The Best Snowboard Boots of 2023

The Burton Moto BOA ($250) is our pick for the best overall men’s boot this season. Its thoughtful construction provides ample comfort for shredders taking hot laps through the terrain park and powder hounds chasing fresh snow from the first chair to the last.

Made to shred all types of terrain, the Moto boots are built with comfort in mind. Soft flex tongues allow for easy comfort tinkering, and Burton’s unique speed lacing system promotes quick and easy lace adjustments.

Added cushioning underfoot is the icing on the comfort cake. When coupled with the liners and gussets, your feet are all but guaranteed to stay warm and dry even on the wettest spring days.

Overall, the Moto BOA offers supreme comfort and performance at an accessible price for all types of riders, making it our pick for the best snowboard boot for men.

With supreme versatility and performance in all terrain — from ridge drops to carving groomers or powder-topped moguls — the ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA ($350) boot remains our top women’s pick. Ladies will be hard-pressed to find a more stable boot with as much comfort and adjustability.

The heel hold keeps riders secure and prevents any slippage mid-carve. Evolution foam provides lightweight comfort, and the liner is heat-moldable for a tailored fit.

The double BOA lacing system is quick and easy to adjust, allowing for a great customizable hold that’s dialed via two separate zones. Plus there’s an easy-grab pull strap to assist when sliding your foot in.

For cruising and exploring all of the terrain on the mountain, the Lashed Double BOA offers a combination of comfort, adjustability, and performance that make it our top pick.

There’s an undeniable financial burden of entry to snowboarding, and the System APX ($120) boot is here to address that. This is a great no-frills, entry-level boot that performs well in beginner to intermediate terrain without compromising much in the way of comfort.

The heat-moldable memory foam liner is the best budget option for riders trying to achieve a near-perfect fit. Most higher-end boots have moved toward the BOA lacing system, but the standard laces on the System APX work for a boot at this price point.

Overall, we think they’re the best snowboard boots for the price.

Snowboarding is a pricey pastime to start and keep. A few economically priced boots are out there, and they’re generally softer with less robust makeup. One plush, less expensive option is the ThirtyTwo Shifty ($240).

For a lace-up, you’ll save a few bucks. Otherwise, you can opt for the BOA system for a slightly higher bill.

These boots feature dual-density foam for immediate walk-friendly comfort, a soft tongue, and a forgiving liner. The synthetic leather upper is on the softer, suppler side as well.

The traditional laces allow for a precise hug despite taking a couple of minutes longer than conventional quick-lace systems. We appreciate the burly bootstrap for pulling on the Shifty, too.

Backcountry snowboard boots need to be highly adjustable, feel extra comfortable, and meet a high-performance standard. The K2 Aspect ($500) checks all of those boxes and more.

The durable rubber outsoles on these boots are geared toward mountaineering objectives. And the stiff flex enables confident riding in technical terrain. Internal and external J-bars provide additional support and rigidity to keep your feet comfortable and protected on both the climb and descent.

With a stiff flex profile, these boots are designed for advanced riders who need peak performance and reliability. If that’s your jam, these are the splitboard boots we’d recommend.

The Vans Viaje ($370) answered our call for a backcountry snowboard boot that’s warm, supportive, and durable for all-day adventures ascending peaks and snowmobiling powder fields. And it achieved all of that without goosenecking our feet.

We’ve been wearing these boots for back-to-back backcountry seasons and they’re still just as comfortable, warm, and supportive as on day one. They’re also comfortable for riding the lift and cruising groomers with friends.

Vans nailed the snugness and security but managed to leave room to wiggle the toes. They also provide a secure ankle hold for zero heel lift, even for those of us with narrower feet.

The plush, comfortable liner is boosted with a sweet technology called FlashDry from The North Face, which pushes moisture to the surface to help keep feet dry. The waterproof/breathable valves in the boot’s shell help release that moisture, too.

A heat retention wrap is integrated around the toebox and above the outsole to help retain heat. And in our blizzard experiences, it works. Our feet have never been so cozy throughout 10-hour days on snow.

The footbeds are comfortable and help prevent fatigue. But after an all-day big-mountain adventure, tired feet are unavoidable. And though the Viaje prevents frosty toes and offers great protection for resort riding, they feel denser than a freestyle boot.

The DC Phase boots ($180) are an excellent, big-name option for riders new to the sport of snowboarding. The flex on these boots is great for beginners, but they’re stiff enough to stay engaging as skills improve.

While the liners are not the most comfortable, they are removable, so you can easily dry them out after a day in the snow. The traditional lacing system is intuitive and allows for adjustments up and down the boot.

Providing excellent performance and versatility, these boots manage to come in under $200, making them a functional, budget option for riders who plan on making steady improvements. The Phase boots are tried and true; they’re a great option for freestyle riders who may be overwhelmed by the number of options available these days.

The Ride Harper ($220) is loaded with features that provide enhanced comfort and convenience, but isn’t the highest-ticket build. Overall, this design is a great choice for riders eyeing a season full of trick stomps and powder laps.

There’s a plush foam liner and articulated cuff for a cozy fit across the shin and heel. The midsole is light, durable, and cushy for landing jumps and jibs. The upper is secured via a single BOA turn dial, which is straightforward and easy to operate, even with gloves on.

To keep the heel and ankle on lock, the line has integrated cushioning called J-bars that snug the foot down. We appreciate the EVA footbed beneath our feet, too.

The Harper’s liner is fully molded to the upper, which prevents pack out and increases the lifespan. But that’s a tradeoff for some folks, as removable liners dry out faster after a long day on the snow.

The Phantom Slipper ($800) has had a decade of percolation, thanks to NASA engineer John Keffler who started tinkering with splitboard boot designs in 2011. Phantom Snow Industries is known for the SplitTech splitboard binding and has been experimenting with a surfy hard boot revolution for riders ever since.

And the voyage to develop the perfect splitboard slipper recently reached a big mark. New to the sport is the first-ever designated hard boot, the Phantom Slipper. It’s efficient for nimble uphill ascents, sidehilling, and bootpacks. Yet it feels supportive and comfortable like a traditional snowboard boot

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A streamlined, precise fit replaces the cumbersome feel of traditional snowboard boots — and it’s surprisingly comfortable. The shell is heat-moldable and has good forward flex but boasts lateral flex for riders, too.

This boot is nongendered for men and women.

The Burton Felix BOA snowboard boots ($420) are among our favorites thanks to their immediate comfort for all-day resort shreds.

Inside the boot is a squishy cuff that reliably holds down the heel, which we love. The surrounding plush cuff hugs the calf well with medial and lateral neoprene stretch zones.

The sweat-wicking liner absorbs and radiates body heat back onto the feet to help those toes stay warm enough. A reflective foil integrated beneath the foot also reflects body heat back to the foot. A soft faux fur lining adds a bit of warmth and comfort.

We also appreciate the dual BOA system for the customization of fit and keeping our heel snug. The streamlined design of the Felix BOA provided a great connection with our board on groomers and through tight glades, exactly when we needed quick edge response.

While the Felix BOA didn’t take the top spot, they’re some of the best snowboard boots on the market.

For women who aggressively charge slopes, check out the Burton Supreme ($520). These firm, low-volume, responsive boots closely connect riders with their boards for quicker turns with less effort. Whether you’re bound for groomers, bumps, glades, a slalom course, the back bowls, or park jumps, these boots are supportive yet comfortable.

The design feels lightweight in part due to the high-end liner, which is made with a polyurethane tongue and performance foam that forms around the foot. For dependable warmth, the liner reflects body heat back onto the feet while simultaneously wicking sweat. A reflective foil is integrated underfoot to increase heat even more.

The Supreme features a heel hold plus medial and lateral ankle support as well as a gel cushion that doesn’t falter in frigid temps. The dual-density outsole is steadfast, too. For durability and high performance, these are some of the best snowboard boots available.

New for the 2022-2023 season, K2 launched the Trance ($360) snowboard boot for ladies. After testing, we approve of the package.

With both an injected heel counter, EVA midsole, and anatomically designed EVA footbed beneath our feet, these boots are super comfortable out of the box. Plus, the boot is wrapped with impact-resistant material around the ankles, which helps absorb energy and chatter through blender-chop snow and any harsh landings you may encounter.

If there is one word to describe these boots, it’s responsive.

For an even better fit, the Intuition foam liner has internal and external J-Bars to help lock the foot in place and provide comfort at the same time.

We appreciate the dual BOA setup for a more precise fit, as it allows the upper and lower part of the boot to be adjusted independently. And the rope lace system is constructed with a softer lace versus steel. Overall, the lacing system is simple, yet effective.

That proprietary rubber outsole adds traction while walking across the parking lot and conquers any bootpack or hike-to terrain. The boot’s articulated cuff is supple and offers great forward flex, yet it’s reinforced with rubber for durability.

The Trance is one of the freshest women’s boots you can buy.

Love traditional lace-up boots? The Ride Context ($300) is a high-performance model with old-school laces for that fine-tuned fit. Plus it has a single BOA that pulls the tongue back while cinching down the heel and ankle. It’s the best of both worlds.

Around the boot’s upper, a premium polyurethane blend is added to high-use areas — like where the bindings rub against the boot — for a longer lifespan. The proprietary midsole, dubbed +Slime, is a foam blend that’s comfortable yet responsive. The boot’s liner is infused with bamboo charcoal, which naturally stomps odors and regulates temperature.

The C.A.T. (calf adjustment technology) lets ladies widen the cuff zone for an adaptable hug and overall fit. The build has a heat-reflective foil above the midsole, which reflects body heat to the underside of the feet.

To stabilize the heel and ankle, an internal cushion adds articulated support to negate slippage. On the exterior, the rubber toe cap of the Context and dual-density heel counter, constructed of thermoplastic polyurethane, boost the boot’s durability.

Among the most popular gear that ThirtyTwo makes are the TM-TWO Double BOA ($280) snowboard boots for gals. These boots rock.

Slightly stiffer, this design is a solid choice for saving energy on aggressive runs. That’s in part thanks to the performance-oriented backstay — rigid material that reinforces the spine of the boot. The Vibram outsole paired with a light foam cushion adds support.

An interior butterfly cushion reaches outward above the ankle to keep the heel locked down. The boot also includes a heel hold system, which consists of optional inserts that can be used for customizing the fit in addition to heat molding at a shop.

The dual quick-pull for the interior lace, which tightens around the liner, is smartly designed on the TM-TWO for an easier release at the end of the day or while taking a lunch break.

For an incredibly adjustable boot that performs equally well across the entire mountain, look no further than the Vans Infuse ($420). The adjustable flex on this boot allows riders to adapt to changing snow conditions and terrain easily. This lacing system is designed for every rider to find their perfect fit.

The custom liner is heat-moldable. And the UltraCush footbed provides a comfortable fit with ample arch support. Given the comparably stiff flex of the Vans Infuse, these boots are best for experienced snowboarders.

While they didn’t get a “best of” spot at the top, the Infuse are some of the best snowboard boots money can buy.

For those looking for a traditional lacing boot, the ThirtyTwo Lashed ($300) is arguably the most comfortable and best-performing of its class on the market. This boot’s structure lends itself to all types of riders and is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-profile option.

As far as all-mountain performance goes, this boot is impressively responsive for a boot of medium flex. The Lashed has been around for well over a decade, but its classic lace-up design remains relevant in a field of BOAs and quick-pulls.

We’re big fans of the Lashed’s heat-moldable dual-density liner. It’s comfortable, supportive, and completely free of internal seams and pressure points. For a boot with traditional lacing, we think the Lashed is the best snowboard boot available.

If easy and precise adjustability is the goal, then the Burton Ion BOA ($620) has you covered. The Ions boast a dual BOA system, allowing riders to adjust the upper and lower parts of the boot independently.

The stiff flex caters to more aggressive riders, while the heat-moldable liners add to the comfort and customization of these top-notch boots.

If quick adjustability is your top concern, hit the slopes in the Ion BOA and you won’t be disappointed.

The K2 Maysis ($330) is a great advanced-to-expert pair of boots for riders with wider feet. The Maysis comes with Intuition liners that mold to every curve of your foot, working hard to maximize comfort and durability.

A dual BOA lacing system allows for precise adjustments across the boot, so you can modify comfort on the go to confidently shred all types of features and terrain.

If you find the Maysis isn’t a comfortable fit for your foot, check out other boot brands that cater to wider feet, such as ThirtyTwo or Adidas.

Burton has long had the corner on the step on boot/binding game. So, it’s no surprise the Burton Photon Step On ($460) boots are the go-to for this riding style. The Photon boots offer the latest and greatest technology with standard Burton comfort and adjustability.

The boots lock into the Burton’s Step On bindings (not included) in the front and back, allowing for increased downhill power and drive compared to classic bindings.

If step-on riding is your jam, the Photon might be the best snowboard boots for you.