Snowshoes allow you to walk across snow covered grounding without sinking and let you experience the beauty of a hike in the snow and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery. Snowshoeing is also great exercise and not difficult to learn, so just about anyone can pick it up!

There are a few different types of snowshoes to choose from and they are used for different purposes. The three main types are rolling terrain shoes, mountain terrain shoes, and flat terrain shoes.

Rolling terrain shoes are best for hikers who have a bit of experience and will be hiking or backpacking on more difficult terrain, such as rolling or steep land. They have larger and thicker bindings and crampons, which are spiked metal plates on the bottom of the shoes. However, rolling terrain shoes are not meant for particularly steep or icy conditions that advanced backpackers would be hiking on. Expert hikers who regularly walk in icy or steep conditions should definitely choose mountain terrain shoes over rolling terrain shoes. If you will be hiking in areas without a set trail, you should also choose mountain terrain shoes. These shoes have more sustainable bindings and crampons that can endure even the worst conditions.

If you are just a beginner and do not think you will be blazing any trails just yet, you should look into flat terrain snowshoes. These snow shoes work best on flat ground, but not on steep or icy terrain. The bindings on these type of shoes are easily adjustable and the crampons are less intense or nonexistent. Additionally, there are some snow shoes that are designed specifically for certain activities, such as fitness or climbing.

Now lets look at what all you should consider when buying a new pair of snow shoes.

Bindings

The bindings ensure that the snow shoes attach directly to your regular shoes or boots with a series of straps. The two most common types of bindings are rotating or fixed bindings. Rotating bindings attach under the balls of your feet and pivot when you’re walking so as to move naturally with your gait. The amount that the bindings will move can depend on the shoe. If the bindings are attached with metal rods and have significant movement, it can help to reduce the weight and pressure on your legs by shedding the snow as you walk. One of the more negative aspects of rotating snowshoes is that it makes it extremely difficult to climb when an obstacle, such as a log or branch, appears in your way on your hike. These bindings can also make it more difficult to back up than others.

Fixed bindings do not rotate and are usually attached to the shoe with hefty rubber materials. Although fixed bindings do make it much easier to step over things and back up, the build up of the snow on your shoe, and kick it up on to the back of your legs, which can add extra weight and lead to your feet feeling tired.

Snowshoe Traction

Snow shoes offer multiple traction devices to help you climb in difficult and snowy terrains. Flat terrain shoes made for beginners offer significantly less traction than those meant for more advanced hikers. Crampons are the most common traction device, but some shoes may also have bars or lifts to assist in this matter. Instep crampons are usually the most helpful in creating traction, as they are placed right under the bindings and help you pivot and find firm placement as you climb. Some shoes might also have heel crampons which are usually placed in a V formation and slow you down as you walk. Another device that may be placed near the heels are heel bars which flip down and give the feeling of walking up stairs which can provide some relief on the calf and prevent injury and fatigue. Side rails are another traction device that is meant to prevent sliding when you cross over slopes, while braking bars are meant to prevent falling backwards.

Snowshoe Sizing

Snowshoe sizing can depend on a lot of factors including your age, gender, the conditions you will be walking in, and your weight. Snow shoes do not generally come in typical shoe sizes. Aluminum frame snow shoes usually only come in several sizes, while composite snowshoes really only offer one size, but you have the option of adding tails if you need more support. The more weight you will be carrying, including the amount of equipment, the larger your snow shoes will need to be to support you and offer the right amount of traction.

It is also important to keep in mind the conditions that you will be traveling in. Bigger shoes often work best in powdery snow, while smaller shoes are better for packed trails or icy terrain. It is generally recommended to get the smallest shoes you can that will still adequately and efficiently hold your weight.

Do I Need Special Shoes?

It is not necessary to purchase special shoes to attach to your snow shoes. Most snow shoes can bind to just about any type of boot. There are some snow shoes that are more specifically designed for mountain boots or sneakers, although most are not that specific. Wear comfortable boots that are warm and fit well.

Top Recommended Snow Shoes

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best snow shoes available. We’ve included several different brands of shoes and some are men’s and some are women’s, but they all come highly recommended.

Men’s Crescent Moon Gold Series 10 Snowshoes

This pair of snow shoes stands out from others because the shape is slightly rounder. This shape may be preferential as it is less bulky and makes it easier and more comfortable to walk in. The Crescent Moon Gold Series 10 have a single pull loop binding system, which has been noted for its comfort and support, as well as three different stainless steel crampons which can lead to excellent traction in harsh conditions. Additionally, they have a cam buckle over the foot and a heel strap that allows for easy removal. Another feature that sets these shoes apart from other pairs is the toe claw which allows the wearer to dig in to hills and mountains and assists with push off when moving at faster speeds. They are also aluminum frame shoes, so they offer two different sizes. However,they are designed specifically for men. If you are environmentally conscious, there is an added bonus that these shoes are 95% recyclable. They come in two different color options; red or green. Although these are the priciest shoes on our list, many customers have found the extra money was well worth it for the quality of the shoe.

MSR Women’s Revo Explore Snowshoe

Many of the snow shoes on our list are made by MSR, so you know it is a quality brand. One of the great things about their Revo Explore shoe in particular is that it comes equipped with the ability to add a removable five inch tail, so you have the option for a smaller shoe when you need it, but can quickly switch to a larger shoe when you are carrying more weight. However, the tail is not included, which can be a drawback for some. These shoes offer an easy entry cradle, a two strap ratchet system, and a heel strap. They also have an easy to pull down heel bar, also known as a televator, which you can pull down to try to relieve some of the pressure on the legs and improve the traction. They come in two colors, blue and white, as well as two sizes. Many customers have stated that the binding is excellent and they are easy to slip on and off. Although this pair is also more expensive than some of the others, the quality and comfort seem to be worth it.

Tubbs Snowshoes Women’s FLEX TREK Snowshoe

These Tubbs Women’s Snowshoes are made of high quality aluminum so they are extremely durable and are offered in two sizes, the 22 inch and the 24 inch. The crampon on this shoe has a jagged teeth design so it offers an increased grip and traction that allows users to walk on difficult terrains, such as ice and packed snow. This pair comes with a quick flex binding that is made specifically for women and a heel strap that centers the boot. These are lightweight shoes that are not meant to carry a lot of weight, as the maximum capacity for the 22 inch is 155 pounds. The 24 inch pair can hold a bit more weight at 190 pounds. They come in two different colors so you have the option to choose between the pearl and blue and the grey and yellow. If you are looking for a lightweight shoe and do not carry a lot of equipment with you, this may be the perfect option for the price. Many previous customers were happy with how well these shoes worked with just about any boot in multiple sizes and that they were durable and very well made.

MSR Revo Trail Snowshoe

The MSR Revo Trail Snowshoe is specifically designed for rolling train, so these shoes might be too advanced for you if you are just a beginner, but they might not be ideal for harsh, icy conditions either. They have a particularly aggressive outer perimeter of teeth which makes for excellent traction. The duo-fit bindings are made to stand up to even the coldest of weather and are easy to take on and off, even when wearing gloves, which can be a huge help. They are also easy to wear over many different types of boots and shoes. The MSR Trail Snowshoe also has the ability to add a five inch tail if you will be carrying a heavy load. However, if you will not be, try to stick with the smallest size possible for convenience and easy walking. The tails are sold separately. These snowshoes only come in one rave green color, although you can choose between the 22 inch and 25 inch size depending on your weight and the amount of equipment you plan to carry. The current price for this pair ranges from $128.99 to $179.95. Many customers loved the lightweight feel of these snow shoes and that the floatation worked really well even for heavier users without the tail.

MSR Evo 22 Shoe

These MSR Evo 22 snowshoes offer a unibody traction system that has both steel traction rails and brake bars on the snowshoe decks to ensure a grip that you can be comfortable with when climbing uphill. Like many of the other MSR options on our list, it offers Duo Fit bindings that are easy to take on and off, can withstand harsh temperatures, and fit over several different types of footwear. They are extremely lightweight at only 3 pounds and 9 ounces per shoe. There are three color options so you can choose from red, mineral, or a darker blue. They do only come in one size and they do not have a heel lift to assist with the strain on the calves.

These are great for those who are looking to save some money, as they are currently only listed at $104.00. However, they are still very high quality and work really well according to many customer reviews. Additionally, you have the option to save more money by purchasing the accessories you might need with these shoes in a bundle pack. You can buy the pair of MSR Evo shoes with the five inch tails for added floatation, as well as the bag to carry all of this in for only $75 more dollars. However, if you do not feel that you will use the bag, it is also possible to just buy the snowshoes and the tails together. The tails will still cost extra as they are not included in the price of any of the MSR snow shoes on our list.

Snowboard bindings are more integral to the snowboarder’s experience than people realize. The bindings are the direct connection between you and your board, making it crucial to pick the best brand for your riding style. It is also essential to pick a binding with the proper amount of binding flex according to the brand and style of your boot. It can be rather difficult to pick between the plethora of binding choices out there. So, here is our 2016 Buyer’s Guide to Snowboard Bindings.

Three Riding Styles:

The first and most important thing to figure out before you buy any binding is exactly what style of snowboarding that you will be doing. There are general styles of snowboarding: Freestyle, all-mountain, and freeride.

Freestyle:

Freestyle snowboarding essentially means trick or park riding. Essentially, if you spend your time doing cool tricks for your friends, this is your style and you’ll want a softer flex binding. A softer flex will provide you with greater room for error, the ability to do tweak grabs, and create a cushion for softer landings.

All-Mountain:

All-mountain snowing boarding including a little bit of everything including groomed runs, park, and deep powder runs. For this style, you’ll want a medium flex binding.

Freeriding:

Freeriding is all about downhill deep powder boarding, which usually includes high-velocity boarding. For this style, you’ll want a stiffer flex for better control.

Flex Rating for Snowboard Bindings:

Most manufacturers will advertise their bindings with a flex rating, which is usually a number between one and ten. A flex rating of one is generally the softest and ten the hardest. For Freestyle, you’ll want the softest flex possible—which usually means between a one and a two flex-rating. For Freestyle or park riding you’ll want the stiffest flex. So, nine to ten will be your best bet. For freeriding, stick to a flex rating of about three to eight.

Types Of Bindings:

Strap-in Bindings:

These are the most common type of bindings, and come in every flex rating and can suit any style of snowboard.

Speed Entry Bindings:

Also called Rear-Entry bindings, these bindings feature a hinged high back that will drop down allow you to step into them. These are a bit fancier than the strap-in models and are the easiest to get in and out of. They are generally considered more comfortable than the strap-in bindings. However, they tend to be less versatile than the regular bindings and also break down easier.

Binding Size:

Bindings come in fairly generic sizes including small, medium, and large. However, you will want to get as close as you can to the right size. Always check a manufacturer’s binding size chart before purchasing and (if you are not purchasing online) try them out with your boot.

Nothing is worse than getting to a hill and suddenly realizing that you can’t ride the hill because you got the wrong size binding. It’s a mistake all too often made, as most people don’t think about it after considering the right size of boot. So, as you test out your bindings make sure that your boot doesn’t hang off the bindings, or if the straps are too tight (or too slack). Of course, most straps can be adjusted but if you have an overly small or an overly large boot, it may not be able to be adjusted to your size. This is unlikely, but can still happen.

Otherwise, your boot should fit snuggly into the binding but allow for some flexibility.

Compatibility:

Bindings come in all shapes and sizes, as well as many variations on mounting capabilities. As you likely know, snowboards usually come with hole patterns that are meant to be attached to another hole pattern on your bindings. It is highly unlikely that you will come across a binding that will not be compatible with your board. But, it is still good to check.

Other Binding Features:

Highbacks:

The vertical plate from the heel to the lower calf is called a Highback. This feature controls the heel-side edge of your board. If you want better speed control, you’ll want a still and tall high back. If you want flexibility for tricks, then a soft and short highback should be your choice.

Also, if you’re a trickster, you might even consider bindings with no highback at all—this will allow your board to feel more like a skateboard and give you more maneuverability. Otherwise, highbacks usually have forward lean adjustments which allow you to easily adjust the position of the binding.

Baseplates:

Baseplates are made with many different features that affect the overall flux ratio and are the main connection between the binding and the snowboard. The more expensive bindings will usually feature a stronger baseplate. If you want power transmission, durability, and optimized board flex, you’ll want a more expensive binding. Baseplates usually come with cushion for maximized power transfer and comfort.

Baseplates usually create an angle between your foot and the board that will create tilt—which means you will be standing at a neutral position allowing for maximized speed while moving downhill. Baseplates tend to be one of the first items on a binding to wear out. So, it’d be a good idea not to skimp on quality when considering which binding to purchase.

Straps:

When considering purchasing a pair of bindings, there is a total of five strap set-ups to consider: one piece, ankle strap, hybrid toe strap, traditional toe strap, and toe cap strap.

One Piece:

This strap set-up will usually be seen on youth or rear entry binding. It is one large strap that covers the entire boot from your ankle to your toes. In general, if you are a more experienced rider, it is a good idea to avoid these strap set-ups, as they will limit your riding style versatility.

Ankle Strap:

The ankle strap is the largest strap and securely wraps around the ankle. This is likely the most important strap and needs to be checked regularly for safety, as the binding will fail if not working properly. Also, before you purchase any binding check to make sure that the ankle strap is functioning properly.

Hybrid Toe Strap:

Bindings with the strap will come in either in a traditional style—over the foot—or a tilted forward design. The Hybrid toe strap is generally more secure in the traditional form, but may restrict some movement—especially for freestyle borders.

Traditional Toe Strap:

This strap holds your foot in place.

Toe Cap Strap:

This strap wraps around the toe box of your boot, making it the most important strap for stability and comfort. This strap sits on the front of the boot and serves to align your boot for placement in the heel cup. For safety purposes, always check to see if this strap is functioning properly and is secured in the appropriate manner. Otherwise, this strap needs to be secured in a proper manner in order to provide better response and control for board steering.

Recommended Bindings:

Burton Genesis:

Burton has been making high-quality bindings for over thirty years, and their most recent products never fail to impress. The Burton Genesis bindings are designed to maximize flex and control. They accomplish this with their Zero-lean Kickback Hammock Highback—which, for the most part, operates as a double highback. This design acts like the suspension system of your car, creating maximum comfort for the rider.

Otherwise, the baseplate of this product (Flex FullBED Cushioning System and B3 Gel) is surprisingly lightweight for how sturdy it is. Also, Burton is renowned for their highly comfortable strap system, and this product lives up to the reputation. The innovative React Strap and Gettagrip Capstrap is one of the most versatile on the market. This product may be a bit more expensive than your average binding. But, it is definitely worth the few extra dollars for such a high-quality product.

GNU Outdoor Splitboard Bindings:

Also known as the Bent Metal X KaraKoram Split Tail Hunter Binding, this binding could, quite possibly, be the single most innovative binding recommended by this buying guide. If you are an experienced user, you are likely aware that one of the most frustrating things about the design of most bindings is that they usually place you too high off of your board. With the GNU Outdoor Splitboard Bindings, that is no longer the case. This GNU binding systems attaches your binding to your board at a total of five points, allowing it to sit closer to the board than nearly any other design. This design allows for extreme control and maneuverability.

Otherwise, the GNU Outdoor Splitboard bindings come with dual Height Risers, Tour Mode Axle System, a heel lever, air-flow highback, and a ride-stride forward lean system.

Salomon District Bindings:

These Salomon District bindings probably beat all other bindings in agility, flexibility, and overall strength. The baseplate of these bindings—the Shadow Fit—is, simply put, a workhorse. The flexible heel loop is extremely lightweight because it is made of ultra-light composite. For a mid-range flex rating of five, these bindings are surprisingly well constructed and are some of best bindings for tricks on closeout rails.

Otherwise, these bindings are made from industrial grade materials, making them some of the most durable bindings around. They also feature Kevlar Quickwire materials, ADJ Toe Ramp Universal Disc Baseplate, full Asym Supreme ankle Strap, and a Powerglide Aluminum Buckle.

Union Contact Pro Bindings:

The highbacks featured on the Union Contact Pro are carbon injected and thereby some of the most responsive highbacks around. The EVA bushings are also carbon injected, thereby they transfer quite a bit of energy from the binding to the edge as you are ride downhill. Also, the heel cups are CNC milled, as opposed to molded—which means that they are very lightweight while maintaining durability.

Otherwise, these Unions binding are a no-frills brand without losing out on stability or functionality. They include a mount type disc, dura flex base, and a prepreg carbon highbacks. They also—unlike other bindings featured on this list—can be purchased with a lifetime warranty.

Switchback Ethan Morgan Pro Combo:

If you are a tinkerer or have very specific requirements, the Switchback Ethan Morgan Pro will be your brand of bindings. The company allows you to pick your own baseplates, highbacks, and straps. This, in the industry, is referred to as the “modular approach” and it allows you the choice of a nearly infinite variety of binding combinations. Also, the Switchback Ethan Morgan Pro offers signature sets based upon the designs of top snowboarders from all over the world. So, with a little bit of research, you can be boarding with your favorite rider’s setup.

Otherwise, the Ethan Morgan generally comes with the Wrapback winged highback, and the ST baseplate pad, and Eames Straps. The highbacks serve for high-intensity pressing of rails or ledges; the ST baseplates feature solid and even padding throughout; And, the Eames Straps are some of the sturdiest in the industry. Lastly, the Ethan Morgan features glow-in-the-dark materials for the nighttime rider. Of course, any of these features can be switched out for something more preferable, which is exactly why these bindings are on this list of recommended bindings. The versatility presented here can’t be found anywhere else.

Rome Targa Snowboard Bindings:

The Rome Targa is one of the more robust brands of bindings out there, though it is less lightweight than some of the other bindings featured on this list. It features an aluminum chassis, which makes for great maneuverability and response time, as well as side-to-side flex. The V-Rod baseplate also encourages extreme maneuverability.

In addition, these bindings provide many setup choices. For instance, you can buy the product with a flat footbed or an angled one. The product also comes with a rotatable highback, offering you the choice of your exact preference of highback positioning. Also, these board prove highly efficient for those who like to mix up their boarding style. The highbacks are designed in such a way as to provide comfortable suspension while cruising down a hill, and ultra-responsiveness when moving at higher speed.

Snowboarding is an awesome experience, but it takes a little preparation to be ready for the slopes. The first and most important piece of gear that you need to purchase is your snowboarding boots. Finding the right pair of boots is imperative, as your boots can be essentially what makes or breaks your experience on the mountain. If your feet are uncomfortable, your day will be miserable, so your goal is to find a pair of boots that fits both your needs and your style. Let’s start by narrowing down the options by pinpointing some characteristics that will help you zero in on the perfect snowboarding boots for you.

Riding Style

What’s your riding style? The type of boots that you select will depend on it, especially if your movements require a more responsive type of boot. Here are some of the different snowboarding ride styles that may be a determining factor in which boots you choose:

• All Mountain – An all mountain riding style means that you snowboard on any location possible. Most snowboarders who favor this style like to have boots that are on the softer side, unless speed is their aim.
• Freestyle – This style includes half pipes, slides, jumps, and tricks, which requires a bit of flexibility in your boots.
• Freeride – This style of snowboarding typically focuses on speed, so a stiffer boot is preferred.

Flex and Support Level

The amount of support your boots give you on the slopes is important to the type of snowboarding that you want to do. Your skill level will also affect the flex rating on your boots. Here is a breakdown to help you decide which is best for you:

• Stiff – This level of support is great for advanced snowboarders. Landing tricks is easier on your ankles and you will have a higher degree of response from the boots.
• Medium – Anyone who needs a responsive boot that is still flexible should shoot for a medium flex.
• Soft – This support level is great for beginners, but it is also the perfect option for someone who needs a lot of flexibility to perform tricks in the park. These are not great for impact, but they are perfect for rail maneuvers.

Comfort and Fit

Can you imagine riding down the slopes with boots that are too tight and crush your toes and cramp your feet? How about boots that are too lose; ones that will give you sore heels because they rub as you walk? Of course not, but a common mistake that novice snowboarders learn quickly is that the size of your snowboarding boot is not the same size as the sneakers that you wear on the street. To ensure that your boots fit properly after a day on the slopes, you should purchase them in a half size smaller than you are accustomed to wearing. Don’t forget to take the type of socks you wear out in the snow into consideration.

Lacing Systems

The lacing of your boot is important. If you do not have a snug and securely laced up boot, then your foot can move around and blisters can easily form. Typically, there are three types of lacings that is utilized on snowboarding boots, which are traditional laces, quick pull laces, and Boa lacing. Each system has its positives and negatives, so let’s take a look at them each to figure out which lacing system will be best for you. Here is a breakdown of each:

• Traditional Laces – Traditional style laces are great. They can be adjusted by hand to give you the perfect amount of tightness around your ankles, but if you do not double tie them, they could untie at the most inconvenient time. If you are wearing gloves, that can make retying the boot an annoyance.
• Quick Pull Laces – This type of lacing allows you to tighten each area of your foot independently, which can be useful for some. These laces can easily be tightened while wearing gloves, but they can also become loose at any point. If one area is looser than the others, then pressure points can form, which can cause blisters to form.
• Boa Laces – A Boa system is one that uses two dials and small diameter cables to create a snug fit. Adjusting the tightness of you boots will be fast and convenient, but the snugness affects your entire foot, which could leave pressure points. In addition, if this system breaks on the slopes, replacing the laces will be difficult.

Liners

Liners are the interior part of the boot that actually has a lot to do with how comfortable the boots are. Some liners are moldable, so they contour to the curves of your feet. Others may have features that are actually designed to lock your feet in place. On feature that should be considered is whether the liner is removable or not. If you plan to get out on the mountain for several days in a row, purchasing snowboarding boots that have removable liners is advisable to make sure the interior of your boots are dry in the morning when you are ready to hit the slopes.

Top Snowboarding Boot Picks

1. DC Men’s Mutiny Snowboard Boots

These DC Mutiny snowboard boots are lightweight footwear that are designed with a level six flex, which means that they will be great for most terrains. The lacing on this pair of boots is a traditional style, but as you get closer to the upper portion of the boot, you will notice locking lace hook hardware being utilized. This gives you a more custom fit where the laces have less of a chance to slip or become untied.

The liner is designed from a combination of memory foam and a heat moldable material that will conform to the shape of your foot. A J-bar and a power strap inside the boot are included to provide you with additional support. Impact S insoles are used in these boots to add a layer of comfort and support that cradles your foot in an effort to reduce your foot fatigue throughout the day. In addition, it features a material that will keep your feet dry from morning until night.

A one year warranty is included with the purchase of the DC Mutiny snowboard boots, so if for some reason you need to return them, you have plenty of time to do so. In addition, DC footwear is known for its style, so you will have your pick of designs.

2. Thirty Two Lashed Snowboard Boots

Thirty Two is a company that has created quality snowboarding boots for years. The Lashed model is a lightweight pair of boots that is even lighter than past variations. This is because the evolution foam outsole is designed to be one of the lightest soles on the market. The foam liners are designed to mould to your feet to provide you with a comfortable day on the slopes.

These Lashed snowboard boots have a flex level of six, which means that it is right about in the middle when it comes to firmness and flexibility. These snow boots will be great on powdery slopes, straight pistons that prioritize speed, and for maneuvering rail tricks in the park. The lacing starts at the bottom with a traditional style, but as you make your way to the upper section of the boots, hooks are utilized to lock the laces into place and give you more of a custom tightening option.

Thirty Two has been making stylish boots for snowboarding enthusiasts year after year, so there is no surprise that they try to add a bit of personality and style points to their footwear. These boots can be purchased in a plethora of color options, which range from plain colors like black or blue to more vivid selections like red tie die.

3. Adidas Men’s Samba Snowboard Boots

The Samba, which was manufactured from Adidas this year, has a stylish look that would look great on the mountain. Style is not the most important aspect of snowboarding boots, but if you are looking for style points, then the burgundy and white variation is right up your alley. It features the Adidas serrated three stripes on a synthetic leather material.

This pair of boots is designed with a medium flex level so you will be easily able to maneuver on many different types of terrain. The soles are designed to provide an optimal grip on the snow and ice, and the liner is designed to provide you with a comfortable fit. They are heat moldable to contour to your feet and prevent blisters from forming, and they can be removed from the boots to aid in the drying process.

If you have ever worn a soccer shoe, then you know that the lacing system is capable of being tightened to each individual foot. This lacing system is very similar. It starts with a traditional lace that is hidden inside the boots, and then it moves upwards into the hooked lacing style to ensure the laces remain in place.

4. Burton Sapphire Women’s Snowboard Boots

The Burton Sapphire snowboard boots are great for almost any level of snowboarder. Aesthetically, they are designed to look as stylish as possible while still maintaining the functionality that Burton has become known for. Firstly, they have a much softer flex level, so that you’ll be able to move with relative ease. At level four, even with the liner in you should be able to walk comfortably in these.

The external shoe has traditional lacing, which really helps make these snowboard boots look like standard boots. This stylish appearance definitely hides the fact that there is a great Burton lining in these shoes. To keep them tightly secured, these shoes use a “Speed Zone Lock and Load” system that provides tension across the midstep. Simply pull the cable and your heel will also press deeply into the heel pocket of the boot.

In addition to these features, this boot also utilizes a sleeping bag reflective foil on the inside of the boot. This feature takes your body’s natural radiant heat and reflects it back to your body, allowing you to have a longer, warmer snowboard session.

The soles of these boots are also designed with high tech features that make snowboarding much easier. Firstly they are incredibly light due to the D3 gel in the sole. Secondly, they are remarkably thin due to EST optimization, which gives you a more natural gait when not boarding.

5. Salomon Pearl BOA Woman’s Snowboard Boots

These are a great pair of entry level snowboard boots. The liner of the Salomon Pearl BOA interlaces very comfortably and is coated with a soft fur that is positioned above a layer of memory foam. This snowboard boot utilizes a BOA system. This system allows for you to manually turn a dial that directly affects the snugness of the snowboard boot. The dial is also large enough to easily be turned, even if you have gloves on.

These boots have a flex rating of four, which means that these have a medium to soft flexibility level. As a result, these boots have a great combination of support and responsiveness and are perfect for freestyle snowboarders who like to take to the half pipes and perform a few Ollies or Nollies.

When it comes to style, this Salomon Pearl boot has quite a few design choices that work with any snowboarding ensemble. Salomon provides a full year warranty for these boots, so if they get damaged, they will be replaced.

The key to finding the right snowboarding boot is trying them on. Your feet will tell you if you’ve made a promising selection. If your feet feel uncomfortable in the boots before the bindings and the board are attached, be assured that they will only be more uncomfortable afterwards. Hopefully this guide has helped you climb the mountain, now all you need to do is make the purchase and enjoy the ride. If our picks are not your style, then don’t be afraid to dig in and do some research to help you find the perfect pair.