Hello and welcome to my list of the best beginner snowboard Boots for men.
Below are what I consider to be the top 10 for the 2021/22 season.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com each board is rated and receives a score out of 100. This is definitely not an exact science care has been taken to give points to various areas depending on their importance for beginner riders.
Comparison Stats
Just quickly, to give you a reference for the scores below;
Out of 26 beginner boots that I rated:
O.k. let’s get into the top 10!
BEGINNER BOOT #10
Boot: Salomon Launch Lace Boa SJ
- CAN
- UK
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.
More on the Launch Lace Boa in the video below
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
- CAN
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.
Learn more about the Shifty Lace in the video below
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
- CAN
- UK
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.
More on the Anthem in the video below
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
- CAN
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.
More on the STW Double Boa in the video below
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
- CAN
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
- CAN
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.
More on the Rook in the video below
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
- CAN
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.
More on the Aura OG in the video below
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
- CAN
- UK
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.
More on the K2 Raider in the video below
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
- CAN
- UK
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.
Check out more about the Hi-Standard OG in the Video Below
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
- CAN
- UK
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.
More on the Moto Lace in the video below
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.
Hi,
First of all – great website!
I’m a bit on a budget and i can get a good deal on either Salomon Faction or Northwave Freedom SL boots so I’m choosing between these two. Which one of these do you think would be better for a beginner? I can get the Salomons a bit cheaper but that doesnt matter much since both are at a great price.
Hi jucisaru
Thanks for your message.
I don’t test Northwave boots, so I don’t know much about them, but based on specs, I’d be leaning Faction for a beginner. Mostly because the Freedom SL looks to be mid flex. The Faction is softer than that, which will be an easier boot to get start in as a beginner. Unless you’re quite a heavy weight, in which case the medium flex could work. Otherwise, I’d go Faction.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the reply.
Actually yes, I am quite heavy, I’m 191cm (6’3″) and my weight kinda fluctuates between 92-96kg (202-212lbs). Would you still think that a softer boot like the Faction is better for me?
Also, I have ordered a Rossignol Circuit Wide 161cm board + Rossignol Battle bindings combo as I’ve found a great deal for these. Do you think that this board will be too soft for me? Maybe I should return it and look for something a bit stiffer?
Hi jucisaru
For the board, I think you’ll be fine with that combo. The Circuit is a very good board to learn and progress on. For a nice fast progression, I think you’ll do good to stay with that board. You’ll likely need to upgrade fairly quickly, depending on how often you ride and how quickly you progress, but as your first board, I think it will treat you well.
For the boots, you could still go Faction, but because of your weight, you could go with the slightly stiffer Freedom SL and should work fine – and work for your board/binding setup there still. The advantage of going with the mid-flex, is that you won’t feel the need to upgrade them as soon as you would with the Factions – and because of your weight, they shouldn’t feel too stiff.
Hello Nate,
Thanks for all you do.
May I ask you if you recommend the combo Yes Basic + Burton Moto + Burton freestyle ?
I consider myself as an advanced beginner, enjoy to play on the slopes and on the edge of the slopes. One more info, I’m a light weight (67kg).
Sorry for muy english, writing from France.
Thanks
Bertrand
Hi Bertrand
Thanks for your message.
I think that setup would work for you. I think ideally you’d go with bindings that are a little stiffer on the Basic. More like 4/10 flex or at least 3/10 flex. So if you were to change anything there, It’d be the bindings. But for your weight, you’ll probably be OK with the Freestyle bindings. It should work fine. If you were going to be really fussy, then I’d up the flex just a little on the bindings, but that combo should work for sure.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I am beginner and have salomon sight snowboard,I like more stiff snowboard boots,choose from two shoes burton ruler an thirtytwo lashed,both boots feels very good.
My height 5.10, wheight 72.5kg boot size 8.5 us.
help me choose which is better to take?Looking for boots for several seasons.
Hi Max
Thanks for your message.
I would say the Burton Ruler is the slightly better match, just because it’s the slightly better flex match. I would say Ruler 5/10 flex and Lashed 6/10 flex. If you did want to go for the stiffer of the two, then the Lashed. The Lashed I feel allowed more aggressive, deeper carves than the Ruler – (on a subtle level, but just a bit better in that sense) but the Ruler a little easier to ride in at slower speeds. The Ruler I found more comfortable, but that’s partly subjective as everyone’s feet/ankles/calves etc are different.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey Nate, first thanks so much, your site is an amazing resource and it’s awesome to see someone who actually responds to questions/comments!
I’m a beginner boarder, probably level 3-4 on the ability description here and I’ve been on a never summer snow trooper, burton cartel and ruler boots and I think the setup has been too stiff for me and may not be aiding my progression. I’m 40 years old, 6′ and 225 not geared up.
I want to try a more beginner oriented setup and snagged an arbor foundation 159mw and am wondering what to do for bindings and boots. I’m thinking about arbor hemlocks? Also wondering if you think the burton ruler speed lace boots I have are appropriate for my ability with that board or if I should be going with something softer?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Brion
Thanks for your message.
I think the Hemlocks would be a good match for the Foundation. I think that’s a good choice overall.
In terms of boots, I would stick with the Rulers. I think they are going to be fine for your ability and with that setup. They’re a little stiffer than the overall setup, but only by a bit, and I don’t mind going a little stiffer in the boots versus the rest of the setup. I wouldn’t change the boots. I think you will be good with those. The Snowtrooper is a very good next step up from something like the Foundation, so if you were looking to hold onto that, it would be a good step up, once you’ve progressed a bit more on the Foundation, if you weren’t going to sell it. Out of curiosity what size Snowtrooper do you have?
Hope this helps
Hey there! I just got a Yes. Standard with Union Force bindings and I need some boots. I had a pair of super old NorthWave Royals I got probably 10 years ago but when I went to try them today I realized the rubber in the middle had broken down so badly the entire sole was starting to peel off.
Soooo I’m looking at boots. I’d love them to match the stiffness of my board and if possible be as cheap as possible without being bad. I spent most of my budget on outerwear and bindings thinking I could use my NorthWaves this season, but no such luck.
Any recommendations for a cheap(ish) good boot that would match my board well for stiffness?
Hi Isaac
Thanks for your message.
I would be looking at something around 6/10 or 7/10 flex in terms of your boots, to be a good match to the Standard/Force combo. In order of cheapest to more expensive, but nothing that’s like budget or anything, still decent quality, I would look at (nothing over $300).
– Vans Implant Pro (6/10 flex)
– Thirty Two TM-Two (7/10 flex)
– K2 Maysis (7/10 flex)
– Salomon Dialogue (6.5/10 flex) – or the Boa version but that’s more expensive
– Ride Lasso (6/10 flex)
Most of those aren’t much under $300, but that’s the nature of boots in this flex range, unfortunately. If you wanted to go a little softer, then you could look at the likes of the Vans Aura Pro, Vans Hi-Standard Pro or Burton Ruler (all 5/10 flex).
Note also, that (if you can) it’s a great idea to try these on in person to get the best fit. But if you can’t, then the following might help:
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
Also note, if you can still find something from last season in your size, then you can get them considerably cheaper usually.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate! I ended up getting a great deal on some K2 Enders from last year. Hopefully they aren’t too soft! They seem really good otherwise. I’m heading out to the mountains today so I’ll get to test my new setup tomorrow. Thanks for the help!
Hi Isaac
I really like the K2 Enders, so I think they’re a great choice (they make #5 on my Top 10 All Mountain Boots list). I felt them at a 6/10 flex, so I think they’ll be spot on. Didn’t include them in the options, because they’re over $300, but since you got a good deal on them, then all good. I think they’re a really good compliment to that setup.
If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to test your new setup.
Thirty Two Zephyr description is wrong~~
Hi Kiwi
Thanks for pointing that out! Corrected now.
hi Nate,
many thanks
this suggest is important for me
Hi again Nate,
I’ve narrowed down the board (Typo) and bindings (K2 Lineup or Union Contact Pro), but I have some tricky foot issues regarding boots that I’d love to get your input on.
I’ve got super narrow ankles. I thought my foot was narrow too but, I tried a couple of boots this morning and now, I’m not too sure, it might just be the ankle.
I tried a Salomon (I think it was a Dialogue) in a 9.5, which is the same size as my Salomon hiking shoes and I couldn’t even get it on. Then, I tried a 10 in the same boot and had major heel movement so, the problem wasn’t the 9.5 size, it was the fit.
I also tried a Ride Lasso, which fit nicely in a 9.5. It still had some slight heel movement but, nowhere near what the size 10 Salomons had and, I expect my narrow heels will require a jbar or heel lock anyway.
Here’s the problem though. I have a pretty nagging injury on my left instep. I broke one of the little metatarsals and it’s never fully healed, so I need to be wary of potential pressure points.
I like the idea of the Ride Triad, which has a traditional lace plus heel-locking boa. That would let me ease up on the instep area laces while still locking the heel in place so, I’ll probably try those on for size.
I just wondered if you have any thoughts on those boots or if there’s anything you’d suggest as well or instead?
Again, I’m 6’1″ and 200lbs beginner with a 9.5 boot.
Thanks again for all your help!
Hi Bruce
Yeah sounds like Ride is going to be a better fit for you. Salomon boots tend to be narrower in the toe box. Ride are medium, as are brands like Vans & K2 with the likes of Burton, Thirty Two, DC and Adidas being wider in the toe box. Though I wouldn’t look at Vans for you, just because I’ve heard they’re not great for those with high arches – which might also be an issue with your metatarsal injury. K2 might be another one to look at, as would some of the other brands. But if you’re happy with the fit of Ride boots, then that sounds like a good way to go.
The Triad is a pretty good option for beginners, and would work well with your setup, IMO. I would still try it on, if you have access to do so, as its really hard to tell what will fit well or not, without actually trying on, especially if you have particular things that you need to work for you. You could also take a look at the K2 Ender, which has a similar lacing system (though a bit pricier than the Triad).
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Thanks for your continued input. I had a chance to try a couple other boots on yesterday and I’m definitely leaning towards the Ride.
I tried a Thirty Two Lashed but, as you say, it was just too wide. I also tried some Vans Aura Pro’s, and I was weirdly between sizes. The 9.5 felt too big (based on heel movement), and the 9 felt too small. I could definitely feel some pressure on the instep, too but, the Boa was broken on the 9 so, I couldn’t really give it a proper test.
I also measured my foot to get the mondo size and discovered I could be closer to a 9, so I tried the Ride Lasso in a 9 and it was pretty good. My toes were just brushing the end of the liner but not the shell. For about 10 minutes, they were ok but, after about 10 minutes, I started to feel some hot spots. Maybe the Boa’s or maybe the injury, I’ll need to spend more time in them to know.
Before I commit to the Ride, I’ll see if I can track down the K2 Ender you recommended, too. I haven’t tried a K2 boot yet. I’m not overly worried about it being slightly pricier — of everything I need to buy, this is where I’d like to be certain to get it right.
Thanks again for your insights.
You’re very welcome Bruce.
Yeah toes brushing the liner is a good sign that it’s a good fit. If you’re having to bend your toes to get into them, then they’re too small, but just brushing is perfect.
Let me know what you decide on in the end.
Hi Nate,
Was wondering if you have any boot recommendations for those with big calves (I’m talking really big calves… like ~20cm diameter)? The equipment I’d rented included boa system boots, but it didn’t work well for me as it really hurt and was way too tight on the calves and loose at the ankle area. Any advice?
Thanks !
Hi Brian
Thanks for your message.
I have never measured my calves before but this prompted me to do so! My calves aren’t overly small or overly big I don’t think but measured 37cm circumference (14.5″). Did you mean ~20″. Or did you measure differently (when I measured i used a measuring tape wrapped around the calf).
In any case, since I don’t have overly large calves I couldn’t say for sure which boots would be most suitable, but I would imagine that your best bet is to make sure you get something that has good lower and upper boot separation. There are some boots that are very independent in terms of adjusting the upper and lower parts of the boot. If you get boots like that, then you could leave your upper boot looser to accommodate your calves and tighten more around the ankles.
I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing that the rental boots were single boa? i.e. just one boa coil that tightened the whole boot? Going with a double boa – or a speed lace boot that has upper and lower level separation or traditional laces, would be your best bet. I would avoid single boa in your case.
Hope this helps
Sorry, I had meant ~20″.
Thanks for your advice! I think I will have to stick with traditional laces to be safe…
Hi Brian
Thought that was case. Going traditional laces would be a safe call, for sure.
Hey I just picked up some vans hi standard. The store I bought them at also had burton moto but came only in a 14 the question that I have is will the high standards be good for my k2 fat bob. Its a wide board and I wear a 13 size in the high standards I like them but I haven’t riden in a couple years will they work. Or should I go back and get the moto. I am intermediate aggressive downhill rider.
Hi Ant
Vans have actually really improved their reduced footprint for their 2018 line-up. So I think they will work well in that respect. I haven’t updated the scores for reduced footprint for the Vans options in this list yet, so that’s why they haven’t scored that well (they haven’t been as good in the past).
In terms of being an intermediate aggressive downhill rider, I would say something stiffer than the Hi Standard would be a better option – something stiffer than most in this list, to be honest, (maybe apart from the Aura which could work) so I don’t think the Moto would offer much more in that respect. But you could check out something from the following list if you wanted something stiffer, which would be more suited to more aggressive riding.
>>My Top All Mountain (medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your absolutely fantastic website! I’d like to ask you for advice too, if you have time.
I live in Poland and I’ve looked up the in my local stores but I couldn’t find any boots that you listed. I would like to buy a beginner boots that could last a while. Do you have an opinion on “Head Scout Pro Boa 2017”? I have tested them and they were very comfortable but I’m not sure If flex isn’t too soft.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Jack
I don’t test Head gear unfortunately so I couldn’t say for sure, but based on the specs, it does look they are a very soft boot. That would be perfectly fine for learning on, especially if you know they fit your feet well – but you would likely want to upgrade them for something a little stiffer relatively quickly. This is of course assuming that they’re rating of 1/5 for flex is accurate. I usually like something 3/10 or 4/10 as a good beginner boot that will last a little bit into the future. In my head they’re 1/5 translates to a 2/10. This will be good for progressing quickly on but it’s likely that you’ll feel the need for something more responsive well before these boots are worn out.
So, you could definitely get them, and they’d be great for learning in by the sounds of it – just know that you’d likely want to upgrade relatively soon – but this is only assuming that they’re flex rating is accurate – they might be stiffer than that in reality but without having tried them it’s hard to say.
In terms of some other boots that would work for a beginner (but brands that aren’t on this list), I would say that the following would be good. Not sure if you have any of these brands in store.
~ K2 Raider (4/10 flex)
~ Ride Anthem (4/10 flex)
~ Ride Rook (4/10 flex)
~ DC Phase (3/10 flex)
There are some others from some of the brands from this top 7 that would be suitable too – but it sounds like you don’t have these brands in store?
Hope this helps
Thank you very much for your insightful explanation. Just bought Ride Rook boots that you recommended in my local store. I can’t wait to try them instead of those rental ones!
Could I ask you my last question because I’m also planning on buying my first snowboard. Do you think that Salomon Sight 162W or Pulse 162W will be okey for me? I’m 6’0″(183 cm), 205lbs (93 kg), 30 cm boots size (12 US or 46 EU). I’m definitely between beginner to intermediate, more likely a beginner. Those are the the only boards I found above 160 cm and wide that I can easily buy and aren’t very expensive.
Hi Jack
Glad you found some boots and I hope they work well for you.
The Sight and Pulse would both be good beginner options for you. In terms of length, I’d say something around 163cm for you as an advanced rider. As a beginner, it’s usually a good idea to take off a little bit of length – just makes the learning process easier – so something around 159, 160 would be ideal. 162 would be fine, as these boards are good for beginners, but just want quite be as easy to learn on as something a little shorter.
In terms of width, with US12s, you would want to be at least 260mm at the waist, and only that if you have binding angles like +15/-15. If you have a straighter back foot, then going a little wider than that is a good idea. But as a beginner you can get away with a little bit narrower as you aren’t likely to be getting right up on your edges like a more advanced rider would.
So for the Sight, the 162W is the only size that would be appropriate width-wise.
For the Pulse, you could go shorter, down to the 158W if you wanted, especially if you have +15/-15 angles typically. You could still go 162W with that board. That size would last you longer, but it will be a slightly harder learning curve.
Hope this makes sense and helps with your decision
Would the vans hi standard be good for all mountain freestyle? I’m thinking of pairing it with the doa.
Hi Brandon
I think the HI-Standard would be too soft flexing for the DOA. The DOA would work best with minimum medium flexing boots. Even medium-stiff would be a good match for the DOA. Even though it’s flex is medium (5/10), it’s quite an aggressive board so it needs a bit of oomph to run it, if that makes sense. Also, if you’re a beginner, the DOA wouldn’t be the best board, IMO – just because it’s not that forgiving a ride.
The Outerspace Living would be a better option for a beginner. The Hi-Standards would work better with the Outerspace Living too – even though the Outerspace Living is also a medium flex, it’s a more forgiving ride and doesn’t need the same oomph from a boot that the DOA does. That said, I think a slightly stiffer flexing boot would work better with the Outerspace Living too – but if you were going Hi-Standard, then the Outerspace Living would be a better match than the DOA – and a much better option if you’re a beginner.
Hope this helps
Hi nate, have just found all of your reviews for beginners and have to say what a great help they are.
I am looking for a pair of boots to start out with but local stores are fairly limited so makes trying them on quite hard. I did try a couple of brands and found the ride boots to be a good fit for me, do you think the ride jackson boots are to stiff to start out with ?
Also looking at your board review i was pleasantly surprised to see your top pick the Salomon sight on clearance but unfortunately the only size left is a 159 which im thinking is abit big for me being 5″10 160-165 without gear
Thanks
Dave
Hi Dave
Thanks for your message.
The Jackson’s are a little bit stiffer than ideal for a beginner – more of an intermediate and up boot. But it’s not the worst option. It’s medium flexing (6/10 by Ride’s scale but maybe more like 5/10) rather than stiff flexing. Ideally I think something more around the 3/10 or 4/10 mark is best for a beginner. But they would do the job for a beginner – not quite ideal, but doable.
The Rook or Anthem are probably your best choices if you want to go for a Boa boot or the Triad is you want traditional lacing. Or the Orion, if you want a cheaper option. But if you only have the option of the Jackson, they would be doable for you.
But yeah, if Ride fits your feet well, probably a good idea to go with Ride boots – and they are well made boots too.
Yeah, unfortunately I think the 159 Sight is a bit long for you. I think the 156 or 155W (depending on your boot size) would be a better size for that board for you at the moment.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Again thanks for all your help so far on board and bindings. I’ve now moved to boots.. Since the finickiness of boots and fitting I definitely am going through a store with good return policies so I’m doing it at REI! I tried on all sorts of boots today, and I found that the Burton Moto fit me the best. It just snugged my ankle and felt very comfortable. The one thing I did find that it was just super duper flexible, almost a bit too flexible.
I was wondering what you thought of the Burton Ruler? They only had it online, so I wasn’t able to try it on, but it seemed like it’s the moto with comfortability improvements and a little stiffer? Right now I have the Yes Basic with Union ST bindings.
Thanks!
Hi Victor.
If you’re worried about the flex of the Moto being too soft, then the Ruler is probably a good step up. Burton boots tend to fit fairly similarly so if the Moto fit well, then the Ruler should too. It will be more of a medium flex (Moto medium-soft). The Ruler is a better boot but also a bit stiffer. Normally I’d say medium-soft for anything beginner but the one piece of gear that I’m most willing to compromise on is boots – some people just like a slightly stiffer boot.
The other option is the Burton Highline Boa (if you were open to going Boa) – it’s medium soft but I’d say it’s more of a 4/10 whereas the Moto is more of a 3/10.
Definitely a good idea to try boots on in person so you made a good call there.
Thanks Nate! I’ll order a pair of Highline boas as well from REI to give them a try. I did like the ease of the boa system like the Binary Boa that I tried on.
Thanks for another helpful review article Nate!
As I’ve said on other pages, I bought the Burton Moto even before I bought a board or bindings. I’m glad to see it made your list. I tried on some beginner boots from Thirty-Two and DC, but nothing was as comfortable for me as the Moto. I have two questions:
1. Do you know what sort of ankle/feet shapes are the most problematic when it comes to heel hold? If I find this is a problem with the Moto, how do I resolve it?
2. The last time I checked, Vans didn’t have any new snowboard boots for sale until 9/1/15. Are these Vans models something you’ve reviewed from past model years, or did you get some advance demo items? I’ve heard other people tell me they loved Vans boots, but technically nothing is “available” from Vans at the moment.
Thanks,
John
Hey John
Sorry for late reply – have been on vacation.
1. Usually heel hold in snowboard boots is an issue for people with thinner ankles or thinner heels. You could try getting j-bars – these guys do j-bars – Shred Sole J Bars – they basically fill out the heels to help reduce heel lift. You should try to reduce heel lift to a maximum of around 1cm (0.4 inches). J bars are pretty easy to install (check out the video below.
2. The Vans boots reviewed here are 2015 models. The boots available for sale September 2015 will be their 2016 models. As far as I know all snowboading gear is released in the 1st half of the season but they label it for the second half. E.g. something released before the 2015/2016 season will always be labelled the 2016 model. I guess it just makes them sound more recent.
Hope this answers your questions. Thanks again for stopping by.