Best Snowboarding Boots

Best Snowboard Boots for 2021-2022

Snowboard Boots are often an overlooked piece of equipment when you first start shopping for the best snowboarding gear. If it fits well, then it’s good, right? Well, yes and no. If you have a boot that fits well but doesn’t respond well to the kind of style you like riding (freestyle, all-mountain, and freeride), you’re not getting the most potential out of your boot. But if you get a boot with all the bells and whistles but it hurts after 30 minutes of riding, well, you’ve got some snowboarding gear that is just going to end up sitting in your closet.

Here at powderheadz.com, we’ve reviewed the best snowboarding boots available for all kinds of snowboarding. However, we recommend that you still give them a good try before you truly commit to using them. Never settle, as boots can make or break your day on the mountain.

You can find what we reviewed and what we think are the Best Snowboard Boots for 2021-2022 down below.

Safe riding!

Best All-Mountain Snowboard Boots | Powderheadz.com

Our Top Rated Snowboard Boots for Men

Our Top Rated All-Mountain Snowboard Boots for Men

There are a ton of choices when it comes to All-Mountain Snowboard Boots. This is a great place to start and get an idea of what you should be looking for in you boots. No matter what you decide. Warmth, comfort, ease of use and price. Keep it all in mind while you decide which boot is right for you.

Here are what we consider some of the Best All-Mountain Snowboard Boots:

DC Men's Scout Snowboard Boot 2022

Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced
FlexMedium
Lacing SystemBoa
LinerRed Liner
  

DC Scout Snowboard Boots are a popular set of snowboarding boots that offers a soft, cushy ride for an economical price.  The Boa H3 coiler lacing and pull tabs at the back of the boot makes for a snug fit and easy on/off access.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Burton Men's Photon Snowboarding Boot 2022

Riding LevelIntermediate- Advanced
FlexMedium
Lacing SystemQuick-Pull
LinerImprint™ 3 Liner
  

Burton Imperial Snowboard Boots are medium flex all-mountain boots that gives the rider a lot of response during fast and aggressive riding. They have an antimicrobial coat inside the boot liner to prevent smell from building up.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Ride Lasso Snowboard Boots 2022

Riding LevelAdvanced – Expert
FlexStiff
Lacing SystemBoa
LinerIntuition Liner
  

Ride Lasso Pro Snowboard Boots are high-performance all-mountain boots that let you go hard on the groomers or in the piste. The stiffer flex gives you the control and response you need for wherever your riding takes you on the mountain,

Powderheadz Rating

3.5/5

Best Freeride Snowboard Boots | Powderheadz.com

Best Freeride Snowboarding Boots

Our Top Rated Freeride Snowboard Boots for Men

If you like heading out to the back-country or riding in deep snow, try and seek out some Freeride Snowboard Boots. You’ll want to find Snowboarding Boots that have a stiff flex to help you with your turns, but a soft upper portion to keep your shins comfortable during those long, powerful shifts on your heel-side and toe-side edge turns. The stiff flex gives you the stability you need to help control your carving and stopping power.

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freeride Snowboard Boots:

DC Travis Rice Boa Snowboard Boots

Riding LevelAdvanced – Expert
FlexVery Stiff
Lacing SystemBoa
LinerBlack SE Liner
  

DC Travis Rice Boa Snowboard Boots won’t make you ride as well as Travis Rice, but these boots will point you in the right direction . The upper cuff of the boot flexes independently off the rest of the boot, giving you an natural, effortless flex.

Powderheadz Rating

5/5

2022 K2 Maysis Snowboarding Boots

Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced
FlexStiff
Lacing SystemBoa
LinerIntuition Foam Liner
  

The K2 Maysis Snowboard Boots are some of the most comfortable boots out there. This Best Seller is a masterpiece of craftsmanship as it is designed to be durable and performance-oriented. You won’t be buying another one for awhile.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

Thirtytwo TM Two XLT Snowboard Boot

Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced
FlexVery Stiff
Lacing SystemTraditional
LinerPerformance Liner
  

ThirtyTwo TM Two XLT Snowboarding Boots keeps you stable at high speeds and performance. The responsive boots has an aggressive flex back by a heat-moldable liner, heel cradling footbed, and flexible internal harness.

Powderheadz Rating

3.5/5

Best Freestyle Snowboard Boots | Powderheadz.com

Best Freestyle Snowboarding Boots

Our Top Rated Freestyle Snowboard Boots for Men

For finding the best freestyle snowboard boots, you’ll want to find something with a soft amount of flex and cushion. Impact is the name of the game when it comes to freestyle snowboard boots, so you’ll want to find anything that stresses high shock absorption. You’ll need it for when you land from jumping some major air.

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freestyle Snowboard Boots:

Burton Swath Snowboard Boots

Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced
FlexMedium
Lacing SystemBoa
LinerImprint 3 Liner
  

The medium-soft flexing Burton Swath Snowboarding Boots comes with a dual-zone Boa lacing system that gives you a responsive boot with a tight comfortable fit. Burton and Boa have been working together the longest, so you know that lacing system will be the best out there.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

ThirtyTwo Light JP Snowboard Boots

Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced
FlexMedium
Lacing SystemQuick-Pull
LinerLevel 1 Liner
  

ThirtyTwo Light Snowboard Boots are inspired by it’s cousin sport, skateboarding. It’s a comfortable, soft-flexing boot has a flat sole that lets you feel like you’re riding a skate deck and the heat-moldable liner will give you that custom, one-of-a-kind feel. 

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

DC Control Boa Snowboarding Boots

Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced
FlexMedium
Lacing SystemBoa
LinerWhite Liner
  

DC Control Snowboard Boots has unlimited adjustability of a Dual Zone Boa System, a heat moldable liner, and a featherweight UniLite Foundation outsole which combine together to give the DC Control Snowboarding Boots exceptional support in a comfy, lightweight package.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Best Snowboarding Boots | Powderheadz.com

This is our current List for the Best Snowboard Boots of the 2021-2022 Season.  However, there are tons more Snowboard Boots out there and we will be updating this list often with the most current information. Think we missed a pair of Snowboard Boots and that there’s one that deserves a spot on the Best Snowboard Boots List? Let us know!  E-mail us at info (at) powderheadz.com.  Take a look down below on how to determine which Snowboard Boots is right for you.

As always, happy riding!

Best Snowboard Boots | Powderheadz.com

How-To: Buy the Best Snowboard Boots

There are so many types of snowboard boots out there with a ton of features, and it can be a bit confusing into figuring out what kind of snowboard boots you should get. Boa or Traditional Lacing? How much Flex? What kind of Liners? Here at Powderheadz.com, we’ll try and help you figure out what everything means.

Let’s get familiar with some of the things you should know to buy the best snowboarding boots available.

Flex:

Flex is often measured from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest. Freestyle snowboard boots and All-mountain snowboard boots usually have a softer flex. They are more forgiving and easier to turn. Soft-flex snowboard boots are great for beginners. Freeride snowboard boots and Powder snowboard boots usually have a stiffer flex. They provide a better power and stability at higher speeds.

Riding Style:

All-Mountain – All-Mountain Riders should choose more flexible boots, similar to freestyle boots. However, if you tend to be a faster rider and need more response, look for a stiffer snowboard boot. For most snowboarders, look for Soft to Medium Flex. If you’re into racing and speed, look for a Stiff Flex.

Freeride – Freeride Snowboarders consider the back-country, off-piste, and groomed runs their home instead of the park. Look for stiffer snowboard boots that give you the precision and response you need when riding fast.

Freestyle – Maneuverability and feel is the name of the game for Freestyle Snowboarders. The boots should have a softer flex.

Lacing System:

Burton Swath BOA Snowboarding Boots
Dual Boa System for the Burton Swath Snowboard Boots

Boa – Boa Systems use one or two dials to adjust the tightness of small cables around the foot. One-Dial Boa Systems handle the whole boot while Two-Dial Boa Systems handle the top of the boot or tongue and the bottom of the boot or ankle independently.

2022 Thirtytwo TM Two XLT Snowboard Boots
Traditional Laces for the Thirtytwo TM Two XLT Snowboard Boots

Traditional – The low-tech basic option of laces for snowboard boots. Laces are easily replaceable.

Burton Photon Snowboard Boots
Quick-Pull Laces for the Burton Photon Snowboard Boots

Quick-pull – Single-pull lacing system similar to a corset. Some snowboards boots will have be able to be tightened in zones rather than the whole boot.

Liners:

Custom Moldable – These liners need an artificial heat source to get a custom fit for your foot. You should be able to take your boots to any reputable Ski or Snowboard Shop to get this done.

Non-Moldable – The least moldable option out of the three, these liners will eventually conform to your feet after repeated use.

Thermoformable – These foam liners will use your body temperature to achieve a custom fit. The liners will usually take shape after a day on the mountain.

Best Snowboard Boots | Powderheadz.com

This is our current List for the Best Snowboard Boots of the 2021-2022 Season.  However, there are tons more Snowboard Boots out there and we will be updating this list often with the most current information. Think we missed a pair of Snowboard Boots and that there’s one that deserves a spot on the Best Snowboard Boots List? Let us know!  E-mail us at info (at) powderheadz.com.

As always, happy riding!

Best Snowboard Boots | Powderheadz.com

Best Beginner Snowboards for 2021-2022

Buying your first beginner snowboard can be difficult, but in the long run it is worth it. It’s better to invest in your own board the first year rather than rent out sub-par rental equipment at a resort.  There are a few key things you should pay attention to when shopping for a beginner snowboard:

  • A good sized board that matches your body weight and skill level
  • Soft/Medium Flex will help you avoid catching edges
  • Twin or Directional Twin Shape

Many of these boards are built to last and are designed for you to grow with them. Even after you get better at snowboarding, you can keep using these until you’re ready to add another snowboard to your quiver. Plus, it’s always nice to have an extra board around in case you convince a friend to join you in the fun.

You can find what we reviewed and what we think are the Best Beginner Snowboards for 2021-2022 down below.

Safe riding!

Best Beginner Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

Our Top Rated Beginner Snowboards

Our Top Rated Beginner Snowboards for Men

Burton Instigator PurePop Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)140 | 145 | 150 | 150W | 155 | 155W | 160 | 160W | 165W
ShapeDirectional
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
Core

FSC Certified Super Fly 800G Core

Dualzone EGD

FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The Burton Instigator Flat Top Snowboard is the gold standard for beginner snowboards. It’s easy to ride and even easier on your bank account.  The Burton Instigator is designed to help you learn the basics as quickly as possible. It has a slightly directional shape with a wider and longer front, but you can still ride switch just as easily. The profile has a flat shape instead of the usual rocker profile. Turns are now easier to engage and your less likely to catch and edge and crash.

Powderheadz Rating

5/5

Men's Burton Ripcord Snowboard 2022

Sizes available (cm)145 | 150 | 154 | 156W | 157 |158W | 159 | 162W
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
CoreFSC Certified Super Fly 900G Core
FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The Burton Ripcord Snowboard is built to help beginners and intermediate riders get better in more advanced situations. Like the Burton Instigator Snowboard – Men’s 2022 , the Ripcord has a directional shape and a flat profile that will help prevent you from catching edges. It has a softer, playful flex and Easy Rider features that is more forgiving than most snowboards. Upgrading the snowboard to the Channel™ system allows you to adjust your stance setup with any binding (not just Burton’s). This board sets you up for success as an entry-level performance snowboard. It’s a snowboard that gives you room to grow from Newbie to Intermediate.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

DC Shoes Focus Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)137 | 144 | 149 | 155W | 157 | 159W
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker
CoreAstro Core
FlexMedium
 TerrainFreestyle
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The DC Focus is designed for the beginner who has already taken a few lessons on the mountain and is comfortable enough to go to the next level. This freestyle terrain board is built with a true twin shape and beveled edge.  It’s light and flexible enough to maneuver easily, and it’s anti-camber rocker style will help you from catching edges while you can be aggressive on the turns. If you’ve decided to ride park instead of groomers and back country, this is the board that will get you started.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Arbor Foundation Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)148 | 152 | 155 | 158 | 161 | 162MW
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendParabolic Rocker
CorePoplar Core
FlexMedium
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The Arbor Foundation is self-explanatory. It’s an entry-level board for the developing snowboarder with a parabolic rocker that’s forgiving during your first turns. It helps you build a (wait for it) foundation to help you strive towards more advanced riding. The core of these boards are made of poplar and built to teach you how to board without any expensive bells and whistles. You can beat up this board as you learn how to snowboard with no regrets and no fear.

This All-Mountain snowboard will allow you to get a little taste of everything, before you decide whether to ride on groomers, between the trees, or on the rails.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

YES Basic Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)146 | 149 | 152 | 155 | 156W | 158 |159W | 161 | 163W
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Camber – Rocker
CoreFull Poplar
FlexSoft – Medium
 TerrainFreestyle | All-Mountain
Riding LevelIntermediate

An incredibly easy ride, the YES Basic Snowboard is an old-school board with soft to medium flex. Buy this board if after a few days of lessons on the mountain, you’re already confident enough to go down some blues and maybe even try a black or two. The soft flex, camber profile, and true twin shape gives this board some flexibility as a freestyle or all-mountain board. If you buy this snowboard, you won’t have to upgrade to another board for a few more years. With this snowboard, you’re basically saying, “to hell with these bunny slopes, I want to go hard, NOW!”

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Best Beginner Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

Our Top Rated Beginner Snowboards for Women

K2 First Lite Women's Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)138 | 142 | 146 | 150 | 154
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
CoreW1 Core | Single Species of wood
FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner

The K2 First Lite is the best snowboard for a beginner yet can still hang with intermediate riders. It’s lightweight on your feet, has soft flex, and a rocker – flat – rocker profile that’s great for entering and exiting turns with ease. The all-wood core becomes responsive at fast speeds but is nice and forgiving enough so you don’t ever feel out of control. This board will help you learn how to ride, and fast.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

Burton Stylus Snowboard 2022

Sizes available (cm)138 | 142 | 147 | 152
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
Core

FSC Certified Super Fly 800G Core

Dualzone EGD

FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The Burton Stylus is a super light board with a super light feel that makes learning effortless. The tapered shape and stability makes turning extremely easy and the twin flex lets you ride in both directions easily. And the wide nose and narrower tail will help you float in powder.

Powderheadz Rating

3.5/5

Salomon Lotus Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)135 | 138 | 142 | 146 | 151
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendFlat Out Camber
CoreAspen Core – FSC Certified Aspen Wood with strips of birch
FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner

The Salomon Lotus is a fun board that has a soft and forgiving flex. The Flat Out Camber profile keeps the board steady and easy to turn. Salomon’s ‘Bite Free Edges’ also reduces your chances of catching an edge so you can learn with more confidence.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Best Beginner Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

And there you have it! Our current list for the Best Beginner Snowboards of the 2021-2022 Season. There are literally hundreds of snowboards out there and finding the right one can be a challenge, so hopefully you agree with out choices. Do you think a certain snowboard deserves a spot on our Top Rated Beginner Snowboard list? Let us know? Email us at info (at) powderheadz.com and we will do our best to give it a thorough testing! Need more tips?  Look below for a thorough guide on how to determine which beginner snowboard is right for you. 

As always, happy riding!

Best Snowboards for Beginners | Powderheadz.com

How-To: Buy the Best Beginner Snowboards

Buying a snowboard can be a daunting task. There are so many snowboards built for different styles of terrain that you may not know where to start. Do you plan on staying on groomers? Hike through the back country? Coast on some powder? Or uncork some tricks at the park? Answering these questions will help guide you towards the right direction.

Before you consider purchasing a snowboard (it can be a pricey investment), take time to familiarize yourself with what type of snowboards are out there.

Snowboard Types: 

All-mountain – Not too cold, and not too hot. All-mountain boards are a combination of Freeride and Freestyle snowboards built for those who want to do a little bit of everything. These are often the most versatile boards that have a medium flex and can come either directional or twin-tipped. The length of the board is often adjusted based on what style the rider is tends to lean towards, freeride or freestyle.

Freeride – Freeriding is for those who wish to explore what the mountain has to offer, whether that’s on the groomers or in-between the trees. Most often though, Freeriders stick to the back country, side country, or oft-piste”. Freeride boards are usually directional in both shape and flex. They have a stiff, over-sized nose compared to a shorter, stiffer tail that helps you initiate turns better and float on powder.

Freestyle – Freestyle snowboarding is reserved for the terrain parks. If you’re into tricks and big air, grab one of these boards. Freestyle boards are short, light, flexible, and are twin-tipped shaped so you can go back and forth between regular and switch.  Many beginner snowboarders should look into Freestyle boards because their short length and soft flex respond to the rider quicker.

Powder – These boards are for advanced riders who love to stick to the backcountry or between the trees to find that perfect run of fresh snow. The boards will be stiffer, longer, and have a specific cambers to keep the board floating on top. Make sure you know what you’re doing if you decide to go in this direction.

Snowboard Shape:

Directional – Directional boards have a longer nose and shorter tail. Sometimes they have a twin flex but most often they will have a soft nose and stiff tail. These boards are made for all-mountain and are designed to float a bit through powder.

Directional Twin – A mix between directional and twin shaped boards (who would have thought).  These boards have a true twin shape but have a directional flex and are made for freeride. They have a softer nose and a stiffer tail and your stance is usually further back than a true twin.

True Twin – Twin boards are symmetrical in shape and in flex and have a centered stance. These boards are best for beginners and freestyle riders. You’ll be able to ride switch like you can ride regular.

Tapered – Tapered boards are directional boards where the nose is also wider than the tail. These are designed for powder riding and are fairly stiff, so you can fly down the mountain as fast as you want. However, do not ride switch on these guys, you’re going to have a bad time.

Snowboard Shape:

Directional – Directional boards have a longer nose and shorter tail. Sometimes they have a twin flex but most often they will have a soft nose and stiff tail. These boards are made for all-mountain and are designed to float a bit through powder.

Directional Twin – A mix between directional and twin shaped boards (who would have thought).  These boards have a true twin shape but have a directional flex and are made for freeride. They have a softer nose and a stiffer tail and your stance is usually further back than a true twin.

True Twin – Twin boards are symmetrical in shape and in flex and have a centered stance. These boards are best for beginners and freestyle riders. You’ll be able to ride switch like you can ride regular.

Tapered – Tapered boards are directional boards where the nose is also wider than the tail. These are designed for powder riding and are fairly stiff, so you can fly down the mountain as fast as you want. However, do not ride switch on these guys, you’re going to have a bad time.

Snowboard Camber | Rocker:

Camber profiles

Camber – These boards are responsive and give a stable ride with some pop.  Great for groomed runs and speed-demons.

Rocker – Rocker boards work great in powder as well as riding rails in the park. They’re usually softer than camber boards and are best for newbies.

Flat – These boards are responsive and turn on a dime while still being able to float.

Mixed – Hybrid boards with any combination of camber, flat, or rocker. These boards usually try to merge the benefits of either camber or rocker so you get a little bit of both.

Length:

The old saying goes, “The length of the board should be somewhere between your chin and your nose.” However, this old-school approach doesn’t account for the most important thing: the rider’s weight. Many brands will have different weight ranges for their lengths and different styles of boards. It’s best to find a good middle point for the weight vs. length, but always err on the side of a shorter board. The best advice? Read the sticker on the board before you purchase it.

Width:

You want your feet to overhang the edge by a little over half an inch.  More than that and you’ll drag your feet when you turn, which will slow you down considerably. Less than that you’ll have less control on your edges.  Also, wide boards float better in powder and are more stable while narrow boards are easier to turn.  Usually, if you’re feet are US Size 11 or more, go for the Wider boards.

 

Best Beginner Snowboards| Powderheadz.com

This is our current list of Best Beginner Snowboards for the 2021-2022 Season.  However, there are tons more of Beginner Snowboards out there and we will be updating this list often with the most current information. Think we missed a Beginner Snowboard and that there’s one that deserves a spot on the Best Beginner Snowboard List? Let us know!  E-mail us at info (at) powderheadz.com.

As always, happy riding!

Best Snowboards for Beginners | Powderheadz.com