Hello and welcome to my Vans Aura Pro review.
In this review I will take a look at the Aura Pro as freestyle snowboard boots.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Aura Pro a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other freestyle boots.
Overall Rating
Boots: Vans Aura Pro
Price: $289 (USD recommended retail)
Style: Freestyle
Other Uses: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium (5/10 to 6/10)
Flex Feel: Medium (5/10)
Rating Score: 92.0/100
Compared to other Freestyle Boots
Out of the 26 freestyle boots that I rated:
Overview of the Aura Pro’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Aura Pro’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freestyle or All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $289 -BUYING OPTIONS |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Weight: | Slightly heavier than normal |
Lacing System: | Double Boa |
Who are the Aura Pro Most Suited to?
The Aura Pro is best suited to riding freestyle, but just as adept at all-mountain riding, if you want a boot right on that medium flex.
They offer a great balance between board feel and shock absorption, are playful enough, but still offer good response.
Not quite beginner friendly, but doable for low intermediates and good all the way to experts who prefer softer flexing boots.
The Aura Pro in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Aura Pro are capable of.
Demo Info
Boots: Vans Aura Pro 2022
Size: 10 (US Men's Sizing)
Date: February 4, 2022
Conditions
Snowing. But quite a wet snow. Cascade concrete for sure. Visibility iffy in places and OK in others.
Temp: -1°C (30°F). Apparently as cold as -7°C (19°F) with wind chill but didn't feel that cold.
24 hour snow: 3cm (1.2")
48 hour snow: 8cm (3.2")
7 day snow: 26cm (10.2")
Snow conditions on groomer: Soft, with fresh wet pow. Some well groomed other parts cruddy. Slow. Cascade concrete for sure. But not the slowest cascade concrete I've been in.
Snow conditions off groomer: Some good soft building on top. Still felt some crust in patches but pretty good all round.
Setup
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Board Demoed With: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker 2021
Bindings Demoed With: Burton Malavita
Outersole Length: 30.3cm (mondo 28.0cm)
Difference between Mondo & Outersole: 2.3cm
Backstay Height: 29.8cm (11.7")
Rider Weight: 175lbs (79kg)
Weight: 1140 grams (2lbs 8oz)*
* Average of a sample of boots I've weighed was 1018g (2lbs 4oz), so a bit heavier than the average, but not super heavy. Heaviest were 1320g (2lbs 15oz) and lightest were 740g (1lb 10oz).
Flex
When I first did my in office try on/test with them, I felt like they were closer to 6/10 flex. But riding them they felt softer than a 6. More like a 5/10, maybe pushing 5.5/10.
Fit
Width: Right in the middle. They're not super wide by any means, but they're not narrow either. The definition of normal width.
True to Size?: They were a little snugger than what I was expecting at first - a little less room in the toe box and overall snug all round. But I think they would be just right in the 10, particularly after they broke in more. I typically wear a 10, so I'd say true to size for sure. Throughout my testing, they began to feel better and better fit-wise. I certainly wouldn't go to the 9.5, but I wouldn't go 10.5 either, as I feel they would pack out to be a little too big.
High or Low Arch: Could feel a bit of pressure on top of right boot, but that's normal for me, when I first try boots on. It got less and less as I rode in them. I would say medium.
Shock Absorption
In the stomp test in my office (versus my Tactical ADVs), they weren't as shock absorbing - and the same turned out to be true riding them (general chatter, flat landings etc). But that's no surprise, given the Tactical ADVs are the most shock absorbing boots I've ridden.
Versus other boots, they are up there - so not at the very peak of shock absorption, but still really good.
Board Feel
The Aura Pro provides really good board feel. Not too surprising after my sole inspection. There's good flex in the toes of the sole and through the middle of the sole. Less in the heel, as is the case with all boots, but even in the heel, there was a little bit of flex.
On snow I found I got really good board feel from them.
Responsiveness
Versus my control boots (Tactical ADV), the Aura Pro couldn't quite carve as hard, but were very close in that aspect. They were a little better in terms of quick turn initiations at slower speeds though - and overall really good for that - my control boots are already good in that respect.
Adjustability
You've got the double boas, so that you can adjust the lower and upper sections of the outer boot independently. And that separation is pretty independent too (some double boas share a cable or two between the two boa dials).
The side BOA controls the bottom 3 wires and the front boa does the top 4 wires. The 4th wire is connected to the 5th wire in some ways, with a tab thing (don't know the technical name for it!), so they’re kind of working together because of that tab – but the wires each BOA dial work on are completely independent. And feels like good separation overall - i.e. when tightening the front boa, it doesn't feel like it's tightening the lower section of the boot and visa versa.
Comfort
Whilst they were a little too tight for comfort when I first tried them on - pretty cramped for room for my toes, they quickly became more comfortable just wearing them in the office for around 30 minutes.
Then when riding they just got more and more comfortable as I went. By the end they were already really comfortable - and if my old Auras are any indication, they would eventually fit like a glove - a really comfortable glove.
Heel Hold
Heel hold was really good in these boots. Very minimal heel lift - and only then when actually trying to rip the heel up. When actually riding, didn't notice heel lift at all.
Reduced Footprint
There's only a 2.3cm difference between mondo and outersole, which is pretty low profile versus the average booty. They don't have quite as much toe bevel as some boots, but otherwise very low profile length wise.
They are wider - and whilst I didn't have any issues getting them into my bindings (medium Malavita) - they did take up most of the binding's width. They were also a little more bulky in the ankle area than my control boots. Had to let out one hole on the ankle strap length (could've ridden them as they were, but fit slightly better with the ankle strap one hole longer).
Entry/Exit
Had a bit of trouble getting my foot in to start with, when I first tried them on. Once I made more effort to really open the boot out, it went in without too much trouble – but certainly didn’t slip on easily. Time is average – takes a bit of time to coil up those BOAs, especially with how much I had to loosen them to get my foot in, but yeah, overall fairly easy and fast. No laces dangling down to deal with, so it’s “clean” in that sense.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 16/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.5 | 9/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TRACTION | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.0/100 |
The Aura Pro are a well made boot with a medium flex and strike a really good balance between shock absorption and board feel and just all round don't have any weaknesses.
A great all round boot for park or all-mountain-freestyle or just more casual all-mountain riding.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Aura Pro, are ready to buy or want to research current prices and sizing availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Aura Pro compared to other freestyle boots, or want to check out some other options, check out the link below.
Thank you again for all of your reviews, always packed with good solid info. I got these boots for last season matched with union atlas bindings on a Yes Hybrid board. I can defiantly agree with two things, one I had to adjust the bindings slightly to get the right fit, and the toe section was a bit cramped. After a fun and technical day at Jackson my toes were hitting the boot so hard that a few days later both of the nails on my big toes were black. I know 11 is the correct size for me but it could be a bit that they were not fully broken in yet. Everything else about this boot is great but that limited toe room has me looking for another pair for next season.
Hey Derreck
Thanks for your insights. Much appreciated. Yeah everyone’s feet fit different boots differently, and sizing can vary a little from brand to brand. Unfortunate these were too cramped for your toes. Let me know if you have questions about other boots you’re looking at and I can see if I have insight on those, if I’ve tested them.
Hey,
First of all, thanks for this amazing website. The reviews are all a person can ask for instead of 20 second YT videos. I hope you can help me out. Im 6ft6, 260lbs (~120kgs), boarding for about 10 years, with a L/R 30.8/30.4 MP. When I bought my board (burton custom flying v 2017) I paired them with some NX2-GT’s. Together with the boots Salomon launch boa SJ (2017) it is impossible to use this combination because of the size of the boot. Footprints of the salomons are better nowadays, but it just doesnt work with those boots. So I was happy when I ran into your low profile listings. Since buying my size shoes is a bit difficult I ordered a couple now (K2 Maysis, normal and wide, Vans Aura pro, and Ride Tridents). The rides for the price, I noticed the maysis had reduced footprint compared to my old Salomons, and the Vans Aura Pro because you seem to be very happy about them. Because of their reduced footprint (Burtons are impossible to get for my size), I hope this will be my boot. I am no trickster, some free riding, but all in all chilling on the slopes. I hope you can give me any insight on how these will pair with my NX2-GT(2017, the blue gray ones). with my weight, (Aiming to loose, 40-50 pounds in the next two years, but corona kicked a bit heavy).
Kind regards,
Hi Nate, thanks for your detailed review! I’m currently riding Vans invado og boots, and I’m looking to upgrade as they got little too soft after a season and a half. I was actually looking at hi standard pro, invado pro, and possibly infuse. I mainly ride in park(70%) and some tree runs and carving (30%). Is there any difference between those two other than ankle boa? Also is the infuse too stiff for my kind of riding? The main thing I look for from the boots is the board feel, I like doing butter tricks, jibbing, and jumps. I’m not too sure what boots to go with for my next pair. It would be awesome if you can help me out with this one! Thank you in advance.
Hi Brian
Thanks for your messages.
I haven’t tested the Invado Pro specifically, but from my understanding it’s similar to the Hi-Standard and Aura Pro, just with the different lacing system. Not exactly, but looks like it’s pretty similar overall. Based on what you’re describing, I would be leaning Invado Pro or Hi-Standard Pro over the Infuse. I think the flex would suit you better – and you’ll still get a good bump up from the Invado OG – and the Hi-Standard Pro and Aura Pro have better board feel, in my experience vs the Infuse – and I would assume it to be the same with the Invado Pro.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Since I liked how invado og felt, I’ll give invado pro a try. Thanks a lot!
You’re very welcome Brian. Hope they treat you well. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get them out.
Hi Nate, thanks for very detailed review! I’m currently using Van’s invado og boots and looking for an upgrade as they got little too soft after a season and a half. I mainly ride park about 70% and ride trees or carving for the rest. I was actually looking at Vans hi standard pro and Vans invado pro. I can’t quite decide what to go with. Is there any difference between those two other than the ankle boa?
Hey Nate, I think your reviews are great but I think anyone buying these boots should be aware of the aggressive j bars inside the boot causing pain. I bought these boots based on your recommendation and the first day riding was a dream, but come the second day and I felt an intense sharp pain on my ankle where the j bars hug your ankle and it doesn’t go away. The boot currently has a two stars on Vans own website where multiple customers are pointing out identical ankle pain over a complete season so it seems like a fairly common issue. I know everyone is different but I recommend anyone buying this boot should do so with a generous return policy.
Hey I have a question. I really like the vans aura pro and the set up with the dual boa system but whenever I’m looking online at other website, it says they’re made more for back country and all mountain while I would be riding a lot of park and all mountain. Do you think this boot would still be suitable for me?
Hi Dylan
These boots aren’t stiff enough for backcountry riding, IMO – and they don’t have anything like a zipper shroud to keep snow off them or anything, which is really handy for backcountry hiking/riding. Don’t know why they’d consider these boots backcountry at all. They are ideal for park riding, IMO and great on groomers for the right board/binding setup. They feel a good 5/10 flex to me. If you like your park riding really playful and creative and like a really soft boot for that, then you might find these too stiff, but for the kind of park riding I do – which is predominantly jumps with only simple jib stuff, this is a great park boot. Good board feel, good shock absorption and flex that’s forgiving enough to ride rails etc, but firm enough to land bigger kickers.
Hi Nate,
Great site. Picking up loads from here.
I’m getting back into riding after a good few years away and on unpacking my stuff it looks like my old DC lynx boots haven’t survived the mid break house move that well. I’m looking at a few pairs of boots to replace them with and the vans pro line (standard pro/ aura pro and invado pro) as well as the thirty two lashed. I’ll be riding (or trying to ride) a Custom Camber with regular cartels. Think they’ll be stiff enough. I’m too old and broken to do park so it’s just for piste and trees these days. Before my 5 year break I’d say I was a bang average rider so hoping the board choice isn’t too brutal.
Thanks and take care
Hi Alan
Thanks for your message.
The Custom Camber is a little more on the aggressive side, with it’s full camber profile, but it’s not super stiff or anything. So long as you ride it with good technique, I don’t think you should have too many issues with it, if you’re an intermediate rider.
In terms of boots, I think ideally around a 6/10 to 7/10 to match the Custom/Cartel combo. The Invado Pro and the Lashed are both 6/10 flex by my feel with the Aura Pro and Hi-Standard Pro being more like 5/10 flex. The Aura/Standard Pro would work, but the Invado Pro/Lashed would be a more optimal match, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Just curious about these boots as a beginner. You mention they aren’t quite beginner friendly, but I’m interested in them regardless because I’ve found them for cheap(ish).
What about these boots make them non beginner friendly?
Would you strongly recommend that I don’t get them? (second season in) or is that just a soft recommendation?
Lastly, do they fit true to size? My street shoe is normally a 9.5, 9 in my last rental boots, but my mondopoint is 26,26.5 so I’m not sure which way to go.
Thanks again for your help!
C
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
Main reason I say not beginner friendly is flex. Stiffer boots are more unforgiving of errors and harder to ride in. Because the Aura Pro aren’t really stiff or anything, I think you should be fine in your second season with them. Ideally a little softer than medium, but it’s a softer recommendation when it comes to boots than it would be with the board. You can get away with a little stiffer in the boots. If you were a first time beginner, then I’d say go with something softer, but you’ll probably get away with them. The other thing to consider is your weight. Heavier riders can ride stiffer flexing gear versus a lighter rider, as they naturally exert more force. So, if you’re particularly light, then that’s another thing to consider and to maybe err a little softer. Not that these would be wrong for a light rider, but the combination of a beginner level and light frame might make them feel too stiff.
In terms of sizing, I find Vans to be true to size – as in they tend to fit me in 10 and my typical shoe size and boot size is 10. No guarantees it will be the same for you, but if you’re typically a 9.5 in shoes, I would guess you’d be a 9.5 in these. That said. My mondo is 27.0/27.3 (left/right foot). So I’m a little closer to the Mondo of a 10 (28) than you are to a 9.5, but not by much. So there’s certainly a chance you could be a 9. But I think 9.5 is the most likely.
Hope this helps
This is actually really helpful, Nate. Similar to the original commenter, I grabbed the Aura Pros at the end of the season for a really decent price, but before I found your website (which is really an extraordinary resource!) A little about me, 51 years old, 5’10”, 160lbs, 9.5size shoe, new to snowboarding last season after years on skis, spent about 7 days on various rental boards and boots but realized by the end of the season I wanted my own stuff because of how great it feels surfing down a mountain. New England conditions and more of an all mountain rider here but definitely on a journey to get better – and was on the mountain from January – late March conditions so kind of experienced a variety of snow on the board. Those first few falls in January while learning were rough! After reading your review I’m a little concerned I might have jumped the gun with these boots – but your comments would indicate that they could ok too? I’m fine with keeping them in the box for the future if they aren’t right for where I’m at and getting something a little more flexy/soft. I’ve been wearing around the house to break them in here and there. Now I’m on a hunt for researching the right style all mountain board for me – this website really is a great resource
Hi Dan
Thanks for your message.
They’re not ideal as beginner boots, because of their flex as mentioned in the previous comment. But as also mentioned, you can get away with it a little more when it comes to boots compared to board and bindings. So whilst not ideal, they should be fine. Ideally, at your weight, as a beginner, I’d go a little softer, but they’re not going to be completely wrong or anything – and if they fit your feet well (which is the most important thing) you should be fine. I would stick with them, since you have them, particularly as you have 7 days under your belt and are likely in that high-end beginner category now, particularly given you have a skiing background, so I’d say you’re good.
For board, I would look at the following:
>>My Top 15 Men’s Snowboards for Beginners
OR
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards