Snowboarding technology has made unbelievable strides since the sport’s invention in rural Michigan circa 1960. 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 tested boots from all the top brands. We also divided this list into specific categories so you can easily find a pair of boots that match 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. Also, have a look at our comparison chart to steer your decision-making.
Otherwise, hop to a category that interests you or scroll through our picks for the best snowboard boots of 2023:
- Best Overall Men's Snowboard Boots: Burton Moto BOA
- Best Overall Womenโs Snowboard Boots: ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA
- Best Budget Snowboard Boots for Men: System APX
- Best Budget Snowboard Boots for Women: ThirtyTwo Shifty
- Best Backcountry Snowboard Boots for Men: K2 Aspect
- Best Backcountry Snowboard Boots for Women: Vans Viaje
- Best Freestyle Boots for Men: DC Phase
- Best Freestyle Snowboard Boots for Women: Ride Harper
- Best Hard Boot Setup: Phantom Slipper
- Best of the Rest
- Women’s Burton Felix BOAย
- Women’s Burton Supreme
- Women’s K2 Trance
- Women’s Ride Context
- Women’s ThirtyTwo TM-2 Double BOA
- Menโs Vans Infuse
- Men’s ThirtyTwo Lashed
- Men’s Burton Ion BOA
- Men’s K2 Maysis
- Men’s Burton Photon Step On
The Best Snowboard Boots of 2023
Burton Moto BOA
Specs
- Flex Soft to medium
- Lacing system Burton Speed Lace
- Ride style All-mountain
- Experience level Beginner to intermediate

Pros
- Very comfortable build
- Lacing system allows for perfect micro-adjustments
- Internal J-bars provide added ankle support
Cons
- Not quite aggressive enough for expert riders
ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA
Specs
- Flex Medium (6 out of a 1 to 10 scale)
- Lacing system Double BOA
- Ride style All-mountain
- Experience level Intermediate to advanced

Pros
- Durable construction
- Versatile all-mountain boot
- Easy lacing
- Ample comfort
Cons
- Some complaints about warmth
System APX
Specs
- Flex Medium
- Lacing system Traditional laces
- Ride style All-mountain
- Experience level 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
ThirtyTwo Shifty
Specs
- Flex Soft
- Lacing system Traditional laces
- Ride style Freestyle
- Experience level 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
K2 Aspect
Specs
- Flex Stiff
- Lacing system Traditional laces with integrated lace locks
- Ride style Freeride, backcountry
- Experience level Advanced to expert

Pros
- Construction geared toward designated backcountry use
- Highly adjustable and comfortable for confident and aggressive riding
Cons
- Expensive
Vans Viaje
Specs
- Flex Medium to stiff (adjustable flex)
- Lacing system Double BOA
- Ride style Backcountry, freeride focus
- Experience level Advanced to expert

Pros
- Keeps feet warm even in subfreezing 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 to 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
DC Phase
Specs
- Flex Medium/soft
- Lacing system Traditional laces
- Ride style Freestyle
- Experience level 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
Ride Harper
Specs
- Flex Softer side (3/10)
- Lacing system BOA
- Ride style Freestyle
- Experience level Beginner to intermediate

Pros
- Forgiving for playful tricks and jibs
- Great price
Cons
- Lacks dual BOA system for better customization
Phantom Slipper
Specs
- Flex Medium
- Lacing system Dual adjustable ski boot-esque straps
- Ride style Backcountry, big-mountain
- Experience level 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)
Best of the Rest
Women’s Burton Felix BOAย
Specs
- Flex Medium (5 out of 10)
- Lacing system Dual-zone BOA
- Ride style All-mountain
- Experience level Beginner to advanced

Pros
- Soft out-of-box comfort
- Streamlined fit provides close-to-board feel
- Two unique, generous loops on the front and back to pull on boot
Cons
- If you like stiffer boots, these wonโt fit the bill
- Pricier option
Women’s Burton Supreme
Specs
- Flex Stiff (7/10)
- Lacing system Burtonโs โSpeed Zoneโ quick laces
- Ride style All-mountain
- Experience level 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
Women’s K2 Trance
Specs
- Flex 7/10
- Lacing system Double BOA
- Ride style All-mountain, freeride
- Experience level Intermediate to Advanced

Pros
- Plush EVA midsole
- Anatomical footbed
- Lightweight
Cons
- No bonus material for retaining body heat
Women’s Ride Context
Specs
- Flex Stiffer side (7/10)
- Lacing system Traditional laces with BOA-adjustable tongue
- Ride style All-mountain, freeride
- Experience level Advanced to expert

Pros
- Laces plus single BOA
- Removable liner
- Good choice for bigger calf muscles
Cons
- Some riders donโt prefer laces
Women’s ThirtyTwo TM-2 Double BOA
Specs
- Flex Slightly stiffer (7 out of 10)
- Lacing system Double BOA
- Ride style All-mountain
- Experience level Intermediate to advanced

Pros
- Cozy, fuzzy cuff
- Spacious toebox is great for wiggling toes during cold conditions
- Gorgeous purple color option
Cons
- Not the most streamlined fit but still responsive
- Slightly stiffer might not be a good choice for beginner riders or those looking for a softie
Menโs Vans Infuse
Specs
- Flex Medium to stiff
- Lacing system Hybrid BOA combines traditional laces with BOA instep adjustment
- Ride style All-mountain
- Experience level 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
Men’s ThirtyTwo Lashed
Specs
- Flex Medium
- Lacing system Traditional laces
- Ride style All-mountain
- Experience level Intermediate to expert

Pros
- High-quality liner
- Grippy outsole
- Handles well across the mountain
Cons
- Some questions about flex durability
- Standard challenges of traditional lacing
Men’s Burton Ion BOA
Specs
- Flex Stiff
- Lacing system Dual BOA adjustment
- Ride style Freeride
- Experience level Intermediate to advanced

Pros
- Precise adjustability
- Impressive comfort
- Trustworthy option for off-piste riding
Cons
- On the expensive side
Men’s K2 Maysis
Specs
- Flex Stiff
- Lacing system Dual BOA adjustment
- Ride style All-mountain, freestyle
- Experience level Advanced intermediate to expert

Pros
- Dual BOA lacing for quick and precise adjustments
- Included Intuition liners for increased comfort
Cons
- Some questions of durability
Men’s Burton Photon Step On
Specs
- Flex Medium
- Lacing system Dual BOA dials with over-foot โsnugger strapโ
- Ride style All-mountain
- Experience level 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
Snowboard Boots Comparison Chart
Snowboard Boot | Price | Flex | Lacing | Ride Style | Experience |
Men’s Burton Moto BOA | $250 | Soft to medium | BOA | All-mountain | Beginner to intermediate |
Women’s ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA | $350 | Medium | Double BOA | All-mountain | Intermediate to advanced |
Men’s K2 Aspect | $500 | Stiff | Traditional laces with lace locks | Freeride, backcountry | Advanced to expert |
Women’s Vans Viaje | $370 | Medium to stiff | Double BOA | Backcountry, freeride focus | Advanced to expert |
Men’s DC Phase | $180 | Medium/soft | Traditional laces | Freestyle | Beginner to intermediate |
Women’s Ride Harper | $220 | Softer side | BOA | Freestyle | Beginner to intermediate |
Men’s System APX | $120 | Medium | Traditional laces | All-mountain | Beginner to intermediate |
Women’s ThirtyTwo Shifty | $240 | Soft | Traditional laces | Freestyle | Beginner to intermediate |
Phantom Slipper | $800 | Medium | Dual adjustable ski boot-esque straps | Backcountry, big-mountain | Advanced to expert |
Women’s Burton Felix BOA | $420 | Medium | Dual-zone BOA | All-mountain | Beginner to advanced |
Womenโs Burton Supreme | $520 | Stiff | Burtonโs โSpeed Zoneโ quick laces | All-mountain | Intermediate to advanced |
Womenโs K2 Trance | $360 | Softer | Dual BOA adjustment | All-mountain | Intermediate to advanced |
Womenโs Ride Context | $300 | Stiffer side | Traditional laces with BOA-adjustable tongue | All-mountain, freeride | Advanced to expert |
Womenโs ThirtyTwo TM-2 Double BOA | $420 | Slightly stiffer | Double BOA | All-mountain | Intermediate to advanced |
Men’s Vans Infuse | $420 | Medium to stiff | Hybrid BOA | All-mountain | Advanced to expert |
Men’s ThirtyTwo Lashed | $300 | Medium | Traditional laces | All-mountain | Intermediate to expert |
Men’s Burton Ion BOA | $620 | Stiff | Dual BOA adjustment | Freeride | Intermediate to advanced |
Men’s K2 Maysis | $330 | Stiff | Dual BOA adjustment | All-mountain, freestyle | Advanced intermediate to expert |
Men’s Burton Photon Step On | $460 | Medium | Dual BOA dials with over-foot โsnugger strapโ | All-mountain | Intermediate to advanced |

Why You Should Trust Us
Our snowboard gear testing crew at GearJunkie has a range of experience levels from intermediate to expert snowboarders. We include backcountry splitboarders (with AIARE 2 certification) and backcountry snowmobilers as well (snowboard boots are well-suited for the job). We meet for an annual gear testing week to swap notes, too, including a recent ski week at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado, which is known for its extremely steep terrain.
Leading the gear testing, Snowsports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton has been snowboarding since 2002. She’s also a backcountry splitboarder, snowmobiler, and pow surfer. Editor Austin Beck-Doss has been snowboarding since 2005. Both editors have faced challenges with finding the best-fitting snowboard boots, due to foot shape and injuries, and are aware of the obstacles.
Beck-Doss has wide feet and a high arch. Tilton has narrow feet and a narrow heel. She’s also experienced superficial frostbite on both feet โ the first level of frostbite damage โ which made her feet extremely sensitive to cold. She also lives in Gunnison Valley, which tends to be one of the coldest, snowiest places in North America. So, she’s always working on finding the warmest, most energy-saving snowboard boots out there.
We’ve also had contributing gear testers test boots on- and off-piste and in the backcountry; one being Whitney Gilliam, an AIARE instructor and avid splitboarder based in Southwest Colorado.
We’ve tested snowboard boots in a range of conditions from California to the Colorado Rockies and high-alpine environments. Our boots have been used to navigate the park, moguls, glades, steep terrain, and fast groomers.
While testing our boots we consider overall fit, stiffness level, durability, comfort, support, the outsole grip, and the lace design. We also take into consideration the most novel, objective-specific, popular, highly rated, and legacy products across a range of price points.
We’re confident this list is composed of the best snowboard boots on the market to serve a range of athletes, goals, and budgets.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Snowboard Boots
Style
Snowboard boots for the ski resort are generally categorized by terrain preference or rider “style.” Those three broad categories include all-mountain, freeride, and freestyle followed by a small category that exists, backcountry.
- All-mountain: Groomers, powder, park, halfpipe
- Freeride: Off-piste (backcountry, slackcountry, side country, big mountain), steep terrain, firm snow
- Freestyle: Half pipe, rails, jumps, spins, jibs, tricks in the park and around the mountain
- Backcountry: Ascending and descending slopes out-of-bounds, uphilling at the resort
Depending on personal preference, backcountry objectives, and backcountry terrain choices, some snowboard boots could work well in the backcountry, too.
For more experienced backcountry enthusiasts, it’s typically good to pick out a second stiffer, technical boot for the backcountry with specific features tailored to off-piste travel like deep lugs for traction, crampon compatibility, or extra rigidity and arch support for those long hours.
Women’s vs. Men’s Snowboard Boots
Snowboard boots are broadly categorized for men or women. The biggest difference between the anatomy of women and men is that the calf muscle is lower on a womanโs leg. For better support and comfort, the cuff of a woman’s snowboard boot is shorter in length.
Womenโs boots also generally have a narrower heel, a more streamlined shape, and greater flex. Some women with longer or wider feet find menโs boot options work great. For some men with narrower feet, womenโs boots are a better fit.
Fit & Sizing
Beyond these two broad categories โ men’s and women’s snowboard boots โ snowboard boots can have a narrow, wide, or regular width. Their shape can also be more precise and streamlined for refined performance.
Itโs 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.
When you wear snowboard boots, your toes can lightly graze the front of the boot but you don’t want your toes to curl under. You also want to be sure there’s no heel lift, an indicator that the boots are too long or wide.
Be sure to go to your local snowboard boot shop to try on boots across different brands, so that you have an idea of which size boot for each brand fits your feet. The size run across each brand, and the tightness across styles of boots is unique.
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 Trance features a foam midsole and anatomically designed EVA footbed for a plush feel that’s also paired with a chatter-absorbing cuff.
Generally, an all-around soft boot might provide immediate comfort but doesnโt 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 riderโs 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.
- 1-4: Softer boot, great for beginners
- 5-7: Moderately stiff boot, nice for intermediate riders
- 8-10: Stiffest boots out there, expert-level
Stiffer boots enhance the reactivity and precision of the board, a trait more experienced and aggressive riders often prefer. Often stiffer boots are better for backcountry, too, especially with foot perspiration and exposure to the elements, which can soften the liner during an outing and in the long haul.
The conditions in the backcountry are also more variable than at the resort, and you don’t get the reprieve of a ski lift, so it’s generally helpful to have stiffer foot support for those long days on your feet. 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.
A rider’s preferred stiffness level can also come down to personal preference. For instance, some park riders prefer a slightly softer boot for nimble movements while hitting jibs.
Other advanced or expert riders don’t prefer the stiffest boots, despite heading into steep and challenging terrain, because they can take away comfort depending on your foot shape. Be sure to try on lots of different types of boots in person before you choose!

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 & BOA
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. Other models have a single- or dual-zone BOA system.
Some folks feel quick closures provide a more uniform hug that doesnโt pack out compared to lace setups. One tradeoff is that laces are simpler to replace as they wear out or if they break in the backcountry. Overall, laces are more economical 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. Some boots add extra reinforcement with a Velcro strap.

Liners & Footbed
The liner is a boot-shaped layer that fits inside the bootโs 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. The foam 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 liner slides into a boot and is cradled by its own lace system, which typically tightens down with a drawstring that also has a release tab. For a better fit, it’s important to tie down this internal harness before tightening down the exterior lace system.
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. Thereโs also a heat-retention wrap integrated around the toebox and above the outsole to hold heat.
The 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 youโve experienced a cold injury, prioritize getting a pair of boots constructed with heat-regulating technology. And don’t forget to choose a warmer snowboard sock if needed. Furthermore, if youโll 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.
They’re available across various densities depending on how cold the climate is where you most ride and your overall body temperature needs. You can find lightweight, medium-weight, and heavy-weight socks.
Snowboard socks also provide targeted cushioning for overall protection and comfort in your boots. These sport-specific socks are woven with a synthetic or merino wool blend.
Backcountry Riding and Splitboarding
When snowboarding in the backcountry, you’ll need an effective method of traveling uphill. Most snowboarders hike in their boots and snowshoes or invest in a splitboard and set of skins.
In general, backcountry snowboarding does not necessitate the use of a specific boot. However, certain boot features can significantly improve your comfort and performance. Backcountry terrain requires both uphill and downhill travel. It’s tricky for manufacturers to craft boots that can handle both.
Stiff boots will be efficient while hiking and carving on firm surfaces, while softer boots will feel more playful and nimble in the power. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide which aspects of the backcountry experience you want to prioritize. If you tend to take longer tours that are more than 1-2 hours long, we suggest opting for a stiffer boot that will provide more support.
Backcountry-specific boots do exist, though many riders simply stick to the boots they wear at the resort. Some features commonly found on backcountry-specific boots include crampon compatibility, a reinforced toebox for kicking in steps, deeper and more strategic lugs for snow and ice traction, and extra rigidity for traversing across steep slopes.

FAQ
Snowboard boots should feel snug all around your foot, with your toes barely reaching the end of the boot. Most boots have liners that can either be custom-fitted to your foot or naturally adjust over time.
Your snowboard boot size will likely be equivalent to your shoe size, give or take a half-size on either end. Like standard shoes, every companyโs fit will vary.
Each snowboard boot feels different based on the fit, softness/stiffness profile, and the materials used to create the interior liner and the exterior shell. Some ingredients degrade and soften faster with use, while others are more rigid and durable. Typically, higher-end materials reflect a bigger price tag.
Many snowboard boots have heat-moldable liners that are removable. Heat-moldable liners will eventually conform to your feet if you simply ride in them. To speed up the process for immediate comfort, take your boots to a snowboard shop to get the liners molded.
A retail specialist sticks the liners onto a special heater that warms the components and then puts the footbeds back inside. With the materials all toasty, you stand in the liner for up to 15 minutes to cast the shape of your foot.
You can also pull on your boots and snowboard socks at home to help with the break-in process.

Snowboard boots are harder to walk in than shoes, as they only allow for forward ankle movement. On the flip side, the increased softness and flexibility make them easier to walk in than standard ski boots.
If a snowboard boot is packed out and too big or the support is too soft, riders can try to compensate by clamping down the closure system and binding. As a result, the pressure applied to the top of the foot can cut off circulation and lead to numbness.
On the other hand, riders who size down for a better heel hold can face the same issue, especially if the boot is stiffer and doesnโt pack out as much as they anticipated. Furthermore, some stiff designs and particular shapes are not ideal for certain foot shapes and can decrease blood flow.
Make sure you properly measure the length and width of your foot and try on various boot sizes at a retail store. Adding a new insole, J-bars (also known as l-pads), C-pads, ankle wrap pads, a foam narrowing pad, or boot-fitting foam can help snug up the boots in the right spots without downsizing.

The most noteworthy difference between the anatomy of women and men is that the calf muscle is lower on a womanโs leg. For better support and comfort, the cuff of a womanโs snowboard boot is shorter in length.
Women generally have narrower feet than men. Snowboard boots built for women often have a narrower heel and an overall more streamlined shape. For greater flex and easier transfer of energy, womenโs snowboard boots are also generally less stiff.
Some women with longer or wider feet find menโs boot options work great. For some men with narrower feet, womenโs boots are a better fit.
If you choose a womenโs boot, itโs good to get a womenโs binding for the best compatibility. Likewise, if you opt for a menโs boot, consider getting a menโs binding.