Best Men’s Snowboard Boots of 2023

JUMP TO: THIRTYTWO STW DOUBLE BOA / BURTON MOTO / THIRTYTWO LIGHT JP / VANS HI-STANDARD PRO / K2 BOUNDARY / VANS HI-COUNTRY AND HELL-BOUND / DC TRAVIS RICE BOA / THIRTYTWO JONES MTB / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Rob Thijssen

The Short Version

The Long Version

A comfortable and well-fitting snowboard boot is one of the ingredients for an awesome day on the mountain. Whilst on the other hand, the wrong boot might have you cursing the sport for the rest of your life.

So suffice to say – boots are one of the most important parts of your snowboarding setup. And investing a little extra in this piece of equipment is highly recommended.

In the 1980’s, snowboarding pioneers used to modify their plastic Koflach mountaineering boots to use for snowboarding. But snowboarding gear has seen some major developments over the last few decades. Today’s market has a range of boots to choose from, with some adopting cutting-edge materials and technologies.

With the avalanche of choice and all the fancy jargon, it’s understandable that it can be a bit of a challenge to find the perfect pair. But in this review we aim to give you a guiding hand (or foot). So, mix yourself a Snowboard, sit back and drop in to our best men’s snowboarding boots review!

If you love reading this review of the best men’s snowboard boots, then you'll likely love reading some of our other snowboarding pages:

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

What’s a Boa (is it like a Moa)? Am I stiff or soft? Do I freeride or do I freestyle? Find yourself getting confused by these types of questions… be sure to check out our buying advice at the bottom of the article!

Best for Beginners: THIRTYTWO STW DOUBLE BOA

FLEX: 3 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff)

LACING SYSTEM: Double Boa®

ABILITY LEVEL: Beginner - Intermediate

PROS: An affordable soft boot, ideal for beginners or riders that prefer to jib

CONS: Foam sole lacks grip on hard snow

If you’re on the lookout for a forgiving boot that’s easy to get in and out of and doesn’t break the bank, the ThirtyTwo STW Double Boa is your best bet.

Its heat-moldable liner has a quick-pull closure system, which is pretty standard on snowboard boots in this price range. But the standout feature on these puppies is of course the double Boa. With the Dual Zone Precision Fit you can adjust the lower part and the upper part separately, unlike a single Boa. This makes for a much better fit, all day long. You don’t even have to fully undo your snow gaiter on your pants to be able to adjust it.

Keep in mind though that the Boa System tightens uniformly, and can therefore sometimes cause unwanted pressure points, something that is less likely with traditional laces. But the luxury and sheer speed of tightening, loosening, and adjusting your boots is second to none.

The outer sole is made of ThirtyTwo’s Evolution Foam, which absorbs shocks and chatter well, but lacks the grip that a rubber sole would give you on hard snow. 

With a flex rating of 3 out of 10, the ThirtyTwo STW Double Boa is also a solid choice for freestylers that like to jib their way down the slopes. It is also our top pick for beginners – after all, as a beginner you’ll want plenty of softness and you’re likely to be experimenting with the tension of your boots several times a day until you find the desired fit and support.

It was a close call though – if you are looking to save a few dollars, you can also check out the Burton Moto, which may take slightly longer to tighten, but is otherwise another soft and reliable choice.

Best on a Budget: BURTON MOTO

FLEX: 3 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff)

LACING SYSTEM: Quick-Pull (also available as Laces or Single Boa)

ABILITY LEVEL: Beginner - Intermediate

PROS: Good beginner or freestyle boot, easy lacing system

CONS: The single-mold foam sole doesn’t provide a lot of grip on hard snow

The Burton Moto is a snowboard boot that has been around for some time and is the perennial favorite from many riders out there.

Over the years it has seen some good improvements, like when they switched to the Speed Zone™ Lacing System. Although you still have to undo the snow cuff on your pants in order to adjust the fit, this system works great and is much faster than laces. You can adjust the fit quickly on the mountain or even on the lift.

If you can’t be bothered dealing with the quick pull lacing system, then have a look at the ThirtyTwo STW Double Boa – they’re slightly more expensive, but the double Boa® system is faster to adjust, without having to undo your snow gaiters.

The softness of the Burton Moto and the “Total Comfort Construction” ensure a broken-in feeling right out of the box. The liner is also thermo-moldable, which improves the fit even more. The soles also have a significant amount of cushioning, making these boots a good option for stomping those big jumps in the freestyle park. They do however lack some grip on hard snow, but that is to be expected from a boot in this price range.

There’s also a low-profile and lightweight reflective foil inserted under the footbed which reflects heat back up into your foot and cold back down, making sure your feet stay nice and cozy.

Overall, the Burton Moto is an excellent snowboard boot for when you’ve just started riding, only ride occasionally, or are just looking for a solid bargain.

Best for Freestyle: THIRTYTWO LIGHT JP

FLEX: 4 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff)

LACING SYSTEM: Laces

ABILITY LEVEL: Intermediate - Advanced

PROS: A good mix between support and freedom of movement

CONS: Traditional laces take longer to tighten

Do you spend your snowboarding days solely in the park? Are you the type of rider that can’t get enough of flatland tricks? Then have a look at the ThirtyTwo Light JP. This freestyle-oriented boot is part of the signature series of snowboarding legend JP Walker, who has been instrumental in reviving the jib movement.

It has a flex rating of 4 out of 10, meaning you’ll have more than enough freedom of movement to throw in some insane tweaks during air time, but still enough support to be able to get some rebound out of your board while jibbing. The articulated cuff also prevents the shell from deforming.

The Evolution Foam sole absorbs impact and provides comfortable cushioning, allowing you to hit those features hard and shred all day long. The Grip ‘n Rip Velcro heel hold prevents heel slippage and will keep your heels firmly in place. Factor in the heat-moldable liner, and you have yourself an extremely comfortable snowboard boot.

Some might hesitate due to the traditional lacing system, and although it might take a bit longer to get set up initially, they are the most reliable and allow for the most precise adjustment. Besides, there’s a reason why most pros prefer laces. Unwanted pressure points are almost guaranteed a thing of the past, and when one might snap, it’s easy to fix on-the-go.

The ThirtyTwo Light JP is an amazing snowboarding boot that doesn’t feel so much at home on the mountain carving, but excels within the boundaries of the snowpark.

FLEX: 5 - 6 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff)

LACING SYSTEM: Laces

ABILITY LEVEL: Intermediate - Advanced

PROS: Smartwool Merino Wool liner transfers and eliminates moisture

CONS: Still kind of pricey for a minimalist design

No side hit is safe when you lace up the mid-flexing Vans Hi-Standard Pro. They nail the sweet spot for freestyle and all-mountain boarders seeking flex, comfort and a perfect fit.

This is a snowboard boot with a minimalist design, but has all you need for a fun adventure in the snow. By doing so, it perfectly reflects the riding style of the Vans athlete that put his name on it: the King of Style, Arthur Longo.

Vans uses their V2 Ultracush Liner, which, besides being fully heat-moldable, uses merino to keep your feet nice and warm when the mercury drops. Merino wool wicks moisture away from the skin, thus keeping your feet warm. It also doesn’t smell like synthetic materials, even after a long day on the mountain. That way you’ll avoid that janky damp smell in your car and running the risk that your friends will prefer to take the bus back home instead.

I really like the Powercuff Strap and the Tongue Lock Down 1 System, which provide extra support at the top of the boot and helps to keep your heel firmly in place. You have the option of either wrapping the strap around the liner or including the external tongue for additional support. Vans really has thought this one through.

Last but not least, the Hi-Standard Pro comes with a V2 Waffle Pro sole. A weight-reducing, impact-resisting UltraCush midsole with a rubber compound sole overlay gives you the natural flex, boardfeel and grip you’ve always dreamed of.

The Vans Hi-Standard Pro Arthur Longo is a simple, low-key but outstanding snowboard boot. And with that color combo, you can even wear them while you’re trick-or-treating during Halloween! If that doesn’t amp you up, I don’t know what will.

Best for Versatility: K2 BOUNDARY

FLEX: 6 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff)

LACING SYSTEM: Double Boa®

ABILITY LEVEL: Intermediate - Advanced

PROS: Dual-rubber sole, high level of comfort thanks to heat-moldable liner 

CONS: Traditional lacing system takes longer to tighten

If you consider yourself an all-mountain rider, and you need one boot that can do it all, the K2 Boundary is your guy. With a looser, surfy feel, these puppies deliver when slashing pow as well as pushing the limit on a more technical freeride line.

The liner is made from a blend of medium and high density Intuition® foam, with internal and external J-bars and an EVA molded insole. This killer combo provides the right amount of support and comfort to keep you riding all day long. A 3-point harness prevents heel slippage while also adding ankle support and stability.

In the shell they use HDR Premium Synthetics, which is 8 times more durable than standard PU (polyurethane) materials. Thanks to exceptional abrasion and durability performance, these snowboard boots will last you many seasons.

A double Boa® system lets you tighten and adjust the lower and upper zone independently in the blink of an eye. Just press down the dial and twist until you reach the desired fit.

I like that they opted for the K2-exclusive This Grips!™ outsole. Single-mold soles, although they provide a lot of dampening, lack the grip that a rubber outsole gives you. You might think it won’t matter that much, but when you’re hiking to that hidden line just out of bounds and come across some icy snow, you’ll be glad you paid a little extra for more grip, trust me.

The K2 Boundary is a do-it-all snowboarding boot that truly does shine all over the mountain, from techy freeride lines to groomers to stylish park runs.

Best for Freeride: VANS HI-COUNTRY AND HELL-BOUND

FLEX: 5 - 9 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff)

LACING SYSTEM: Laces

ABILITY LEVEL: Advanced-Expert

PROS: Removable tongue stiffeners to customize flex

CONS: They’re not the most stylish looking pair

The Vans Hi-Country and Hell-Bound by Sam Taxwood is one of the most progressive snowboard boots out there. Everyone who has seen footage of him knows he's like an all-terrain vehicle. He rides everything from street to pow and pretty much kills it wherever he goes. And with such a progressive style, you need a boot like this.

With the removable high-rebound Hytrel® tongue stiffeners, you can adapt the flex to your liking, from a medium-flex surfy feel to a stiff and responsive boot. Therefore, these kicks are suited for your casual park-run but also for a bad-ass freeride trip.

Like many pro models, this one has laces, which are protected by a waterproof flap and zipper, keeping them dry when you do decide to have a go at that backcountry line of your dreams. And even if they loosen up a bit, extra support is also provided by the Powercuff Strap at the top.

The V3 Ultracush with TNF FlashDry is Vans’ most advanced liner ever. The FlashDry fabric from The North Face transfers and eliminates moisture quickly, keeping your feet dry and warm. The Ultracush layer provides comfort and support, thanks to the minimal amount of seams, while the neoprene forefoot gives a natural flex. All this, and the dual-density, heat-moldable core keeps you exploring the mountain longer than ever before.

The Vans Hi-Country and Hell-Bound by Sam Taxwood is an amazing piece of equipment, spawned by the progressive riding style of Sam Taxwood and the brilliant minds at Vans. Bottom line; these boots crush, big time.

Best for All-Mountain Shreddin’: DC TRAVIS RICE BOA

FLEX: 9 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff)

LACING SYSTEM: H4 Boa® Coiler

ABILITY LEVEL: Advanced - Expert

PROS: Very comfortable liner thanks to medium and high-density foam blend

CONS: For such a high-performance boot, I’d expect traditional laces

Who doesn’t know the name Travis Rice? Since he exploded onto the snowboarding scene with his jaw-dropping backside rodeo over a 117-foot gap at Snowboarder Magazine’s Superpark competition in 2001, a lot has changed in snowboarding.

So has snowboarding equipment, and the DC Travis Rice Boa is a perfect example of that progress. This snowboard boot has an articulated construction for optimum fit, Storm Flaps to protect snow from entering, and specially engineered asymmetrical Anti Drag outsoles, to prevent toe and heel drag on those steep descents.

The Black Aerotech liner uses a mix of memory foam and high rebound heat-moldable EVA for an out-of-this-world fit. It regulates temperature and moisture thanks to the Aerotech Ventilation™ Technology, reducing fatigue and allowing you to play longer.

An insane amount of support and superior heel hold is provided by lateral support beams, anatomical latex J-bars and a 360° Power Strap. The folks at DC opted for Superfabric™ to create an exterior that’s both durable and can take a proper beating, making these bad boys suitable to last many seasons.

To top it off, these snowboarding boots come with a double H4 Boa® Coiler system, offering micro-adjustability in a heartbeat.

The DC Travis Rice Boa are a pair of exceptional snowboard boots for the aggressive rider that seeks comfort and stability. It might not be the most affordable pair in this review, but you’ll definitely get a lot for your money.

Best for Backcountry: THIRTYTWO JONES MTB

FLEX: 10 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff)

LACING SYSTEM: Laces

ABILITY LEVEL: Advanced - Expert

PROS: Crampon-suitable, super grippy Vibram outsole, full zip gaiter, need I go on...

CONS: By far the most expensive boots in this review

The ThirtyTwo Jones MTB is the bee's-knees in backcountry snowboard boot design. Big mountain guru Jeremy Jones worked closely together with ThirtyTwo’s design team to create his dream boot.

It’s packed with loads of features for the ultimate backcountry adventure. The new, lightweight, Vibram outsole is super durable, provides the best grip imaginable and is compatible with semi-automatic crampons. The walk-mode collar is where things really get me fired up. By releasing the Boa, you get a 30% longer stride when skinning up, saving you precious energy. And for those of you who think that this boot can’t ever have decent spine support, think again! This boot rides just like a normal boot in the resort.

A 4-way stretch Cordura double-zippered gaiter keeps snow from creeping into your boot through the laces, keeping them dry and also turning everything into a tight package.

When skinning up, two removable recoil bars on the inside and outside of your ankle provide additional support on those steep traverses.

This is one of the most advanced backcountry boots available and despite its heavy price tag, it should definitely be considered by all backcountry enthusiasts. Embrace the mountain environment in the Jones MTB.

BUYING ADVICE FOR SNOWBOARDING BOOTS

Riding style

An important aspect to consider when buying a pair of snowboard boots is your riding style. Generally, snowboard boots are divided into three categories: all-mountain, freeride and freestyle.

ALL-MOUNTAIN: All-mountain, as the name implies, refers to terrain all over the mountain. Groomed slopes, untracked powder and also the snow park. The majority of riders falls under this category. An all-mountain boarder likely prefers a slightly stiffer boot since it’s more responsive.

FREERIDING: Freeriding boots are designed for riding on- and off-piste but less so in the park. They are generally stiffer and are a good choice if you prefer speed and precision.

FREESTYLE: Freestyle focuses mainly on park and doing tricks. These boots are generally softer and ideal for tweaking your tricks. This feature also makes them a good option for beginners, since they’re more forgiving.

Flex

The flex of a boot is a key factor in its performance. The stiffer the boot, the more responsive it will be, meaning the quicker your board will react to your input.

The amount a snowboard boot flexes varies significantly between boots. Many manufacturers will give a number rating ranging from 1-10, with 1 being softest and 10 being stiffest.

Generally, you will find flex ratings of 1-2 as soft, 3-5 as medium, 6-8 as stiff, and 9-10 as very stiff.

SOFT BOOTS: Soft boots are more playful and forgiving making them a favorite among beginners and park riders.

STIFF BOOTS: Stiffer boots are generally favored by aggressive riders for all mountain or freeride.

Lacing System

The most common lacing systems used for snowboarding boots are: traditional, quick pull / speed lacing, and BOA. Every system has its pros and cons (as outlined below), but ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

TRADITIONAL LACING: The tried-and-true option for tying boots.

  • PROS: customizable fit, easy to use and replace 

  • CONS: difficult to handle with gloves, takes longer to tie, often loosens during the day

QUICK PULL / SPEED LACING: A single-pull lacing system, often one for the forefoot and one for the ankle/lower leg (zonal lacing).

  • PROS: fast and easy to adjust with gloves

  • CONS: difficult to repair on the fly. Tighten uniformly, so you can't make certain zones looser or tighter than others.

BOA: Uses a cable with a locking coil mechanism.

  • PROS: easiest to adjust 

  • CONS: like Quick Pull, they tighten uniformly and are even more of a hassle to fix if they break. Note however that “multiple BOA” (for adjusting zones independently of one another) are getting more common.

Fit

A well-fitting boot should be snug all around for best performance, without being overly tight or painful. Keep in mind boots loosen over time so try to get as snug as possible without getting uncomfortable when new. You want noticeable contact with the toes when standing straight and little to no contact when flexing forward, along with a locked-in heel. 

Trying on snowboard boots is best done in the afternoon, since your feet swell up a little during the day.

Liners

Many snowboard boot liners are made from moldable foam. This allows you to fully customize your fit. There is a difference between moldable and heat-moldable though.

Moldable liners will adapt over time to the shape of your foot through body heat, whereas heat-moldable liners need an external heat source. This is best performed by trained personnel in your local ski or board shop.

Socks

Wearing a good pair of socks is heavily underrated. When trying on a new pair of snowboard boots, make sure you try them with a good pair of ski or snowboard socks. These are made from synthetic materials or merino wool and wick away moisture to keep your feet dry and warm, as opposed to cotton socks which retain humidity and will cause your feet to become damp, and therefore cold.

MORE INFORMATION

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