Starting out snowboarding is challenging enough without having to deal with boots that are not appropriate. Here, I’ll go through what makes a good boot for beginners and my top pick of snowboard boots for men and women who are just starting out!
How I chose these boots.
I’m not a beginner so I haven’t personally ridden many of these boots! However, I have taught countless first-time snowboarders and this normally involved taking a look at their boots and making sure they are wearing appropriate boots and have them set up right.
I often take beginners I’m teaching back to the store to swap out boots or sometimes to give advice in buying a pair.
This is what I look for in a beginner boot:
A beginner snowboard boot will never be packed with features, but there are certain things in a boot that I think are non-negotiable!
Soft flex – When you are starting out snowboarding you need a boot that is easy to bend. Before you build up the skills and confidence to ride fast, you need a boot that you can transfer your movement into the board.
Heat moldable liners – All these boots come with a liner that can either be heated up to take the form of your foot. Or that will mold to your foot after a few hours of wearing them.
Secure foothold – this is the most important part of your snowboard boot’s job; to hold your foot securely so that all your movements are translated directly into your snowboard.
There are many ways this can be achieved, but things to look out for are Boa lacing system, dual-zone lacing, J-bars in the liner, and eyelet locks on traditional lacing boots.
All the boots on the list feature at least one of these.
Best Men’s Beginner Snowboard Boots 2024
Pros
Cons
The Burton Moto is a soft, beginner snowboarder boot that comes in three different lacing varaitions; traditional lacing, Speed Zone lacing and a single Boa dial lacing.
I’ve chosen the Speed Zone as my favorite because you have separate laces for the upper and lower parts of the boot. This is the same system that Burton uses across their range, right up to my favorite boot, the Ions. The Speed Zone Lacing system allows you to easily adjust the upper and lower part of the boot so you can get a good heel hold at the bottom and leave it a little looser at the top. All without having to take your gloves off.
They also come with heat-moldable liners giving you a snug, comfy fit.
This boot made it onto my Best Snowboard Boots 2024 list
Pros
Cons
The Vans Aura OG is a well-rounded boot suitable for beginners. With its dual-zone lacing system, riders can customize the fit to their liking. The boot offers a balanced flex, making it easy for new riders to adapt and learn.
The heat-moldable liners ensure a snug fit, enhancing comfort during long rides. This boot is a top pick for many beginners and freestyle rider alike.
Pros
Cons
This is the only boot on the list with traditional lacing. Whilst it is not the most convenient way to tighten your boots, with this system, you can lock off the laces at the ankle so you can get different amounts of tension in the upper and lower parts of the boot.
These boots also come with a simple bit, effective way of preventing heel lift between the inner and the outer boot. The inner has an area of Velcro around the heel that stick to the outer and hold the two parts of the boot together.
These boots are super soft. So a good choice for freestyle riders, but if you are a bigger guy, maybe you should go for a boot with a little more support.
Pros
Cons
The Salomon Faction Boa is a super well-made boot with everything a beginner snowboarder needs.
The Boa is spring-loaded, so it automatically takes in the slack to save you time winding up the dial.
It has a dual-density heat moldable liner with built-in J-bars to keep your foot in position and eliminate heel lift.
Pros
Cons
What makes the Ride Rook unique is the In2grated liner, where the outer boot and liner are combined into one. This creates a very streamlined boot and eliminates the risk of the inner boot lifting up inside the outer.
The only disadvantage with this integrated liner is that you can’t remove it to dry out the boots, so it’s not good for spring riding or for sweaty feet!
The Rook has a Boa closing system for efficient, reliable tensioning. Guaranteed to keep your boots nice and tight all day long.
Pros
Cons
The DC Phase is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance. This is the only boot on the list with traditional lacing. Whilst it is not the most convenient way to tighten your boots, with this system, you can lock off the laces at the ankle so you can get different amounts of tension in the upper and lower parts of the boot.
While it offers good value for money, it might lack some of the advanced features found in pricier models. It’s a solid choice for those starting out, but might not be the warmest option for extremely cold conditions.
Best Women’s Beginner Snowboard Boots 2024
Also available in a Boa version
Pros
Cons
The Burton Mint Boa for women is a favorite among many, especially beginners. Its Seed Zone lacing system ensures a snug fit and allows for quick adjustments on the slopes.
Designed with comfort in mind, it’s lightweight and offers a soft flex, making it easy for new riders.
Pros
Cons
The Nidecker Sierra for women combines a classic design with the latest snowboarding features. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of the mountain.
The Boa lacing system provides a secure fit. The flex is soft yes progressive so it pushed pack at you a little harder the more you flex into the boot . While it offers reliable performance, it’s slightly heavier than some other models, which might be a concern for some riders.
Pros
Cons
The thirtytwo Shifty Boa for women stands out with its user-friendly Boa lacing system, perfect for those who want to quickly get in and out of their boots. The heat moldable liners promise a snug and comfortable fit. While it’s great for beginners, some might find they need a short break-in period to achieve the perfect fit. It’s a solid choice for most conditions, but might not be the warmest option for extremely cold days.
