Best Snowboard Boots

Burton Moto are offering BOA convenience and all-terrain readiness that lightweight snowboard boots can seldom provide, all with the company's Total Comfort system right from the box. While the polyurethane backstay is working its magic, the 1:1 soft-flex PowerUp tongue is creating this snug yet firm fit between the boot and the tongue so that you can ride without readjusting every time you step off the lift.

Back to the company's Total Comfort construction that works straight from the box, we're talking about that broken-in feel that you receive without the usual break-in period that's required to make the fit snug. Generally speaking, single-coil boots cannot quite compete with double-coil models but the improved heel hold compensates more than you'd expect, making the boots fit like gloves.

They're not necessarily the most responsive boots but the 5/10 flex will let you turn all-mountain 'boards with relative ease. Traction and grip are not the areas where these boots excel but, on the plus side, they're terrific at absorbing shock, meaning that you will not be feeling every flat landing.

Last but not least, the Shrinkage™ footprint reduction technology makes the boots' footprint almost a full size smaller on the outside yet the same size on the inside. This tech is able to reduce toe drag without affecting warmth and feel, making Burton Moto especially great for people with large feet who ride narrow-waist 'boards. Also, the sizes range from size 6 all the way to size 15, fitting kids/men with the smallest feet as well as men with gigantic feet.

K2 Maysis have an awesome fit, nice and snug around the heel's back but widening out a little as you're moving towards the foot's middle, meaning that the boots can accommodate mid-width feet and narrow feet alike.

Before that though, what drives the boots' value forward is primarily the articulating cuff paired with the company's updated EndoTM construction. Covering each others' sixes, these two parts are working hard towards eliminating shell distortion while retaining the previous models' support and stability.

But, back to the basics, the company claims that the boots measure around 5/10 flex-wise and, from what we can tell, they're about right, with the boots' middle-ground flex fitting wide boards and bindings combinations. Aside from flex retention, some riders argue that the best thing about K2 Maysis is the smooth turn initiation, working great from the get-go without overpowering the turns or making the ride feel twitchy.

They're not amazing at absorbing shock but, with the double-coil system, putting the boots on and taking them off is an effortless task, not unlike adjusting the fit with the same two Boa coils. The tongue is stiff but, apart from that, K2 Maysis will more than accommodate those riders who prioritize comfort, heel hold, flex retention, warmth, and traction. The available sizes cap at size 13 though, so people with the largest feet will have to look elsewhere.

ThirtyTwo STW BOA Snowboard Boots are playful, low-cost freestyle boots that will also fit beginners in the park who want soft and forgiving shoes that can help them learn the basics. With the 3/10 flex rating, these boots will not let you carve at high speeds and we would not recommend hitting black diamond and double-black diamond slopes wearing these bad boys.

Still, they're soft but not ultra-soft, about as close to 4/10 as they're to 3/10, so experienced riders should be able to handle steep trails and drop-offs. The arch is above average but not too high, so people with high arches can try these boots as well.

Considering the flex rating, these boots being middling at shock absorption is not surprising. Likewise, the boots offering an awesome board feel was also to be expected, especially taking into account the minimal outsole. They're more responsive than you'd expect though, not as much as the stiffest boots, but pretty decent at high speeds.

DC Shoes always look cool and DC Shoes Phase are no exception to the rule. The issue with the company's snowboard boots was never aesthetics though. At times, the issue was the outsole, but this is not the case this time. Adopting UniLite™ (high-density EVA), the outsole provides excellent dampening and cushioning, all while remaining lightweight. What's more, the improved traction pattern is epic at shedding snow, ensuring secure ascents as well as descents. Plus, the 'sole enables pretty easy one-foot skating.

Some will like the traditional lacing, some will not. But there's nothing to dislike about the strategic overlays added to the upper, increasing power and leverage to ensure optimal shell closure and customize the fit.

The sizes run small, that's something that has always plagued snowboard boots from DC Shoes, so we will suggest looking at options 0.5 - 1 size above yours first. The lining does not run small though. Incorporating thermal-regulating fleece, the lining's able to retain heat yet wick away moisture.

Long story short, riders that do not trust the Boa® fit system quite yet and need inexpensive all-mountain boots that will behave well on different slopes will be pretty impressed with DC Shoes Phase.

Intermediate and expert riders will find very few faults Ride Lasso. The stitching is not consistent, making the boots less aesthetically pleasing on close inspection but nothing that will concern experienced riders.

What will concern experienced riders is the 7/10 flex rating (some feel like it is closer to 6/10 than 7/10 though) that makes the boots stiff, sure, but also more responsive. While still forgiving, the boots provide adequate support and reasonable edge-to-edge response when necessary.

Pivoting towards the heel hold part, both Boa coils share the ankle, so you can relax or crank down the fit as much as you want. Furthermore, the boots come with internal and external "J" bars that hold the ankle and the heel tight without squeezing them. Below, matching high-density EVA foam with real rubber, these snowboard boots enable the outsole to improve traction and make the 'sole grippy even on ice.