Hello and welcome to my list of the top 5 women’s freestyle snowboard boots for the 2023/2024 season.
As per SnowboardingProfiles.com tradition I have rated each pair of boots out of 100.
Comparison Stats
Of the 17 boots that I rated as women’s freestyle boots:
O.k. let’s get into the top 5.
WOMEN'S FREESTYLE BOOT #5
Boot: Ride Hera
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CA
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UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Single Boa (with the second Boa working on the internal ankle harness)
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 84.5/100
Starting off the list at #5,, we have the Ride Hera boots.
The Hera provide great heel hold and comfort and are a great option for freestyle or all-mountain-freestyle riding and have virtually no weaknesses across the board (or should I say across the boot! – sorry bad joke 😉 ) apart from lacking a little in shock absorption.
The Hera features an internal ankle harness (or rather pulls the tongue down to help hold the ankle/heel in place - see video for more explanation on that) that is controlled by the boa on the side of the boot . This is super convenient for locking that heel down on the go, without having to open your boot up to do it. It does lack the ability to adjust the upper and lower sections of the outer boot independently, but if you're OK with that, this is a very good option.
More on the Hera in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Hera
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.0 | 12/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.0 | 9/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.5 | 9/10 |
TRACTION | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.5/100 |
WOMEN'S FREESTYLE BOOT #4
Boot: K2 Cosmo
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CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Hybrid BOA (Traditional Lacing with internal Boa)
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 86.8/100
Next up we have K2's Cosmo snowboard boots.
The Cosmo feature great adjustability through their traditional lacing and great heel hold from the Boa, which works on an internal harness which wraps around your ankle and locks the heel into the boot.
They have a nice medium-soft flex for playful laps in the park or playful riding all-over the mountain. They feature a quality construction that's not typically found on softer boots.
Score Breakdown for the Cosmo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 14/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TRACTION | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.8/100 |
WOMEN'S FREESTYLE BOOT #3
Boot: Burton Ritual LTD Boa
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CA
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UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 89.1/100
In at #3 are Burton’s Ritual LTD Boa snowboard boots.
The Ritual LTD Boa are the most pricey boots on this list – but they are also designed to last a long time, and retain their flex for longer, so might end up being a better financial investment in the long run.
They were consistently good across all the factors that we test for, with no identifiable weaknesses - and are super light.
Score Breakdown for the Ritual LTD
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 16/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TRACTION | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.1/100 |
WOMEN'S FREESTYLE BOOT #2
Boot: Vans Women's Hi-Standard Pro
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CA
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UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Traditional Lace
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 91.4/100
In the #2 position we have the Vans Women's Hi-Standard Pro.
These are in a lot of ways like a traditional lace version of the Encore Pro (see #1 below). Over the Encore they have a little more adjustability but not quite as good a heel hold.
But they manage a great combination of both shock absorption and board feel, while also being nice and responsive at slower speeds, and even decent on a carve.
As an added bonus, they are also the lowest priced boots on this list (traditional lace boots tend to cost less).
Score Breakdown for the Women's Hi-Standard Pro
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 16/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TRACTION | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.4/100 |
WOMEN'S FREESTYLE BOOT #1
Boot: Vans Encore Pro
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CA
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UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Medium (5 out of 10)
Rating: 92.0/100
And grabbing the #1 spot are the Vans Encore Pro.
The Encore Pro (like a double boa version of the Hi-Standard Pro above at #2) achieve a great balance between board feel and shock absorption, making them a great option for riding the park. But they also have good carving response, especially for their flex, and great slow speed response, so you can ride them all over the mountain (and of course ride them freestyle over the whole mountain).
They also benefit from some great heel hold and have enough traction to let you hike the park (or even the backcountry), and stay upright in an icy car park.
If you're looking for a boot that's awesome for the park but also versatile enough to be the only boot you need, then the Encore Pro should be squarely on your radar.
Score Breakdown for the Encore Pro
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 16/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.5 | 9/10 |
TRACTION | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.0/100 |
Over to You….
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you to choose the right boots for you.
Check out the links for each boot for more info and for current prices.
Hey Nate,
I am looking for all mountain boots. I have been riding for a long time and I live in a ski resort. I had the Emerald from Burton and my last boots are the Axel from Burton. I hesitate between the felix, the ritual or the Lashed of 32. As I currently ride the axel, I’m afraid of finding the felix too hard? I ride on the piste, freeride when it snows and a bit of Park for fun. What do you think between these 3 models?
Thank you so much
Hi Marie
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Ritual, given the flex you’re used to with the Axel and how you’re describing your riding. But to confirm, could you let me know what board/bindings you will be pairing the boots with. And if you could also let me know your height/weight specs. Lighter riders tend not to get along with stiffer flexing items, whilst heavier riders can overflex softer boots. Height not as important a factor, but leverage does play a role.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I’m looking at step on boots for the gf and comparing between the ritual and felix. Couple questions that I’d like to run by you.
She is an intermediate level rider, no charging, just easygoing all mtn freestyle riding. Plans to learn to carve, ollie, and basic butters this season.
She reserved the felix, but I’m wondering if the rituals might be a better fit. I’m not quite sure, but seems like the felix step on is stiffer than the non-step on version. I’ve read your review on the mens photon step on, where you said it’s less manageable at slower speeds and thats a definite concern, but not sure how the felix compares.
The guy at the shop said that stepon boots lose their flex pretty quickly due to lack of an ankle strap, and recommended the felix because of this. Do you think the rituals would get too soft after a couple seasons of riding?
Hi David
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t been on Step Ons for long enough to know how quickly they lose their flex, so I can’t really comment on that.
I would say the Ritual would be the best bet for what you’re describing, not taking into account the boots losing their flex quickly. I haven’t heard of this, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. And again, I don’t own step ons, I’ve only tested them – and not long enough to know how quickly they soften up.
Hope this somewhat helps
Hi!
So I am a pretty experienced rider looking for a new boot this season. I ride primarily park and my current boot is the vans high standard pro. I love them but it’s been two seasons and I’m getting heel lift. Heel lift seems to be my biggest issue but I want a good comfy boot. Im torn between the ride hera and the encore pros. I like the ride heras but I fear it doesn’t have good impact protection and the j bar holds will be uncomfy. For the vans encore pros I worry about heel lift and the flex. Im used to the high standard pro flex would those boots be too stiff for me? And which boot do you think would suit me better? Thanks ! Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Leah
Thanks for your message.
The Hi-Standard Pro and the Encore Pro should feel the same flex-wise (a brand new Encore Pro will feel a little stiffer initially because your Encore Pros will have softened up over the last couple of years if you’ve used them a lot). The Hi-Standard OG is a little softer, but the Pro version should feel the same as the Encore Pro. The Encore Pro is a lot like a double boa version of the Hi-Standard Pro. Not exactly but very similar apart from the lacing system. In terms of heel hold, the Encore Pro should be better for that. The way you can crank that Boa down helps with heel hold, I’ve found. No guarantees because everyone’s feet are different, but I’d say you’d get better heel hold from the Encore Pro versus the Hi-Standard Pro.
The Hera also have very good heel hold, so they should help there as well. It’s hard to say for sure how your particular feet are going to find them comfort-wise and there may be some discomfort around the ankles initially to gain that extra heel hold, but if they fit well and are sized right, that should break in and feel better each time you ride. If you heat mold the boots this should happen quicker. Again, the Hera should feel similar flex-wise to the Hi-Standard Pro/Encore Pro – though initially will feel a little stiffer compared to broken in Hi-Standard Pros. The Hera don’t have as good shock absorption as the Encore Pros. They’re not bad either though, but just not quite as good.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
I’m about to buy my 2nd pair of boots. But I hesitate between rebuy again the Burton Ritual or to try the Vans Encore Pro.
The only issue I had with my Burton Ritual is a little heel lift and that my front foot can twist in my boot if I force against it because I have a narrow feet. Except thoses things I love my boots, them are really comfortables, lights and no breaking period.
With the Encore Pro (I put my feet and walk with them during more than 2 hours) I feel some pain over my heel due to the harness but my heels don’t move, I don’t know if this pain will stay or not after the breaking period. Anorher possible issue is that they are wider and fit really snug in my bindings Burton Scribe ( I can lift my board without strapping the boots). Except this, they are comfortable and my feet stay in place even if I force against it. But I don’t know if this will stay the same thing after the breaking period. (With the Ritual I had no heel lift when they were brand news).
Note that I ride at least 3 days by week, I don’t tight my bindings I prefer to keep them loose. And I will probably buy the Burton Felix too for my other setup when I want to ride more agressive.
Hope you can help me with this dilemma!
Hi Alexandra
Thanks for your message.
If you’re able to lift your board up without strapping in in the Encore, then my concern would be that you wear away the boots over time, if they’re rubbing on the sides of the bindings, if you’re having to kind of force them in – and also whether or not it’s so tight that you may not get them right back fully into the binding every time – or if the effort of doing so will become too annoying after a while. My experience with heel pain on new boots is that it lessens as you break them in. Certainly is a plus if your foot isn’t moving around inside – and Vans boots do tend to be a little narrower (on the inside) than Burton, so no surprises there, that things are a little more snug.
Heel lift does tend to increase a little as you break boots in. It’s hard to say how the Encore will feel after broken in compared to the Ritual.
If you did go with the Rituals again, you could look into getting some J bars for them, which should help with the heel lift – and might even help a little with the foot moving around. Ideally your foot wouldn’t be twisting inside your boot. You could even try sizing down 1/2 size, if you are able to try on before buying.
Hope this helps
Thank for your help Nate, I will try the J bars in my Rituals. I don’t think I can down 1/2 size, my feet fit exactly like the insole in my actual Rituals (like them were sized for me) so if I down size them will be probably too small. But if I have the chance I will try them in smaller size if the J bars don’t work.
Thanks again!
You’re very welcome Alexandra. Sounds like J-bars are the best bet, if you think you’re sized correctly already. Hope it works for you.
How’s it going. So my friend is really getting into snowboarding now. This would be her second season and she’s very adventurous following me into many different terrain parks, trying all the small features, small jumps, and enjoys some speed on the rest of the mountain as well. I would say her skill level is between beginner/intermediate. She’s 5’3 and weighs 115. I would like to surprise her with a new board, bindings, and boots. The setup I had in mind would be a GNU Ladies Choice for the magne-traction edges for better carves, especially dealing with east coast conditions and being a medium flexing board for her riding style either the 142.5 size for her height and weight or the next size up being 145.5 (I was wondering what you would rather reccomend) Bent Metal Upshot Bindings or something better, and Van’s Women’s Aura Boots or something better?
Hi Ted
Thanks for your message.
I think that sounds like a sweet setup (and what an awesome surprise!). For the Ladies Choice, the 142.5 would be my recommendation for sure. I think the 145.5 would be too long for her specs and ability level. Even the 142.5 is longer than what I would normally recommend for her specs and being a beginner/intermediate level, but it sounds like she is progressing well, so should be fine on it. Do you know what length she’s riding currently?
The Auras will be a good match for the Ladies Choice, in my opinion – and as long as they fit her well are great boots in general.
The only question mark would be the Upshots and the only reason I question those really is that they’re a 4/10 flex and the Ladies Choice is a little stiffer than that. I usually try to go as least as stiff with bindings as board, or if I have to a little stiffer. I prefer to go slightly stiffer bindings-wise than slightly softer, in comparison to the board. So that would be my only thing there. They’re certainly not way off and would work, but if you wanted to look at some other options, check out the following:
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
The Burton Scribe and Union Milan would also work.
Hope this helps
P.S. You’re a good friend!