Hello and welcome to my list of the top 5 women’s snowboarding boots for beginners. This list has been updated for the 2018-19 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 24 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: Thirty Two 86 FT Women’s
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Lacing System: Speed Lacing (32’s Fast Track)
Flex: Medium-Soft (3 out of 10)
Rating Score: 89.8/100
The 86FT Women’s are the second cheapest boot on this list. But that’s certainly not the only thing that makes these great for beginners.
They have a nice medium-soft flex that helps to make them very forgiving and help to make it easier to control a snowboard at slower speeds.
They’re also really comfortable, which helps to keep you out on the hill for longer – and just cause, who wants uncomfortable feet!?
They're also a great option for those who see themselves getting into freestyle/park riding.
Check out this video for more details
Score Breakdown for the Women's 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 |
Entry/Exit | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #4
Boots: Burton Mint
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Lacing System: Speed Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3 out of 10)
Rating: 89.8/100
In at #4, are the Burton Mint boots.
Featuring a nice soft-medium flex for an easy and forgiving ride, perfect for the beginner, the Mint’s pack 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. If Boa is more your thing, then that’s an option too. I have included their score below too.
Check out the video below for more about the Mint
This video is for the 2018 model but still relevant for the 2019 model, though colorways will be different.
Score Breakdown for the Mint
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 |
Entry/Exit | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Mint 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 | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Entry/Exit | 4.5 | 9/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #3
Boots: K2 Haven
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 90.9/100
K2’s Haven boots are ideal for anyone starting out snowboarding. Reasonably priced, 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.
They're also a great freestyle boot - so for those looking to get into riding freestyle/park once they're more advanced, these boots are a great investment.
Check out the video for more about the Haven
Score Breakdown for the Haven
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 | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Entry/Exit | 4.5 | 9/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.9/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #2
Boots: Vans Women’s Hi-Standard OG
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Rating: 90.9/100
The #2 boots for this list are Vans' Women's Hi-Standard OG.
These boots are super comfortable and have the ideal flex for beginners that make them super-forgiving, easy to learn with but are still of decent quality.
They’re the only traditional laced boot on this list, so if you have trouble with getting traditional laces tight enough they may not be the ideal pick for you – but otherwise they are about the perfect boot for beginners.
Traditional laces do offer a lot of adjustability to get a really personalized fit though - so there's a trade off.
And they look pretty darn good too (IMO).
Check out the video for more about the Women’s Hi-Standard OG
This video is for the men's version but still relevant for the women's version.
Score Breakdown for the Women's Hi Standard OG
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 | 4.5 | 9/10 |
Price | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Entry/Exit | 2.0 | 4/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.9/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #1
Boot: Thirty Two Shifty Boa Women's
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Soft (2/10)
Rating: 92.0/100
And finally, in at #1, we have the Women's Shifty Boa (there's also a men's version)
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. And they are very easy to work with.
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.
More on the Shifty Boas in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Women's 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 |
Entry/Exit | 4.5 | 9/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.0/100 |
Over to you…
Thanks for reading and I 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.
Notes
Often models don’t change that much from year to year so if you can find a 2018 model, it will likely be close enough to the 2019 model but you should be able to get it cheaper, if available. For the latest model check out the links above for each boot. For past year’s models check out the links below to see if they still have any available.
Jesse griffin says
August 20, 2015 at 3:02 amHi 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!
Nate says
August 20, 2015 at 4:21 amHey 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.
Caron says
December 27, 2017 at 10:06 pmHi 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!!
Nate says
December 29, 2017 at 9:48 amHi 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!
Joy Millner says
December 31, 2018 at 8:51 amHi 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
Nate says
January 2, 2019 at 11:48 amHi 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.
Joy Millner says
January 19, 2019 at 6:16 amHi 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
Nate says
January 21, 2019 at 10:39 amHi 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
Joy Millner says
January 23, 2019 at 1:05 pmHi Nate,
Your awesome. Thank you for all of your great advise.
Cant wait to start on my new set up.
Sincerely,
Joy
Nate says
January 24, 2019 at 10:47 amYou’re very welcome Joy. Hope you have an awesome season and enjoy your new setup!
Anna says
February 1, 2019 at 2:31 pmHey 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?
Nate says
February 2, 2019 at 1:17 pmHi 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
Laura Ngo says
March 12, 2019 at 9:38 pmHi 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?
Nate says
March 14, 2019 at 2:37 pmHi 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