What to know: After testing 38 pairs of snowboard boots, our crew’s favorite all-mountain options are the Nitro Team Double BOA (men’s) and the ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA (women’s). If you’re looking for a comfortable, more affordable pick, it’s hard to beat the Nidecker Altai, which is available in men’s and women’s sizes. Heading into the backcountry?
Check out the versatile ThirtyTwo Focus BOA x Sweetin or the skintrack-slaying K2 Waive. Testing snowboards is one of our favorite things in the world. Quite frankly, it’s hard to find a pair of snowboard boots that fit your anatomy and riding style (not to mention budget), and breaking in a new pair can be daunting even for seasoned snowboarders.
Luckily for you, our crew of diehard testers risked blisters and toe bang while putting 38 pairs to the test in the Rockies, Wasatch, and Sierra over the past couple seasons to bring you the best snowboard boots available today. Below, you’ll find our top picks for boarders on a budget, tried-and-true favorites for all-mountain riding, as well as powerful freeride boots and our go-to option for splitboarding. Pros and Cons + Versatile for true all-mountain use + Comfy out of the box + Solid heel hold – Hard-chargers may crave a stiffer freeride boot – Fit can be snug Nitro’s best-selling Team is an all-mountain menace that’s dependable from park to peak.
This double BOA version pairs new H5 BOA coilers with Nitro’s fast-and-easy inner lace system, which kept our ankles locked in place for responsive turns and smooth transitions. The main draw of the comfy-out-of-the-box Team is its versatility. A Tahoe tester who loves throwing down in spring parks as much as he does exploring Palisades hike-to terrain found the mid-stiff Nitro supplied the sweet spot of support and shock absorption.
There’s enough lateral give for jib laps and tweaked airs, and the molded backstay provides stability on steeper descents. Meanwhile, the EVA foam liner, EVA midsole, and an airbag pocket in the heel make for velvety-smooth landings. Plus, the Vibram outsole was at home scrambling in the alpine.
These Nitro boots are best for intermediates and up, but heavier, hard-chargers may gravitate toward a stiffer boot in serious freeride terrain. Fit was on the snug side, so it’s smart to size up a half size. It also comes in a wide version.
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