
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 2020/21 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.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Beginner Snowboard Boots list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 BEGINNER SNOWBOARD BOOTS (Latest Season)
Comparison Stats
Just quickly, to give you a reference for the scores below;
Out of 32 of beginner boots that I rated:
O.k. let’s get into the top 10!
BEGINNER BOOT #10

Boot: Ride Rook
Price: $199
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Fit: Normal width feet
Rating: 88.4/100
Starting off the list at #10 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.
They come in at a really reasonable price tag too, but still have decent quality.
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 | 1.0 | 2/10 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.4/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #9

Boot: Salomon Launch Lace Boa
Price: $269
Lacing System: Traditional Lace with Liner Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4.5/10)
Fit: Normal to narrow width feet
Rating: 88.4/100
Next up we have the Launch Lace Boa.
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.
The Launch Lace is also the stiffest boot in this list. Stiff boots aren't good for beginners, IMO, but they aren't too stiff, but just a bit stiffer than others in this list. So they are a great option, IMO, for heavier riders, looking for a good beginner boot, but need something a little firmer than other beginner boots.
Score Breakdown for the Launch Lace Boa
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.0 | 20/25 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 14/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 5.0 | 10/10 |
PRICE | 2.5 | 5/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.4/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #8

Boot: Thirty Two Zephyr Santa Cruz
Price: $299
Lacing System: Traditional Lace
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet
Rating: 89.5/100
In at #8, we have the 32 Zephyr Santa Cruz.
If you want something that's beginner friendly but that will still give enough performance if you progress quickly, then these are a great option.
They are the kind of boot that you won't have to upgrade from for a good while.
They have surprisingly good heel hold for traditional lace boots and also come with a heel hold kit to get an even more tailored heel hold.
The Zephyr were higher in this list last year, but the price tag went up and that reduced the score. And the Zephyr Santa Cruz is a slightly different boot, with an different/upgraded sole and more articulation in the cuff.
Score Breakdown for the Zephyr
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 | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 2.0 | 4/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #7

Boot: K2 Raider
Price: $229
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Fit: Normal width feet
Rating: 89.5/100
In at #7 are the K2 Raider.
The Raider are a no nonsense single Boa boot that's comfortable, has good shock absorption and are easy and quick to get in and out of.
They lack adjustability, just the downside of being single Boa, but do provide decent heel hold for those that find it hard to keep their heel down in their boots.
Overall a nice boot for a beginner and something that isn't so soft that you would grow out of it too quickly.
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 | 1.0 | 2/10 |
PRICE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #6

Boot: Adidas The Super Star
Price: $300
Lacing System: Traditional Lace with power strap
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Fit: Mid-wide to wide feet
Rating: 89.5/100
At #6 we have the Adidas Superstar boots.
Whilst not for the budget conscious beginner, they are one of those boots that are great for riding freestyle/park, if that's something you see yourself getting into.
They're a great option for those with wide feet and whilst they're not as low profile as other Adidas boots that I've measured, they're decently low profile.
They can also take you well past the beginner stage and with that power strap, you can crank that down as you get more advanced for a little bit more hold and response for when you start riding faster and harder.
If that sounds like you and you have a good budget to work with, then these are a great option.
Score Breakdown for the Superstar
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 16/20 |
HEEL HOLD | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 9/10 |
PRICE | 2.0 | 4/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #5

Boot: Vans Aura OG
Price: $229
Lacing System: Single Boa
Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)
Fit: Average width feet
Rating: 90.7/100
At #5, we have the Vans Aura OG.
The Aura OG provide that nice flex level that's forgiving enough for beginners getting start 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.
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 | 3.0 | 6/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #4

Boot: Thirty Two STW Double Boa
Price: $239
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 Double Boa are new for 2021 and add a double boa option to the existing STW Boa. The STW 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.
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 #3

Boot: K2 Rosko Lace
Price: $179
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 new for 2021 and offers a very low cost option (the lowest priced on this list), 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.
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 #2

Boot: Vans Hi Standard OG
Price: $219
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: 93.6/100
Coming in at #2 we have the Vans Hi Standard OG.
For 2019 (and continuing for the 2020 and 2021 models), Vans made a Hi-Standard OG and a Hi-Standard Pro (and did the same with the Aura). The Pro version is a little stiff to make this list, but the OG is just the right mix of a softer flexing boot, still with plenty of comfort.
The Hi-Standard OG are also a good low profile option. Get these if you want Traditional Lacing and get the Aura OG if you'd prefer Boa.
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 | 3.5 | 7/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.6/100 |
BEGINNER BOOT #1

Boot: Burton Moto
Price: $199
Lacing System: Speed Lacing
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Fit: Normal width to Mid-wide feet
Rating: 95.3/100
And finally at #1, we have the Burton Moto.
The Moto’s are very popular beginner boots and it’s easy to see why. They have the right flex, the right price-tag and are super easy to get in and out of (once you learn the speed lacing system).
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, which also make good beginner boots - if you think you would prefer a Boa boot. Note that the Boa version scores slightly differently. And for 2021 there is also a Lace version of the Moto, which is also a great beginner option, if you would prefer Traditional Lacing. The Boa version is the priciest, with the Lace version the cheapest and the Speed Lace in between.
Score Breakdown for the Moto Speed Zone
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 |
Thanks for Reading
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped give you some options for beginner snowboard boots.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Beginner Snowboard Boots list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 BEGINNER SNOWBOARD BOOTS (Latest Season)
Buying Past Season Models
Often models don't change that much from year to year so if you can find a past season model, it will likely be close enough to the latest model but you can get it cheaper, if available and in your size. For past year's models check out the links below to see if they still have any left.
Recent Comments