About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard boots, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2021.

My take

The Salomon Launch Snowboard Boot is a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a supportive and responsive boot that can handle all-mountain riding and some park laps. It's not the most expensive boot out there, but its performance makes one feel like it is. I used the 2021 model, but they have largely remained unchanged between last year and this year. Therefore, this review should be spot-on for anyone with the 2022 model.

About the boots I own

• Model: 2021 Salomon Launch Boot
• Size: Size 11
• Lacing type: Quick Lace

About me

• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 170lbs
• Street shoe size: 11
• Foot shape: Normal Arch, narrow foot
• Experience: 20+ years of snowboarding

Test conditions

• When I bought these: October 2021
• Days tested: 30+
• Board: Never Summer West, Rossignol XV Split
• Bindings: Salomon and Union
• Where I’ve used it: Oregon and Montana Resorts. Oregon Backcountry
• Terrain: Every type of in-bounds run. Steep glaciated backcountry.

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was on the hunt for new snowboard boots because I wanted to upgrade my gear, and I’ve always loved Salomon products. My old boots were getting soft and blown out. They lacked the support I needed for aggressive riding, so I was seeking boots that could keep up with pushing my limits on the mountain.

Why I chose this gear

I decided to buy the Salomon Launch Snowboard Boot because it offered the perfect balance of support, responsiveness, and flexibility that I was looking for in a boot. Its medium flex rating, ZoneLock lacing system, and heat moldable liner made it comfortable and customizable to my feet, while its durable construction and shock-absorbing technology provided the stability and cushioning I needed for hard landings and aggressive riding. Additionally, the brand's reputation for quality and innovation, as well as positive reviews from other snowboarders, gave me confidence in my purchase. I considered several other snowboard boot options before ultimately deciding to buy the Salomon Launch. I looked at other popular brands like Burton, DC, and ThirtyTwo, as well as different models within the Salomon line. However, I ultimately chose the Launch because it offered the best combination of features that aligned with my riding style and preferences. Overall, the Salomon Launch seemed like the best value and performance for the price, so I went with it.

What I love about them

• Size: I’ve always found Salomon to run true to size. Salomon boost always fit me like a glove.
• Comfort: The Launches are very comfortable. The mid-flex and high-quality liners make these a joy to wear. Some boots will give me pressure points after a long day, and I never experienced that with the Launch boot. The mid-flex makes it relatively easy to walk around when not riding.
• Warmth: I had no issues with cold feet wearing these boots. I’ve worn them in single-digit temps, and they kept my feet warm.
• Shock absorption: I was very impressed with how soft landings felt wearing these boots. I’ve dropped up to 20’ cliffs in these, and they provided a smooth, cushioned landing.
• Responsiveness: The Launches are surprisingly responsive for a mid-flex boot. I am very happy with the balance between responsiveness and comfort. There have been a number of times when riding steep technical terrain that I’ve needed to rely on my boots for quick, precise movement, which has performed perfectly.
• Durability: I don’t have a huge amount of days on these, but so far, they have held up great. Despite some hard riding, these basically look brand new with next to no wear and tear.
• Versatility: These trend towards being freestyle boots, but I am able to ride a ton of different terrain comfortably in them. I spent time everywhere, from the park to double black runs in these boots, without feeling like I was compromising.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Heel hold: I had a bit of heel slip. I generally have this problem with every boot because I have narrow feet and skinny ankles. This may not be an issue for someone with normal ankles.
• Grip: I used these touring and boot packing a bit, and I wasn’t impressed with the sole grip. To be fair, these aren’t designed to be backcountry boots.

Favorite moment with this gear

One particularly awesome moment I had with the Salomon Launch Snowboard Boot was when I was hitting a large cliff line. I had been eyeing it for months, and the Launch boots helped me finally stomp it with confidence. The boots provided the perfect amount of support and response for takeoff and landing, and the shock-absorbing technology cushioned my feet from the impact. It was a truly exhilarating feeling, and I felt like the boots had unlocked a new level of riding for me. I'm looking forward to many more adventures and progression with the Salomon Launch!

Value for the money vs. other options

For those wondering if the Salomon Launch Snowboard Boot is worth the money, I would say that it definitely is. While it's not the cheapest option on the market, it offers a great balance of performance, comfort, and durability that make it well worth the investment. Compared to cheaper options like the Burton Moto or K2 Raider, the Launch has a stiffer flex and more advanced features like the ZoneLock lacing system and Ortholite C2 insole that provide a more responsive and customizable fit. On the other hand, while more expensive options like the Burton SLX or Adidas Acerra ADV may have some additional bells and whistles, I don't think they offer enough added value to justify the significantly higher price point. Overall, I think the Salomon Launch is a great mid-range snowboard boot option that will serve most riders well, especially those who prioritize a balance of freestyle and all-mountain performance.

Final verdict

The Salomon Launch Snowboard Boot unlocks a higher level of performance and comfort for intermediate to advanced snowboarders, allowing them to push their limits and progress with confidence on the mountain.