If you are serious about splitboarding and getting deep into the backcountry, it's worth getting a pair of splitboard-specific boots. Splitboard boots will make your ascending more efficient, leaving you with more energy for the way back down.
Splitboard boots vs normal snowboard boots
Splitboard boots are designed with additional features to help you access the backcountry. Splitboard boots offer more support, better traction on the sole of the boot, and better waterproofing for spending the whole day in deep snow.
Depending on how serious you want to get in the backcountry, you may not need all these features, and a good quality freeride boot will do. But these are some of the things you can expect to find on splitboard boots that you won't always find on a regular snowboard boot.
- Thermo Moldable Liners: Splitboard boots commonly come with thermo moldable liners. These liners can be heat-molded to conform to the shape of the foot, reducing the breaking-in period and increasing comfort.
- Gaitors: These wrap around the tongue part of the boot to keep snow building up and getting your feet wet. If you are planning on a long trip this feature is indispensable!
- Vibram Sole: Almost all splitboard boots these days feature a Vibram sole, similar to mountaineering boots, providing superior traction on slippery surfaces, such as rocks and ice. They often also incorporate a shank that runs along the boot's sole for added stiffness, reducing calf fatigue during climbs and providing stability.
- Advanced Lacing System: Splitboard boots often have advanced lacing systems that can be customized for accending and decending. These systems allow tightening of specific areas, such as the midfoot, while leaving other areas looser for increased comfort during touring. When in riding mode, the lacing system can be tightened for a stiff and responsive setup.
- Heel and/or Toe Bales: Splitboard boots may have a heel and/or toe bale for attaching fast-fit crampons. Not needed by everyone, but for serious assents crampons can be indispensable.
- Reinforced Areas: Splitboard-specific boots have rubber or leather reinforcement in specific areas prone to wear from splitboard bindings, such as the sole, midsole, and lower part of the boot. This reinforcement increases durability and longevity.
Best Splitboard Boots for Men 2024
- The boots are designed for backcountry skiing or hiking and are suitable for advanced level riders.
- Neoprene panels add negative flex, allowing easier and more mobile movement while skinning up.
- Rubberized toe box for added protection whilst boot-packing.
- Speed zone lacing system with two different pull handles for tightening the lower and upper sections independently.
- Sleeping Bag Reflective Foil insulated your foot from the snow.
- Vibram outsole gives better traction when hiking and adds dapening to soften impacts when riding.
- The inside features a dry ride heat cycle, where warmer sections provide warmth to cooler sections. The material has an antimicrobial coating and moisture reduction technology.
What I like about these boots: These boots are based around the hugely popular Burton Ions, which are some of the best high-performance boots on the market. Burton have added the negative flex feature for more efficient skinning.
What I don't like: Lacking some splitboard-specific features, such as crampon compatibility, gaitor and walk mode.
DEELUXE, in collaboration with Xavier de Le Rue, have been producing and refining their splitboard boots for 10 years. The 2024 Deeluxe XV is packed with features for serious expeditions into the backcountry.
- The boot features a smaller footprint and lighter design.
- It has a neutral profile optimized for hiking, skinning, and riding.
- The boot includes the dual zone Boa Fit System for a customized fit.
- It has a Vibram EastRidge sole for traction.
- The boot comes with a Backcountry liner for comfort and breathability.
- Stay on track system adds reinforcements to the sides of the boot and allows for better edge hold when traversing.
- Deep-days membrane acts like a gaitor by wrapping around the whole inner to keep your feet dry when the snow gets up under your pants.
- A velcro strap at the back of the boot can be opened up to allow for better glide when skinning.
What I like about these boots: I found the Stay on Track system really useful. Because I am based in Europe, where the snow is often not as deep and fluffy as it is in North America, I often end up skinning on hard snow, which can be difficult to hold an edge on when traversing or side-hilling. This extra lateral support in these boots can really be a help and make it less tiring on your feet and lower leg.
What I don't like: I found the Deep-days membrane a little bulky under under my pant leg.
This boot is perhaps the boot most suited to serious expedition splitboarding. In collaboration with Jeremy Jones ThirtyTwo have designed a boot with an emphasis on getting you safely and efficiently to the top of any mountain peak. The boot is super stiff and supportive and can be reinforced with inserts that slide in the sides of the boot for extra rigidity for traversing on the way up.
- Walking Feature: This feature allows you to take larger steps while walking. This is enabled by a boa system that can be opened up before starting to walk, unblocking the calf and providing more flexibility.
- Elite Liner: The boot features a top-of-the-line, heat-moldable liner that can be perfectly fitted to your foot. It includes heel hold with small donuts that can be added to lock the heel in the boot on both sides.
- Adjustable Insole: The liner comes with an adjustable insole that allows you to adapt it to your foot's arch. This feature ensures comfort and reduces fatigue, especially when walking long distances.
- Stiffness and Recoilers: The boot is quite stiff, rated at about an eight. But if you need even more stiffness, the boot comes with recoilers on the side that can be added or removed.
- Vibram Outsole: This outsole is known for its excellent quality, which is particularly beneficial for hiking. It also allows for the easy addition of crampons when needed.
- Snow Shields: To prevent snow from getting inside, the boot is equipped with shields at the front and back. There's also a snow shield to prevent snow from entering through the lacing.
- Boa System: To switch from walking to riding, the wearer just needs to close the boa system and tighten it.
This is maybe the most technical boot on the list here, with loads of features that maybe are not needed for those of you only making the occasional, mellow trip into the backcountry. But if you are looking to do some serious ascents and need a boot that will give you plenty of support and keep your feet warm and dry all day, then these are as good as it gets.
The TM Jones 2 is a slightly cheaper splitboard boot from ThirtyTwo. This boot is better suited to your average splitboarder than the more technical and expensive Jones MTB. This boot is based around ThirtyTwo's hugely popular TM Two boot but is packed with loads of extra features for splitboarding.
- Walking Modes: This boot's main feature is its unique walking mode, facilitated by a Velcro strip at the back. When opened, it allows the calf area to flex more freely during walking or taking long strides, enhancing mobility and allowing you to cover longer distances with each step.
- Vibram Outsole: The boot features a Vibram outsole renowned for durability and exceptional performance in snowy conditions. This outsole also supports the use of crampons for climbing hills or mountains.
- Complete Force Shield: This full-wrap gaiter prevents snow from entering the boot through the laces and lower part of the boot.
- Performance Liner: The boot incorporates the second-best liner from ThirtyTwo, the Performance Liner, which provides considerable heat but not as much as the Elite Liner. It also features a heel hold system with small inserts (“donuts”) that ensure a secure, locked-in heel fit during riding.
- Internal Harness: This feature helps in securing the boot tightly around your foot, enhancing stability and control.
- Flexible Closure: When you're ready to ride down the mountain, you can easily secure the boot with a flexible closure system. This gives you the control you need while also providing a nice flex, rated between five to seven, depending on how tightly you close it.
What I like about these boots: Feel and rides just like the TM Two but with all the feature needed for serious splitboarding.
What I don't like: Traditional lacing makes my hands cold! Some may want a boot thats a little stiffer for a freeride boot.
This boot made it onto my Best Snowboard Boots 2024 list
This boot from Nicker has loads of additional splitboard features at a great price. There are more hardcore touring boots on this list, but the Index is a great all-rounder.
- The boot features a waterproof membrane called the Storm Cover, which keeps your feet dry and prevents laces from icing up without adding bulk.
- The boot has Vibram's Ice Trek rubber traction compound for grip in chilly temperatures.
- It has a midsole with two EVA components for damping out vibrations and reducing impacts.
- The outsole blends into the EXO spine with a Transition Zone shape for great response on heel turns.
- The boot is designed to be durable and robust, with a seamless design to prevent ware from the bindings when in touring mode.
- It features a tough TPU shield called ArmorTech to protect the toes while hiking and boot packing.
- The top-of-the-line wrap liner guarantees comfort and support and can be customized to fit any foot shape.
What I like about these boots: I like the simple, clean design of these boots, with a full gaiter that will keep your feet dry all day. They have excellent heel-hold for those of you that struggle with that.
What I don't like: One negative for me is the lack of an upper and lower zone lacing on the boot. I like to keep the bottom part of my boot sight and loosen of the top part. They still remain a great boot at a great price.
The Deeluxe Explorer is the best value boot on the list. It doesn't have some of the features that the more expensive boots do and is more of an all-around backcountry snowboard boot that is sturdy enough for the occasional splitboard trip.
- Combines traditional lacing with Boa fit system for fast and precise fit at the heel and ankle area.
- The boot includes an additional power strap for extra shin support to enhance response.
- It has a Vibram Eastridge sole for excellent traction and durability during hiking, skinning, or riding.
- The boot comes with a Stage 4 liner that has a precisely tailored anatomical design and a refined heel pocket for maximum performance.
- The boot features a Double Back, reinforced rubber high back at the heel zone, for enhanced durability and better response from the high back of the binding.
- It includes a Rock Guard, a layer of rubber wrapped around the boot, for protection from rocks and ice.
What I like about this boot: Its a great option for someone lokking for an all-round freeride boot and occasional splitboarder. At this price it makes it affordable to have a specific boot for freeriding and another for resort riding.
What I don't like: Maybe its too close to being a normal snowboard boot? And worth spending the extra to get more splitboard features?
The K2 waive's tick all the boxes for featues that you'd want in a splitboard boot:
- Boot gaiter that protects the laces and ensures that snow doesn't pile up on your boots when you're on the track.
- Walk mode that is opened and closed by the H4 coiler boa system, which allows for negative forward lean in the backstay.
- High-end Intuition Pro Foam 3D liners with Space Heater technology. Keeps your feet warm while also regulating temperature so that your feet stay cool and don't end up sweating and then getting colder.
- Vibram V5 outsole that's super grippy for hiking.
- A pronounced heel welt for a semi-automatic crampon.
- Not overly stiff or rigid, so it's not just limited to those who spend their days on the skin track.
What I like about these boots: I think they have one of the best walk modes that really opens up and gives you plenty of space to be able to glide forwards. Plus, because it tightens with the Boa, you will always be able to get it good and tight for the decent, even when the boots are getting a little worn.
What I don't like: With five different parts to close/tighten, they are a little complicated to get on and close up. The gaiter does not fully wrap around the foot, and I worry that snow might find its way in
Best Splitboard Boots for Women 2024
At the moment there is only one brand producing splitboard boots specifically designed for women: ThirtyTwo. I find this kind of weird considering there is so much choice in spliboard snowboards for women!
This is the women's version of the ThirtyTwo Jones MTB and has all the same features that make it the obvious choice for women looking to go on serious backcountry expeditions.
- Walking Feature: This feature allows you to take larger steps while walking. This is enabled by a boa system that can be opened up before starting to walk, unblocking the calf and providing more flexibility.
- Elite Liner: The boot features a top-of-the-line, heat-moldable liner that can be perfectly fitted to your foot. It includes heel hold with small donuts that can be added to lock the heel in the boot on both sides.
- Adjustable Insole: The liner comes with an adjustable insole that allows you to adapt it to your foot’s arch. This feature ensures comfort and reduces fatigue, especially when walking long distances.
- Stiffness and Recoilers: The boot is quite stiff, rated at about an eight. But if you need even more stiffness, the boot comes with recoilers on the side that can be added or removed.
- Vibram Outsole: This outsole is known for its excellent quality, which is particularly beneficial for hiking. It also allows for the easy addition of crampons when needed.
- Snow Shields: To prevent snow from getting inside, the boot is equipped with shields at the front and back. There’s also a snow shield to prevent snow from entering through the lacing.
- Boa System: To switch from walking to riding, the wearer just needs to close the boa system and tighten it.
The TM-Two X Hight is a slightly cheaper splitboard boot from ThirtyTwo. This boot is better suited to your average splitboarder than the more technical and expensive Hight MTB. This boot is based around ThirtyTwo’s hugely popular TM Two boot but is packed with loads of extra features for splitboarding.
- Walking Modes: This boot’s main feature is its unique walking mode, facilitated by a Velcro strip at the back. When opened, it allows the calf area to flex more freely during walking or taking long strides, enhancing mobility and allowing you to cover longer distances with each step.
- Vibram Outsole: The boot features a Vibram outsole renowned for durability and exceptional performance in snowy conditions. This outsole also supports the use of crampons for climbing hills or mountains.
- Complete Force Shield: This full-wrap gaiter prevents snow from entering the boot through the laces and lower part of the boot.
- Performance Liner: The boot incorporates the second-best liner from ThirtyTwo, the Performance Liner, which provides considerable heat but not as much as the Elite Liner. It also features a heel hold system with small inserts (“donuts”) that ensure a secure, locked-in heel fit during riding.
- Internal Harness: This feature helps in securing the boot tightly around your foot, enhancing stability and control.
- Flexible Closure: When you’re ready to ride down the mountain, you can easily secure the boot with a flexible closure system. This gives you the control you need while also providing a nice flex, rated between five to seven, depending on how tightly you close it.
What I like about these boots: Feel and rides just like the TM Two but with all the feature needed for serious splitboarding.
What I don’t like: Traditional lacing makes my hands cold! Some may want a boot thats a little stiffer for a freeride boot.
Wrapping up
As you can see that is quite a range of splitboard snowboard boots available; from a simple beefed-up freeride boot to boots that have all the features of a full-on mountaineering boot.
Before you buy, you should think aout what you will be using them for and how often. Also if these are going to be your only pair of boots that you will also be cruising the resort with, or if you can use them just for splitboarding and exploreing the mountains.
