boot: Thirty Two Shifty Lace
-
US
-
CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Traditional Lace
Flex: Soft (2/10)
Fit: Mid to Mid-wide feet
Rating: 89.0/100
Next up we have ThirtyTwo's Shifty Lace.
The Shifty Lace have the softest flex of all boots in this list - and the lowest equal price (along with #8 above & #1 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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 10/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.0/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Shifty BOA
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.0/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #6
Boot: Ride Rook
-
US
-
CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Fit: Normal width feet
Rating: 89.5/100
Coming in at #6 are the Ride Rook.
The Rook are a nice simple single boa snowboard 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 with decent overall quality.
Score Breakdown for the Rook
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 2.0 | 4/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #5
Boot: Thirty Two STW Double Boa
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US
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)
Fit: Normal width to mid-wide feet
Rating: 90.1/100
At #5, we have the STW Double Boa.
The STW Double Boa may be the 2nd most pricey on this list but you do get more adjustability and better heel hold than you would with a single BOA, which helps you to get that fit just right. And still a really decent price for a double boa boot.
Score Breakdown for the STW Double Boa
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 3.0 | 6/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.1/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #4
Boot: K2 Raider
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US
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Fit: Normal width feet
Rating: 90.7/100
Next up we have 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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #3
Boot: Vans Aura OG
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US
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)
Fit: Average width feet
Rating: 92.4/100
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.4/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #2
Boot: Burton Moto
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US
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Speed Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet
Rating: 93.0/100
In the #2 position, we have the Burton Moto.
The Moto’s are very popular beginner snowboard 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 version (and used to come in a traditional lace version but don't anymore) - which also make good beginner boots. Note that the Boa version scores slightly differently and the price goes up a little.
Score Breakdown for the Moto (speed lace)
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.5 | 7/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.8/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Moto BOA
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.0/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #1
Boot: Vans Hi Standard OG
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US
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
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: 96.5/100
And finally, in the #1 spot, 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.
And most importantly they are great boots for beginners to progress and build confidence in.
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 10/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 96.5/100 |
As a reference for the scores below;
Out of 24 beginner boots that I rated:
BEGINNER BOOT #10
Boot: K2 Rosko BOA
- US
- CA
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 1.0 | 2/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.6/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #9
Boot: Thirty Two Shifty Lace
- US
- CA
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.6/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Shifty BOA
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.9/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #8
Boot: Salomon Launch Lace Boa SJ
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 3.5 | 17.5/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 5.0 | 10/10 |
PRICE | 2.5 | 5/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.2/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #7
Boot: Ride Anthem
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.0/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #6
Boot: Thirty Two STW Double Boa
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 3.0 | 6/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #5
Boot: Ride Rook
- US
- CA
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #4
Boot: K2 Raider
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.9/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #3
Boot: Vans Aura OG
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.0/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #2
Boot: Vans Hi Standard OG
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.9/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #1
Boot: Burton Moto Lace
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 96.5/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Moto (speed lace)
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.5 | 7/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.3/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Moto BOA
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.8/100 |
Out of 26 beginner boots that I rated:
BEGINNER BOOT #10
Boot: Salomon Launch Lace Boa SJ
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 3.5 | 17.5/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 5.0 | 10/10 |
PRICE | 3.0 | 6/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.6/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #9
Boot: Thirty Two Shifty Lace
- US
- CA
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 10/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.8/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Shifty BOA
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.2/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #8
Boot: Ride Anthem
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.0/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #7
Boot: Thirty Two STW Double Boa
- US
- CA
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 3.0 | 6/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #6
Boot: K2 Rosko Lace
- US
- CA
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #5
Boot: Ride Rook
- US
- CA
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #4
Boot: Vans Aura OG
- US
- CA
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.9/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #3
Boot: K2 Raider
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.9/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #2
Boot: Vans Hi Standard OG
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.9/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #1
Boot: Burton Moto Lace
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 96.5/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Moto (speed lace)
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.5 | 7/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.3/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Moto BOA
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.8/100 |
Thanks for Reading
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped give you some options for beginner snowboard boots.
Check out the links for each boot above for more info and for current prices and availability.
Out of 32 beginner boots that I rated:
BEGINNER BOOT #10
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 1.0 | 2/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.4/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #9
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.0 | 20/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 5.0 | 10/10 |
PRICE | 2.5 | 5/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.4/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #8
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 2.0 | 4/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #7
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 1.0 | 2/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #6
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 2.0 | 4/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #5
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.0 | 6/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #4
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 3.0 | 6/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #3
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #2
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.6/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #1
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.5 | 7/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.3/100 |
Thanks for Reading
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped give you some options for beginner snowboard boots.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Beginner Snowboard Boots list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 BEGINNER SNOWBOARD BOOTS (Latest Season)
Out of 33 of beginner boots that I rated:
O.k. let’s get into the top 10!
BEGINNER BOOT #7
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 1.0 | 2/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #6
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 2.0 | 4/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #5
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 2.5 | 5/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 10/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.1/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #4
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 2.5 | 5/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #3
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.0/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #2
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 18/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.5 | 7/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.2/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #1
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.8/100 |
Thanks for Reading
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped give you some options for beginner snowboard boots.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 7. For the latest season's Top 10 Beginner Snowboard Boots list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 7 BEGINNER SNOWBOARD BOOTS (Latest Season)
Out of 31 of beginner boots that I rated:
BEGINNER BOOT #7
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
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Comfort | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Heel Hold | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Shock Absorption | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Adjustability | 4.5 | 9/10 |
Price | 2.0 | 4/10 |
Reduced Footprint | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Entry/Exit | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #6
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
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Comfort | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Heel Hold | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Shock Absorption | 2.5 | 5/10 |
Adjustability | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Price | 4.5 | 9/10 |
Reduced Footprint | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Entry/Exit | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #5
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
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Comfort | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Heel Hold | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shock Absorption | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Adjustability | 2.0 | 4/10 |
Price | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Reduced Footprint | 2.0 | 2/5 |
Entry/Exit | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #4
Boot: Thirty Two Zephyr
Price: $219
Lacing System: Traditional Lace
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet
Rating: 91.9/100
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.
Score Breakdown for the Zephyr
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Comfort | 4.5 | 18/20 |
Heel Hold | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Shock Absorption | 3.0 | 6/10 |
Adjustability | 4.5 | 9/10 |
Price | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Reduced Footprint | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Entry/Exit | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.9/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #3
Boot: Thirty Two Shifty Boa
Price: $169
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Soft (2/10)
Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet
Rating: 92.4/100
If you're looking for one of the softest, easy going boots on the market, then the Shifty Boas are a great option. And that softness makes these boots super forgiving.
Biggest downside with a Single Boa is that you don't have the ability to independently adjust the upper and lower sections of the boot - but if they fit well without that adjustability, then it's no problem.
Then you've otherwise got a very comfortable, low cost (the cheapest in this list) boot that's nice and easy to get in and out of.
Score Breakdown for the Shifty Boa
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Comfort | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Heel Hold | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shock Absorption | 3.0 | 6/10 |
Adjustability | 2.0 | 4/10 |
Price | 4.5 | 9/10 |
Reduced Footprint | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Entry/Exit | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.4/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #2
Boot: Burton Moto
Price: $199
Lacing System: Speed Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet
Rating: 92.4/100
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 - check out the score for both versions below.
Score Breakdown for the Moto Speed Zone
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Comfort | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Heel Hold | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Shock Absorption | 3.0 | 6/10 |
Adjustability | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Price | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Reduced Footprint | 4.0 | 4/5 |
Entry/Exit | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.4/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Moto Boa
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Comfort | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Heel Hold | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shock Absorption | 3.0 | 6/10 |
Adjustability | 2.0 | 4/10 |
Price | 3.0 | 6/10 |
Reduced Footprint | 4.0 | 4/5 |
Entry/Exit | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.1/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #1
Boot: Vans Hi Standard OG
Price: $189
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Fit: Normal width feet (note also that those with high arches may not fit well)
Rating: 93.6/100
And coming in at #1 we have the Vans Hi Standard OG.
For 2019, Vans have 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 $23 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 most low profile in the industry nowadays - second only to Adidas of the boots that I've measured.
Score Breakdown for the Hi-Standard OG
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Comfort | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Heel Hold | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Shock Absorption | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Adjustability | 4.5 | 9/10 |
Price | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Reduced Footprint | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
Entry/Exit | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.6/100 |
Thanks for Reading
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped give you some options for beginner snowboard boots.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 7. For the latest season's Top 10 Beginner Snowboard Boots list, check out the link below:
Out of 32 of beginner boots that I rated:
- The average score was 85.7
- The highest score was 91.9/100
- The lowest score was 75.6/100
- The average price was $210
Beginner Snowboard Boot #7
Boot: Burton Invader
Price: $159
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Soft (2/10)
Rating: 89.5/100
Starting out at #7, 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.
The Invader’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Comfort: | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 2.5 | 7.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Price: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #6
Boot: Vans Aura
Price: $259
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Rating: 89.5/100
The Aura’s are the kind of boots that can take you over the whole mountain and are something that you can ride as a more advanced rider for freestyle or all-mountain riding – so they’re a great choice if you want something that will last you a good few seasons.
The Aura’s use a double boa system which allows you to adjust the top and bottom sections of the boots separately, which is especially good if you are prone to pressure points or want have good heel crank but want to have the top part of the boot looser or tighter depending on what you’re doing.
They are comfortable, adjustable, and score well in just about all of the important beginner specs.
They have a stiffer flex than most of the beginner boots I rated but I’d say they are the stiffer side of medium-soft or the softer side of medium. Either way their flex is still suitable for beginners, especially for heavier and more athletic beginners.
Aura Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Price: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #5
Boot: Thirty Two 86FT
Price: $179
Lacing System: Speed Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Rating: 90.7/100
In at #5, 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.
86FT Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Adjustability: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Price: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #4
Boot: Burton Moto
Price: $199
Lacing System: Speed Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Rating: 90.7/100
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 great 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 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.
Moto’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Adjustability: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #3
Boot: Adidas Tenzca
Price: $220
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 90.7/100
The Tenzcas are new in Adidas’ line for the 2017-18 season. This is the first year that Adidas have offered the Boa system with their boots – the Tenzca’s are their entry level Boas and are great for beginners.
If you want a no-nonsense boot that’s easy to get in and out of and is super-easy to adjust on the fly or tighten up in cold conditions – or if you have trouble getting speed lace and traditional laced boots tight enough – then the Tenzca’s might be your boots.
They’re also super comfortable and, like the Moto’s above, have awesome reduced footprint for those larger feet, trying to fit on a narrower board.
Score Breakdown for the Tenzca’s
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Adjustability: | 1.0 | 2/10 |
| Price: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #2
Boot: Thirty Two Lashed Double Boa
Price: $269
Lacing System: Standard Lacing
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Rating: 91.3/100
Thirty Two’s Lashed boots come in three lacing varieties. You can get them with Tradtional lacing, speed lacing (Lashed XFT) or a Boa version (Lashed Double Boa).
They are all priced slightly differently and are slightly different boots because of their lacing system. I have included scores for all 3 varieties of the Lashed below, but this position is earned by the Boa versions.
The Boa version are double boas this season (were previously single Boa) so they are now way more adjustable for a more customized fit.
Like the Vans Auras (see #6 above), the Lashed are the kind of boots that are good for anyone from beginners to advanced riders – so they can last you longer as you progress. They are closer to medium than medium-soft flexing so they’re best suited to larger or more athletic beginners but they offer that little bit more response too. Also great for anyone who is a beginner but not a complete beginner – if you’ve been riding a couple of seasons but have just been using hire gear, for example.
Lashed Boa’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Price: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
Lashed XFT’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Price: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 84.9/100 |
Lashed Lace’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Price: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 86.6/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #1
Boot: Vans Hi Standard
Price: $189
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Rating: 91.9/100
And coming in at #1 we have the Vans Hi Standard.
In my opinion the best looking boot in this list (in the eye of the beholder and looks weren’t taken into account when rating the boots).
But it’s not just looks that the Hi-Standard have going for them. They are also super comfortable and have the perfect flex for beginners.
And if your looking to get something at a great price, then the Hi Standard are a great option and are $21 lower than the average beginner boot price (of those that I rated) and the 3rd lowest on this list.
The Hi-Standard’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 91.9/100 |
Thanks for Reading
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped give you some options for beginner snowboard boots.
NOTE: This list was for the 2017-18 season. For the latest Top 10 Beginner Boots List, check out the link below:
>>Latest Season’s Top 10 Men’s Beginner Boots
Out of 29 of beginner boots that I rated:
- the average score was 83.7
- the highest score was 93.0/100
- the lowest score was 73.3/100
- the average price was $203
Beginner Snowboard Boot #7
Boot: Burton Highline Boa
Price (USD): $219
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft
Rating: 84.3/100
The first on our list, coming in at #7, are the Burton Highline Boas.
These boots are comfortable, super easy to get in and out of and have great heel hold (though this will depend on your boot/ankle.
The biggest weakness, and the only reason they didn’t score even higher is their lack of adjustability. This is largely due to the single boa system that doesn’t really allow you to adjust them much – but it does mean you can get in and out really quick and easy.
The Highline Boa’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Comfort: | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Adjustability: | 1.0 | 2/10 |
| Price: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 84.3/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #6
Boot: Vans Hi Standard
Price (USD): $179
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft
Rating: 86.0/100
At #6 we have the Vans Hi Standard. In my opinion the best looking boot in this list (in the eye of the beholder and looks weren’t taken into account when rating the boots).
But it’s not just looks that the Hi-Standard have going for them. They are also super comfortable and have the perfect flex for beginners.
And if your looking to get something at a great price, then the Hi Standard are a great option and are $24 lower than the average beginner boot price.
The Hi-Standard’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 1.5 | 1.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 86.0/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #5
Boot: Thirty Two 86FT
Price (USD): $179
Lacing System: Speed Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft
Rating: 87.2/100
In at #5, we have the lowest priced boots on this list (along with the Hi-Standards at #6 above), the Thirty Two 86FT.
The 86FTs are comfortable, fast and easy to get in and out of 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 without being too soft.
86FT Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 2.5 | 7.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 87.2/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #4
Boot: Burton Moto
Price (USD): $199
Lacing System: Speed Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft
Rating: 88.4/100
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).
In an ideal world they’d be a bit more comfortable and have better heel-hold but you might find these things aren’t an issue depending on your foot and ankle shape.
Though not that important on beginner boots, they also have great 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 footprint on the outside).
Moto’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Comfort: | 3.0 | 12/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 88.4/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #3
Boot: Thirty Two Lashed
Price (USD): $249
Lacing System: Standard Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft
Rating: 89.0/100
Thirty Two’s Lashed boots come in three lacing varieties. You can get them with standard lacing, speed lacing (Lashed FT) or a Boa version (Lashed Boa).
They are all priced slightly differently ($249 for the FT and $259 for the Boa) and are slightly different boots because of their lacing system but all would have made this list individually.
The difference is a matter of personal preference. Standard lacing is slower to do up and undo. Speed lacing is quicker but can be harder than standard lacing to get adjusted just right and Boa is the easiest to work with and you can get it locked in really tight – but it’s typically less adjustable if you only have one boa coil (which the Lashed Boas have).
All versions have awesome comfort, great shock absorption and a reasonable price tag, though slightly higher than the average beginner boot.
All 3 score breakdowns are outlined below and you can see how their relative strengths and weaknesses.
Lashed’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Adjustability: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Price: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.0/100 |
Lashed FT’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Price: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
Lashed Boa’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Adjustability: | 2.0 | 4/10 |
| Price: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 3.0 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 88.4/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #2
Boot: Thirty Two STW Boa
Price (USD): $199
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft
Rating: 90.1/100
The third and mostly highly recommended for beginners Thirty Two boots to make this list, the STW Boas, are everything you want in a beginner boot.
To achieve perfection it would be nice if they had a double boa system so you could adjust the lower and upper sections of the boot independently but that’s about all that I can complain about here. And if they did have the double boa then chances are the price would go up quite a bit.
Otherwise the STW Boas should treat any beginner well – particularly when it comes to comfort and heel hold.
STW Boa’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Adjustability: | 1.5 | 3/10 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.1/100 |
Beginner Snowboard Boot #1
Boot: Vans Aura
Price (USD): $249
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Medium
Rating: 93.0/100
And finally my #1 beginner snowboard boots for the 2016/17 season are the Vans Auras!
The Aura’s use a double boa system which allows you to adjust the top and bottom sections of the boots separately, which is especially good if you are prone to pressure points.
They are comfortable, adjustable, and score well in just about all of the important beginner specs.
They have a stiffer flex than most of the beginner boots I rated but I’d say they are the stiffer side of medium-soft or the softer side of medium. Either way their flex is still suitable and these boots make great freestyle boots (I own these boots as my freestyle boots) too so if you are looking to head in that direction then these would make a great investment.
Aura Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Flex: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Heel Hold: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Price: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Reduced Footprint: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 93.0/100 |
Thanks for Reading
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped give you some options for beginner snowboard boots.
If you want to check out the latest season’s best beginner snowboard boot list check out the link below.
>>The Best Men’s Beginner Snowboard Boots: My Top 10
For the latest season's list, check out the link below.
>>TOP 10 BEGINNER SNOWBOARD BOOTS (LATEST SEASON)
Buying Past Season Models
Often models don't change that much from year to year so if you can find a past season model, it will likely be close enough to the latest model but you can get it cheaper, if available and in a suitable size for you. For past year's models check out the links below to see if they still have any left.
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