The 19 Best Snowboard Boots of 2021

Whether heading into the backcountry or looking for an all-mountain winner, we found the best snowboard boots of 2021 for every use and budget.

Snowboarding technology has made unbelievable strides since the sport’s invention in rural Michigan in the 1960s. And snowboard boots are no exception. From step-on tech to BOA lacing systems, there are a lot of options available.

To help you on your quest for the perfect snowboarding gear this season, we rounded up the best boots of 2021 for women and men. We’ve broken this list into specific categories so you can easily find a pair of boots that matches your riding style and budget.

If you have general questions about boot design, sizing, and fit, check out the buyer’s guide and FAQ at the end of this article. Otherwise, hop to a category that interests you or scroll through our picks:

The Best Snowboard Boots of 2021

Best Overall Women’s Snowboard Boots: ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA

With supreme versatility and performance in all terrain from ridge drops to carving groomers or powder-topped moguls, the ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA ($300) boot is our top pick. Ladies will be hard-pressed to find a more stable boot with as much comfort and adjustability as this pair.

The heel hold keeps riders secure and prevents any slippage mid-carve. The Evolution foam provides lightweight comfort, and the liner is heat-moldable for a tailored fit.

And the double BOA lacing system is quick and easy to adjust, allowing for a great customizable hold that’s dialed via two separate zones. This is a solid choice for cruising and exploring in-bounds terrain all over the mountain.

Specs:

• Flex: Medium
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Intermediate to advanced

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Versatile all-mountain boot
• Easy lacing
• Ample comfort

Cons:

• Some complaints about warmth

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Best Overall Men’s Snowboard Boots: Burton Moto BOA

The Burton Moto BOA ($240) is our pick for the best overall boot this season. Its thoughtful construction provides ample comfort for everything from hot laps through the terrain park to powder hounds chasing fresh snow from the first chair to last.

Made to shred all types of terrain, the Moto BOA boots are built with comfort in mind. Soft flex tongues allow for easy comfort tinkering. And the classic BOA Coiler speed lacing system promotes quick and easy lace adjustments.

Added cushioning underfoot is the icing on the comfort cake. When coupled with the liners and gussets, your feet are all but guaranteed to stay warm and dry even on the wettest spring days.

Specs:

• Flex: Soft to medium
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Beginner to intermediate

Pros:

• Very comfortable build
• Lacing system allows for perfect microadjustments
• Internal J-bars provide added ankle support

Cons:

• Not quite aggressive enough for expert riders

Check Price at REICheck Price at Evo

Best Backcountry Snowboard Boots for Women: Vans Viaje

The Vans Viaje ($360) answered our call for a backcountry snowboard boot that’s warm, supportive, and durable for all-day adventures ascending peaks and snowmobiling powder fields but doesn’t gooseneck our feet.

The boots are likewise comfortable for riding the lift and cruising groomers with friends. Vans nailed snugness and security with room to wiggle the toes and a secure ankle hold for zero heel lift, even for those of us with narrower feet.

The plush, comfortable liner is boosted with a sweet technology called FlashDry from The North Face, which pushes moisture to the surface to help keep our feet dry. The waterproof/breathable valves in the boot’s shell help release that moisture, too.

A heat retention wrap is integrated around the toebox and above the outsole to help retain heat. And in our blizzard experiences, it works. Our feet have never been so cozy on 10-hour days on snow.

The footbeds are comfortable and help prevent fatigue. But after an all-day big-mountain adventure, our feet do feel a tad tired. And though these boots prevent frosty toes and offer great protection for resort riding, they feel denser than a freestyle boot.

Specs:

• Flex: Medium to stiff (adjustable flex)
• Ride Style: Backcountry, freeride focus
• Experience: Advanced to expert

Pros:

• Keeps feet warm even in sub-freezing temperatures or transitioning at the top of a climb
• Outsoles have an aggressive lug around the perimeter for great traction and stability
• Boot fits narrow feet and heels well, even with the dual BOA system (versus laces)
• Tongue stiffeners allow customizable flex that ranges from 6-8

Cons:

• A tad stiff for freestyle action
• Lacks heel counter for extra crampon security
• D-rings are too small and not reachable by most pant gaiters

Check Price at Evo

Best Backcountry Snowboard Boots for Men: K2 Aspect

Backcountry snowboard boots need to be highly adjustable, feel extra comfortable, and meet a high performance standard. The K2 Aspect ($500) checks all of these boxes.

Durable rubber outsoles are geared toward mountaineering objectives. And the stiff flex enables confident riding in technical terrain. Internal and external J-bars provide additional support and rigidity to keep your feet comfortable and protected on both the climb and descent.

Specs:

• Flex: Stiff
• Ride Style: Freeride, backcountry
• Experience: Advanced to expert

Pros:

• Construction geared toward designated backcountry use
• Highly adjustable and comfortable for confident and aggressive riding

Cons:

Check Price at Evo

Best Freestyle Boot for Women: Ride Harper

The Ride Harper ($200) is loaded with several comforts and convenient features but isn’t the highest-ticket build. Overall, this design is a great choice for riders eyeing a season full of trick stomps and powder laps.

There’s a plush foam liner and articulated cuff for a cozy fit across the shin and heel. The midsole is light, durable, and cushy for landing jumps and jibs. The upper is secured via a single BOA turn dial, which is straightforward and easy to operate, even with gloves on.

To keep the heel and ankle on lock, the line has integrated cushion called J-bars that snug the foot down. We appreciate the EVA footbed beneath our feet, too. The liner is fully molded to the upper, which prevents pack out and increases the lifespan. But that’s a tradeoff for some folks, as removable liners dry out faster after a long day on snow.

Specs:

• Flex: Softer side (3/10)
• Ride Style: Freestyle
• Experience: Beginner to intermediate

Pros:

• Forgiving for playful tricks and jibs
• Great price

Cons:

• Lacks dual BOA system for better customization

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Best Freestyle Boot for Men: DC Phase

The DC Phase boots ($160) are an excellent, big-name option for riders new to the sport of snowboarding. The flex on these boots is great for beginners and stiff enough to stay engaging as skills improve.

While the liners are not the most comfortable, they are removable, so you can easily dry them out after a day in the snow. The traditional lacing system is intuitive and allows for maladjustments up and down the boot.

Specs:

• Flex: Medium/soft
• Ride Style: Freestyle
• Experience: Beginner to intermediate

Pros:

• Affordable and stylish
• Simple design
• Mid-flex rating is ideal for most beginner to intermediate riders
• Comfortable to walk in

Cons:

• Degrade faster

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Best Budget for Women: ThirtyTwo Shifty

Snowboarding is a pricey pastime to start and keep. A few economically priced boots are out there, and they’re generally softer with less robust makeup. One plush, less expensive option is the ThirtyTwo Shifty ($144). These boots feature dual-density foam for immediate walk-friendly comfort, a soft tongue, and a forgiving liner. The synthetic leather upper is on the suppler side.

The traditional laces allow for a precise hug despite taking a couple of minutes longer than conventional quick-lace systems. We appreciate the burly bootstrap for pulling them on, too.

Specs:

• Flex: Soft
• Ride Style: Freestyle
• Experience: Beginner to intermediate

Pros:

• Wallet-friendly
• Out-of-box comfort

Cons:

• Lacks support for bell-to-bell ride days
• Softer boots generally break down faster

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Best Budget for Men: System APX

There’s an undeniable financial burden of entry to snowboarding, and the System APX ($100) boot is here to address that. This is a great no-frills, entry-level boot that performs well in beginner to intermediate terrain without compromising much in the way of comfort.

The heat-moldable memory foam liner is the best budget option for riders trying to achieve a near-perfect fit. Most higher-end boots have moved toward the BOA lacing system, but the standard laces on the System APX work for a boot at this price point.

Specs:

• Flex: Medium
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Beginner to intermediate

Pros:

• Highly affordable
• Impressive comfort for a budget boot
• Good performance in beginner/intermediate terrain

Cons:

• Not the most durable
• Standard lacing can impact adjustability

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Best Hardboot Setup: Phantom Slipper

The Phantom Slipper ($800) has had a decade of percolation, thanks to NASA engineer John Keffler who started tinkering with splitboard boot designs in 2011. Phantom Snow Industries is known for the SplitTech splitboard binding and has been experimenting with a surfy hardboot revolution for riders ever since. The voyage to develop the perfect splitboard slipper recently reached a big mark.

New to the sport is the first-ever designated hard boot, the Phantom Slipper. It’s efficient for nimble uphill ascents, sidehilling, and bootpacks. Yet it feels supportive and comfortable like a traditional snowboard boot.

A streamlined, precise fit replaces the cumbersome feel of traditional snowboard boots — and it’s surprisingly comfortable. The shell is heat-moldable and has good forward flex but boasts lateral flex for riders, too.

This boot is nongendered for men and women.

Specs:

• Flex: Medium
• Ride Style: Backcountry, big-mountain
• Experience: Advanced to expert

Pros:

• Construction geared toward designated backcountry and big-mountain use
• Sidehill stability
• Walk-mode
• Great power transfer
• Lightweight and durable
• Support for long days and variable conditions

Cons:

• An investment
• Compatible with tech toe pieces (not traditional snowboard bindings)

Check Price at Phantom Snow

Best of the Rest

Men’s Vans Infuse

For an incredibly adjustable boot that performs equally well across the entire mountain, look no further than the Vans Infuse ($351). The adjustable flex on this boot allows riders to adapt to changing snow conditions and terrain easily. This lacing system is designed for every rider to find their perfect fit.

The custom liner is heat-moldable. And the UltraCush footbed provides a comfortable fit with ample arch support. Given the comparably stiff flex of the Vans Infuse, these boots are best for experienced snowboarders.

Specs:

• Flex: Medium to stiff
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Advanced to expert

Pros:

• Versatile on all terrain
• Adjustable flex
• Intuitive and thorough lacing system

Cons:

• Stiffer flex in general
• Best suited for experienced riders

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Men’s adidas Tactical Lexicon

For those looking for a traditional lacing boot, the adidas Tactical Lexicon ($350) is arguably the most comfortable and best performing of its class on the market. This boot’s structure lends itself to all types of riders and is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-profile option.

As far as all-mountain performancegoes, this boot is impressively responsive for a boot of medium flex. Finally, adidas increased the overall comfort and fit of this boot compared to last year’s already comfortable Tactical model.

Specs:

• Flex: Medium
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Intermediate to expert

Pros:

• Comfort added to an already comfortable boot
• Reduced footprint for heightened performance
• Handles well across the mountain

Cons:

• Some questions of flex durability
• Standard challenges of traditional lacing

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Men’s Burton Ion BOA

If easy and precise adjustability is the goal, then the Burton Ion BOA ($589) has you covered. The Ions boast a dual BOA system, allowing riders to adjust the upper and lower parts of the boot independent of the other.

The stiff flex caters to more aggressive riders, while the heat-moldable liners add to the comfort and customization of these top-notch boots.

Specs:

• Flex: Stiff
• Ride Style: Freeride
• Experience: Intermediate to advanced

Pros:

• Precise adjustability
• Impressive comfort
• Trustworthy option for off-piste riding

Cons:

• On the expensive side

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Men’s K2 Maysis

The K2 Maysis ($310) is a great advanced-to-expert pair of boots for riders with wider feet. The Maysis comes with Intuition liners that mold to every curve of your foot, working hard to maximize comfort and durability.

A dual BOA lacing system allows for precise adjustments across the boot, so you can modify comfort on the go to confidently shred all types of features and terrain. If you find the Maysis isn’t a comfortable fit for your foot, check out other boot brands that cater to wider feet, such as ThirtyTwo or adidas.

Specs:

• Flex: Stiff
• Ride Style: All-mountain, freestyle
• Experience: Advanced intermediate to expert

Pros:

• Dual BOA lacing for quick and precise adjustments
• Included Intuition liners for increased comfort

Cons:

• Some questions of durability

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Men’s Burton Step On Photon

Burton has long had the corner on the step on boot/binding game. So, it’s no surprise the Burton Step On Photon ($410) boots are the go-to for this riding style. The Photon boots are the latest and greatest technology with the standard Burton comfort and adjustability.

The boots lock into the bindings in the front and back, allowing for increased downhill power and drive compared to classic bindings.

Specs:

• Flex: Medium
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Intermediate to advanced

Pros:

• Easy and convenient binding system
• Boots are as comfortable as any other
• Locked heel increases power in riding

Cons:

• Requires compatible bindings
• Pricier

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Women’s Burton Supreme

For women who aggressively charge slopes, check out the Burton Supreme ($489). These firm, low-volume, responsive boots closely connect riders with their boards for quicker turns with less effort. Whether you’re bound for groomers, bumps, glades, a slalom course, the back bowls, or park jumps, these boots are supportive yet comfortable.

The design feels lightweight in part due to the high-end liner, which is made with a polyurethane tongue and performance foam that forms around the foot. For dependable warmth, the liner reflects body heat back onto the feet while simultaneously wicking sweat. A reflective foil is integrated underfoot to increase heat even more.

The Supreme features a heel hold plus medial and lateral ankle support as well as a gel cushion that doesn’t falter in frigid temps. The dual-density outsole is steadfast, too.

Specs:

• Flex: Stiff (7/10)
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Intermediate to advanced

Pros:

• Packs out less compared to softer boots
• Dual-speed zone lacing system is durable and fast and provides customizable tension

Cons:

• More expensive choice

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Women’s Burton Mint BOA

Walking to and from the lift couldn’t be more cloud-like than with the ladies’ Burton Mint BOA ($240). This pair provides out-of-box comfort that doesn’t squeeze the toes, plus they’re easy to pull on and adjust. And the price is on the lower end.

The outsoles feature an integrated heat-reflective foil to help keep feet warm. The EVA liner is plush and coupled with a supple synthetic leather upper. The single BOA closure system is simple and quick: just turn the dial for a tighter fit. This year’s model also boasts a lighter outsole with great cushion and a better connection to the board.

Specs:

• Flex: Soft
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Beginner

Pros:

• Walkable boots: no walk-mode needed
• Cozy
• Soft: no break-in period required

Cons:

• Loosen a bit midday and require a retighten
• Pack out more than stiffer boots
• Not the most durable

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Women’s K2 Taro Tamai

For experienced riders who want a soft, surfy, high-end boot that lasts, look no further than the K2 Taro Tamai ($520). It’s no surprise this new boot is a top hit, given it was co-designed with renowned snowboard designer and photographer Taro Tamai, the founder of Japanese snow surfing.

This boot is flexible yet stable. We appreciate the dual BOA setup for a more precise fit, and the rope lace system is constructed with a softer lace versus steel. To adapt the structure, there’s a removable harness that locks to the shell.

The ergonomic Vibram outsole enhances heel-side turns for a surf-inspired feel. The articulated cuff is supple and offers great forward flex, yet it’s reinforced with rubber for durability.

For warmth, the liner features a reflective panel that holds in body heat. The boot’s comfort is high, thanks to the foam midsole, dual-density EVA insole, and internal cushion that holds down the heel.

Specs:

• Flex: Softer (4/10)
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Intermediate to advanced

Pros:

• Odor-control liner made with recycled coffee grounds and recycled polyester
• Premium construction

Cons:

• Top dollar

Check Price at K2 Snow

Women’s Ride Context

Love traditional lace-up boots? The Ride Context ($300) is a high-performance model with old-school laces for that fine-tuned fit plus a single BOA that pulls the tongue back while cinching down the heel and ankle. It’s the best of both worlds.

Around the boot’s upper, a premium polyurethane blend is added to high-use areas — like where the bindings rub against the boot — for a longer lifespan. The proprietary midsole, dubbed +Slime, is a foam blend that’s comfortable yet responsive. The boot’s liner is infused with a bamboo charcoal, which naturally stomps odors and regulates temperature.

The C.A.T. (calf adjustment technology) lets ladies widen the cuff zone for an adaptable hug and overall fit. The build has a heat-reflective foil above the midsole, which reflects body heat to the underside of the feet. To stabilize the heel and ankle, an internal cushion adds articulated support: no slipping around here. On the exterior, the rubber toe cap and dual-density heel counter, constructed of thermoplastic polyurethane, boost the boot’s durability.

Specs:

• Flex: Stiffer side (7/10)
• Ride Style: All-mountain, freeride
• Experience: Advanced to expert

Pros:

• Laces plus single BOA
• Removable liner
• Good choice for bigger calf muscles

Cons:

• Some riders don’t prefer laces

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Women’s Salomon Kiana Dual BOA

For women craving a streamlined fit, the Salomon Kiana Dual BOA ($245) is a great choice for riders with a regular-to-narrow foot and heel shape.

Delivering a quick and customizable hold, the dual-zone BOA closure system is easy to use with and without gloves. The exterior shell is fairly lightweight and more compact than former designs to alleviate any extra material.

The foam liners and the dual-density insole provide great cushion. On the boot’s exterior, the outsoles feature a grippy rubber and shock-absorbing EVA for nice damping to preserve all-day energy.

To enhance the on-snow shred, the interior liner features a heel-grip technology that grabs sock fibers to prevent sliding around. And a rubberized material across the heel and toe makes the exterior of the boot grip the bindings better for a stronger hold.

Specs:

• Flex: Medium
• Ride Style: All-mountain
• Experience: Intermediate

Pros:

• Tighter silhouette enhances board control

Cons:

• Might not be a good match for thicker calves and wider feet

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Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Snowboard Boots

Fit

Snowboard boots are broadly categorized for men or women. The biggest difference between the anatomy of women and men is the calf muscle is lower on a woman’s leg. For better support and comfort, the cuff of a woman’s snowboard boot is shorter in length.

Women’s boots also generally have a narrower heel, more streamlined shape, and greater flex. Some women with longer or wider feet find men’s boot options work great. For some men with narrower feet, women’s boots are a better fit.

Beyond these two broad categories, snowboard boots can have a narrow, wide, or regular width. Their shape can also be more precise and streamlined for refined performance.

It’s important to determine your correct boot size for a particular boot, which can vary slightly from brand to brand. The best way to determine your boot size is to visit a retailer, get accurate foot measurements, and try on different pairs with your preferred snowboard socks.

Comfort

A boot’s overall comfort is delivered through the combination of the midsole, liner, and footbed as well as the level of overall support, which prevents fatigue. For instance, the K2 Taro Tamai features a foam midsole and dual-density EVA insole for a plush feel that’s also paired with a reinforced, articulated cuff.

Generally, an all-around soft boot might provide immediate comfort but doesn’t necessarily deliver stability for preserving energy on a bell-to-bell or big-objective day. All considered, what feels most comfortable is based on each rider’s preference and foot needs.

Flex

Snowboard boots are constructed on a flex range from soft to medium to stiff. Often brands use a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the stiffest. Occasionally, boots have an adjustable flex, like the Vans Viaje, which uses tongue stiffeners and ranges from 6 to 8 on the stiffness scale.

Some snowboarders prefer super-soft boots, while others need a very stiff pair for sensitive responsiveness. Generally, softer boots are a great choice for new snow sports athletes or instructors who need to be on their feet all day. Some park riders also prefer a softer boot.

Stiffer boots enhance the reactivity and precision of the board, a trait more experienced and aggressive riders often prefer. Ultimately, the ideal flex of a snowboard boot hinges on personal preference and foot needs.

Softer boots typically pack out and break down faster, while stiffer boots last longer and cost more.

Outsole

The outsole is the rubber located on the underside of the boot, which grips the snow and ice. Each boot has a unique lug design to help provide great traction while walking on sidewalks or up a slope.

If you’re in the market for a backcountry or splitboard mountaineering boot, pay attention to this feature. Look for an outsole with aggressive lugs and dependable, well-vetted material like the heavy-duty Vibram mountaineer outsole on the K2 Aspect Snowboard Boots.

Lacing

Traditional snowboard boots close up with laces, which certain riders prefer for a more fine-tuned fit all the way up the boot.

Conventional quick-pull closure systems are faster and easier to operate while wearing gloves. Various designs exist across brands, like the speed zone lacing on the Burton Supreme boot. Other models have a single- or dual-zone BOA system.

Some folks feel quick closures provide a more uniform hug that doesn’t pack out compared to lace setups. One tradeoff is laces are simpler to replace as they wear out or if they break in the backcountry. Overall, laces are more economic than quick-pull and BOA systems.

A handful of designs mix these options like the Ride Context, which has laces plus a single BOA. And several backcountry and powder-conscious boots feature a zippered shroud to protect the lower portion and closure of the boot from ice and snow, like the Vans Viaje and K2 Taro Tamai. Some boots add extra reinforcement with a Velcro strap.

Liners & Footbed

The liner is a boot-shaped layer that fits inside the boot’s exterior shell. Most liners are removable, which is helpful for drying them out after a long day. We prefer to remove the liner and use a boot dryer to move air through the material, which helps eliminate odors and prevent mold while getting the liner dry for the next day.

Liners are typically constructed with EVA foam, a lightweight and malleable polymer, which provides a cushion-like feel and stabilizes the foot. Some liners are heat-moldable, which is great for a more custom fit and shorter break-in period.

The footbed is removable, so you can upgrade with an aftermarket option that provides tailored support or cushion.

Warmth

Many new-age snowboard boot designs boast unique technologies to help keep your toes safe and toasty. For instance, the Vans Viaje features FlashDry, a technology from The North Face that pushes moisture to the liner surface and keeps the feet dry. The shell has waterproof/breathable valves to release moisture. There’s also a heat-retention wrap integrated around the toebox and above the outsole to hold heat.

The K2 Taro Tamai and Burton Supreme both have a heat-reflective layer in the liner. Some designs also have an integrated heat-reflective foil beneath the feet like the Ride Context and Burton Supreme.

If your feet tend to get cold or you’ve experienced a cold injury, prioritize getting a pair of boots constructed with a heat-regulating technology. And don’t forget to choose a warmer snowboard sock if needed. Furthermore, if you’ll be hanging out after the lifts close or have a long drive, bring a dry pair of socks and cozy snow boots to change into.

If your feet still get cold, consider purchasing a pair of rechargeable heated liners or footbeds.

Socks

Choosing the correct snowboard socks can help manage foot temperature and moisture as well as provide targeted cushioning for overall protection and comfort in your boots. These sport-specific socks are woven with a synthetic or merino wool blend.

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