5 Best Snowboard Boots of 2023 | Mens’ Boots
We gave our Gear Lovers one job:
Find the best and most popular men’s snowboard boots and review them.
Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.
Snowboard boots will make or break a good day on the mountain, and deciding what kind of boot to buy totally depends on what style of riding you’re looking to do. There are boots with a flex designed for freeriding, freestyle as well as a more versatile model for all mountain riding.
Warmth and comfort sometimes may be sacrificed in order to buy a boot that matches your style or riding but with new technology and progress in boot design, there is most likely a boot out there that will encompass everything you are looking for. It is worth spending a little extra money on boots; they are a huge factor in comfort while riding throughout the day.
Beginner boots aren’t necessarily cheap, so beware of using that tactic when shopping for entry level snowboard footwear. There are different lacing systems as well as newer attempts to provide step in binding systems that could appeal to some depending on where the riding is being done.
It seems complicated because of all the choices, but a quick overview of the boot landscape will reveal some simple facts to find the right boot for you. These are generally for the wider, mens snowboarding boots category.
Check our guide at the end to help figure out how snowboard boots should fit and which system best suits your needs.
The Top 5 Snowboard Boots in 2023
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Most Adaptable: Vans Infuse -
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All the Men's Snowboard We've tested
This boot is one of the top end performance boots on the market. It’s a versatile all mountain option for more experienced riders. With a combo of Boa and traditional lacing along with a custom slide guide, this boot offers maximum heel hold and customizability for flex and comfort. Prefer a stiff boot? Tighten the power strap up towards the top of the boot for enhanced stiffness allowing for a responsive ride.
Waterproof breathable valves mitigate moisture retention allowing for a dry and insulated day in the resort and in the backcountry. Medium-stiff flex allows for a playful ride while also enhancing responsiveness when riding and maneuvering quickly.
Specs & Features
- Style: All Mountain
- Flex: Medium to Stiff
- Lacing: Hybrid plus Boa (traditional lacing with Boa)
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Tongue stiffener inserts make them exceptionally versatile -
Boot doesn’t loosen up throughout the day
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Great heal support and insulation
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Very waterproof
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Reasonably priced high end boot
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Works well with most bindings and boards
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Signature Vans style
Things we don't like:
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Not a suitable boot for beginners
Having been designed after the traditional Ride Lasso, this boot is back and better than ever with added features to maximize the riding experience on hardpack and steep terrain. The Intuition wrap liner wraps around your whole leg before strapping in the boot which helps to reduce movement between the liner and the boot while riding and increases shin comfort.
H4 Boa integration makes the boot extremely responsive while making flex consistent throughout the whole boot. Being an 8/10 flex boot, you will be able to have a great amount of control over your riding, and feel more agile riding steep terrain. Ride uses HDR premium synthetics, which will reduce wear and tear and increase the boot‘s lifetime.
Specs & Features
- Style: Freeride, Freestyle
- Flex: Stiff
- Lacing System: Boat
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Minimal bulkiness compared to other boots
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Extremely durable
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Simple, yet effective design
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Great boot for aggressive all mountain riders
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Secured heel hold
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Comfortable for how stiff they are
Things we don't like:
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Lacks adjustability
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Not good in the park
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Runs large (size down ½ a size when buying)
Being some of Salomon’s lightest boots the Dialogues are built to lock you in and give you a confident ride. Medium flex aids in comfort and flexibility with the boot while also giving you enough structure to remain responsive while riding all different types of terrain.
Having a combination of SJ Boa along with traditional lacing, this is a newer version of the Dialogue boots that will fit snug and not allow any heel rise while maintaining an even amount of flex and movement throughout the whole boot. Heat moldable liners will aid in fitting the boot to your liking, and help in supporting parts of your foot that other liners will not.
Specs & Features
- Style: All Mountain
- Flex: Mid-stiff
- Lacing: Hybrid Boa & Lace
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Lightweight boot with solid construction
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Good entry level boot
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Affordable
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Rides well on most terrain
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Supportive for a mid-flex boot
Things we don't like:
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Not the best for aggressive riders
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Lacks responsiveness
Being one of Burton’s best sellers, this medium stiff flex boot is built to last and built for all mountain shredders looking for something that will do it all. Whether you’re looking to charge through powder or cruise through the park and carve on the groomers, this boot will have you covered.
Featuring Burton’s dual zone Boa, this board will lock your feet in for optimal control and comfort. The imprint 3 liner offers additional comfort, and will mold to your feet easily compared to other boots. This boot is also available in the step on version, and is compatible with Burton step on bindings.
Specs & Features
- Style: All Mountain
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Boa
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Focus Cuff (wraps around your ankle to lock in)
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Retains heat when riding on cold days
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Comfortable compared to other mid-stiff flex boots
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Grippy material makes for an easy walk back to the car
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Little to none boot-to-board lag (responsive)
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Easy to break in
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Vibram Eco Step (lightweight, made of 30% recycled materials)
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DryRide system regulates foot temperature nicely
Things we don't like:
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Doesn’t retain flex as long as some other boots
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Not as customizable as traditional laced boots
The Rosko is a great boot for someone looking to rip the park or carve the groomers, while not breaking the bank. Featuring a single Boa, it is one of the easiest and straightforward boots to suit up in just a few seconds. Clocking in at a 4/10 on the flex scale, this boot will feel playful and soft compared to stiffer boots.
Although this boot is soft, the Intuition Comfort Foam 3D liner adds a great deal of ankle support and heel hold. Costing just under $225, you will be able to afford a solid snowboard boot that won’t leave you financially worrying.
Specs & Features
- Style: Freestyle & Freeriding
- Flex: Medium
- Lacing: Boa
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Minimal effort to take on and off
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Playful in the park and on groomers
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Comfortable and lightweight
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The heel holds surprisingly well for a soft flex boot
Things we don't like:
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Lacks responsiveness
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Feels loose compared to other boots
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Lacks customizability compared to other lacing systems
Related Reviews
Fit
The way a snowboard boot fits is the best indication of both what kind of rider you are as well as what kind of day you’re going to have on the mountain.
Snowboard boots should fit snug, with the toe rubbing the tip of the boot but not enough to where it will cause pain. Boots tend to need a few days of riding to fully break in, so they will get comfier over time. They will be fairly tight when new, and loosen up a bit once they’ve been worn a few times.
Some snowboarding boots will take a longer time to work in and adapt itself to the contours of your foot than others. Stiffer boots like Vans Infuse is one example of this, whereas
When it comes to heel fit, you will not want to see any lift in the heel when bending your knees forward. The heel should be fully secured and not leave the sole of the boot when fully tightened. Also note that you will be wearing socks, so account for room in the boot when finding the right size. I personally buy boots that are ½ to a full size down from my normal shoe size, because I want to have the most control over my board and do not like my feet moving around when riding.
But it’s absolutely a bad idea to go down in width. If you have a wide foot like one of us on the DiveIn team, a boot that’s too narrow will create discomfort that will only get worse. That has to do with the foot pad and inner sole, both of which can’t expand.
Snowboard boot size is measured with traditional US number sizing, but actual boot sizes can be different depending on the manufacturer. Your size of boot can also affect compatibility with your snowboard; if you are a size 11.5 and up, look into purchasing a wide snowboard.
Boot Flex
Just like snowboards, boots have a flex rating that ranges from soft to stiff. Flex is a personal preference, however different kinds of flex can benefit different kinds of riding. Park and beginner riders can benefit from a softer flex boot because it allows for forgiveness on big jumps and maneuverability on rails while allowing for ultimate comfort for beginners.
A stiffer flexing boot is favored among all mountain and advanced riders because it allows for more edge to edge control over your board, along with more agile performance when riding difficult terrain. Most companies that make boots will give a flex rating out of 10 – low numbers being soft and higher numbers being stiff.
Snowboard Boot Lacing Systems
In the beginning, when Kemper and Burton were the only real players on the scene. Snowboard boots were really just a cut above normal winter boots. Sorel boots were often the boot of choice for boards that looked like wakeboards without fins in the late 80s.
So if the lacing system and traditional snowboard boot has a form that reminds a bit of Sorels, an explanation is to be found in that history.
Fast forward a few decades and most development has focused on going lightweight and making it easier to tie in, strap in and ride more comfortably. The most recent development in snowboard boots is represented by Burton with their step on system. Not covered here, it removes the arduous task of bending down and clipping in or strapping out. Burton step on boots are required then to have another kind of construction to maintain stiffness.
Traditional Laced boots that are laced similar to any shoe you would tie. These are the most common and easy to use boots because we all know how to tie our own shoes. The benefits with traditional laced boots is that if you break a lace it’s an easy replacement, and these boots are easy to fit to your foot and heal. The one downside to these types of boots is that the laces can sometimes come untied, and they loosen up over time.
Quick Pull Laced boots have a drawstrings on the left and right side of the boot that allow you to independently tighten the lower foot and the ankle/leg region of the boot. These types of boots are easy to put on and off and can be tightened quickly while sitting on the chairlift. With this system there is no need for having to make sure your boots are tied, all you need to do is tighten up the quick pulls and tuck them in between the liner and the boot or tuck them in their designated pocket.
Boa Laced boots are the most simple tightening system snowboarding has to offer. Use the ratcheting dial attached to a cable that tightens your boot, spin it a few times and you’re good to hit the slopes. This system offers a fast method to secure your boot and is easily adjustable on the go. Most companies make boots with a combination of other lacing systems, or multiple Boa’s that offer more adjustability and security.
Double Boa boots have two Boa’s on the upper part of the boot, one meant for tightening the upper zone and the other one for tightening the lower zone of the boot.
Triple Boa boots have two Boa’s meant for tightening the whole boots with one for tightening the boot liner. Being easily customizable while offering maximum tightness and support, this trifecta of Boa’s will be sure to keep your feet secure while riding.
Boa laced with additional traditional laced boots offer the best of both worlds. With the combination of both these systems, the Boa secures the heel to the bottom of the boot while traditional laces secure your whole foot and lower leg into the boot. This type of boot is comfortable while offering the customization for fit that traditional lacing has to offer.
Step on Snowboard boots have click in capability with a paired binding so you do not have to worry about strapping in each time you get off the lift. These boots and bindings are relatively new and are helpful for people that have a larger gut which may make strapping in more difficult. The one benefit to these boots and bindings is simply that it is easier to get in and out of them, however it is nice to feel the security of a binding strap when riding.
Boot Footbeds
Footbeds won’t help a boot that doesn’t fit to fit, but they will help in making any snowboard boot more comfortable. Insoles and footbeds help to support the natural shape of your foot, which will deliver even pressure to each part of your foot that can help to reduce fatigue on stressed parts of your fit while increasing comfort. Arch support is a feature of some footbeds that will reduce discomfort if you struggle to find insoles that support your arches. SuperFeet is a brand that offers insoles with a high arch support that could be a good option for people that want that little extra support.
Snowboard Boot Liners
Liners are the inner part of the boot that you can pull out of the boots hardshell. Most companies make the liners removable for quick drying, but some older models are not removable from the boot so keep an eye out because this will save you a lot of wet days spent on the mountain. These are made of soft cushiony material that offer support, insulation, and stability that will protect your feet from most mountain variables.
Stock liners are the most generic of liners that will mold to the shape of your feet over time and have a base level padding to protect from the elements. Moldable liners are a notch higher than stock liners because they use body heat to mold to your feet and are typically built of better quality materials. Heat-Moldable liners are a luxury that offers maximum customization in molding to your feet. With these liners, you will want a trained professional boot fitter to help ensure the heat molding process is performed correctly.
Snowboard Socks
Do not buy cotton socks for snowboarding. I repeat, do not buy cotton socks. These do not wick moisture, and will make your feet cold and uncomfortable the longer and longer you snowboard. You want a blended sock made of synthetic material and wool which is a good insulator to keep your feet warm and will keep your feet from feeling wet.
A pair of ski socks like Darn Tough Alpenglow will wick, warm and last a while. A worthy investment.
Boots offer a good amount of insulation, so if you’re buying or using socks you have there is no need to use the thickest one – it will reduce your feel for the snow while riding a snowboard and reduce your board control from edge to edge.
Snowboard Misconceptions and Fit Mistakes
Boots are an important aspect of snowboarding. To say the least. They make or break a good day on the hill, so it is important to spend time looking into a boot that will be the right fit for you. Quality over appearance should be the priority – nobody will care what your boots look like, so find the one that is going to suit you best.
My friend likes this boot so I should buy it, is not a good driver informing your choice. Everyone’s feet are different along with preferences for flex. Your friend may love a stiff boot but you may prefer a soft boot.
All boots don’t last that long anyways, so I might as well buy the cheapest one I can find. With most boots, price reflects quality. The extra $50 you spend on a boot can make a huge difference with the longevity of a boots lifetime. Higher quality materials make boots more durable and more comfy, so don’t cheap out when buying boots.
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