Snowboard boots come in all shapes and size. Well, maybe not shapes per se, but colors, flex ratings, lacing options, and sizes, yes. Not to mention all the other parts of a boot that can be customized to your liking. If you haven’t yet, read our guide on how to choose snowboard boots for a better idea of what you need. But for the most part, the one factor that differentiates snowboard boots the most will be the flex rating. Boots with different flex ratings cater to different riding styles and levels. So naturally, we decided to put together a list of the best snowboard boots in individual rating categories. We have soft boots (rating of 1-4), medium boots (rating of 5-6), and stiff boots (rating of 7-10). That’s enough talk for now though, let’s continue with what the best snowboard boots are for men and women.
Best Snowboard Boots (It’s Clear as Snow)
Soft Medium Stiff
Burton Moto
| Flex:
3
Lacing: Quick |
Flex:
5
Lacing: Classic |
Flex:
7
Lacing: Dual BOA |
| Flex:
4
Lacing: BOA |
Flex:
6
Lacing: Dual BOA |
Flex:
7
Lacing: Classic |
| Flex:
4
Lacing: Quick |
Flex:
6
Lacing: Classic |
Flex:
9
Lacing: BOA |
| Flex:
2
Lacing: Classic |
Flex:
5
Lacing: Dual BOA |
Flex:
8
Lacing: Quick |
Best Snowboard Boots – Soft Flex
Boots on the softer side of things are perfect for park, freestyle, and breezy all-mountain terrain as they are more flexible and forgiving. They also provide support for the ankles and calves, lateral mobility, and are comfortable right out of the box. A flex rating of 1 to 3 would be considered soft, while a 4 is more of a medium-soft.
The Burton Moto is perfect for beginners, and has been the company’s best-selling snowboard boots for 15 years. Lightweight, comfortable fit, and a Speed Zone lacing system are its main highlights. $200
The ThirtyTwo STW are comfortable right out of the box and feature BOA lacing for pitch perfect micro-adjustments. A Sherpa fleece lining and level 1 footbed will keep your toesies warm as well. $200
The ThirtyTwo 86 FT are skate inspired boots that will have you looking good out on the slopes. A single pull Fast Track lacing system makes them extremely easy to get in and out of. Also, a heat moldable liner and 3D molded tongue will give you the perfect custom fit. $180
The Burton Invader are the best value when it comes to entry-level boots. They feature an EVA footbed, Snow-Proof internal gusset, a lightweight Dynolite outsole, and a broken-in feel on your first wear. Traditional laces also come equipped for a simple yet comfortable package. $150
Best Snowboard Boots – Medium Flex
Medium flex make the best snowboard boots for intermediate and advanced riders looking for a more responsive boot while also allowing for some flexibility. Boots with medium flex are great for park, all-mountain (fun or aggressive), and some freeride. A rating of 5 to 6 would make a solid medium flex.
The Adidas Samba might be inspired by the legendary indoor soccer shoes, but they hold their own on the mountain. Works well for all-terrain with a Continental rubber outsole that grips on snow or ice. 3D molded tongue, heat moldable liner, lightweight EVA midsole, and comfy upper all add to this unique boot. It even sports classic laces like the OG Sambas. $250
The K2 Maysis are supposedly the world’s best-selling double BOA boots, and we’re inclined to believe it. One BOA dial controls the outer shell, the other adjusts the inner liner. ENDO construction keeps the flex consistent throughout the boot’s lifetime and a light and durable Vibram outsole provides plenty of traction. $330
The K2 Ender uses traditional laces, a Vibram outsole, and is also built with ENDO construction, which keeps the flex of the boot throughout its lifetime. An articulating cuff means more comfort and better response, while Harshmellow impact and vibration absorption helps mitigate hard landings. $350
The Vans Aura also makes use of dual BOAs like the K2 Maysis, but allows you to tweak the tension of three different zones within the boot. Also comes with a thermo-moldable liner, instep customization, internal web harness, EVA and cork footbed, forefoot and heel impact pads, and grippy Waffleflex outsole. It’s chock full of the good stuff to say the least. $250
Best Snowboard Boots – Stiff Flex
If you’re into freeride/backcountry/racing/carving, you’re probably looking for a stiff pair of snowboard boots. Recommended for advanced riders, stiff boots allow for amazing response and maximum energy transfer for sharp turns. The stiffness is also easier on the ankles for harsh landings and choppy conditions. A rating of 7 would be considered medium-stiff, while 8 to 10 would be considered stiff.
The Burton Photon has a ton of all the latest and greatest tech. Dual BOA for precise fit and comfort, Firm Flex PowerUP tongue and GripLITE backstay for amazing response, high-traction Vibram outsole with gel cushioning, Focus cuff for great heel-hold, and all the other amenities such as Imprint 3 heat-moldable liner, antimicrobial coating, and Level 2 EVA footbed. $380
The ThirtyTwo TM-Two XLT comes upgraded with a Vibram outsole and rubber toecap, perfect for winter resilience. These boots deliver highly responsive feel with classic laces that can be adjusted however you want and a tongue tension system to prevent heel lift. An articulated shell and stiff flex allows for consistent flex with maximum support and energy transfer. $350
The DC Travis Rice are very stiff boots focused on performance and support. A BOA Focus zonal closure system, internal ankle harness, ventilated EVA memory foam liner, and anti-drag outsole are some of its best features. Excels at steep terrain and carving but can be used for the park as well. $400
The Burton Ion offers maximum board feel and response. New Life Liner keeps your feet warm for longer, Level 2 EVA footbed softens landings like a champ, and ankle support and stability are amazing. Uses Speed Zone lacing system for quick and easy tightening. It has a ton of other features that are just too long to list. $480
Best Womens Snowboard Boots
Soft Medium Stiff
Vans Hi-Standard
| Flex:
3
Lacing: Classic |
Flex:
5
Lacing: Dual BOA |
Flex:
7
Lacing: Classic |
| Flex:
3
Lacing: BOA |
Flex:
4-5
Lacing: Laces + BOA |
Flex:
7
Lacing: Quick |
| Flex:
3
Lacing: Quick |
Flex:
5
Lacing: Classic |
Flex:
7
Lacing: BOA |
Best Womens Snowboard Boots – Soft Flex
Softer boots are the best for park, freestyle, and fun all-mountain terrain. Its flexibility, forgiving nature, and comfort are the reasons why beginners choose them most. So, a flex rating of 1 to 3 would be considered soft, while a 4 is more of a medium-soft.
The Vans Hi-Standard is the company’s best-selling snowboard boot of all time, and that might have something to do with its pleasing style and modern performance. Classic laces and a soft-flex make it an ideal choice for freestyle riding. $180
The Ride Hera uses BOA lacing for adjusting fit and Calf Adjustment Tech to provide a custom fit along the rear boot cuff, specially designed for the lower positioning of female calf muscles. From park to all-mountain, the Hera is a hard boot to beat. $260
The Burton Mint is the world’s best-selling women’s snowboard boots for over a decade now. Its light weight, broken-in feel out of the box, Speed Zone system for quick lacing, and features that keep your feet warm make them a great first pair of boots. $200
Best Womens Snowboard Boots – Medium Flex
More for intermediate/advanced riders, medium flex boots will provide more response without compromising on the flexibility needed for all-mountain riding. Great for park, all-mountain (both fun or aggressive), and freeride if you’re feeling confident. 5 to 6 would be considered medium flex.
The Burton Felix uses a Dual Zone BOA system for perfecting fit in different zones of the boot, while a thermo-moldable liner, anti-microbial treatment, and EVA footbed ups the comfort level. There’s also minimal heel lift and reflective foil to preserve body heat. $340
The Vans Ferra are super stylish, utilizing both laces and BOA lacing for the ultimate fit for women. Support in the instep and heel are very solid with help of an internal wrap harness, while the heat moldable Response Liner and V2 footbed provide comfort and dampening. $240
You’ve probably heard of the ThirtyTwo Lashed already, mostly likely because it’s the #1 selling snowboard boot worldwide. It happens to do everything right, including fit, comfort, support, and flex. Its light weight and low-profile make it a freestyle and all-mountain favorite. Uses traditional laces. $240
Best Womens Snowboard Boots – Stiff Flex
Stiff boots are built for very experienced riders who want the ultimate response and energy transfer in a pair of snowboard boots. A stiff flex gives you amazing control of your board, which is why they make the best snowboard boots for freeride, backcountry, racing, and carving. A rating of 7 would be considered medium-stiff, while 8 to 10 would be considered pretty darn stiff. All our top women’s choices were given a 7 rating, but remember that flex is not the same between manufacturers.
The ThirtyTwo TM-Two XLT differs from the original with an added Vibram outsole and rubber toecap, built for winter weather and backcountry hikes. Classic laces equate to a highly adjustable fit, while a highly responsive feel can be attributed to the tongue tension system and articulated shell that delivers consistent flex. $350
The Burton Supreme delivers everything you could ask for in a pair of snowboard boots. Support, response, comfort, fit, and cushioning are all jam packed into these lovely pair of boots. There’s just too much tech to name all of it. A Speed Zone lacing system makes sure you can adjust the fit for the upper or lower portion of the boot. $450
The Ride Cadence is a top-of-the-line boot that can handle the top-of-the-mountain with ease. A BOA Focus closure system and lace guide allow for on-the-fly tension adjustments. Offers the most comfortable and supportive liner as well, the Intuition Mobile liner. Calf Adjustment Tech is specific to ladies for a custom fit in the calf zone. $330
Best Snowboard Boot Brands
Adidas Burton DC Shoes Deeluxe Flow
Head K2 Nike Nitro Northwave
Ride Rome Salomon ThirtyTwo Vans
