Hello and welcome to my list of the top 5 women’s snowboarding boots for beginners.
This list has been updated for the 2020-21 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 23 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: K2 Cosmo
- CANADA
Lacing System: Traditional lace with liner Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4 out of 10)
Rating Score: 89.8/100
Starting off the list in #5, we have the K2 Cosmo.
New for 2021, the Cosmo is that nice balance of being an easy to ride boot, great for the beginner, but with enough quality and performance to be able to stick with you as you progress.
Score Breakdown for the Cosmo
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 | 4.0 | 8/10 |
PRICE | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.5 | 5/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #4
Boot: Thirty Two STW Double Boa Women's
- CANADA
Lacing System: Double Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Rating: 89.8/100
And in at #4, we have the Thirty Two Women's STW Double Boa.
The STW Double Boa is new for 2021 and is a double boa take on the longstanding STW Boa (which is a single Boa).
Apart from being a great flex for beginners, they have great adjustability and heel hold (depending on fit of course), and come with a really reasonable price-tag for a double boa boot.
More on the Women's STW Double Boa in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Women's 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 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #3
Boots: Vans Women’s Hi-Standard OG
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Lacing System: Traditional Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 89.8/100
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 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 set them up.
And they look pretty darn good too (IMO).
Check out the video for more about the Women’s Hi-Standard OG
Score Breakdown for the Women's 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 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 6/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #2
Boots: K2 Haven
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 90.3/100
K2’s Haven boots are ideal for anyone starting out snowboarding. Reasonably priced, 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.
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 - and they are the kind of boots that can stay with you for a long time as you progress.
Check out the video for more about the Haven
Score Breakdown for the Haven
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 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 10/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.3/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BOOT #1
Boots: Burton Mint
- CANADA
Score Breakdown for the Mint
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 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.2/100 |
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.
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.