The Vans Infuse have gone from being one of the better all-mountain snowboard boots that we've tested, to being the best that we've tested. These boots have everything going for them and with the score they got, it will be no surprise to hear that they tested well in every factor that we test for.
In this review I will take a look at the Infuse as all-mountain snowboard boots.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Infuse a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain boots.
Overall Rating
Boots: Vans Infuse
Price: $420 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Mid to Mid-Stiff (5-9/10)
Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (7/10) at stiffest, maybe pushing 7.5 and then more like 5.5/10 with tongue stiffeners out.
Rating Score: 92.9/100
Compared to other All-Mountain Boots
Of the 28 current model men's all-mountain snowboard boots that we tested:
❄️ The Infuse ranked 1st out of 28
Overview of the Infuse’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Infuse's specs and available sizes.
Specs
STYLE:
ALL-MOUNTAIN
PRICE:
$420
Ability Level:
flex:
weight:
Felt HEAVIER THAN normal
LACING SYSTEM:
HYBRID - Traditional lacing WITH BOA
Sizes
US MEN'S SIZE | UK SIZE | EURO SIZE | MONDOPOINT |
|---|---|---|---|
7 | 6 | 39 | 25 |
7.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 25.5 |
8 | 7 | 40.5 | 26 |
8.5 | 7.5 | 41 | 26.5 |
9 | 8 | 42 | 27 |
9.5 | 8.5 | 42.5 | 27.5 |
10 | 9 | 43 | 28 |
10.5 | 9.5 | 44 | 28.5 |
11 | 10 | 44.5 | 29 |
11.5 | 10.5 | 45 | 29.5 |
12 | 11 | 46 | 30 |
13 | 12 | 47 | 31 |
Who are the Infuse Most Suited to?
The Infuse are well suited to a wide range of riders. Part of that reason is that they're flex is compatible with boards in the most common flex range. And partly because they have an adjustable flex, with their removable tongue stiffeners.
Even with all the tongue stiffeners out, they still aren't beginner suitable, IMO. But anyone from intermediate to expert, depending on style and board match.
Best matched to boards in the 4/10 to 8/10 flex range and even better suited to boards in the 5/10 to 7/10 flex range.
THE Infuse IN MORE DETAIL
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Infuse are capable of.
Demo Info
Boots: Vans Infuse 2025
Size: 10 (US Men's Sizing)
Date: December 18, 2024
Boot to Boot Fit
In-House testing: Overall they fit my feet really well - and with the amount of adjustability in these boots, they should be able to accommodate a good amount of foot shapes, assuming you get the right size.
On-Snow testing: All round felt really good. All round snug, with very even, well spread out pressure.
Length Fit:
In-House testing: My toes were just brushing ends but with no pressure. Would want to keep my toenails nice and short though! Toes pull away just a touch when leaning forward.
For tops of toes, again keeping that big toe nail cut would be worth doing (if its your longest toe) even more so in these than other boots. There is still some wiggle room, which is good, but certainly less than my control boots. I would say similar to 32 TM-2, or maybe slightly less room. But pretty close to the TM-2 (which I tested on the same day).
On-Snow testing: Length felt just right. Toes right near the end, but without ever getting pushed against the end.
Width Fit:
In-House testing: In my control boots I can move my forefoot side to side just a little bit. In the TM-2, I couldn’t really move it at all. In the Infuse, I can just move it a touch with effort, but very little. The toe box, while being quite tight on the top of it, actually has a bit of room to the sides. I would say a touch more than the TM-2 – though without being able to move forefoot at all in TM-2, it’s hard to say for sure. For Infuse I would say medium, maybe even bordering on medium-wide.
On-Snow testing: Medium at narrowest. Mid-wide at widest. They fit my feet (which are average width) just right, with no real space but nothing that felt too tight around my forefeet or sides of toes.
In-Step:
In-House testing: They felt pretty snug on the in-step but the pressure was nice and evenly spread out for the most part. There’s a tiny bit more pressure right at the point the instep meets the ankle. Loosening the BOA relieves this a little bit, but also relieves the heel hold a little bit. When it’s tight the instep pressure isn’t enough to have to sacrifice heel hold for, IMO. It's pretty subtle.
On-Snow testing: Again, just nice even spread out pressure. Didn't notice any discomfort while riding or even just sitting on the chairlift.
Around Ankles:
In-House testing: I felt a little bit of pressure on left inner ankle bone just forward of the top of the inner ankle bone. And a tiny bit on the outer ankle bone, but not as much as the inner bone. The inner bone pressure wasn’t bad though. It’s slightly uncomfortable but not enough to think it would be a problem down the road and no more than normal for me with any new boots.
On-Snow testing: Just like the rest of the boot, they were snug around the ankles, without any discomfort. I found that the BOA harness sat right in the perfect spot on my ankles, so that I could crank it down nice and tight for great heel hold, but without getting any hot spots on my ankles or tops of my feet.
True to Size?:
In-House testing: I’d say true to size. I would go bigger before I went smaller. I don’t think I could get into the 9.5, especially my left foot which is longer. But I am happy in the 10 so far and it should only get more comfortable from here.
On-Snow testing: I'd say definitely true to size. Any smaller and they'd be too tight, IMO. Any bigger and they'd have a chance of packing out too big. Just right in the 10 for me.
Boot to Binding Fit
Heel width: In my control boots there's a bit of space between the boot's heel and the heel cup of my control bindings (Malavita) – around a 1/2" (1cm) I would say. The Infuse's heel is wider. It gets in but it’s touching the sides of the heel cup when it’s back as far as it can go. But doesn't have to squeeze to get in there, but there’s no space, as such.
Toe width: The width at the toe strap, there’s a little bit of a gap with the Infuse. Overall around the same as my control boots.
Ankle Strap: The ankle strap position is surprisingly not that far off of how it sits on my control boots, before adjusting it. It would need to lengthen one hole to be in the same position as my control boots. The reason I say it's surprising is because the Infuse looks to the eye to be quite a bit bulkier around the ankle, so I would have expected more of an adjustment would be needed.
Toe Strap: The toe strap will need to be lengthened by one or two holes to get it to sit in the best position for the infuse. This is sometimes to do with length, but sometimes it's just the shape of the boot. The Infuse is pretty low profile, so it's likely the shape. That said, while the difference to mondopoint measurement is similar on the Infuse and my control boots, my control boots are a 9.5, so overall are still shorter.
Carving/Slow Speed Response
The Infuse were noticeably better than my control boots for carving, particularly with all the tongue stiffeners in.
When it came to slow speed turning, they weren't quite as good as my control boots, but still really decent.
Heel Hold
In-House: Very minimal heel lift. Just a hint of lift. But honestly, if there wasn’t a hint, it may affect comfort too much. These have really good heel hold. A little better than my control boots, and my control boots have really decent heel hold.
On-Snow: As mentioned in the fit section above, I found that the ankle harness that is tightened by the BOA, sits in the perfect spot over my ankle. This meant that I could crank it tight without hot spots. This really helped to get really good heel hold. And that really helped these to perform really well when riding in them.
Adjustability
Upper lower separation: Traditional lacing, so you can get really dialed in lower and upper tightness.
Ease of tightening the inner boot: The Infuse have a BOA as well as traditional lacing. This BOA tightens a harness that sits on the shell of the boot, rather than the liner, but it's centered around the ankle. This great for heel hold and it's also super easy to give that BOA a bit of a turn, without having to open the boot up, to get a little more tightness around the ankle, on the fly.
Other factors: The Infuse have 4 tongue stiffeners (two per boot). You can have both in, both out, just the medial side in or just the lateral side in. This allows you to alter the flex feel of the boot, which is pretty cool.
Flex
Which brings me to flex.
In-house: With all tongue stiffeners in, I felt the Infuse at a 7/10 flex, maybe pushing 7.5/10, but I'd say 7/10 is the most accurate.
With all the tongue
On-Snow: With all tongue stiffeners in I felt the Infuse at a 7.5/10 flex. Without Tongue stiffeners, more like a 6, maybe 5.5 at softest.
While Vans has a range of 5/10 to 9/10 for this boot, that is an exaggeration of how much difference those tongue stiffeners make to flex, IMO. They don't change the flex by 4 levels! They do make a difference, but it's more like 1.5 to 2 flex levels, by my feel.
Comfort
In-house: After wearing them inside for over an hour, with the Infuse on my right foot and my left control boot on my left foot, the Infuse were still feeling nice and comfortable. In fact, I was getting the same amount of discomfort (as in very minimal) from the Infuse as I was from my well broken in control boots.
On-Snow: Really comfortable overall. Really not much to complain about here. Felt like I could ride in them all day.
Shock Absorption
In-House: Noticably more shock absorbing in stomp test vs my control boots. My control boots are well used and have likely lost some cush, I imagine, but still, there’s a considerable difference there - more so than most boots I test in the stomp test.
On-Snow: I felt they did a slightly better job at absorbing shock from landings and chatter than my control boots. They felt nice and damp.
Board Feel
That dampness didn't affect board feel too much though. Not the ultimate boots for board feel, but also not too bad. Initiating ollies, butters etc was fine and overall, while they felt damp, they didn't feel like you didn't have good contact with the board or anything.
Traction/Sole Quality
Tread depth is some of the deepest I’ve seen. There’s some pattern variety there too. Not oodles but definitely some. Assuming all the brown parts of the sole are rubber, which it feels like they are, the traction should be really good and it should be durable.
The very end, the dark brown bit around the toe, feels more like it’s plastic, but it’s a hard, sharp plastic. Wouldn’t last as long, but that part of the sole is unlikely to come into contact with the ground, most of the time. It would likely only engage when walking up steeper terrain or kicking out a snow step, kind of thing.
Reduced Footprint
I measured the Infuse to have a nicely reduced footprint. They have an average amount of toe and heel bevel, but being only 2.1cm longer on the sole (from estimated heel contact point to estimated toe contact point) compared to its Mondopoint, it's one of the shorter sole footprints out there.
Entry/Exit
When filming for demonstrating tying these boots up, I didn’t undo the very bottom laces and that made for a tight fit. I was able to force my foot in, but required a twist and a good push down. Once in they felt nice and snug, but not too tight.
When I put them on at other times I was able to open them up quite a bit more and was considerably easier to get foot in. Still had to give it a bit of a push, but nothing major. Average.
By the time you untie all the laces, loosen the BOA and then have to pull the liner lacing harness, tighten the BOA, tie the tradional lacing, zip up the shroud and tighten the power strap, it takes a good bit of time. But it's pretty easy to do and all of that gives you great adjustabilty.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 4 | 12/15 |
| Slow Speed Response | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Heel Hold | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Adjustability | 5 | 15/15 |
| Comfort | 4 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Traction | 4 | 8/10 |
| Reduced Footprint | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 92.9/100 |
If there's one downside to these boots, it's that they are pretty darn heavy.
But asides from that, they are nigh on ideal with great shock absorption, all the adjustability you're likely to ever need (to give you a really good shot at them fitting your feet well - and also the unique advantage of being able to alter their flex) and great performance for both higher speed carving and slower, more casual riding.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Infuse, 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 Infuse compared to other all-mountain boots, or want to check out some other options, check out the link below.
Curious if anyone has feedback on the 2025 “Snowsurf” version of the Infuse. Looks like the main differences on the Snowsurf boot are are the V2 sole and the lack of an Exocap Molded Toe protection.
Would be stoked to know if anyone has this variant and what your thoughts are.
Cheers
Hi Anthony, thanks for your message and great question.
We haven’t had the chance to test the snowsurf version, so I can only go off specs too. Hopefully some who has ridden in them can chime in. When I first heard about it, I assumed it would be softer flexing than the regular Infuse, but it appears to be rated the same. But it could still feel softer overall? Downgraded sole I’m guessing is the main reason they are a little cheaper. And like you mention no toe guard. Looks like the zipper shroud on the surf version goes a little higher up the boot and the stitching/construction looks a little different. They also mention an asymmetrical flex pattern but its not clear where that comes from, whether it’s also on the regular, whether it’s built in to the construction or if they are just referring to being able to remove one side of the tongue stiffeners to do that. It doesn’t seem to be clear. It also mentions an “oversized PleasureCuff” but from just looking at the boot, it doesn’t look any different to the power cuff on the regular Infuse – but maybe it’s more stretchy? Again, not clear. Could be mostly marketing speak. Not sure, wish I could help you more, but having not tested them, I haven’t got much to go off.
Hello Nate,
After seeing your review me and my friend decided to grab a pair of Vans Infuse boots. Unfortunately after 6 uses both of us end up having an issue with the right boot boa ( the wire got stuck and changed its form so we were not able to remove the boots from our feet ) we end up cutting the wire. So my question is, since those boots are hybrid do you think that you can use them without the boa? Traditional laces and power strap?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Socrates
Thanks for your message. Sucks that happened and weird it happened for both of you!
Yeah, IMO, you can definitely use them without the BOA. I used them without the BOA for a bit to see if it could be done and you can. May not be able to achieve quite the same heel hold without that BOA, but should definitely still be functional.
Hi Nate,
27,6 and 27,8 feet.
What Size would you recommend?
10 or 10,5?
Best,
Hi Daniel
I would go 10.5 for this boot.
I have 27cm and 27.3cm feet (i.e. my longest foot is 2mm off the mondo 27.5cm (e.g. 9.5) but there’s no way I’d get in a 9.5 for this boot. The 10 itself was a tight fit to begin with and these boots don’t break in super quick, they take a bit (which means they don’t pack out too much too fast or anything). So, yeah, I’d go 10.5 for sure.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Curious, I’m interested in purchasing these boots this season but was curious if the 2024 release is the exact same book at the previous years/gens? Asking because I the books are quite pricey, and the REI is selling them for $419 but I found an online reseller selling a Black/ asphalt pair for like $199 (on-sale) which got me thinking. Ultimately, I did some research (not east to confirm) but it seemed that the Black/Asphalt color way may have been from 20-21 – have the boots been upgraded since then? Or is the 2024 boot the exact same as the model from years ago?
Hey Charles
Thanks for your message.
There have been a couple of changes, but nothing too major. The biggest of which was getting an upgraded sole. It also got a zipper shroud since the 2021 model. The 2022 model got the zipper shroud and the 2023 model got the new sole. The 2024 model looks to be identical to the 2023 model. If it has the zipper shroud on it, then it will be either the 2022 or 2023 model. If not it’s likely to be the 2021 model. If you can send me a picture or a link to it, that would help to determine the model year.
So yes, it has been upgraded, but whether those upgrades are worth it for you for the price is up to you. That’s a really good price and performance wise, there’s not a huge difference since then.
Hope this helps
Hi, thanks for your review, I will buy the Infuse to complement my Salomon HI-FI. I’m riding 27.5 MP (9.5 US) in the Salomon HI-FI and they are in the limit of pain after bootfitting them a lot.
My feet are 27,3 and 27,8 cm, I know I am really squeezing my feet into them but I have posterior heel spurs (Haglund’s), meaning my feet are in reality 0.5-1 cm shorter. this is why I squeeze my feet into shorter sizes so I can get a performance fit without heel lift and good ankle support.
I have seen that you were using the Salomon LO-FI at 27,5 but in the infuses you ride 28s. The question is if a 28 Vans Infuse will fit me. Another question is if you have any tips to deal with my spurs on any other brand (I usually have no problems with running shoes with a lot of padding on the back side of the heel, with time my spur digs a whole in the padding and I get a perfect fit after some moths of torture :). Many thanks in advance
Hi Javi
Yeah, I would go with the 28s for the Infuse, they run a little smaller than average and if the 27.5 Hi-Fi is tight for you, then the Infuse 27.5 will be too tight, IMO.
I don’t have any experience with heel spurs, unfortunately, so I’m not sure I have any tips there.
Hope this helps
Oh, not only a very useful answer, but lightning fast. Thanks a lot, this really helps.
You’re very welcome Javi. Hope the Infuse work for you.
Update, I have now tested Vans Verse and Vans Infuse 2024. They are bulkier than what I expected: Vans Verse 10US-> Outsole=31,5cm. Vans Infuse 9,5->Outsole=31cm. So they run 3,5cm longer than Mondo insole. They are not low profile but probably the most comfortable boot I have ever tested, so I’m gonna tradeoff some footprint length for comfort and adjustability.
I usually ride 9,5US in Salomon HI-HI and the Infuse 9,5US was a good match (my feet are around 27,5cm) in my case. I tried the Infuse 10US since several people have commented that VANS run smaller for them. It wasn’t my case. The 10 was too comfortable and the toes barely touched the boot end. The 9,5US will need some boot fitting (probably will not need heat mold but a new insole) as toes are more in contact with the end of the boot, although not uncomfortable. A little pressure point at the top of the arch (as Nate mentions), I have high arches, but it will be OK. I hope it helps others with the sizing questions.
Hi Javi
Thanks for your input and insights.
Hi Nate,
I’ve been rocking Burton Ions for the past 10 years. Had a small episode with the Adidas Blauvelts but those blew up on me so I switched back to the Ions.
I’m at the stage of considering replacing the Ions. They’ve softened up considerably and I’d like to get that stiff feel back. However, I’ve noticed they’ve increased in price significantly since I bought the current pair. I can get 2-3 pairs of boots at that price!
I’m wondering if the infuse or verse would be a good substitute for the Ions. I like the reduced footprint and the response of the Ions, and would like to keep that.
I mainly ride the jump lines at the park but don’t hesitate to venture out and hit tree lines. I also spend some days on just the rails too. Current setup is a Custom X and Malavita for the jumps and Good Company and Malavita for rails.
What do you think?
Hi Eli
Thanks for your message.
The Infuse won’t feel as stiff as a new pair of Ions, IMO. Close but not quite, so you’d be looking at just a touch softer at it’s stiffest (with tongue stiffeners in). Bonus for this boot, is that you can take the tongue stiffeners out, if you want to soften up your feel when you’re on the Good Company/doing rails.
But the Verse also has the tongue stiffeners, so that’s the way I’d be leaning. My instinct from what you’re describing, is that you’d prefer something a bit stiffer than the Infuse. And the Verse go stiffer, but you can mellow them out if you want to by taking those tongue stiffeners out (and they’re easy to take in and out. So my instinct would be Verse for what you’re describing.
Assuming they fit your feet well of course.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, your guides and reviews are truly a godsend to all of us sourcing for snowboarding gears! Thanks for providing us with this wealth of information.
I am currently wearing US10 K2 Darko 2016 boots which are fairly bulky and not reduced footprint – I had to get size L Union Atlas bindings just to fit the boots back then when I got my gear. Fast forward the Darko is now starting to fall apart and I’m looking to get the Vans Infuse to replace them.
Couple of questions
– Given the reduced footprint of the Infuse, how would it fit with my Large Union bindings? I know Medium bindings would be great but I am not entirely keen to change new bindings. Would US10 Infuse in Large Union bindings be doable and snug via tightening more on the toe cap bracket?
– Do you have experience between K2 vs Vans sizing? Not able to access snowboard shops here from where I’m from but their sizing seems similar?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Louis
Hi Louis
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in term of sizing, they size similarly, in my experience. But I would say K2 for me is the perfect fit in between 9 1/2 and 10. If they had a 9 3/4 it would be perfect for me. I can “handle a 9.5” and a 10 is fine to start with, but once it packs out, it gets a little too roomy. For Vans, a 10 tends to end up being perfect after packing out, but starts out tighter than I’d like it, particularly around the toes. So, I imagine you would either be a 10 or a 10.5 in Vans.
Vans tend to be low profile in terms of their length, which is good for drag. But they tend to be quite bulky around the ankle portion of the boot – and they tend to be quite wide at the heel. So, in terms of width of the bindings, I think you’ll be fine in the L – they shouldn’t be swimming in there or anything. In terms of length, it’s hard to say for sure but my guess would be that you should be fine with the toe strap with the L Atlas, even in a 10 Vans. You’ll likely need to adjust the toe strap – but if you have at least a couple of notches you can currently shorten your toe strap by, then my guess is that it will be fine. I’ve never ridden in L Union bindings, so I couldn’t say for sure.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate . I own already the Vans Infuse 2019 but I think it is time to change getting a new pair. I am very happy with these boots but I think to buy Aura pro since I ride mainly resort , some park stuff (small to medium jumps and some rails) when that possible. I also like to hit side stuff and I really prefer the Backcountry pow when it’s available (small tree runs or short off piste routes , not something big). I also have the Libtech Box knife for freestyle stuff and Libtech orca for pow. Which of those two boots (infuse and aura pro) is the most suitable for ?
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
I think the Aura Pro would work really well for what you’re describing and is a really good match to the Box Knife. Ideally I would ride something stiffer on the Orca, but the Aura Pro would do the job. If you were keeping the Infuse, then you could use the Infuse when riding the Orca and use the Aura Pro when riding the Box Knife.
Hope this helps
Nate,
I’ve been looking at the infuse and the verse to pair with a set of Union Falcor bindings and a Burton Flight Attendant. I tend to ride more all mountain freeride. Riding a mix of fast groomers, side hits, and I love riding glades. Did you have an opinion on which would be more suited? I worry the verse may be too stiff to be playful with the tongue stiffeners out, but I worry the infuse will be too soft for aggressive days and the response needed in the trees.
Hi Kody
Both could definitely work. In my experience the Infuse feels around 6/10 with Tongue stiffeners out and 8/10 with them all in. 8/10 flex should be more than enough with the rest of the setup for aggressive days. However, they will soften over time, but even if they soften to a 7/10 they would still do the job with that setup, but may not be as stiff as you’d like them. The Verse feel, to me, like a 7/10 with tongue stiffeners out and a 9/10 with tongue stiffeners in. On more aggressive days, these will be the better bet, but won’t be as soft with tongue stiffeners out. Depending on how playful you want to get they might be just fine. I woudln’t typically suggest riding that board/binding setup with anything less than around a 6/10 to 7/10 flex anyway.
Long story short, I don’t think you can make a bad decision between the two, but I’d be leaning Verse.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate! I’m looking at adding a Yes The Greats to the quiver next year. With that in mind, would the verse without stiffeners be too stiff for that setup with Strata Bindings?
Hi Kody
Thanks for your message.
I think they’d be fine with the Greats. I felt the Verse at around a 7/10 without stiffeneres and the Greats around a 6/10 flex. So that should be a good match, IMO.
Hope this helps
I have the 2019 infuse and love them but it’s time for a new pair. Are there any significant upgrades in the 2023 that I’ve been missing out on?
Hi Casey
Thanks for your message.
The 2023 version gets a bit of an upgraded sole. The 2022 model got the waterproof zipper shroud, that covers the lower part of the boot – and I believe the 2022 version also reduced the amount of articulation. Apart from that articulation, the boot likely feels very similar to the 2019 model. The 2023 model vs the 2022 model should feel pretty much the same, but maybe with a little better traction on the 2023 model – and maybe a longer lasting sole – but that’s just a guess.
Hope this helps
Hi, i’m looking for a new pair of boots.
In the 90% of the riding i’m carving around the sloopes, whit deep turns (like eurocarving) and sometimes i ride backcountry and some also big jumps.
i’ve been looking for three Vans Model:
_ Vans Hi-Country & Hell-Bound Sam Taxwood
_ Vans Infuse Arthur Longo
_ Vans Verse Blake Paul
which one do you think it’s better for me?
Thanks
Hi Carlo
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t yet ridden the Hi-Country & Hell-Bound, but I have a pair sitting with me right now, that I’ll be testing soon. But on paper, I think they would work really well for the type of riding you’re describing.
Between the Infuse and Verse, I would go with the Verse for what you’re describing. The Infuse would certainly do the job, particularly with the tongue stiffeners in, but I think the Verse would do a better job for your style of riding and give you the choice to go stiffer than you can go with the Infuse.
Hope this helps with your decision
Ok thanks a lot!
I think I will go for the verse but I’ll wait your test for the Hi-Country & Hell-Bound
You’re very welcome Carlo
Just note that I likely won’t test the Hi-Country & Hell-Bound until early to mid December-ish (depending on how much early season snow we get) – and the review might not be out until January, depending on how early I can test them and how quickly I can get it written up.
Hi Nate,
Did you try vans infuses in burton malavitas? Im same size US10 and wondering whether to get burton cartel x M or L. The board is yes standard uninc (thanks to your suggestions <3)
Thanks!
153*
Hi Maksymilian
I would go with M. You wouldn’t be swimming in the L or anything – and the L would fit on the Standard Uninc 153 just fine, but I would still go M. It should fit the board well and if I’m between sizes, then I prefer to err to the smaller side, for that snugger fit – unless the L is going to be a noticeably better option for the board, which in this case it would fit, but the M will match the board fine too.
Cool, thanks again for all you tips!
You’re very welcome Max. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
Very helpful review! I was wondering why you went with a size 10 given your mondo foot sizing. I fit into a Burton 10 and my feet are pretty much dead on for a size 10 on the mondo scale (although I wear size 11 street shoes). Would you recommend a size 10 or go up a size for these boots? Thanks!
Hi Parker
Thanks for your messages.
Even though the idea of mondo is a nice once and would be great if it worked every time, feet are weird and it doesn’t always work out like that. My left foot is around 27.3cm and I’ve never been able to get into a 9, but there are a couple of brands that I can get into a 9.5. But for Vans for me it’s 10 – and that’s a tight fit. For Burton I’m also a 10 though. It’s hard to say for sure, but given that you are 28 mondo and you fit 10s in Burton, chances are that you’ll fit these in a 10. But my instinct is 10.5. The 11 though will likely be too big, IMO. But I don’t think it comes strictly down to foot length (would be great if it was that easy!). Foot shape makes a difference as well. So, at a guess I would say 10.5, but there’s a chance you’d get into a 10 as well, given that you ride 10s in Burton. Even though I fit 10s in both Burton and Vans, they do fit a little differently on my feet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always translate onto someone else’s foot the same. I might be the same size in both those brands but you won’t necessarily be. If you’re buying online and unable to try on in store, then, if you can, I would try to order both sizes and return the size that doesn’t fit (making sure to check the stores return policy before you do so to make sure this will work – with most good online shops this should be a given and easy to do – but always pays to double check).
Hi Nate,
Great review. I noticed you picked a size 28 with size 27 feet. As a size 28 foot, would going up to a size 11 (what I wear normally in Vans shoes) be a good choice vs the standard 28 mondo? Thanks
Hi Nate,
Your review has really helped convinced me to get these boots.
Found a pair on sale, and they fit great!
Now considering to upgrade my bindings.
I know you haven’t reviewed the Rome Katanas yet, but I’m really interested in those.
However, my boots are US10.5 which are in-between sizes for both these Romes..and seemingly al lot of other brands too.
Do you recommend getting slightly smaller (M/L) or slightly larger (L/XL) bindings in these situations.
I know heel cups/straps can be adjusted etc..but is there an advantage or disadvantage going either direction?
Thank you.
Hi Jimmy
Thanks for your message.
I had the chance to test the ’23 Katana’s in the winter, so will have a review up soon. But in the meantime, they’re bindings I really liked. I felt them at a 7/10 flex. And probably the most adjustable binding I’ve come across.
In terms of sizing, if you’re in between sizes then typically I would say to go to the smaller size, if it makes sense with your board and depending on your boot’s profile. With the Infuse being fairly low profile in terms of length (although they are a little bulkier than normal in terms of around their ankle), I would say go M/L unless you’re riding a wide board. With a wide board, having the longer basepalte of the L/XL can help with leverage – and you should still be a good fit in the L/XL. But I think your 10.5 Infuse should fit in the M/L, and I’d do that if you have a regular width board. But no guarantees they’ll fit. My 9.5 Adidas Tactical ADV fit in the M/L fine, but it’s a whole size smaller – and even more low profile, so couldn’t say with 100% confidence that the 10.5 Infuse will fit. With the amount of adjustability on the Katana, I would be surprised if it didn’t though.
Hope this helps
Hi! I was wondering if you were going to do a review of the Vans Invado Pro as well. I feel on the fence between this and those. Thank you!
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
Nothing in the pipeline for an Invado Pro review right now, but I’d say the main difference is the Invado Pro is softer – and doesn’t have the removable tongue stiffeners to adjust the flex. And of course the Infuse has the higher end liner, footbed, sole etc.
Hi Nate!
Thanks for your review. It’s very useful. I thinking to buy the vans infuse. But I have some doubts regarding the size! I’m a 11.5 for a normal shoes and I have a burton ruler step on 11.5 and burton moto boa 12 an both fit me perfect as I’m between those sizes! Also I got low arc and wide foots
For the vans which size you recommend 11.5 or 12?
Regards
Juan
Hi Juan
Thanks for your message.
My instinct would be to go 12 for the Infuse. I find Burton and Vans boots tend to fit me in the same size – and the Infuse in particular is a little snugger than other Vans boots I’ve tried.
Note that the Infuse is not really that wide. It’s not super narrow or anything, but I would say it’s medium width. Burton boots, and I found this with the Moto, tend to be more mid-wide. Not super wide, but just a little wider than medium.
Hope this helps
Hi
Great site. Is this a low profile boot? Wanting to get these and the hyper 157. Size 10 foot. Noticed you wrote something about riding low profile boots on the hyper 157 would probably be a good thing.
Hi Magn
Thanks for your message.
Low profile boots are pretty always a good thing. There isn’t a downside to them. With 10s on the Hyper, you should be good anyway (depending on binding angles and how hard you carve), but having that extra leeway from low profile boots never hurts, especially if you ended up changing binding angles, or starting to carve deeper or that kind of thing.
And yeah, I would consider the Infuse low profile. I measured them at just 2.3cm longer than mondo, which is quite a bit shorter than average. With that length boot (in a 10), even if you had a completely flat back binding angle, you’d still only have 4.2cm of total overhang, which I’ve never had any boot drag issues with.
Hope this helps
Thanks a lot! Very precise answer I must say!This really helps!
You’re very welcome Magn. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your site, it’s been a mine of information for me recently.
I was wondering if you could share a little info about why you don’t think you fit into these in your Mondo size. I’ve seen a few sites saying that Vans boots fit true to size, but am alarmed to see on this page that both you and one commenter have feet around 1cm shorter than me and are getting into the Mondo size that on paper should be good for me.
We don’t get half sizes in Australia (like literally not even just in snowboard boots, I’m talking street shoes, work boots… everything) and so I usually wear an 11 in Nike, Emerica and Vans skate shoes, but recently bought a pair of Vans skate shoes in a 10.5 online and they fit perfectly, snug but a good fit–my longest foot is 28.3cm.
Anyway I found a pair of Infuse 10.5s online for a good price; they don’t have 11s and neither do any of the shops in my city. My feet are average to narrow width, quite shallow and fairly flat.
So I was wondering if your feet were big in some dimension aside from length that would mean you’re not getting into a 9.5, otherwise shouldn’t we conclude that this boot runs pretty small?
Appreciate your help!
Hi Joe
Thanks for your message.
I have fairly flat feet too – and they’re not overly wide. They’re bang on regular for a US10. I have no issues with these boots being too tight on the top of my feet but just a bit tight around the toe area. But in a 10 these did eventually break in to be just right in a 10, they just took a bit longer than typical boots to get to that point – and I think part of that is there is this neoprene stuff on the toe end of the liner, which doesn’t really heat mold – and it’s kind of like a tight strap around that toe area. But I would still get a 10 for these boots, if I was buying them. For testing purposes, I would probably go 10.5, because I’m not testing them long enough to properly break them in – at least not this particular boot.
My feet are 27.3cm, so technically you would say that that a US9.5 (27.5 Mondo) should be my true to size, but I base true-to-size on what is most typical for me to fit in – which is a US10. For both shoes and snowboard boots. There are a couple of brands where I am 9.5 (Adidas, Salomon and can squeeze a K29.5) but also a couple where I’m 10.5 (32, DC borderline 10 or 10.5). For all other brands I’m a 10. So given that 10 is in the middle and most common for me, I consider that true to size. But compared to my Mondo, then yeah I would say the Infuse run small.
So I’d say the 11 is probably the best bet for you and the Infuse. Hard to say for sure without trying on and every foot is different, so you maybe get into the 10.5, but if I had to bet, I would say the 11 for the Infuse for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Awesome Review(s)! I ordered a pair of Vans Infuse in 13, which fit perfectly. I have the Union Contact binding in L/XL. Unfortunately, the shoes are wider in the front than the binding. What is your recommendation: buy a new binding, or modifiy the sole slightly with a knife in those places?
Thanks
Hi Simon
Thanks for your message.
If it was me, I would buy new bindings, rather than taking a knife to your brand new boots! Depending on your board, it might be the case that going with a slightly stiffer binding than the Contact could be beneficial too. But I totally get that that’s another expense, particularly if you weren’t expecting to make it. But if it was me, I would be very reluctant to modify my boots like that. So, if you can I would invest in the new bindings, particularly if you have older bindings, then it won’t feel as hard to make that investment!
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
You mention that these boots are “quite heavy.” Does that really hinder your riding much? I am concerned because my board and binding setup is already “quite heavy.”
Hi Ryan
I think it depends on your riding style. If you like to be able to throw your board around for spins, get good air on sidehits or jumps etc and generally like a sharp, snappy, quicker edge-to-edge kind of ride, then going lighter is good. But if you like to really charge, lay down trenches etc, and want to smash through crud etc, then having a heavier setup can actually be advantageous.
Hi, I cant understand that your 27cm foot fit in a US 10 size. My foot is 26cm from toe to heal and I barly was getting the foot in a US 10,5 size :O
Hi Vegard
Thanks for your message.
Feet are weird! I don’t know why, it doesn’t make sense, but 2 feet of the same length can fit the same or fit very differently in the same boot. I’m no foot expert, so I don’t know for sure why that is, but seems to be the case. I think it sometimes depends on the foot’s width, the arch and everything else. But also shape, threshold for pressure. I’m not sure, but feet, even of the same length often fit very differently.
These boots are tight for me in the 10 for sure, but after heat molding and riding for a good while they came to fit well. They took longer to feel good than a lot of other boots I try – and I think I would be fine in a 10.5 – or even a 10.25 if that existed. I do sometimes ride 9.5s in other boots (Adidas being the main one, but I can fit into Salomon and K2 in 9.5s). But then other brands, like 32, I’m better in a 10.5. So it definitely depends on the boot too – and also how the particular boot fits with your foot.
Nate,
Did you have any problems with comfort in these when you first got them? I just got a pair and this is weird but there is something kind of poking me on the outside of my left ankle kind of right by the bone. the right boot is perfectly fine and comfortable. do you think its just the boot and maybe trying another pair of infuses might help? or should I just get them heat molded and hopefully it works itself out. I can also still return them and try another brand.
Thanks!
Hi Brian
I didn’t experience that poking into the left ankle at all. And it’s strange that it’s just your left boot and not your right. Possible there’s something up with that left boot. I did find the Infuse to be one of those boots that took more breaking in than most. But got really comfortable after heat molding and riding for a few days. But definitely didn’t get that ankle poking thing.
ah yea I think my left ankle bone sticks out a little farther than my right one and the boot is still holding kind of tight around it. I got them heat molded once so far and it helped some. do you think it will pack out enough for it to be okay? I still havent even had them out on snow yet. My right one fits great so far. hopefully with a few days on the snow the left one will break in
Hi Brian
They should pack out as you ride them and mold more to your foot too. Hard to say for sure, but if heat molding helped a little, I suspect they will come right for you, particularly given they are fitting well on your right foot so far. A second round of heat molding won’t do as much as the first, but you can heat mold more than once (just don’t go crazy and do it like 10 times or anything, but a couple of times is fine). It might help a little – but certainly riding with the boots will help to mold them more too.
One thing you could try, if you heat molded again, is to put some extra padding on your left ankle (under your sock). I haven’t tried this before so definitely no guarantees it will help and just a thought I had now. But to give more room to the toes, I often heat mold with a toe cap (and others too), if the toe area of the boot is feeling particularly cramped. So the theory with adding something around the ankle when heat molding is that it will give your ankle a little more room. Not sure how much, if any difference this would make or what you would use to do it, but just a thought.
Hope this helps
I know this is super late for the OP, but I recently got these and experienced a similar issue. I found that for me my binding strap was on top of the lace eyelet and when I cranked down hard on the strap it pushed the eyelet into my ankle causing pain.
I have skinny ankles and a similar issue. The boot is super comfortable otherwise, but something presses on my ankle bones when I twist my foot. I think it’s the edge of the liner tongue. There’s some thick sewing that makes the tongue pretty rigid right where it hits my ankle bones. It’s really too bad, I really like the boots otherwise.
My normal size in a vans shoe is an 11 am I good to stick with that? or do you recommend a different size?
Hi Saunder
Thanks for your message.
I am a size 10 in Vans shoes and a size 10 in Vans snowboard boots. That’s not necessarily going to be true across the board as everyone’s feet are different. But for me personally I fit in the shoe the same size as I fit in the snowboard boot. This is typically the case for me for most brands, but not for all brands. It is the case for with Vans.
Hope this helps
Just got these due to the great review. I am usually a US 11,5/Mondo 28,5 but had to get a US 13 in these due to my wide feet. I also tried on other vans boots and I was a 13 in all of them. The power strap is a great feature I think, as I always struggle with boots sitting loose around my calve after a run, so I hope this helps.
Will get them heat moulded and then I hope I get to take them out this week or weekend for the first time. Hope to give some more solid feedback on them after this.
Hi Ewald
Thanks for your input. I really like the power strap – hopefully it works well for you too. Looking forward to hearing how you get on once you’ve had a chance to get them out on snow.
I just love theese boots. After upgrading from my first board to the Capita Outerspace Living with Salomon Districts last season i felt right away that the weak point was my old Vans Hi Standard boots.
I tried on a lot of different models but none seemed to fit except for several models from Vans. And the Infuse was just the perfect fit. Snug as a rug and locked in when needed and a bit more loose and relaxed while still offering excellent heel hold when needed.
I know its really individual and the opinion about flex on the Infuse varies quite a bit. To me the difference with/without the stiffeners is like night and day. Even though my riding experience is quite limited im slowly developing a love of speed. And with all stiffeners in and everything tight as can be it feels like i’m in total control zooming down the slopes. it’s probably for the best that now its actually the board limiting my speed 🙂
If i have to find something wrong with the boots it is the traditional lacing just like you mentioned. I dont agree that it doesnt make any real difference how tight you tie them, in fact i feel the difference is substancial . It can however be a pain to get it right, i often have to give it a couple of tries, move around a bit and tie them again before i get them just right. If i’m lucky i get it just right the first time but usually ……
Also, while essential for that really good and locked down heel hold the removable and adjustable velcro heel cage can be a pain to position. And i find that sometimes you have to reposition them a bit from day to day.
Pro tip is to make your own adjustable velcro pads and play around with. We are all built different and i imagine the supplied big x-shaped heel cage might not fit everyone. I’ve actually made my own pads with foam, glue, velcro and some stitches. Its actually really easy and i made a hole bunch of them in different sizes and shapes and also with foam with varying thickness. To much spare time, i know 🙂 Both the comfort and heel hold changes quite a bit depending on how many pads you use and how you position them.
Bottom line is …. a great boot as long as it fits your specific foot shape.
And as usual, i just love the site Nate. Tons of really helpfull information and written with a lot less gibberish than most other sites like it. A really good source for knowledge for both experienced and novice tiders that doesnt yet master the lingo.
Hi Magnus
Thanks so much for your input. Always awesome to hear from others about their particular experience and insights. Sounds like some good creative solutions you use there too. Happy riding and hope you have an awesome season!
Is there a reason you did not go with a 9.5 US since your mondo size is closer to 27.5 than 28.0?
Hi Jared
Thanks for your message.
Even though on paper my mondo size is closer to 27.5, in reality I’ve never been able to fit in a 9.5, in any brand’s boots. And this has been a similar experience for a lot of people I’ve talked to. Some feet even smaller than mine can’t get into a 9.5. Sometimes I have to ride a 10.5, depending on the brand.
And trust me, this boot is not too big for me. It’s a very snug fit, that took a bit of time to actually feel like it wasn’t too small. After breaking it in (and boots with better liners tend to take longer to break in – but then last longer). So yeah, in my experience, Mondo isn’t always accurate – in fact more often than not I’ve found people telling me that the Mondo that’s suited for their foot is too small for them in reality.
Hope this answers your question
Nate,
Thanks for the reply. I have been battling some foot issues for a few seasons and have been through a fair share of boots. I go off my mondo size which usually requires lots of heat molding and a few days of discomfort. Some of my problems still persist which makes me think going up a half size isn’t the end of the world.
Hi Jared
Yeah I would try going up half a size and see how that feels. Might be more comfortable and a better fit.