tl;dr When buying snowboard boots, consider the following factors: fit (should be snug but not too tight), flex (should match your riding style and ability level), lacing system (personal preference), and additional features (such as heat moldability and liner options). Getting the correct snowboard boots is essential to your progression and general enjoyment when snowboarding!

Having spent over 50 days on the snow for the last several winters, I understand the importance of a properly fitting boot with the right technology for an individual’s preferences and abilities. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others get the correct snowboard boots! It makes a huge difference in your comfort, performance, and overall snowboarding experience!

I’ve worked in the snowboard industry for over half a decade—including in a gear rental shop where one of my primary responsibilities was fitting people with the correct snowboard boot. In that time, I’ve gotten to know snowboard boots pretty well, familiarizing myself with all the models from the numerous snowboard brands! I’ve worked with hundreds of customers in-person and online to find the proper snowboard boot to accommodate their needs.

What Are Snowboard Boots?

Snowboard boots are a type of boot specifically designed for use while snowboarding. They are typically made of waterproof materials (such as leather or EVA) to keep the feet warm and dry as ski resort locations tend to be quite cold!

Snowboard boots fit tighter than your average shoe or boot and have a stiff sole to provide support and stability while riding. They are also bulkier than your average boot as they are designed to fit snowboard bindings, which attach to the snowboard and hold the rider's feet in place. Snowboard boots come in a range of sizes and styles to suit different snowboarders’ specific needs, and many of these boots come with special features which we’ll get into later in this article!

What to Consider When Buying Snowboard Boots

How should a snowboard boot fit?

A snowboard boot should fit snugly but comfortably. Your toes should be touching the end of the boot—but just barely—and there should be enough room to wiggle them slightly. The boot should feel secure and hold your foot in place without it sliding around or lifting out of the boot at all. It's important that the boot fits well so that you can have proper control over your snowboard.

What is my experience level?

Experience level is an important factor to consider when choosing a snowboard boot because different boot styles cater to different ability levels. With so many boots on the market, it's important to choose one that matches your snowboarding experience so you get boots that provide a positive and enjoyable experience on the mountain. Not only will getting boots that don’t match your ability level make snowboarding harder, more advanced boots are often more expensive and you definitely don’t to spend more money then you have to get boots than make your lifer harder!

For beginners, it is usually best to choose a softer-flexing boot as they are more forgiving and more comfortable. A softer flex allows the rider to make smooth turns and not be punished by their board if they accidentally make a jerky movement. This tends to be helpful for riders who are still learning how to use their bodies to carve on a snowboard. Additionally, a softer-flexing boot is usually more comfortable for beginner riders who are still getting used to the feeling of being strapped into a snowboard boot as the softer flex helps reduce fatigue and make it easier to ride for longer periods of time.

As riders become more advanced, start riding at faster speeds, and tackle more challenging terrain, they may want to consider a stiffer-flexing boot. While stiffer boots take more effort to bend and turn, they do provide more stability and support. This comes in handy at speed and in technical terrain as the rider will have more precise control over their board and will get a quicker response time when carving.

What sort of terrain do I like to ride?

Terrain preference is an important factor to consider when choosing snowboard boots because your preferred terrain will help determine what style of boots you should get. Different types of terrain can require different flex ratings and features in a boot which will in turn provide the best possible riding experience for that terrain.

• All-Mountain: For all-mountain snowboarding, a medium-flexing boot is often a good choice. An all-mountain boot should be versatile enough to handle a wide range of terrain, from groomed runs to off-piste and even the terrain park. A medium flex rating allows for a good balance of support and response and will be suitable for a wide range of riding styles. It is not too soft—so it provides good support and control at high speeds—but it is also not too stiff—so it allows for smooth turns and comfort for all-day riding.

• Freeride/Powder: For powder riding, a stiff-flexing boot is often a good choice. Powder is ungroomed and can be deep, so a stiffer boot will provide the support and stability needed to ride through it. A stiff-flexing boot will also be more precise and deliver a quicker response time which can be helpful when riding in powder in the woods or other technical terrain.

• Freestyle: For freestyle riding, a softer-flexing boot is a great choice. Freestyle riding involves a lot of quick movements as riders pop their board into the air off of jumps or onto rails. A softer-flexing boot will be best suited for this and allow for easy and quick movements in the park when needed. It will also be more comfortable for extended periods of time, so if a rider is hitting multiple features in a row, they don't become quickly fatigued.

Do all boots work with all bindings?

Generally speaking, all brands of boots will work with all brands of bindings—assuming you choose the proper binding size based on your boot size. However, certain binding types, such as Burton “step-on” bindings or K2 “clicker” bindings, will require specialized compatible boots. If you want to ensure you’re getting the correct boot and binding size combination or the correct boot for your bindings, reach out to a Snowboard Expert on Curated for free advice!

Do my feet get cold quickly?

Snowboarding with cold or wet feet is no fun! While all snowboard boots are waterproof and should keep your feet nice and dry (assuming you don’t get snow in them), they won’t always keep your feet warm if you don’t layer properly. To have the best possible chances of keeping your feet warm on the slopes, there are a few crucial things to remember. Firstly, more socks don’t mean you’ll be warmer, in fact, layering socks can actually make you colder. It’s best to simply wear one pair of thicker wool socks. Secondly, you want to wear at least one tight-fitting base layer, such as leggings or skin-tight thermals. These will help keep body heat close to you. Thirdly, you want to make sure you have your snow pants fully covering your boots so there is no chance of snow getting into your boots!

How much should I expect to pay for snowboard boots?

The price of a snowboard boot varies…a lot! Typically they range from about $200-$500 with the average boot being around $250-$300. The price range is mainly based on who the boot is intended for (ability level and riding style) as well as the features included in the boots. A beginner-oriented boot that doesn’t have many features is going to be much cheaper than a boot meant for the advanced powder rider that has lots of features. A good rule of thumb is that the more features a boot has and the more specific of a riding purpose it has, the more expensive it’ll be. Later in this article, I cover different types of features that can potentially raise the price of a pair of snowboard boots!

What Are the Different Types of Snowboard Boots

Generally speaking, snowboard boots are differentiated by one main factor: their flex. Snowboard boots typically come in a soft, medium, or stiff flex, and each of these has its own pros and cons.

Soft Flexing

Soft-flexing boots are boots rated as a 1-3 on a flexibility scale. They’re often used by beginners or freestyle riders.

Benefits:

• Provide a smooth carving experience
• All-day comfort and reduced body fatigue

Be Aware:

• Will not provide much support or stability at higher speeds or variable terrain.
• Not the most responsive for precise movements.

Medium Flexing

Medium-flexing boots are boots rated as a 4-6 on a flexibility scale. They’re often used by intermediate riders or those who need one boot to ride a bit of everything.

Benefits:

• Provides adequate capability to ride any terrain
• Moderate comfort mixed with moderate responsiveness and support

Be Aware:

• Not the best option for specific terrain, such as powder or freestyle

Stiff Flexing

Stiff-flexing boots are boots rated as a 7-10 on a flexibility scale. They’re often used by advanced riders who are looking to ride aggressively on steep, technical terrain.

Benefits:

• Great carving precision
• Maximum support and stability for high-speed riding

Be Aware:

• Poor performance in a freestyle setting
• Restricts natural foot movements - not as comfortable as other options

Features to Look for in Snowboard Boots

Lacing Systems

When it comes to tightening up your boots, there are several different types of lacing systems that are used in snowboard boots.

• Traditional Lacing: Traditional lacing uses a series of lace loops and a single lace to cinch the boot tight, much like your average sneaker. This is a simple, reliable lacing system that is easy to use and easy to replace if they break.
• Speed Lacing: Speed lacing systems use a single pull handle or a series of pull handles to cinch the laces tight. This type of lacing system is quicker than traditional laces, easy to use, and allows the rider to get in and out of the boots quickly.
• Boa Lacing: Boas are the most popular lacing system and use a dial and cable system to cinch the laces tight. The dial can be turned to tighten the laces, and a simple pull on the dial releases the laces. Boa lacing systems are fast and easy to use and allow for precise fit adjustments. However, they can be trickier to fix if they break. You can purchase single Boa boots or double Boa boots which provide an even more customizable fit.
• Hybrid Lacing: Hybrid lacing systems combine multiple lacing systems (most commonly a Boa and traditional laces). This style of lacing system provides a fit that can be adjusted on a very minuscule level to offer the most precise fit.
• Velcro Lacing: Velcro lacing is an extremely easy-to-use lacing method that’s quick and efficient. However, they don’t provide as snug of a fit as other lacing methods and are not meant to be a high-performance option. They’re typically only featured on youth snowboard boots.

Liners

There are several types of liners used in snowboard boots, each with its own unique characteristics. Some common types of liners include…

• Traditional Liners: These are the most basic and affordable type of liner that you'll find in more budget-friendly snowboard boots. They are made of foam and offer a good level of comfort, but may not be as supportive or as comfortable as other types of liners.
• Heat-Moldable Liners: These liners can be heated and molded to the shape of the foot for a custom fit which can be done at home or at a snowboard/ski shop. They offer a high level of comfort and support and can be especially useful for those with wide or irregularly shaped feet. These liners are usually standard in higher-end snowboard boots or they can be purchased separately at a ski/snowboard shop (or online) for snowboard boots that don’t come with them!
• Intuition Liners: These liners are made from a foam that can be custom-molded to the shape of the foot by a professional boot fitter (this can be done by most ski/snowboard shops). They offer a high level of comfort and support and are considered the best option for those who demand the highest level of performance from their boots. They are usually an after-market liner that you must purchase separately from your boots, and they can be pricey.

Footbeds

A footbed or insole is the removable layer of cushioning that is placed inside a snowboard boot. It sits between the liner and the outsole of the boot and provides support and cushioning for the foot. If your footbed ever feels packed out, know that you can replace the insole yourself quite easily! There are several types of footbeds in snowboard boots, including…

• Flat Footbeds: These are the most basic type of footbed and provide a simple, flat surface for the foot to rest on. They offer minimal arch support and are suitable for riders with a neutral foot position. They are most often found in more budget-friendly snowboard boots.
• Heat-Moldable Footbeds: These footbeds can be heated and molded to the shape of the foot for a custom fit (this can be done at home or by a ski/snowboard shop). They offer a high level of support and cushioning, and are suitable for riders with a medium to high arch or those looking for more comfort from their boots. These footbeds are typically found in higher-end snowboard boots.
• Orthotic Footbeds: These footbeds are designed to correct foot alignment and provide support for those with overpronation or flat feet. They are made from a firmer foam and may have added arch support or other features to address specific foot conditions. The average rider does not need this style of footbed unless they have a known issue. These usually must be purchased separately from the snowboard boots.

Getting accustomed to new snowboard boots can be a challenge! This video can help make that break-in process much smoother!

How to Choose the Right Snowboard Boots for You

Choosing the right snowboard boots for you can be a tricky task. Now that you’ve got a better understanding of snowboard boots, it’s time to consider your own needs and wants. Below I’ve described three riders who I’ve helped on Curated who represent three primary “rider personas” when it comes to shopping for snowboard boots. I’ve highlighted what they should look for based on their riding style and goals!

Bob: Beginner Rider Seeking Comfort

Bob is new to snowboarding. He’s only rented once and really hated how much the boots hurt. His goal for this winter is to simply make some turns down some green circle trails, but not at the expense of his own comfort.

Features Bob Should Look For:

• A soft flexing boot to prevent fatigue and provide smooth turning
• A Boa lacing system for quick and easy adjustments
• Traditional footbeds for comfort while getting used to snowboarding

Boot Examples: Vans Aura OG, K2 Rosko

Terry: Intermediate Rider Looking for Accessible Advancement

Terry is pretty comfortable snowboarding and wants to get some gear that will help them progress to the next level in their snowboarding. They don’t want to spend a ton of money but would like to get decent-quality gear nonetheless.

Features Terry Should Look For:

• A medium flexing boot that will provide more support and better response
• A double BOA system for a more customizable fit
• Heat-molded footbeds for extra support in variable conditions

Boot Examples: Vans Aura Pro, ThirtyTwo STW

Randy: Advanced Rider Wanting the Best

Randy is an OG snowboarder who’s been shredding for longer than he can remember. He’s the local pro and wants top-of-the-line gear so he can ride to the very best of his abilities. He loves riding fast and aggressively—the deeper the powder the better!

Features Randy Should Look For:

• A stiff flexing boot that will provide maximum support and response
• A hybrid lacing system for the ultimate customizable fit
• Intuition liners for the best possible support and comfort

Boot Examples: Vans Infuse, K2 Aspect

My Closing Thoughts on Snowboard Boots

To summarize, there’s a huge selection of snowboard boots on the market, and each model is going to serve a different purpose with its own unique pros and cons. It can be an overwhelming task to decide the best pair for yourself, but hopefully, after reading through this guide, it feels more manageable.

If you’re still not sure which snowboard boots are best for you, don’t feel like you have to take on this task alone. That’s because here on Curated, we’ve got hundreds of Snowboard Experts that can help you! All you have to do is fill out a quick survey that will connect you with myself or another expert. From there, we'll send you personalized recommendations for snowboard boots for free! You’re welcome to ask as many questions as you need, and the Expert will work with you to hone in on the perfect snowboard boot options based on your information, goals, and budget. Once you’ve found the perfect gear, you can check out and purchase right from our site and have your order delivered to your door with fast and free shipping (for orders over $49).

I would love to help you find your next snowboard boots or any other gear for that matter. Snowboards, bindings, and boots for any riding style are my specialty, so don’t hesitate to reach out and send me a message, I look forward to hearing from you!