Best snowboard boots in 2020

Nowadays, a healthy and active lifestyle is becoming fashionable. Hobbies and hobbies related to sports appear more and more often. In this regard, consumer interest in sports equipment and equipment is increasing.

Snowboard lovers will say with confidence that the main thing is shoes, and only then everything else.

What to look for when choosing snowboard boots

Since snowboarding involves riding while standing on the board, the role of the shoes is on a par with the board itself. Before proceeding with the choice, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the features of this type of footwear, because there are subtleties and serious points here that are better not to be overlooked. Compliance with the rules for choosing snowboard boots will save you from unnecessary discomfort and even injury during training.

Main criteria:

The presence or absence of an inner liner-boot

Manufacturers offer a choice: single boots or with an internal insert in the form of a boot. In terms of practicality, everyone will opt for the second option. The ability to remove the inside after skiing, dry, ventilate and, if necessary, wash clearly becomes an advantage over the first option.

The boot material is lightweight and has a shock absorption effect. Softness creates additional comfort for the foot, cushioning allows you to transfer leg forces to the board. The liner has a special fixing system in the ankle, which prevents the shoe from playing on the foot. The undoubted advantage is the moisture-repellent function, antimicrobial impregnation for the foot, the presence of insulation.

An important feature of most boot models is the ability to thermally fit the liner over the leg, which is usually done when purchased directly from the store using a special warming device.

A special role is played by the insole, which becomes one piece with the boot liner, creating additional comfort for the foot and, at the same time, helping to increase control over the board. The insole provides additional cushioning, respectively support and ventilation.

The main characteristics of the sole of a snowboard boot are: inserts for cushioning and a tread pattern that should be non-slip.

Rigidity

The second important criterion is the stiffness of this type of shoe. It is rated on a scale where 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest. Accordingly, for beginners, soft snowboard boots are the best option. The stiffer the shoes, the more professional the skills should be.

Lacing

The attachment of the plug-in addition is done manually with a buckle (according to the button principle). The lacing of the outer boot is no less important, since the strength of fixation and, at the same time, fit to the leg will depend on its quality.

Lacing can be of three types:

• Classic (traditional).

Simply put: manual lacing, which is considered not the best because of the difficulty of tightening the laces yourself, the inconvenience of doing this in bad weather conditions, the impossibility of this procedure with gloves on your hands. But, at the same time, the advantage of this type is the ability to adjust the tightness of the tightening: for example, when you need to make it weaker at the bottom, and pull up the top all the way, or it is easy to replace a frayed lace, being right on the slope (this is not possible if the boot is laced in another way ).

• Quick kind of lacing.

This lacing has both advantages and disadvantages.

• the speed of the procedure due to the system of clips that fix the loops of the laces;
• tightening density adjustment (two-zone) on different parts of the leg;
• gloves will not interfere with tightening loose laces.

• But, if suddenly they broke, then this problem itself cannot be solved. You will have to contact the repair service center for help.

 

• VOA system

Mechanized type of "tying" shoelaces. The loops are also fixed with clamps, but the laces themselves are tightened by rotating a special wheel, which is fixed on the lower leg. This system, like the fast one, can be two-zone (separately adjust the tightening on the foot and boot) or even three-zone (where the lacing of the inner boot is added).

• The speed of the process and its ability without removing other equipment (gloves);
• This type of lacing does not loosen during riding and does not require tightening.

• The cost with a SAI is significantly higher;
• Repair requires the intervention of a master and takes time.

Shoe size

The definition of shoe size is traditional - according to the length of the foot (in centimeters). It must be remembered that different manufacturers may have different size scales (European, American, etc.)

Correct fitting of boots

One way or another, but the width of each foot is individual, so you can't do without trying on. In addition, you need to measure snowboard shoes in special socks (they perform an important compression, supporting function for the muscles).

Tightly insert your feet into fully unlaced boots, knock your heels on the floor so that they are tightly squeezed into the “heels”, then firmly holding the “tongues” to tighten the lacing. Standing on both feet, it is important to half-sit down and make movements with your feet so as to understand whether your foot is comfortable in the boot. Ideally, it is best to wear your shoes for a few minutes. It must be remembered that the size should be for the leg. Loose shoes tend to chafe, and tight ones create unnecessary pressure, from which the whole leg will quickly tire.

Thermoforming

Thermoforming can be done for an accurate fit. It consists in heating the boot up to 90 degrees so that it becomes soft and pliable. Warm liners are worn on the legs. When they cool down, they acquire the exact shape of their owner's leg. It is better to carry out this entire process in conjunction with a specialist so as not to spoil the quality of the goods. With qualified assistance, the snowboarder will be provided with perfectly fitted boots that will not only be comfortable, but will accurately transmit all the efforts of the feet to the board.

Having an idea of ​​what snowboard boots should be and what to look for when choosing, you can move on to the next stage: study the manufacturers and their offers.

Popular snowboard boots

Salomon Titan 77217 FW 18

A great option for beginner snowboarders. On a scale of hardness - 3 out of 10. Despite the softness, they are particularly strong and durable. Due to their softness, there is no need to wear them, they will immediately fit on the leg, without creating discomfort. This model has already gone through several stages of improvement, since it has been available for sale for several years. The cleats are quite capable of withstanding a couple of years of active use, while their owner gains enough experience to buy tougher ones. Quick lacing on the Quicklock system makes it easy to pull up even on a slope, without distracting for a long time from the process. BronzeSeries lining provides a snug fit all over your leg.Discomfort associated with friction is completely eliminated.

Price: 6500 - 8000 rubles.

• The inner boot lends itself to thermoforming (this is rare on shoes for beginners);
• Quicklock lacing, allowing you to quickly pull up the laces without removing your gloves, right on the slope;
• D-Light foam insole with increased cushioning;
• Improved thermoregulatory function: the foot will not be cold or hot, the temperature is balanced;
• Good moisture protection.

• Visually, the lacing looks flimsy, although no cases of damage have been recorded.

Burton Tourist 2018

The boots are designed for comfortable splitboarding. Both descent and ascent are equally convenient in them. Ideal for places not covered. The hardness level is high.

The boots are equipped with super durable NewEnglandRope laces, complete with SpeedZone lacing, the two-zone of which provides an even tightening of the top and bottom separately. The lacing system can be easily transformed into a classic one.

The outsole is made of durable ecological material with an additional anti-skid system RubberIсeSpikes. In addition, the sole has a special two-layer RebounceCusioning insert, which has two functions: absorbs excess vibration and participates in thermoregulation, keeping warm.

• High-quality insole with a shock-absorbing effect, which is particularly durable;
• The sole, designed for difficult places of passage, is equipped with a system of additional support, anti-slip;
• The inner boot is made from a balanced soft and tough material with active performance for greater comfort on steep climbs and descents;
• Much attention has been paid to thermoregulation and heat preservation. It is impossible to freeze in these shoes even in the coldest temperatures;
• There is an antibacterial impregnation that protects against the appearance of unpleasant odors;
• Fast lacing that can be reformatted into a classic if needed. The manufacturer gives a lifetime quality guarantee for the lacing itself.

• The back of the boot is made quite tough, so the boots need to be worn before the first serious descent;
• High cost: 22,000 - 24,000 rubles.

Head Five Boa 2018

Snowboard shoes for professionals who have more than one season of challenging trails behind them. Medium hardness, adjustable. Boa lacing + ProgressivePowerStrap is a guarantee of super-fixation of the legs. ComfortCuff is used to relieve the load on the muscles and ligaments of the legs.

The PerfectFit liner boot lends itself to thermoforming over the leg, has a separate lacing. 100% tight fit without pressure points that usually make it difficult to wear.

For greater moisture resistance, the Frequency running shoe system is used, which perfectly protects the feet from dampness.

Cost: 13,000 - 14,000 rubles.

• Thermoforming of the insert, which takes no more than 5 minutes;
• Additional insert in the HeelTransmissionSystem heel, which contributes to better grip of the boots with the board;
• Flexibility in the middle of the boot structure for easy maneuvering on slopes;
• The cost is relatively affordable: 13,000 - 14,000 rubles.

• There is no two-zone lacing adjustment.

Salomon malamute

Among all Salomon snowboard shoes, this one is particularly rigid and designed for confident athletes.

The manufacturer used a large number of exclusive technologies in this piece for snowboarding "art".

This is a rigid model using the FullCustomFitPro technology, which is responsible for the strength of the fixation and the quality of comfort. The thermoforming liner has an uneven wall thickness: seals are made at the ankle, heel and foot, which are more sensitive than other areas. The inner boot can be washed without fear of deformation.

The outsole is made of two different materials: rubber + EVA foam inserts, this combination increases the cushioning properties and adds more traction to the snowboard.

The durability of the NewOrtholite C3 insole is guaranteed by the material from which it is made. It also enhances heat retention and moisture protection.

Price: 28,000 - 30,000 rubles.

• High-quality lacing, which is convenient for fixing shoes in different parts of the leg;
• To secure the heel tightly, not only the rigid rear part of the boot is adapted, but also the inner insert in this place with a rough surface (“cat's tongue”);
• Inner boot with a special construction of different density to support individual parts of the leg (for additional comfort);
• NewOrtholite C3 insoles that perform several functions at once: heat regulation, shock absorption, moisture protection;
• The liners are washable without deformation and have their own lacing system;
• The ability to adjust the stiffness of the boots using special inserts.

• High price.

Vans ENCORE Black / Gum

Laconic appearance, there is a choice of colors. These boots will attract attention not only by their external characteristics, but also by their technical capabilities.

Hardness - 3/10.

The inner boot has a double density and can be quickly thermoformed in minutes, while providing comfort for the foot during active workouts. Its frame has an unusual oblique shape, which helps to secure the ankle more securely. To avoid the effect of suture pressure, the hidden seams of the liner are soft with a special material.

The sole of the boots is lightweight and reliable (Reverse Waffle Outsole). The waffle protector is responsible for adhesion and stability. The outsole is lowered for a better board feel.

The insole perfectly absorbs impacts upon landing, removes excess vibration.

Boa lacing keeps the boots securely in place.

Cost: 12,000-13,000 rubles.

• Reliable inner boot Trifit X-Liner with thermoforming, in which the placement of shock-absorbing inserts at the bottom is thought out, there is an additional oblique fixation on the lower leg;
• The sole fully meets the requirements and perfectly fulfills its intended purpose: traction reliability, anti-slip system, shock-absorbing stability;
• V2 Footbed technology provides good support for the foot, there are additional inserts for cushioning;
• There is antibacterial protection and perforation responsible for air circulation.

• Boa lacing in case of breakage will require contacting a specialist for repair.

Deeluxe XVe TFP

Super comfortable hard boots for professionals. Hardness 7 out of 10. Designed by Xavier de Le Rue. The Extra Long Stride (XLS) system is used to increase the mobility of the bootleg. This allows you to increase the pitch of the splitboard exits by 30 centimeters. The Dupont® Surlyn heel increases the stamina and durability of the boot. Three-zone lacing C3 in combination with BOA - secure fixation of boots on the foot. A quality Vibram outsole that removes unnecessary vibration and adds traction to the board.

Inner boot Thermo Flex Premium with the possibility of thermal forming over the leg.

Price: 23,000-25,000 rubles.

• While the lacing is secure, there is an optional Powerstrap Velcro strap to help adjust the external fit;
• The outsole design guarantees traction even on the most uneven surfaces;
• High quality reliable liner.

• High price.

Conclusion

All brands that produce snowboard boots follow the latest technologies and innovations, so both novice snowboarders and professionals can find fixation systems, reliability and comfort for their favorite activity. Shoes are very individual for everyday wear, and in the case of active sports, this individuality increases significantly.Given the large selection of models and manufacturers, it is no longer difficult to find the right snowboarding shoe.