Best Beginner Snowboard Boots

The best beginner snowboard boots may not offer the fancy features pro-level snowboard boots provide. However, the market offers many decent beginner snowboard boots at that skill level. The finest beginner snowboarder boots keep your feet warm and dry, adequate ankle and calf support, and ample comfort. Additionally, the best beginner options are soft flex boots while others flex medium, and they won’t have you ponying up your entire life savings.

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5 Best Snowboard Boots Ever (Reviews &

Buying Guide)

 

1.Burton Ruler BOA

2.Mens Vans Hi Standard OG LTF Mid Calf

best snowboard boots for beginner riders

3.Men’s Burton Moto Boa

best beginner snowboard boots

4.Men’s Vans Infuse

best beginner snowboard boots

5.Women’s K2 Sapera

Best snowboard boots for beginner

And now, the reviews.

 

1.Burton Ruler BOA Review

 

Made of recycled materials, this medium flex boot features a warmth-promoting multi-density textile/synthetic heat-moldable liner. The 3M Thinsulate insulation and sleeping bag-like reflective layer shield against snowy blasts.

The one-of-a-kind Dual Zone BOA fit system equipped with Coiler technology (backed by a life-time guarantee) coupled with Burton-exclusive New England Ropes powers upper and forefoot micro-adjustability. The disintegration-resisting PowerUp tongue with the unique internal gusset construction further improves fit and shuts out the harsh weather elements.

The durable, lightweight EVA footbed dampens shock no matter how forceful the landings, and the gravity-lowering EST midsole eliminates the ramp angle of the waterproof, anti-slip outsole, immensely enhancing boardfeel. Thanks to Burton’s Total Comfort Construction, there’s almost no break-in period. Additionally, Burton’s Shrinkage Footprint shrinks the product a full size, reducing toe drag.

This product is available in 5 colorways and multiple sizes, 6-12 with four half sizes. Zero fit issues.

Pros

  • Unique BOA closure supports micro-adjustability
  • Snowproof construction defends against the elements
  • Heat moldable liners for customized fitting
  • Fits like perfect gloves

Cons

  • Not a budget pick

 

The Burton Ruler BOA catapults beginners to pro-level snowboarding experience fast. Probably not the best pick for absolute beginners, but heavy beginners and intermediate level riders will love it. If you’re a lighter rider, I suggest you choose something else.

2.Mens Vans Hi Standard OG LTD Mid Calf Review

 

The mid-calf reaching Vans Hi Standard OG LTD amounts to a classic contemporary look. With Van’s iconic side stripe and anti-skid V1 waffle lug rubber outsole, it offers the familiarity of Van’s popular vulcanized skate shoes.

The single-density V1 POPCUSH footbed that features airflow perforations and a moisture-wicking Nylex topsheet dampens shocks. Van’s anatomically shaped molded 3D V1 Ultracush liner with a flex rating of 4-5 (the boots flex medium) enhances support, fit, and comfort, and the V1 ankle harness optimizes heel support. Also, heel hold is really good.

Calf support comes from the supple and elastic PLEASURECUFF. Traditional lacing with a powerstrap and three solidly attached hooks helps customize fit. Unfortunately, you can’t modify fit while riding. Sizes: 7-12 with 2 half sizes (7.5 &8.5).

Pros

  • A stylish, modern look
  • A well-made mid-range deal
  • Shock dampening footbed
  • Great comfort features
  • Really good heel hold
  • Stunning aesthetics

Cons

  • Price could be lower
  • Color limitation (black/white only)

 

Overall, it’s a worthy investment, a great all-mountain and terrain parks snowboarding option.

 

3.Men’s Burton Moto Boa Review

 

This boot’s PU backstay bolsters support while its soft-flex PowerUp tongue with internal gusset keeps the feet warm and dry even in slushy conditions. Its remarkably lightweight construction Dynolite outsole with aggressive lugs demonstrates great performance even in sub-zero temperatures.

The backed-by-a-lifetime-guarantee BOA Coiler closure makes getting the shoe on and off and adjusting fit during use easy. Further, the total comfort construction with fuzzy “man fur” makes break-in nearly effortless.

Tugging the cord on the integrated lacing liner tightens it while a knob-like ratchet customizes fit for the outer shell, and the extra padding on the rear keeps the heel locked in. Multiple sizing options and colors available.

 

Pros

  • Comfort Construction for pain-free break-in
  • BOA system with coiler tech
  • Toe box wider than most

Cons

  • Cheaper deals available
  • Runs slightly small

 

Bottom line: Great for beginner intermediate riders with moderately wide feet who ride narrow waist boards. Note: go up a half size.

 

4.Men’s Vans Infuse Review

 

This product’s heat-moldable liner is crazy comfy, and the V3 UltraCush footbed with FlashDry fabric from North Face absorbs impacts well. And, thanks to Van’s Flex Control System, you can tweak its flex/stiffness. The deal represents a high-end feel reflecting its steep price point.

The durable full-grain leather upper and aggressive waffle-style outsoles ensure there’s no nook or cranny you won’t explore. Whether you’re riding insanely rocky terrain, showing your snowboarding chops at a local resort, or splitboarding, these soles obey every command. Heel hold is terrific; you won’t experience slippage or blisters or whatever.

Its BOA system aided by traditional lacing delivers a snug fit that feels safe enough for trudging uphill. But when going downhill, loosen the BOA a bit. The Powercuff strap provides peerless heel hold. However, getting the boots on and off isn’t hassle-free.

But they run a half size small and somewhat narrow — go up a half size. Also, tightening the shoe around my shin proved challenging.

Pros

  • Amazing heel hold
  • Flex adjustability
  • Unmatched all-terrain traction
  • Great heel hold

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Runs narrow

 

Overall, it’s worth it.

 

5.Women’s K2 Sapera Review

 

With a sleek silhouette, the medium-flexing K2 Sapera is among the best snowboard under $200. Its 3D Intuition foam liner features a speed lacing system that cooperates with the BOA Coiler closure system for a solidly snug fit.

Molded 3D EVA insoles provide structured comfort, and the internal and external J bars enhance ankle support and optimize heel hold. Tightening the mixed lacing system causes boot-wide instead of sectional adjustments, though.

Getting in and out is easy, so is adjusting fit during use. However, flex retention isn’t perfect, and the foot print could be reduced.

Its durable, lightweight vibration-dampening Phy-light outsole rivals any good rubber sole and delivers impressive shock absorption. Traction isn’t exceptional, though, and response is decent with easy-to-medium turning snowboards. After cranking down the BOA, I get amazing heel hold.

Pros

  • Affordable with great heel hold
  • Easy to slide into and out of
  • BOA lacing system for perfect custom fit
  • Versatile: works for varying terrains

Cons

  • No footprint reduction technology
  • Adjustability not great
  • Flex retention not awesome

 

It’s certainly not the best beginner snowboard, but you’ll get exceptional heel hold for safe, secure rides. Grab a pair and start practicing those backside moves or whatever.

Best beginner snowboard boots Buying Guide

 

Snowboarding is doubtless a high-impact sport, and a whole ton of strong forces are at play the whole time. It’s easy to break things, usually ankles. Anyone who’s tried turning in boots that weren’t rigid enough knows how easy it is to twist one’s ankles.

This guide should help you pick up a pair of snowboard boots that’s designed and optimized for performance, warmth, comfort, and protection. Keep these considerations in mind during the shopping process:

 

1.What Boot Flex Level Do You Like Best?

 

Each snowboard boot on the market sits somewhere on the softness/stiffness continuum. Some boots are considerably soft while others are quite stiff, and the degree of stiffness you should go with should be a function of where and how you ride.

Three softness/stiffness levels exist, and these include soft flex, medium flex, and stiff flex.

A Soft Flexing Boot

 

Snowboard boots that flex soft are normally crafted from materials and components that have tons of resilience built into them. These materials are also comfort-focused, making this type of snowboarding boot super comfortable the entire time you’re cruising around in the mountain. These are the best option for you if you prefer boots that are pretty easy on your feet.

 

Medium Flex Boots

 

medium flex snowboard boots represent a really nice balance between comfort and support. Think of this type of snowboarding boot as a hybrid running shoe that delivers flex-oriented road runners as well as comfort and stability-minded trail and mountain runners. With a medium-flex option, you get unconstrained mobility as you gallop in the mountain while your feet stay warm, dry, and comfortable.

 

Stiff Flex Snowboard Boots

 

When riding your snowboard at breakneck speed in extreme snow conditions, you need boots with a very high amount of stiffness. Only boots with stiff-flex construction can withstand the rigors of intense snowboarding. Stiff-flex snowboard boots are designed to provide an insanely high level of support and edge power.

So, soft-flex vs medium flex vs stiff-flex snowboard boots, what’s the best option? There’s no better flex level. What works best for one snowboarder may not be a great fit for another. In the end, it’s a matter of personal preference.

So, pay attention to each pair’s flex rating as it determines the overall feel of the boot during use.

 

2.Your Snowboard Riding Style

 

Your specific riding style is another critical consideration when shopping for a suitable snowboarding boot. A freerider may need a different boot style than an all-mountain snowboarder, and a free-style snowboard rider often needs a slightly different kind of boot than either a freeride enthusiast or an all-mountain rider.

What are the best snowboarding boots for beginners, all-mountain riders, and backcountry splitboarders? Generally, all-mountain and beginner snowboarders who ride groomed runs, untracked powder, and park-and-pipe tend to prefer soft flex or medium flex boots.The same goes for backcountry splitboarders. However, all-mountain racers need stiff boots.

What about freeriders (also known as big mountain snowboarders), that happy bunch of writers that conquers untracked backcountry and groomed runs? This category of riders typically use a bit stiffer snowboarding boots since this snowboard riding style fundamentally focuses on speed and precision.

And what do freestyle snowboarding and park riding enthusiasts, a group of snowboarders who are more about fun than anything else, want most from their boots? These riders are always doing jumps, spins, riding rails, half-pipe riding, and a whole slew of other tricks. That’s why they need soft quick-response boots designed for all kinds of maneuvers.

Regardless what style of riding you’re into, be sure to check the flex rating of the snowboarding gear recommendations presented in beginner snowboard reviews.

Speaking of style….

Snowboard Boots vs Snowmobile Boots

 

Can I use my snowmobile boots to snowboard? Yes, you can, technically. Even though snowmobile boots and snowboards look pretty similar, they’re different and are built for different purposes. First off, snowboard boots are noticeably stiffer than snowmobile boots besides being more lightweight and flexible.

Both boots are are thick enough and will keep your feet warm while sledding or boarding in the snow, but most snowboarders will agree that snowboarding boots work better than snowmobile boots when it comes to riding a board.

 

3.Are the Boots Comfortable and Do They Fit Right?

 

Snowboarding may be a high-impact activity, but it doesn’t mean comfort isn’t important in this snow sport. The best boots for snowboarding for beginner snowboarders and pros feel comfortable and fit right.

Yes, I’ve heard lots of snowboarders say that good (read stiff) snowboard boots aren’t like super comfortable. And I agree with them..to some extent. Here’s the thing: no pair of stiff boots feels comfortable before the wearer has broken them in.

But once you break your womens snowboard boot or your snowboard boot mens version, you’ll love how comfortably rigid your pair feels. Generally though, the more rigid, the more support and the less comfort.

 

Snowboard boot Fitting

 

So, how do you size your snowboard boots? How do you know your boots for snowboarding fit right? If you’ve sized your boots for snowboard riding properly, they feel neither ultra-tight nor too loose. Instead, well-fitting boots give the wearer a pretty snug fit.

If your boots are too tight, they’ll end up constricting circulation, and that’s not nice. And if they’re a little too loose, your feet keep sliding around the inside of the boots, compromising stability, comfort, and support. let me say this again just in case you didn’t get it: ONLY boots that fit snugly can be considered a good fit regardless of your snowboarding style.

 

Snowboard Boots Fitting Works Like Standard Shoe Fitting

 

Snowboarding boots fit pretty much the same way regular dress shoe or skateboarding shoes do. With most snowboard boot models, you shouldn’t encounter fit issues if you order your regular size. But even though snowboard boot sizing works similar to standard shoe sizing, you may notice small fit differences between brands and even between boot models across a given brand.

 

How to Buy Good Kid’s Snowmobile Boots

 

And when buying a snowboard boot for a little loved one, resist the temptation to buy a size bigger reasoning your child needs something they’ll “grow into.” Instead, buy the correct size for their feet. But who wants to splurge on children’s snowboard boots all the time? No one, that’s who.

To address the fast growing kids’ feet problem, choose boots that come with special footbeds, those that let you to peel away layers to create more room for your child’s growing feet.

 

How to Buy Good Kid’s Snowmobile Boots

 

And when choosing the best womens snowboard boots, be sure to select options designed with women’s anatomical needs in mind. Such boots generally feature narrower heel cups that securely hold women’s narrow heels. Women naturally have narrower heels than men.

 

Best Time to Fit Snowboard Boots

 

Supporting your local snowboard boot shop is a good idea, and I encourage it. It’s hard to size your boots wrong if you walk into a local shop and try on a few options for fit. But when is the best time to fit your beginner snowboard boots? For some reason, your feet aren’t always the exact same size; size varies with the time of day.

Shoe and boot sizing experts agree that the most ideal time to try on a new pair of shoes for fit is in the afternoon or evening. Why? it’s because feet normally have swollen or expanded to the max by that time.

Also, be sure to wear thin socks (synthetic socks or merino snowboard socks) when fitting the boots you’re eyeing. Thin socks are preferable because they’re designed to curb friction during use as well to minimize hot spots.

 

4.What Lacing System Does the Snowboard Boot Use?

 

Another critical aspect to keep an eye is the closure types or lacing systems the boot you’re looking at relies on to hold your feet firmly secure as you fly all over the snowy mountain. Three closure systems help both the beginner rider and the pro achieve a snugly secure fit. These systems include the BOA closure system, traditional lacing, and quick-pull systems.

Most of the best snowboard boots I’ve seen (and worn) over the years feature BOA lacing/BOA closure system. Others use traditional lacing, and there’s also a whole ton of beginner snowboard boots out there that boast quick pull laces. Let’s look at each closure system.

  • BOA System
  • Quick-pull lacing
  • Traditional Laces

Traditional Lacing

 

With this type of closure, you get to achieve a customized tight-enough by hand. Boots with kind of lacing tend to cost less than others, and while lacing up may take a minute longer than quick-pull lacing or BOA lacing, it’s hard not to get the right fit.

The downside with traditional lacing is that laces can loosen without warning during rides or jumps. And, it’s not easy to lace up while riding, and that’s especially so if your hands are cold (and they always are). Also, if you’re wearing snowboarding gloves, which is always the case, tightening laces can be challenging. It’s best to use large, thick laces. You can easily find replacement laces.

 

Quick Pull Laces

 

Some of the best beginner snowboard boots on the market use this fit-tightening technology. With a single pull, you can quickly create a snug fit. And the best part? You can do zonal fit customization. I mean, you can tighten specific areas more you do others. For example, you can further tighten foot lacing while leaving the tightness of the heel and ankle area intact. What’s more, you can tighten or loosen these speed laces with a cold, shaking hand during a riding session.

One gripe riders of all experience levels have is that with this closure type, pull laces can loosen when you least expect it. It’s also not uncommon for this system to create pressure points inside the boot. Some riders say they can’t seem to achieve a tight enough fit with this closure type.

 

BOA Lace System

 

A BOA lacing system is a one-handed dial-based closure that pulls cables, letting you quickly customize fit. Unlike a quick-pull closure type, you usually can’t create area-specific fitting. But you can adjust fit mid-action using one hand, even if your hand is cold, shaky, and gloved. However, this lace system can bump up pricing considerably.

Some options also feature a power strap, and most closure systems are often a hybrid design consisting of usually two different closure types. A power strap enables you to lock in your heels so you can ride securely and safely and comfortably.

 

Heel Lift Sucks

 

Regardless what closure type you favor, be sure to achieve a snug fit before strapping and heading out to the snow. Never wear boots that won’t give you a super snug fit around the heel. Why? It’s because the heel area is the pivot point where the board gets levered onto its edge.

With a precise fitting around the heel, you won’t experience heel-lift. Heel lift is when your heels rather than your snowboard lifts when the rider leans forward. If performance-oriented snowboarders hate one and only one thing, that has to be heel lift.

 

5.Snowboard Boot Liners and Footbeds

 

The boot liner is essentially EVA foam. EVA is an abbreviation for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a lightweight material produced from moldable polymer. EVA foam looks pretty much like foam rubber, and it’s incorporate into a snowboard to boost insulation, cushioning, and stability. I prefer a boot with removable inner boot (liner) as it’s easier to clean. Besides, it airs out faster than nonremovable boot liners after cleaning.

Snowboard boots come with one of these liner types: custom moldable liners (heat moldable liners), thermoformable (also heat moldable), and stock liners (nonmoldable liners).

 

Custom Moldable Boot Liners

 

With these liners, you use an external source of heat to make the liner comfort to your foot shape. But you can heat mold your boots at home. Alternatively, you can ask the folks at my local ski shop to help you with the heat molding process.

 

How to Heat Mold Snowboard Boot Liners

 

You can custom mold your boot’s liners at home, but beginner snowboards are always doing it wrong. If you hate the idea of ponying up for a fitter at your local ski shop, do the following. Buy your boots from a ski shop. If you do, they’ll most likely help with custom molding them for you. That option eliminates the possibility you’ll bake the liners incorrectly.

What if you want to buy your snowboard boots at Amazon? No worries. I’ve put together a short post that should help you custom mold your boots at home without worries.

 

Thermoformable Liners

 

With these liners, the snowboarders uses natural heat from their feet to create a custom heat.

 

Stock Liners

 

As the name suggests, stock snowboard liners are standard liners designed to provide general padding and stability to the wearer’s feet. But unlike thermoformable and custom moldable options, generic/stock liners are very pliable. Pressure exerted by the feet rather than heat eventually causes the inner boot’s forefoot to have a shape that aligns with that of the foot.

 

6.Boot/Board Size Compatibility

 

Now that you’ve decided on a particular boot to buy, it’s time to match boot size with board size. If there’s a mismatch between board size and boot size, you won’t have much board control, and board control matters a lot when you’re levering your snowboard edge to edge.

If your snowboard’s width is too large compared to your boot size, you’ll have considerably less board control while riding in the mountain. And if your board is too narrow compared to your boot size, you’ll experience toe drag and heel drag. Here’s the thing; heel drag and toe translate into reduce edge control, and edge control is supremely important during turns.

 

7.Price Point and Brand

 

You can buy your snowboard boots anywhere you choose. However, not every snowboard boot brand is known for superior quality. Some brands from a certain country (I won’t mention names here haha) whip up tons of crap and give it nice-sounding product names, but crap is just what it is.

Some unfortunate snowboarders have bought these cheopo boots only to shed frustrated tears after their purchase feel apart on day of their mountain vacation. Vans, Adidas, Burton, Thirtytwo, Salomon, DC Phase, Head, and K2 Maysis are some of finest snowboard boot brands out there. I’ve heard only good things about the Salomon Faction, but you can expect high-quality boots from any of these snowboarding gear companies.

But what’s the considered a reasonable price point for decent beginner snowboard boots? If there’s one thing among the three Bs for a complete snowboarding setup (boots, boards, and bindings) you should be willing to splurge on, it’s boots.

Decent beginner snowboard boots cost in the $150 neigborhood. But if you want better boots that offer a little more of everything, be ready to fork over at least $200. Past $200, the boots offer fancy additional features, most of which beginner riders may not need.

Best Beginner Snowboard Boots: Verdict

 

Of the 5 best beginner snowboard boots I reviewed, the Burton Ruler BOA emerged as the top pick. But the rest are also great and should work perfectly for beginner stage snowboarders.

The shoe’s BOA closure and the weather-proof PowerUp tongue help you set up a custom fit. And the 3M insulation shuts out frost and every other kind of snowy nastiness out of your beginner feet. Also, the anti-slip rubber outsole, the EST midsole, and cushy EVA footbed handle impact absorption really well. Thanks to its footprint reduction technology, you’ll experience much less toe drag.

These aren’t the best beginner snowboard boots for complete beginners. Rather, they’re the best beginner snowboard boots for heavier beginners with a little experience under their belt. If you’re lighter, I recommend the Vans Hi Standard OG LTD.