Hello and welcome to our list of the top 5 women’s snowboarding boots for beginners.
This list has been updated for the 2023-2024 season.
Whilst a lot of people just consider boots that are cheap to be beginner boots this is not all that beginner boots should be. Of course price is one factor, but it’s only one factor.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com each boot will receive a score out of 100 based on several factors to determine how good they are as beginner boots.
Comparison Stats
Of 19 women’s boots that I rated as beginner boots:
O.k. let’s get going with the top 5!
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #5=
Boots: Vans Encore OG
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4 out of 10)
Rating Score: 89.1/100
Starting off the list at #5, we have the Vans Encore OG boots.
The Encore OG are a single boa boot that have what's typically the ideal flex for beginners who want something that will stick with them for a while compared to a super soft boot.
They're soft enough to be forgiving and easy to progress in but have enough firmness that when you're starting to ride a bit faster they can still stick with you for a bit longer through your progression.
Score Breakdown for the Encore OG
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 15/15 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 9/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.1/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #5=
Boots: Ride Harper
-
CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (3 out of 10)
Rating Score: 89.1/100
Next up we have the Ride Harper.
The right price and the right flex for that first pair of boots to help you progress easily through the beginner phase.
Plus super easy to get in and out of, so you won't have any frustrations with that -and super easy getting those boots on in a cold car park before hitting the slopes.
More on the Harper in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Harper
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 15/15 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 9/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.1/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #4
Boot: K2 Cosmo
-
CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Hybrid Traditional Lace & BOA
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 89.7/100
Coming in at #4 we have the K2 Cosmo. The Cosmo are great boots in their own right but at the same time work really well as beginner boots.
They aren't the cheapest in this list, but they are something that can last you a bit longer through your progression and also probably physically too.
The Cosmo features a hybrid lacing system which gives you great adjustability and helps with heel hold. The traditional lacing offers great adjustability and the BOA works on a harness that helps to hold your ankle in place. Another great thing about this system is that you can re-tighten the BOA to give you a bit more ankle support, without having to open up the outer boot.
Score Breakdown for the Cosmo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 15/15 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.5 | 5/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.7/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #3
Boots: K2 Haven
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 90.8/100
K2’s Haven boots are ideal for anyone starting out snowboarding. Medium-soft, forgiving, really comfortable and super easy to get in and out of.
And that single boa system is not only fast and easy to get in and out of – it also makes it really easy to get the boots tight enough. A great choice for anyone who struggles to get traditional lacing or speed lacing tight enough (and you can stomach the lack of adjustability).
Score Breakdown for the Haven
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 15/15 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 10/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.8/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #2
Boots: Burton Mint
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Speed Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3 out of 10)
Rating: 91.4/100
The #2 position goes to the Burton Mint boots.
Featuring a nice soft-medium flex for an easy and forgiving ride, perfect for the beginner, the Mint packs a heap of performance into a really reasonable price tag.
Like any good beginner boot Burton’s Mint boots are nice and comfortable, easy to get in and out of and are really easy to adjust for a nice custom fit.
Once you get used to the speed lacing system (which is pretty easy once you’ve done it a couple of times) you’ll be flying in and out of these boots – though you may not want to take them off!
There are no obvious weaknesses to these boots and they will allow the beginner rider to progress seamlessly and in comfort and style, without breaking the bank!
The Mint’s also come in a Boa version (previously it also came in a Lace version but not any more). The Boa version is a little more expensive and has slightly different pros and cons (they coincidentally end up on the same total score). I have included the score breakdown for the BOA version below along with the regular (speed lace) version.
Check out the video for more about the Mint
The Mint comes in at around 0:15
Score Breakdown for the Mint
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 15/15 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.5 | 7/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.4/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Mint BOA
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 15/15 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 2.0 | 4/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 9/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.4/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #1
Boots: Vans Women’s Hi-Standard OG
-
CA
-
UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 92.5/100
And finally, in at #1, we have the Vans' Women's Hi-Standard OG snowboard boots.
These boots are super comfortable (though comfort in snowboard boots can be subjective) and have the ideal flex for beginners that make them super-forgiving, easy to learn with but are still of decent quality and not so soft that you can't ride them for years to come, as you progress.
And with that traditional lacing you get great adjustability, even if it does mean that it takes a little longer to get them on.
Score Breakdown for the Women's Hi Standard OG
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 15/15 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 10/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 6/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.5/100 |
Over to you…
Thanks for reading and we hope this post has been helpful in your research for women’s beginner snowboard boots.
Check out the links under each boot for current prices, availability and more info.
Hi again, Nate!
Thank you so much for all of your advice previously, it’s been a big help as I slowly upgrade my gear. (I found some solid boots thanks to your input!)
I’m still searching for the right board (been riding my 15 year old Morrow board this season while I’ve been relearning the ropes). I’m still considering the Arbor Poparazzi rocker 150, but was also curious what you think of the Niche line up? I’m looking at the Minx, 149. Which is a camber dominant board, so I know it’s a different ride than the Poparazzi. My boots are the Burton Felix double boa, so medium flex, and I’m finally graduating to more of an intermediate level. (I’m 5′ 4″, 155 lbs). Just curious what your thoughts are on Arbor vs Niche? Any recommendations for women’s boards for those brands?
Hi Lindsay
The Minx is camber, but the camber is pretty subtle and overall it’s an easy going board to ride. It’s more freestyle focused but is something that you can still ride casual all-mountain with. Size-wise, would be between the 149 and 152, but I think I would be leaning 149.
Hi Nate!
I’m currently looking at buying some boots, as I feel continuing to rent will just make my progression harder. I’m somewhere between beginner and intermediate, leaning a bit more toward beginner I suppose. I boarded 10+ years ago as a teen without much direction or insight and am now trying to get back into it. I’m honestly still figuring out the transfer from heel to toe, and am struggling quite a bit with toe edge (hoping this is partly due to ill-fitting boots).
I’m debating between 4 boots: Women’s Burton Mint BOA, Burton Limelight BOA, Thirty Two STW Double BOA, Thirty Two Lashed Double BOA. My concern is that I’ll progress out of the Mint and STW too soon, and was curious what your thoughts are on the other more advanced boots (both are solid medium flex).
Also, I’m looking at getting an Arbor Formula board 148 or 152, and was wondering what bindings you might suggest for my skill level? My old board is a 148 Morrow from 2008, it’s camber so not ideal. But I like the size of the board. Would you recommend bumping up to 152 though, given my weight and height? (5′ 4″, 155 lbs).
Also, your website is phenomenal and your articles/reviews have been incredibly helpful. I’m just in this weird place, where I’m not quite a full on beginner but not to intermediate yet either, and don’t want to outgrow my gear too quickly. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate your insights!
Oops, thought my previous comment didn’t submit! Sorry for the duplicate message.
Hi Lindsay
No worries at all, happens all the time (deleted the first one for tidiness as the 2nd one had a bit more info in it).
If you feel you’re on the cusp of beginner and intermediate, then going mid flex with your boots should be fine – if you’re going to go a little stiffer with anything in the setup, then I would make it boots. The softer options would likely help you to progress faster (and if you want double boa, then the STW Double BOA is a good option) but the mid flex options are doable. I definitely get not wanting to grow out of them too quickly. And it’s kind of a double edged sword sometimes – the softer boot helps you progress faster, which makes you grow out of them faster, because they helped you progress faster (sorry, not sure if double edged sword is the right analogy in this case…)
In terms of size for the Formula Rocker – I would put you at around 150/151 for your “standard all-mountain” size, but that’s assuming an advanced level, so I think sizing to 148 makes sense. My biggest concern with the Formula Rocker is that it might be too wide for your boots – if you could let me know your boot size as well that would be great.
In terms of bindings, I would try to match the board for flex, if possible or a little stiffer than board flex – so for the Formula Rocker I would be looking at something around 4/10 flex to 5/10 flex. For your skill level, I would be looking more around 4/10 flex. Some options for that flex range.
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
But again, I suspect the Formula Rocker is going to be too wide for you, which certainly wouldn’t help with your toe side turns.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Thank you so much for all of this information, it’s super helpful and I really appreciate it. There’s so much to navigate with all the tech involved in boarding these days!
That makes good sense about the boots, and it definitely sounds like a bit of a double edged sword. Do you think getting a medium flex boot would ultimately be too detrimental to my learning? If so, I might go for the STW boots, as I’d rather not impede my progression to save a bit of money. Hopefully I’ll get good use out of them for a few seasons, before needing to upgrade.
I hadn’t even thought about board width, thanks for pointing that out! I’m size a 7.5 to 8 in women’s boots (depending on the brand). Maybe I should go for the Arbor Ethos instead, as it’s a women’s specific board. I’ll look over your women’s beginner boards again. Your thoughts on this are most appreciated!
Thanks again!
Best,
Lindsay
Hi Lindsay
Yeah, I think the Formula will be too wide. If you still wanted a bit of a step up from the Ethos, you could look at the Poparazzi Rocker. It’s still beginner friendly, but a better fit for a high-end beginner and will last you longer, IMO. Size-wise, it would be between the 147 and 150. Again, the 147 will be the easier option to ride and progress on – with the 150 being something that’s the right size for your specs, so certainly doable, all be it with a slightly steeper learning curve.
In terms of boots, I think you’d get away with medium flex. But would again be that steeper learning curve. A little bit more determination to get through initially but I think you’d be fine. If you do go medium I would be leaning Limelight in this case – as it’s a little softer than the Lashed Double Boa (5/10 flex versus 6/10 flex).
Hi Nate!
You were extremely helpful for me in picking out my first board and I am so grateful for that! I’m trying to pick out the best combo for the boots and bindings with my board and was hoping to ask your advice once again!
I purchased the Nitro Lectra board size 146 (234 mm waist). I’m thinking of purchasing the Union Rosa bindings but I am between the Burton Mint boots and the ThirtyTwo STW double BOA boots. Do you think the union rosa would be a good match with my board? And if so, which of the boots do you think would be the better choice? I still consider myself a beginner, I have been maybe 3 times and am still perfecting the heel to toe transitions. I only board on groomed trails, such as those at ski lodges. I’d greatly appreciate your input! Thanks in advance!
Hi Morganne
I think the Rosa is a good match to the Lectra and a good choice for beginners, IMO.
With boots, both of those would work for sure. Fit is the most important thing. If you have any chance to try on, I would. Even if you can’t try on the particular model, but something from the same brand that would help a little bit. But if you don’t have a chance to try on, I would, if it’s within your means, order both and return the one that you don’t want to keep.
For sizing and fit, check out:
>>How to Size Snowboard Boots
And some things that might help if you can’t try on:
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
Hi Nate!
Thank you so much for this information! You’ve been a truly great help to me! I’ll check out those resources and do a bit more research on the boots. I appreciate all your advice! Merry Christmas!
You’re very welcome Morganne.
Hope you had a great Christmas too!
hi Nate,
you helped me with finding a good snowboard (Women’s Burton Feelgood Flying V) –
now I am looking for a binding and a boot.
I am a (lower) intermediate rider… (4/10)
which boot + binding would you recommend?
thank you
Carina
Hi Carina
To match the Feelgood Flying V and you’re level of riding, I would first of all look at something with around a 5/10 flex. So, I would be looking at something from one of the following lists (see below), rather than this particular list. I mean you could go for a beginner boot, but to match your level and the board better, I would be looking at around 5/10 or even 6/10 flex for boots. For bindings I would also look at around 5/10 flex. You would probably be fine with 4/10 flex for bindings, but ideally 5/10.
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
>>My Top Women’s Freestyle Snowboard Boots
>>My Top Women’s All-Mountain Snowboard Boots
Hope you find some good options, and let me know if you need to narrow down further, or if you want extra options outside those
thank you
what do you think about:
– Burton Felix Boa Women Boots
and
– Burton Escapade EST Snowboard binding
Do you think this is a good combination? or any other recommendations?
thank you
Hi Carina
I think those would be a great setup for you and a great match to the Feelgood Flying V too.
Thank you 🙂
You’re very welcome Carina. Happy riding!
Hi nate,
I am a beginner that is looking to cruise down on groomed trails (no plans for the park), learn turns and easy tricks. I have the Rossi Meraki board, and was looking into snowboard boots and bindings to go with it and will fit an intermediate level as well. Right now im considering citizen bindings and k2 haven boots for the board. How does that sounds, any problems with that combination?
What are your thoughts on K2 Haven 2015 vs Burton Emerald 2016 vs Mint vs Scribe?
Hi Laura
Thanks for your message.
Since you’re looking for something intermediate, then I think the Haven would work well boots-wise. The Mint are likely a little too soft – great for beginners but if you’re looking to get something more suitable for intermediate, then the Haven would be better in my opinion. The Emerald would be a good option too. It’s a little stiffer than the Haven (Emerald 5/10 flex vs Haven 4/10 flex) – but still good for an intermediate level.
In terms of bindings the Citizens might be a little too beginner based on your desire to go Intermediate. You would be better off with the Stiletto, IMO. But the Scribe (5/10 flex) would also be a good option – and pair well with the Emeralds. Both would be a stiffer combination than your board, but would still work with your board.
The Haven & Stiletto would match well with the Meraki – and would be a good combo too.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, first season snowboarder here! Bought all my gear based on your reviews and I’m absolutely loving my k2 first lite and Burton Citizen bindings!
I also purchased the Burton Mint Boa boots online as they were on special in my size.
I have very skinny ankles and shallow feet and I’ve been getting a huge amount of heel lift in them even when I tighten them as much as I can. It’s really affecting my toe side riding and heel-to-toe turns as I feel like I’m not getting the response I need from my boots.
Do you think there’s anything I can do to fix this issue?
Or do you think it’s worth me selling them (they look pretty much new) and buying a pair that is more adjustable round the ankle?
Hi Anna
Thanks for your message.
There are a couple of options you can work with to reduce your heel lift.
Firstly, you could look into getting J Bars for the liner of the boot, which help to hold your ankles in place.
The other one is something called Strapins. I have just recently tested these (and will have a review published for them soon) and they could work well for reducing heel lift. You can check them out here.
Failing that, going with a double boa boot, would give you more adjustability, but I think one or both of the above options should help.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Great information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Very much a beginner. Riding in NC, mostly man made snow. Looking to purchase boots, bindings and board. I have read thru all of your recommendations of each component. Here is the combo I have been looking at: Rossignol Gala board with Burton Stiletto bindings. BOOTS?? Burton Limelight boa? or Burton Mint? I do not mind paying more for a better boot.
Overall, what is your opinion on this combo?
Thank you
Hi Joy
Sounds like a great combo to me and should work well to help you progress, assuming the correct sizes.
Boots-wise, the Mint are a softer more easy going boot. The Limelight Boa is a little stiffer (medium flex), which will make them less forgiving. So, as a beginner setup, the Mint would be better in my opinion. The Limelight Boa certainly a higher performance boot, but less suitable for beginner level, IMO. The Mint is a step up from the cheapest Burton boot too (the Coco), and still a well made boot – just softer and more forgiving.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your insight and advise.
I went for the Burton Mint boots as you suggested.
The Burton Citizen Bindings.
Rossignol Gala board size 142.
I am 5’4.
Weight 109.
Boot Size 7.
Is the Gala board correct in a 142 for me??
I used a Burton learn to ride board in a 145.
Thank you once again.
I will wait to hear from you to get the bindings mounted.
Thanks again
Hi Joy
Thanks for your message.
In my opinion the 142 is the best size for you for the Gala. Anything around 140-142 as a beginner would be best for you, IMO. Something around 144, 145 as an advanced rider would work well too, but as a beginner, for the Gala, definitely 142, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Your awesome. Thank you for all of your great advise.
Cant wait to start on my new set up.
Sincerely,
Joy
You’re very welcome Joy. Hope you have an awesome season and enjoy your new setup!
Hi Nate! Thanks for your helpful posting!
I just started learning snowboard this season and really love it. Now I am working on my Level 3 and I guess I am still a beginner. I feel uncomfy when I put the rental boots on so I decided to get my first snowboard boots. I was looking at the Thirty Two Women’s Lashed Double Boa but then found a BINARY BOA WOMEN’S on sale. Is the Binary too much for a beginner? Which one is better for me?
Thank you sooooo much!!
Hi Caron
Thanks for your message. The Binary Boa are a little stiffer flexing than the Lashed. I’d put the Binary at 6/10 and the Lashed at 4.5/10. So the Binary are going to be less forgiving overall. Not as suitable for beginners. However, they are probably doable – just not ideal. If you can at at all it’s a great idead to try on in store, just to see if they fit well and to get the sizing right. Different brands ten to fit a little differently and some brands fit different foot shapes better. But yeah, if 32 fits you well, then the Lashed would be better as a beginner, but the Binary Boa aren’t going to be unrideable, IMO.
Hope this helps and hope you continue to have a great season!
Hi Nathan. Just wanted to say that this is a very informative post about snowboarding boots. The thing that people often fret over when they want to get into something new is that they don’t know where to start. This applies to snowboarding in a big way–When I first was learning the ropes before hitting the slopes (no pun intended) was where to go for boots, bindings and boards and even when I did find out, the question of which ones to purchase was still in the air. This gives beginners a good starting point on what to select and why and its geared towards new riders. Excellent post thank you!
Hey Jesse
Thanks for visiting. Glad you liked the post.
I’m the same – when I started out I didn’t know where to start gear-wise. That’s one of the big reasons for this website is to make it easier for beginners and snowboarders of all abilities to find the right snowboard gear.