For riding enthusiasts out there, selecting the right snowboard boots is one of the most important decisions you can make. Boots come in all shapes and sizes, from performance models to beginner fits. All-mountain snowboard boots are the most approachable category, built to support you on most slopes. Take a look at our favourite options below.
- Types of All-Mountain Snowboard Riders
- Top 6 All-Mountain Snowboard Boots
- Key Features to Look for in All-Mountain Snowboard Boots
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Types of All-Mountain Snowboard Riders
With the dizzying amount of terrain out there, it’s easier to divide all-mountain snowboarders into groups based on what they like to ride. Which one (or ones) speaks to you?
Carving Enthusiasts
Carving enthusiasts are riders who love to carve up the slopes and generally prefer groomed runs. Here, they can seamlessly transition from one edge to the other for speed preservation and flawless turning. While possible in low end powder, carving becomes a lot harder with a lot of fresh snow, off-piste or in the trees. Carvers love comfort and responsiveness in their boots.
Powder Enthusiasts
Powder enthusiasts love it when the snow falls. These riders love a playful, sporty board (and boots) that allows them to maintain maneuverability and comfort while floating smoothly above the surface of fresh snow. They also love bopping off jumps, kickers and pillows, so cushioning is important. Like most types of riding, it takes a while to learn how to ride powder effectively if you’re just starting out.
Casual & Recreational Riders
Casual and recreational riders go a handful of times a year with friends or family. They aren’t looking to push the boundaries, both in terms of quantity of runs or difficulty. If you’re in this category, you can hit the groomers and a bit off-piste for fun, but you’re not looking to compete with anyone. Riders in this category prefer comfort, flexibility, and cushioning in their boots.
Beginner to Intermediate Riders
The path from beginner to intermediate involves an evolving set of needs. In the beginning, riders prefer comfort over most other concerns. As you advance, comfort needs to meet stability and support or riding more aggressively becomes harder. Riders in this category are also starting to play around with terrain variability, including light glades, groomers, ungroomed slopes, and powder exploration.
Advanced Riders Seeking Versatility
Advanced riders seeking versatility are going to be the most demanding on their gear. If you’re an advanced rider, you expect to be able to ride most of the terrain at any given resort. You also may dabble in backcountry splitboarding. Snowboard boots and bindings need to be supportive in variable terrain and lightweight while still providing enough comfort to handle a long tour.
Top 6 All-Mountain Snowboard Boots
Best for Beginners
Burton’s Moto BOA snowboards are comfortable right out of the package, making it easy to transition from purchase to riding. The fit also contours to your feet and lower leg to help you find the most comfortable position quickly. For beginners, the extra cushioning, warmth, and comfort are critical as you tackle the first crucial lessons of your snowboarding career.
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Burton’s Moto BOA snowboards are comfortable right out of the package, making it easy to transition from purchase to riding. The fit also contours to your feet and lower leg to help you find the most comfortable position quickly. For beginners, the extra cushioning, warmth, and comfort are critical as you tackle the first crucial lessons of your snowboarding career.
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Best with BOA Laces
Many snowboard boots use BOA lacing systems, which makes for super easy tightening and loosening. Newer models like Ruler snowboard boots take this farther by utilizing a dual BOA system. You can independently adjust both the top and lower half of the boots for a superior fit. The boots also emphasize snug heel hold for aggressive riding on variable terrain.
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Many snowboard boots use BOA lacing systems, which makes for super easy tightening and loosening. Newer models like Ruler snowboard boots take this farther by utilizing a dual BOA system. You can independently adjust both the top and lower half of the boots for a superior fit. The boots also emphasize snug heel hold for aggressive riding on variable terrain.
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Best Step-On Boots
Made to fit seamlessly with the Burton Step Bindings, the Photon Step On Snowboard Boots are a breeze to get into and out of. Like many excellent Burton boots, these models emphasize a tight heel hold and a high degree of adjustability. With the ease of use, you can take better control of your snowboarding experience.
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Made to fit seamlessly with the Burton Step Bindings, the Photon Step On Snowboard Boots are a breeze to get into and out of. Like many excellent Burton boots, these models emphasize a tight heel hold and a high degree of adjustability. With the ease of use, you can take better control of your snowboarding experience.
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Best For Wide Feet
Not all feet are the same, and for those with wider feet, K2 stepped up by delivering the Maysis Wide Snowboard Boots. Featuring a 7-mm wider last and shell than comparative models, the boots are ready to accommodate a wider variety of foot shapes. Similar to other boots, the BOA lacing system and high comfort help you find the perfect fit and support.
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Not all feet are the same, and for those with wider feet, K2 stepped up by delivering the Maysis Wide Snowboard Boots. Featuring a 7-mm wider last and shell than comparative models, the boots are ready to accommodate a wider variety of foot shapes. Similar to other boots, the BOA lacing system and high comfort help you find the perfect fit and support.
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Best for Splitboarding
Built for both resorts and the backcountry, the Burton Tourist snowboard boots are excellent options for splitboarding. Featuring the Speed Zone lacing system, getting in and out is lightning fast. The boots are comfortable for uphill ascents and supportive for confident downhill riding. The advanced cushioning also helps keep your feet happy no matter how long the tour is.
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Built for both resorts and the backcountry, the Burton Tourist snowboard boots are excellent options for splitboarding. Featuring the Speed Zone lacing system, getting in and out is lightning fast. The boots are comfortable for uphill ascents and supportive for confident downhill riding. The advanced cushioning also helps keep your feet happy no matter how long the tour is.
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Best for Glades
The Malamute Dual Boa freeride boots are ready for the trees. They offer dependable support, comfort, and high durability for those tight glades where maneuverability is a must. With the BOA lacing system and a snug hold, the boots are super responsive and will help you navigate tight corridors. The boots are also quick to dry, which helps on those slushy spring days.
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The Malamute Dual Boa freeride boots are ready for the trees. They offer dependable support, comfort, and high durability for those tight glades where maneuverability is a must. With the BOA lacing system and a snug hold, the boots are super responsive and will help you navigate tight corridors. The boots are also quick to dry, which helps on those slushy spring days.
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Key Features to Look for in All-Mountain Snowboard Boots
The all-mountain category of snowboard gear is great. Within it, you have a ton of snowboard boots for all terrain types. There are specialized boots that handle specific types of terrain best, but for a jack of all trades package, all-mountains are the way to go. Before settling on a boot, take a look at the important factors below.
Flex Ratings
Flex ratings for snowboard boots fall on a scale from 1 to 10. 1 is the most flexible, and 10 is very stiff. For all-mountain boots, you generally have a mid-flex range from about 4 to 7. Absent the numbers, look for keywords like soft flex, medium flex, and stiff flex. The softer the flex, the more playful the ride. A stiff flex gives you a responsive ride, which is critical in demanding terrain.
Lacing Systems
There are many lacing systems out there, but snowboard boots with BOA systems are quickly becoming standard. BOA uses a tightly woven steel yarn and a turn dial to lock your foot into the best position. Some boots have a dual system which tightens both the top and lower parts of the boots. If not BOA, look for lacing systems that emphasize ease of use and durability.
Boot Fit
All-mountain snowboard boots should be snug but not so tight they hurt. You should have a bit of space between the edge of your toes and the front of the boot. A tight heel hold is critical to help prevent blisters. If your heel is sliding around as you walk, the boots are too loose. Boot fit is important, so make sure you know your foot size and how it’s measured.
Support & Stability
If you pronate or have flat feet, there are better boots that will support your unique feet. Look for extra cushioning in the heel and under the ball of your foot and increased ankle support or inserts that will keep your feet aligned while riding. Boots on the softer flex side will struggle a little more to keep your feet stable than stiffer flex boots.
Traction & Grip
A lot of the best all-mountain snowboard boots have a better grip for walking around the resort between runs. Look for outsole designs that emphasize traction and walkability so you don’t slip on icy walkways. Vibram, This Grips!, MTN Goat and other comparable rubber outsoles provide excellent traction.
FAQ
Q: How do I break in snowboard boots faster?
A: You can break in snowboard boots the way you break in hikers: by wearing them around your house and flexing forward and backward to loosen the stiff manufactured feel. However, as evidenced by our boot picks above, there are several high-quality varieties that are comfortable right out of the box. If you plucked one of these, you may not even need a break-in period.
Q: Can all-mountain boots be used for park or powder riding?
A: Yes, since all-mountain boots tread the middle ground, they can be used for a wide variety of riding activities. There are more tailored boots for specific situations, but finding an all-mountain boot with enough flex to provide support in the terrain park is relatively straightforward. The same goes for powder riding.
Q: What is the difference between all-mountain and freestyle snowboard boots?
A: The main difference between all-mountain and freestyle snowboard boots is the flex. With freestyle, comfort, and flexibility are key because you’ll be landing off of various terrain park features and need to absorb the shock of the landing. A stiff boot won’t do this effectively. Mid-flex all-mountain boots can handle some park features, but a freestyle boot is better.
Conclusion
Getting the best all-mountain snowboard boots will set you up for long-term success on the slopes. For beginners trying to advance their skills, it’s hard to beat the Burton Moto BOA boots. If you want the easiest transitions, the Burton Photon Step On Boots are amazing.
Don’t settle for boots that don’t fit right. If you have wider feet, check out the K2 Maysis Boots, and if you’re looking to get into the backcountry, you can’t go wrong with the Burton Tourist Boots. Advanced riders looking for challenges in the trees will appreciate the responsiveness of the Salomon Malamute Dual BOA boots. Whatever your preference, Altitude has you covered.
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