Expert Review: Salomon Dialogue Lace SJ BOA Snowboard Boots · 2022

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 Dialogue Lace SJ Snowboard Boot is a high-performance option best suited for intermediate to advanced riders who prioritize comfort, support, and responsive control on the mountain. This review is based on the 2020 model, but there are a few upgrades in the 2022 model, including an improved boot liner and quick dry footbeds.

About the boots I own

• Model: 2020 Salomon Dialogue
• Size: Size 11
• Lacing type: 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, Wyoming, and Montana Resorts. Oregon Backcountry.
• Terrain: Every type of in-bounds run and steep glaciated backcountry.

How they perform

What I was looking for

As an avid snowboarder, I was looking for a new pair of boots that could provide me with improved comfort and performance on the mountain. Specifically, I was seeking a boot that would offer better support and responsiveness, allowing me to keep pushing my riding.

Why I chose this gear

I decided to buy the Salomon Dialogue snowboard boot because it offered the perfect combination of comfort, support, and performance that I was seeking in a snowboard boot. Additionally, I’ve always loved and had great experiences with Salomon. I did consider several other snowboard boots before deciding on the Salomon Dialogue. However, I ultimately chose the Dialogue because it provided the best fit and offered the right balance of support, comfort, and performance that I was seeking. I also appreciated its sleek design and durable construction, which gave me confidence that it would last me for several seasons.

What I love about them

• Size: Salomon always runs true to size and fits like a glove. Having the correct size is key to an enjoyable day on the mountain.
• Comfort: Very comfortable, which always seems to be the case with Salomon. With a lot of other brands, I end up with sore feet due to pressure points, but I can ride Salomon boots hard all week and Apre in the parking lot without sore feet.
• Warmth: I rode these on some very cold single-digit Montana days and had no issues with cold feet.
• Heel hold: I usually always have heel lift due to having skinny ankles, but the Str8 Jckt system on these is amazing at reducing heel lift. Highly recommended for people who experience issues with heel hold.
• Responsiveness: These are very responsive for a mid-flex boot. Riding steep technical runs at Big Sky Resort, I needed a highly responsive boot, and these crushed it.
• Grip: The grip on these boots is great. The tread handles icy parking lots with no problem.
• Durability: So far, so good. Very little wear and tear, and I’ve had no issue with the lacing system yet.
• Park: I haven’t taken these in the park much, but I’ve ridden nearly every other type of terrain fairly aggressively and been very happy with how these boots handled park-like side country features. I can flow and jib a bit on natural features in these boots. I think they would translate well into the terrain park.
• Versatility: I’ve ridden these boots on a variety of terrain ranging from groomers, off-piste in bounds, terrain park, and backcountry powder. I am very impressed with the versatility and how well these boots handle all types of terrain.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Shock absorption: I rode the Salomon Launch the same season and found them to have much better shock absorption. If one only hits jumps and wants maximum absorption, I recommend the Launches.
• Ease of use: These aren’t difficult to use, but they also aren’t the simplest boot out there. These have a lacing and BOA system. The functionality of the two systems is great, but it does require a bit of attention when I’m lacing up.
• Weight: These aren’t overly heavy, but they certainly aren’t the lightest boot on the market. The weight isn’t an issue for 95% of people, but if one focuses on touring uphill and being lightweight is their primary concern, they may want to look elsewhere.

Favorite moment with this gear

One particularly awesome moment I had with the Salomon Dialogues was during a trip to Jackson Hole. The resort is known for its challenging terrain and steep slopes, so I was a bit nervous heading into the trip. However, once I strapped on my Salomon Dialogue boots, I immediately felt more comfortable and confident on my board. The boots provided excellent support and responsiveness, which allowed me to navigate the steep terrain with ease.

In particular, I remember dropping into Corbet's Couloir and feeling a rush of adrenaline as I made my way down the narrow chute. The Salomon Dialogue boots allowed me to make quick turns and stay in control, even in challenging conditions. Overall, the Salomon Dialogue snowboard boot helped me unlock a new level of confidence and control on the mountain, allowing me to push my limits and have unforgettable adventures on the slopes.

Value for the money vs. other options

In terms of price, the Salomon Dialogue snowboard boot falls into the mid-to-high range compared to other options on the market. While there are certainly cheaper boots available, investing in a higher quality option like the Salomon Dialogue can make a noticeable difference in terms of comfort and performance on the mountain.

Compared to cheaper boots, the Salomon Dialogue offers better support, responsiveness, and durability, which can make a significant impact on one’s riding experience. Cheaper boots may not provide the same level of customization or fit, which can result in discomfort or decreased performance over time.

On the other hand, the Salomon Dialogue is not the most expensive snowboard boot on the market, and there are certainly other high-end options available for those seeking the most advanced technology and features. Some comparable models to the Salomon Dialogue include the Burton Ion, the K2 Maysis, and the Vans Infuse, all of which offer similar high-end features and performance.

Ultimately, the decision of whether the Salomon Dialogue is worth the money will depend on one’s individual needs and preferences as a snowboarder. For those who prioritize comfort, support, and performance on the mountain and are willing to invest in a high-quality boot that will last multiple seasons, the Salomon Dialogue is a great choice. However, for beginner or casual riders, or people looking to spend less money on snowboard gear, other options are available at lower prices.

Final verdict

The Salomon Dialogue snowboard boot unlocks a new level of confidence, support, and performance on the mountain, allowing riders to push their limits and have unforgettable experiences on the slopes.