Review: DC Transcend BOA Snowboard Boots · 2023

Published on 10/26/2023 · 3 min readCurated Expert, Nathan G., has tested this product to give you their unbiased, definitive take.
Nathan G., Snowboarding Expert
By Snowboarding Expert Nathan G.
13 photos
Photo by Nathan G.

The Curated Take

4.2/5

The DC Transcend BOA Snowboard Boots are ideal for freeride boarders seeking high responsiveness and support. Notably, the boots feature excellent waterproofing with a zip-up cover over the lower lacing section, ensuring feet stay dry even in deep snow. The double BOA lacing and the snug-fitting liners give these boots a secure heel hold and unparalleled responsiveness. Although they take extra time to put on and take off, once on, they offer great support and comfort throughout the day.

Ideal for
  • Very responsive
  • Great secure heel hold and overall support
  • Excellent waterproofing
Not ideal for
  • Not as easy to get on and off as some other boots
Heel Hold
Nathan G., Curated Expert
These boots really have a great snug feel when I put on the liners, dial in the two BOA lace dials, and zip up the lace cover. The liners have...Read more
Weight
Nathan G., Curated Expert
These aren't the lightest boots out there. That's not bad when I consider the purpose of these boots, which is more of a freeride boot that provides great response and...Read more
Waterproofing
Nathan G., Curated Expert
The forefoot cover that zips up with a waterproof zipper is one of the purposes this boot is designed for and accomplishes very well. I wore these boots for a...Read more
Grip
Nathan G., Curated Expert
The DC Transcend boots never caused any grip concerns for me, but with the Vibram soles, there may be better grippier options for a snowboard boot. These provide enough grip...Read more
Durability
Nathan G., Curated Expert
The DC Transcend boots are made of durable materials and have solid construction. The zippers have never snagged or given any other type of issue. These boots provide great value...Read more
Comfort
Nathan G., Curated Expert
The DC Transcends are a more comfortable option for a stiffer boot. These are very durable, responsive, and have a great heel hold, but they are less comfortable than a...Read more
Shock Absorption
Nathan G., Curated Expert
The soles are built with extra dampening material that helps with the crusty snow and any drops or jumps. In the Midwest, where I do a lot of riding, we...Read more
Responsiveness
Nathan G., Curated Expert
Some other brands use different accessories to add to the bottom of bindings or J-Bars inside of boots or boot liners for additional heel hold, which correlates with responsiveness. However,...Read more
Ease of Use
Nathan G., Curated Expert
Because these boots are so secure and responsive, they require more time to get the entry and fit just right and also to get them off. I wasn't used to...Read more
Versatility
Nathan G., Curated Expert
The DC Transcend boots are ideal for the freeride boarder who likes high speeds, deep lines, and trees. These boots offer a response ideal for these riders over the more...Read more

Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
About the snowboard boots
  • Model: DC Transcend BOA Snowboard Boots · 2023
Test conditions
  • When I bought these: December 2022
  • Where I’ve used it: Minnesota and Colorado
  • How many times I've used it: 15

Expert Reviews of the DC Transcend BOA Snowboard Boots

 I've worn these boots in Minnesota and Colorado and am equally impressed with how responsive these boots feel. The waterproofing is designed for the deeper pow with an additional cover over the lower lacing section of the boots. The DC Transcend features a double BOA. While they loosen a bit, I think that’s typical of all BOA lacing, so I don't hold it against this particular boot. The internal Velcro on the liners is very strong, making it a bit more difficult to get these boots on and off, but once someone has the fit settled, they will feel very secure and supported all day in these boots.

Product Specs

Age GroupAdult
GenderMen's
Model year2023
FlexStiff
Lacing systemBoa®
Internal lacing systemBoa®

Review Ratings

Heel Hold

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. These boots really have a great snug feel when I put on the liners, dial in the two BOA lace dials, and zip up the lace cover. The liners have a soft, durable material that feels like the inside of my favorite hoodie or jacket, and the boots feel comfortably rigid and supportive through heel and toe turns.

Weight

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. These aren't the lightest boots out there. That's not bad when I consider the purpose of these boots, which is more of a freeride boot that provides great response and support. These boots offer good dampening in the outsoles with Vibram technology to reduce the chattery conditions.

Waterproofing

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. The forefoot cover that zips up with a waterproof zipper is one of the purposes this boot is designed for and accomplishes very well. I wore these boots for a pond skim competition. In the last round, I could not make it across the pond and sank into about two feet of water, and I was astonished at how long it took for my feet to get wet when submerged. 

Grip

4/5
 gave 4 of 5 stars. The DC Transcend boots never caused any grip concerns for me, but with the Vibram soles, there may be better grippier options for a snowboard boot. These provide enough grip for me anytime I traverse or walk around the resort, so I wouldn't consider this a reason not to go for these boots.

Durability

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. The DC Transcend boots are made of durable materials and have solid construction. The zippers have never snagged or given any other type of issue. These boots provide great value with quality materials and construction for the price.

Comfort

4/5
 gave 4 of 5 stars. The DC Transcends are a more comfortable option for a stiffer boot. These are very durable, responsive, and have a great heel hold, but they are less comfortable than a medium, soft, or medium/soft flexing boot. When choosing the proper boots for riding, this is something to consider.

Shock Absorption

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. The soles are built with extra dampening material that helps with the crusty snow and any drops or jumps. In the Midwest, where I do a lot of riding, we have quite a few days with hard-packed snow, and these boots make for a much more comfortable ride and flow with the terrain.

Responsiveness

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. Some other brands use different accessories to add to the bottom of bindings or J-Bars inside of boots or boot liners for additional heel hold, which correlates with responsiveness. However, the DC Transcends accomplish the desired response for a freestyle boot without the gimmicks. The thick and durable liners fit well with the rest of the boot.

Ease of Use

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. Because these boots are so secure and responsive, they require more time to get the entry and fit just right and also to get them off. I wasn't used to the added time and work to get boots on before this pair. I must loosen the liners and the boots to get my feet inside before making any necessary adjustments. I have to loosen everything up when I am done for the day to get my feet out.

Versatility

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. The DC Transcend boots are ideal for the freeride boarder who likes high speeds, deep lines, and trees. These boots offer a response ideal for these riders over the more relaxed beginner or intermediate rider.

FAQs

What do you love about this product?

The DC Transcends are secure, warm, and comfortable. The boots make my feet feel like they are at the cabin next to the fireplace, yet also keep my feet well-supported as I carve. The added zip-up cover over the footbed keeps my feet dry even in wet and slushy conditions.

What was your favorite moment with this gear?

The DC Transcends were excellent when riding the deep pow tree lines at Wolf Creek. The boots were stiff enough to maneuver in the deep snow and responsive when needed. They also kept out the snow.

Why did you choose this product?

I chose these boots since I'm a Travis Rice fan, and he rides DCs. These have a dual BOA option, which I prefer for a more customized fit. I was also intrigued by the zip cover over the lower tongue, which is designed to keep out moisture and provide another layer of warmth and protection against the elements. 

What is the value for the money versus other options?

These are on the mid to more expensive side of the price spectrum for snowboard boots. I would compare these to the Burton Ion and Photon or Ride Lasso and Insano. However, if I put them alongside these two comparable brands, the DCs are the best value.

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