When putting together your snowboard kit, no piece of the puzzle is more critical than your boots. Boots don鈥檛 just connect your body and your board; they鈥檙e also the key to on-hill comfort. The wrong boots can cause hot spots, blisters, heel lift, toe bang, or swamp foot鈥攁ll potential day-ruiners. The right boots, however, can make previously torturous bell-to-bell days no big deal. After wearing multiple models over the last couple of years, our dedicated test team has selected our six favorite boots available today, a completely new list than we chose last year..

Important note: Every rider鈥檚 foot is different. Visiting a professional bootfitter, heat-molding your boots, or at least swapping flimsy stock insoles for more supportive aftermarket or customized options can be the difference between blisters and bliss. Check out our buying advice section at the bottom of this article for more boot-fitting and shopping tips.

Check out the best snowboards of the year here.

At a Glance

• Best Cruisy All-Mountain Men鈥檚 Boot:
• Best Aggressive All-Mountain Men鈥檚 Boot:
• Best All-Mountain Freestyle Women鈥檚 Boot:
• Best All-Mountain Intermediate Women鈥檚 Boot:
• Best Boot For Resort and Backcountry: Nitro Skylab BOA ($350) (currently unavailable)
• Best Approachable Splitboard Boot:
• How to Choose Snowboard Boots
• How We Test
• Meet the Testers

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Best Cruisy All-Mountain Men鈥檚 Boot

Nidecker Rift APX

Sizing: Men鈥檚 7-13

Pros and Cons
鈯� Mid-soft, asymmetrical, freestyle-ready flex
鈯� Waterproof
鈯� Excellent heel hold
鈯� Flimsy insoles

Mt. Baker boarders and Mt. Hood homies鈥攔ejoice. Nidecker鈥檚 new APX version of its bestselling Rift boot is so waterproof that it鈥檚 ready for the gnarliest Pacific 鈥淣orthwet鈥� conditions. The Swiss brand decked out the asymmetrical freestyle boot with seamless, polyurethane-coated side paneling and an armored toe box. I tested it during spring slush sessions that bordered on pond skims, and not a drop reached my socks.

The Rift, which is also available in women鈥檚 and classic lace versions with more sizing options, ranks four out of ten on Nidecker鈥檚 stiffness scale, but it boasts high-tech features that are often reserved for more rigid and aggressive boots. If you like serious heel hold but a loose calf, the Rift has your name on it. The Rift APX鈥檚 lower BOA and inner harness lock the ankle in place with the best of boots, even if you have narrower feet, while the upper BOA can be left loose for chill park laps or creative all-mountain freestyle cruising.

The Rift also earned high marks for its asymmetrical tongue and lace positioning which give riders support at the outside of the foot and tweakability on the inside of the foot, providing a natural, pinch-free ride that was comfortable out-of-the-box.

The Rift APX鈥檚 longevity also won over our test team. Softer boots are prone to blow up quickly, but not this one. Thanks to a stout, catch-free rubber backstay that鈥檚 fused to the outsole and an articulated cuff that allows the boot upper to flex independently from the lower, our test pair is still as good as new after a spring of heavy use.

Testers鈥� biggest complaint? Uninspired stock insoles which were quickly traded out for more supportive aftermarket options from and .

Best Aggressive All-Mountain Men鈥檚 Boot

Ride Lasso Pro

Sizing: Men鈥檚 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13; Same sizes available in wide version.

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stiffer freeride flex
鈯� Padded heels for bigger drops
鈯� Minimal footprint
鈯� Mixed bootpacking results

Cowboy freeriders fond of wrangling steep lines and heavy cliffs should rope Ride鈥檚 Lasso Pro. A step (or two) down from the brand鈥檚 Insano boot, the Lasso Pro offers all-gas, no-brakes rippers with a Goldilocks flex鈥攕tiff but not too stiff. Ideal for aggressive all-mountain riders or freeriders, the stiffer, premium version of the popular Lasso gives riders both maximum response and minimal footprint.

鈥淰ery solid hard-charging freeride boots,鈥� commented Wasatch big mountain buff Kordell Black, appreciative of brawny forward and lateral flex and smooth, articulating cuffs. Black also dug the dual H4 BOA coiler system that tightens the front of the boot, the easy-to-operate inner lacing system, and the comprehensive ankle harness, reporting that the comfortable, responsive Intuition-wrapped liner fit snugly and kept his heel locked in place without pressure points. Another tester, snowboard instructor NAME?, disagreed, noting that the BOA loosened after a few runs and he found himself 鈥渟wimming inside.鈥�

However, that tester was amazed by the Lasso Pro鈥檚 lightweight construction. 鈥淪o surprising how light they are,鈥� he said.鈥滻t doesn鈥檛 feel like you鈥檙e wearing a snowboard boot at all.鈥� The ankle pads kept his feet centered and stabilized, he said, and he loved the minimal footprint, recommending the boots for big-footed riders who constantly deal with toe drag. Black agreed: 鈥淭hey鈥檙e light, low-profile, and fit in a binding well鈥攜ou can鈥檛 ask for anything more.鈥�

While the stiffer, responsive boot does speak to the freeride contingent on the descent, testers were mixed on bootpacking ability. After a sidecountry jump session, one rider judged the Michelin Hybrid Fiberlite outsole鈥檚 grip solid in slippery conditions, while a backcountry stalwart said s/he preferred boots with Vibram鈥檚 more aggressively lugged traction.

Looking for a similar ride but a bit more flex? Check out the standard ($250).

Best All-Mountain Freestyle Women鈥檚 Boot

ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA B4BC

Sizing: Women鈥檚 5-10

Pros and Cons
鈯� B4BC collab colorway supports breast cancer non-profit
鈯� Mid-soft freestyle flex
鈯� Improved liner
鈯� Included heel hold kit
鈯� Comfort issues with toeside flexion
鈯� Bulky

ThirtyTwo鈥檚 Lashed Double BOA is a boot our testers can get behind. A notch softer than the popular ($210), it gives cruisy riders, all-mountain freestylers, and jibbers a playful, pliable flex and comfortable fit. Boarding For Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a non-profit focused on breast cancer education and survivor support that has been around for almost three decades. It鈥檚 a cause our testers can get behind. For the 10th year running ThirtyTwo and B4BC teamed up on a collab, dropping this limited-edition version of the Lashed Double BOA. A portion of proceeds from the forest green colorway will fund the non-profit鈥檚 programming, which includes prevention and awareness events at ski resorts and wellness retreats for breast cancer survivors. So, yeah鈥攊t鈥檚 a boot we can really get behind.

The boot itself is free of frills. It鈥檚 a standard dual-BOA boot, with an internal ankle harness that hugs a dual-density, heat-moldable ThirtyTwo Team liner. Nancy Brest, a Tahoe snowboard coach and competitive snowboard judge with years of experience on the Lashed, put the B4BC Double BOAs on the chopping block in the Sierra this spring. She quickly made use of ThirtyTwo鈥檚 included heel hold kit鈥攁 set of foam donuts that slip into integrated pockets on the boot liner to reinforce the ankle. 鈥淚 experienced minimal heel lift,鈥� she said. She also gave her stamp of approval to the updated Team liner: 鈥淭he overlapping velcro flaps on the liner are easier to get a snug fit compared to last year鈥檚 Lashed.鈥�

If you鈥檝e been popping glucosamine-like gummy vitamins, you鈥檒l be stoked that the Lashed boasts a light yet robust rubber outsole with integrated foam cushioning for cartilage-sparing impact absorption. And while the freestyle-friendly lateral flex is apt for jibbing, pressing, buttering, airing, and tweaking, a stiffer backstay offers enough resistance and response from edge-to-edge for all-mountain missions far from the park. 鈥淚鈥檓 a freestyle, all-mountain rider, but I wouldn鈥檛 be afraid to use these freeriding, too,鈥� offered Brest. She scored the boot high for both overall performance and responsiveness thanks to its combination of flex and features, giving a rare perfect score for comfort.

That said, testers weren鈥檛 without complaints. The Lashed is on the bulky side. One rider reported a midfoot pressure point where the boot buckled from toeside flexion, and she also noted that the profile was bulkier than previous years鈥� models.

Best All-Mountain Intermediate Women鈥檚 Boot

Ride Hera

Sizing: Women鈥檚 5, 5.5, 6, 6.6, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11

Pros and Cons
鈯� Approachable flex
鈯� Minimal footprint
鈯� Cushy, comfy construction and liner
鈯� Decent heel hold
鈯� Singular outer BOA creates discomfort

Low-profile and well-cushioned with a mid-flex, the Ride Hera is a solid all-mountain option for intermediate and laidback advanced all-mountain riders. Advanced? tester Coral Rose Taylor would spend her own money to purchase a pair of the Ride Hera. I鈥檝e owned the Hera before because they generally fit my feet well and have the medium flex I prefer,鈥� she said.

A cruisy all-mountain rider from June Lake, CA, with pain-prone feet (high-arch, narrow feet, and neuromas galore), Taylor values comfort as much as she does the ability to ride everywhere from park to powder. Thanks to a mid flex, articulated cuff, cushy Intuition liner, and impact-absorbing foam midsole underfoot, the Hera ticks both boxes, leading Taylor to recommend the option for fellow 鈥渁ll-mountain riders who like to do a little jibbing and a little freeriding.鈥�

Taylor was blown away by the Hera鈥檚 minimal footprint, reporting, 鈥淭hey鈥檙e so low profile and pretty light, I actually had to adjust the straps on my bindings to get them tight enough over the boots.鈥� Testers also appreciated Ride鈥檚 women鈥檚-specific calf adjustment system, consisting of velcro pull tabs that allow riders to tighten or expand the rear cuff of the boot to best suit your individual body type.

The Hera scored well for its internal H4 BOA coiler that wraps the ankle tight, providing solid fit and responsiveness. However, multiple testers said they wished the outer BOA was redesigned. As is, one BOA dial controls the entire outer lacing system, and testers missed the ability to tighten the upper and lower separately. 鈥淭he outer BOA tightens around the calf more than the ankle, creating hot spots up high,鈥� complained one.

Best Boot For Resort And Backcountry

Nitro Skylab BOA

听(Currently Unavailable)

Sizing: Men鈥檚 7-14

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent resort-to-backcountry boot
鈯� Solid heel hold
鈯� Decent walk mode when you pop a BOA
鈯� High-quality outsole and gaiter for bootpacking
鈯� No crampon compatibility
鈯� A tad bulky compared to standard all-mountain boots

If you hitch a ride on chairlifts one day and crush skintracks the next鈥攁nd need one boot that can do it all, Nitro鈥檚 Skylab is worth consideration. A solid balance between comfortable and dependable on both the uphill and the down, the mid-stiff boot scored well with testers who pursue powder in bounds and out.

鈥淥nce I broke this boot in after about a week, they became the most comfortable boots I鈥檝e ever ridden,鈥� reported Jackson Webber, a Utah firefighter, all-mountain ripper, and test veteran. He loved Nitro鈥檚 new Cloud 9 liner鈥攁 pre-molded liner with 3D tongue and heel鈥攃laiming it quickly formed to his admittedly 鈥渨eird, slightly narrow, high-arch feet.鈥� He was similarly wowed by heel hold supplied by a combination of a lower BOA dial, internal ankle support, and reliable inner lining lacing. 鈥淗aving the ability to tighten just the lower BOA is so important in regards to eliminating heel lift while still being comfortable,鈥� Webber said.

Backcountry regulars are usually skeptical of BOA. A broken system, especially on a hut trip, deep mission, or multi-day winter camping trip, is difficult to fix in the field and can quickly ruin an otherwise epic adventure. Webber is no different, but, after having zero durability issues on remote hut trips and with heavy use, he called the Skylab鈥檚 BOA system 鈥渧ery durable鈥攊t feels solid and reliable.鈥�. He also dug how easy it was to pop the upper BOA for an increased rearward range of motion on the skin track and then to tighten them before dropping. 鈥淚 cinch them down for aggressive lines or keep them a little looser for playful all-mountain days,鈥� explained Webber.

It is worth noting that the Skylab doesn鈥檛 have a crampon-compatible heel welt鈥攁 demerit for demanding split mountaineers鈥攖hough it does keep the overall bulk of the boot lower and more suited to in-bounds freeriding. That said, the Skylab sports a partially recycled Vibram outsole that鈥檚 bootpack-ready without being too bulky. 鈥淔antastic grip for setting the bootpack and transitioning on aggressive terrain,鈥� Webber reported, also noting that the zippered gaiter kept snow out of the boot when hiking on deeper powder days.

All told, after 30-plus days of testing in California and Utah, he recommended the boot for 鈥渁vid backcountry enthusiasts or all-mountain riders who want a stiffer boot that鈥檚 both dependable and comfortable. If you like big freeride lines, or just flying down groomers, this boot is great for those hard-charging days.鈥�

.

We tested the mid-stiff, resort-to-backcountry boot in the BOA version, but it鈥檚 also available with Nitro鈥檚 proprietary, sleek, quick-lacing TLS system. Both the TLS and BOA are available in a subtle black colorway or a louder, zebra-print collab with Volcom. Webber suggests sizing up a half size.

Best Approachable Splitboard Boot

ThirtyTwo TM-2 Jones

Sizing: Men鈥檚 6-14

Pros and Cons
鈯� Crampon-compatible outsole
鈯� Excellent traction and bootpacking performance
鈯� Good walk mode
鈯� Happy medium flex
鈯� Bulky
鈯� Gaiter can cause overheating in spring

ThirtyTwo鈥檚 popular, all-mountain ($285) is renowned for its versatility, beloved by pros and average Joes alike who want middle-of-the-park stiffness that can handle everything from the terrain park to the steeps. Jeremy Jones鈥� flagship pro model, the ($525), is a top-of-the-line splitboard specialist reserved for big mountain badasses: it鈥檚 an ultra-stiff boot with a reliable walk mode, a beefy, crampon-compatible, bootpack-slaying Vibram outsole, and a reinforced toe that kicks steps better in firm snow than virtually every splitboard softboot we鈥檝e ever tried. Were the TM-2s and the MTBs to knock proverbial boots, the TM-2 Jones would be their love child.

While the Jones MTB maxes out ThirtyTwo鈥檚 stiffness scale, the TM-2 scores a more approachable, tweakable, and comfortable seven out of ten. The TM-2 Jones shares theTM-2鈥檚 all-mountain-ready flex pattern, making it much more suited for resort riding and gentle? touring. As a lighter, more playful rider, I don鈥檛 need 10 out of 10 stiffness, and the mellower yet still supportive flex of the TM-2 Jones is a happy medium for me. It鈥檚 responsive enough for high-speed freeriding in bounds or out, but there鈥檚 still enough play to integrate buttering and freestyle into your riding. Plus, it remains comfortable on long days in the skintrack.

Nevertheless, the MTB鈥檚 big mountain DNA is apparent鈥攁nd welcome. The TM-2 Jones鈥� aggressively lugged Vibram outsole, crampon-compatible heel welt, and rubber-wrapped toe are identical to those on the stiffer MTB, allowing backcountry bootpackers to kick steps and scramble rocky ridges with confidence. After slick, sketchy scrambles in the Sierra, testers found the traction top-notch, and one, Tahoe shop tech Anthony Santos, pointed out that the Velcro power strap over the shin also provided 鈥渆asy walk mode adjustment.鈥� Santos reported the TM-2 Jones was 鈥渞eady for whacky, off-board romping with pointy things.鈥�

A downside: the outsole and wrapped toe add significant heft and bulk, compared to standard resort boots. Additionally, one tester reported the gaiter, which helps keep snow out on powder days, led to frustratingly sweaty feet on warmer corn missions.

The TM-2 Jones is also available in a women鈥檚 specific version鈥搕he ($212), built for Natural Selection ripper and backcountry boss Elena Hight. We didn鈥檛 test the TM-2 Hight this year, but we have in previous years, and we recommend it for ladies looking for a splitboard-ready women鈥檚 boot that isn鈥檛 overwhelmingly stiff.

How to Choose Snowboard Boots

Shopping for snowboard boots can be overwhelming. Here are five tried-and-true tips to make the process as smooth as possible.

Shop For Boots First: If possible, shop for boots before boards and bindings. Your boot size influences both your binding size and acceptable board widths. Some boots, like the Ride Hera and Ride Lasso, have compact footprints, which means you鈥檙e less likely to have toe or heel drag on a narrower board. If you end up buying a boot with a bigger footprint, or you have a size 10.5 boot or higher, you may want to consider a mid-wide, wide, or volume-shifted board.

Stick To Brands You Know And Love: Every brand has a slightly different fit. Some are known for being wider or skinnier, or running bigger or smaller. If your last pair of boots fit well, consider repeating your experience with that specific brand, as chances are the fit hasn鈥檛 changed much over time. Many testers swear by the strategy of purchasing a newer version of the same boot model.

Invest In Insoles: Even high-end snowboard boots often sport garbage insoles (as reported by a tester who fits boots for a local shop), and one of the best ways to improve fit, comfort, and performance is with an aftermarket insole. We鈥檙e partial to in most instances, but aren鈥檛 a bad play if you鈥檙e looking for more shock absorption. If you really want to go the extra mile, get a custom pair from a bootfitter.

Put Your Faith In Bootfitters: There鈥檚 a misconception that only skiers need to get their boots fit. Once you鈥檝e had your snowboard boots professionally fit, however, you鈥檒l never go back鈥攅specially if you have a history of foot pain. Ideally, schedule an appointment with a bootfitter who is also a snowboarder, as they鈥檒l have a better idea of what problems you鈥檒l face on the hill. Bootfitters can help you with everything from run-of-the-mill heat molding to boot punches, heel hold adjustments, liner replacements, and custom insoles.

Demos, Snowboard Shops, And Return Policies: Every foot is different, so it鈥檚 worth attending demos at your local hill, or demoing boots from local shops. When you do make a purchase, support your local snowboard shop if you can (especially if it let you demo its boots). If you prefer to shop online, buy from a reputable online retailer like REI or Backcountry that has a flexible return policy.

How We Test

• Number of boots tested: 15
• Number of testers: 14
• Furthest a tester traveled to join the fray:听Tokyo to Reno, 5,198 miles

Our boot testing starts at our annual snowboard test, which we held at Tahoe鈥檚 community-owned Diamond Peak Ski Resort this past season. A solid crew of mostly local snowboarders and splitboarders flock to the test, where we鈥檝e collected boots from brands big and small. At the beginning of our test week, riders sifted through the boot pile, hunting for a pair that fit both their foot size and shape as well as their preferred style of riding (all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, etc.) and skill level (ranging from intermediate to expert). After getting a jump on testing at Diamond Peak, we then sent those boots home with riders for long-term testing at their home mountains.

Long-term testing is crucial, particularly with boots, as break-in periods vary. A boot might be stellar out-of-the-box, only to blow out in 20 days. Or, vice versa, a boot might be stiff, uncomfortable, and difficult to break in for the first week, then turn into our favorite boot once it鈥檚 been out on the hill for a spell. Additionally, we encouraged testers to swap out insoles, hit their local shops, and get boots heat-molded and professionally fit鈥攚hatever they would normally do if purchasing a new pair of boots.

Once chairlifts stopped cranking and splitboarders hung up their skins for the season, we asked our test crew to fill out review forms. These forms score boots quantitatively on aspects like responsiveness, comfort, lacing systems, as well as forward and lateral flex. The testers then dove deep into qualitative responses, answering questions like: Would you purchase these boots? What rider would like these boots? Are the boots bulky or low-profile? What are your impressions on the inner and outer lacing systems? Finally, I鈥攖est director Drew Zieff鈥攕ifted through the review forms and wrote the reviews.

Meet the Testers

Drew Zieff

Zieff is a Tahoe-based freelance writer and a lifelong snowboarder. Burdened with unnaturally long second toes and skinny calves and ankles, Zieff is no stranger to the boot-fitting chair (he鈥檚 a regular at ), and he generally doesn鈥檛 trust stock insoles any more than he鈥檒l sniff rental ones. In addition to directing 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 snowboard test, a role he鈥檚 handled since 2016, he directs Backcountry Magazine鈥檚 splitboard coverage and nerds out on snowboard gear and travel for REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. He spends his winters testing gear in his backyard backcountry zones or up at Palisades when he鈥檚 not chasing stories and storms around the globe.

Kordell Black

In a word, Kordell Black is a character. An esoteric ripper and veteran gear tester based in the Wasatch, Black has traveled the world with his splitboard in pursuit of powder and off-the-beaten-track adventures. He approaches big mountain lines with creative, freestyle energy, specializes in finding powder stashes overlooked by the Utah crowds, and thrashes boots into oblivion in a matter of weeks. He will also obliterate you in a flat ground game of SKATE.

Nancy Brest

Nancy Brest is a Tahoe-based pilates instructor, snowboard coach, and competitive snowboard judge. When this snowboard test veteran isn鈥檛 helping clients with their fitness or working on the hill, you can find her shredding the Sierra in bounds and out, always with bulletproof fundamentals and timeless style. Few riders spend as much time in snowboard boots in a season as Brest, and she values comfort, performance, and reliability.

The post The Best Snowboard Boots of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

We tested a lot of snowboard gear last season. Over 30 testers put 100-plus products through the ringer over the course of the winter, plus a four day test-a-thon at Sugar Bowl in epic conditions. The best of the best ended up in our snowboards and snowboard accessories coverage in our 2023 Winter Gear Guide. But there were a lot of very, very good products that didn鈥檛 quite make it into those reviews. Here, we present you the best of the rest.

Snowboards

Arbor Westmark Camber ($550)

A few members of the park crew joined our test squad last winter, and they wouldn鈥檛 take their eyes鈥搊r bindings鈥搊ff the Arbor Westmark. Designed with input from Quebecois street legend Frank April, the deck isn鈥檛 just easy to look at鈥攊t鈥檚 easy to rip, too. The twin shape sports a classic combo of trustworthy camber and a medium-flexing FSC-certified poplar and paulownia core, allowing intermediate riders to progress and advanced freestylers to throw tricks with confidence. A dramatically upturned nose and tail foster buttery presses, smooth fakie take-offs, and catch-free nollies. All told, the Westmark is a solid choice for riders who frequent the park, bring a freestyle approach to the entire resort, and may even dip into the streets.

Cabin Mountain Tools Northern Light ($699)

It鈥檚 hard to beat the surfy handling, reliable carving, and powder-gobbling buoyancy of Cabin Mountain Tools鈥� Northern Light splitboard at any price, but at $699, it鈥檚 damn near impossible. While the price is a bargain, Vermont鈥檚 Cabin doesn鈥檛 cut corners, but utilizes a direct-to-consumer business model, minimalistic graphics, and zero marketing BS. With a softer, rockered nose, tapering to a subtle, stiffer swallowtail, camber underfoot, and a progressive sidecut throughout, the Northern Light rails turns and floats through pow. It鈥檚 all sandwiched between a classy forest-green topsheet and a speedy sintered base for a well-executed iteration of 鈥渆verything you need, nothing you don鈥檛.鈥� Whether you鈥檙e looking for your first split or a replacement for a well-loved steed, you can鈥檛 go wrong with the Northern Light.

Chimera Sceptre ($835)

The flagship splitboard from Chimera, a boutique, Wasatch-based board builder, the Sceptre is a quiver-killing, do-it-all split that advanced riders will appreciate across all conditions. Thanks to a blunt, rockered nose, minimal moontail, and flat, torsionally stiff body, the deck can hang in everything from deep and dreamy to steep and spicy. A Tahoe tester and hardcore freerider appreciated that stiffness, which is provided by an aspen and poplar core and a triaxial glass job. He gave it the highest possible compliment: 鈥淚t rides just like a solid.鈥� For big mountain crushers and splitters who tour regardless of conditions, pass the Sceptre.

Looking for more splitboards and splitboard gear? Check out the winners of our annual splitboard test.

Lib Tech BRD ($630)

Lib Tech鈥檚 BRD is the instrument of choice for PNW powderhound , an improvisational virtuoso who bounces through pillow fields like a tuned-up, red-faced trumpet player navigating thumping bass lines and purring snare drums. (If you haven鈥檛 seen his new film, “Blur,” take a detour from gear hunting and enjoy the backcountry jazz 鈥搃t鈥檚 one of our favorite films of the year).

A plus-sized nose, stalwart tail, touch of taper, camber-dominant profile (with a mellow rocker zone between the feet), and Lib鈥檚 signature serrated edges give the board the chops in any conditions. But it really shines when freeriding fast. After slashing surfy windlips, snaking through a mogul field, tossing a three off a cat track, and straight-lining back to the chair, a breathless tester with an ear-to-ear grin reported, 鈥淚t鈥檚 the exact combo of fun and trustworthy that I鈥檓 looking for.鈥�

Jones Airheart 2.0 ($600)

A top choice amongst our contingent of all-terrain-slaying female testers, the Jones Airheart 2.0 is a directional twin that can ride switch, pop and spin with precision, all while still hanging off-piste. Switch skills come courtesy of a taper-free shape and classic camber underfoot, while a setback stance aids float in powder. A space-age Koroyd insert (made thermally molded co-polymer tubes) at the nose reduces weight and dampens chop. On groomers, crud, and powder alike, the three-dimensionally contoured nose and tail initiate turns with surfy fluidity. Powerful and confidence-inspiring, the Airheart 2.0 is a ticket all-mountain freestylers will happily take lap after lap.

Ride Shadowban ($500)

Ride鈥檚 new Shadowban is an all-mountain freestyle hog鈥揳nd we鈥檙e not just saying that because the Harley-worthy spray job looks like it鈥檚 still dripping wet. It鈥檚 a directional twin that slays the switch game, while being soft and poppy, which makes it a dream to press, butter, and jib. That said, it鈥檚 still built to take a beatdown, with impact plates under the inserts to reduce snapping, precisely rolled edges to reduce chipping, and urethane sidewalls to absorb bumps in the road. It鈥檚 a park-ready ripper, but thanks to the quadratic sidecut, it still banks into turns well鈥搈ore like a Moto Grand Prix race bike than an ape-hanger Harley.

Looking for more snowboards? Check out the winners of our annual snowboard test.

Snowboard Accessories

Aleck 006 ($130)

Designed to fit audio-compatible helmets, the Aleck 006 headphones sport intuitive, oversized controls, enabling riders to punch pause on the chair or hit play mid-run without slowing down or shedding gloves. The Aleck app was still a work in progress during our testing last spring, although the brand recently launched an update that鈥檚 currently available on the . While we haven鈥檛 had a chance to put it under the microscope, the app turns the headphones into walkie-talkies and even tracks friends via GPS, purportedly improving communication and chances of linking up on the slopes. That said, testers claimed audio quality was reason enough to rock the 006: the headphones deliver surprisingly primo sound through dual 40-millimeter titanium drivers, and audiophiles can adjust audio levels via the app鈥檚 built-in EQ controller.

K眉at Grip 6 ($498)

Forget stepping on seats and heel-hooking wheel wells to hoist boards onto the roof rack. K眉at鈥檚 Grip 6 is an innovative rack that multiple testers dubbed 鈥渞evolutionary鈥� thanks to its slide-out trays that make loading boards easier than getting on chairlifts. Sizeable handles facilitate breezy extension of the rack beyond the body of your vehicle, grippy rubber teeth lock boards in place without damaging topsheets and bases, and the rack easily accommodates four boards. Factor in an effortless locking mechanism and the striking white powdercoat and this rack is an all-time favorite that we鈥檒l be rocking for years to come. Our only complaint? On heavy powder days, the slide-out mechanism can ice up.

GearDryer Wall Mount 12 ($899)

GearDryer鈥檚 Wall Mount 12 boot dryer has enough room to dry the whole family鈥檚 kit: This shop-grade beast hits up to twelve boots, gloves, or helmets with 200 CFM of heated or ambient air. It runs off a standard outlet, mounts easily to wall studs, and can be programmed for overnight use or shorter, pre-shred intervals down to 15 minutes.

Not enough real estate? Check out GearDryer鈥檚 latest launch: the ($2000), capable of drying damn near the whole neighborhood鈥檚 boots at once. Need a smaller solution? Grab one or two of the portable ($199), which can dry one pair of boots, a pair of gloves, and a helmet.

Rocky Talkie ($110)

A durable, compact, and capable lithium-ion radio, the Rocky Talkie is a smart addition to any backcountry kit. It sports a one- to five-mile range, straightforward interface, decent battery life in freezing temps, backup leash (with carabiner), and minimalist build that makes it more attractive than bulkier options. All told, these radios give splitboarders and backcountry boarders a chance to communicate on out-of-earshot approaches and descents, encouraging intelligent and potentially life-saving decision-making in avalanche terrain.

Arva Calgary 18 Reactor Airbag ($610)

A highly adjustable avalanche airbag stitched from rugged, recycled polyester, the Arva Calgary 18 is well-suited for sidecountry hikes, mechanized backcountry days, and quick-hit tours. Arva kept bulk to a minimum, incorporating traditionally cumbersome airbag storage into a flat heat-moldable back panel. The result? A pack that鈥檚 slim enough for pedal-to-the-metal freeriding that accommodates more gear than expected at this size. Factor in an ice axe loop and dual carry options (A-frame for ski mode and vertical carry for snowboard) and this lightweight airbag is ready to crush the bootpack. Note: Arva鈥檚 Reactor airbags require a compressed air cylinder for deployment, sold (from $75).

Arva Reactor 15 Vest ($710)

The low-profile yet feature-rich Reactor 15 Vest Airbag is our snowboard test director鈥檚 go-to for sidecountry riding. With 15 liters of packable volume partitioned between six front pockets and three rear compartments (the biggest of which stows shovel and probe in designated slots), a variety of ice axe and gear loops, plus a vertical snowboard carry system, the vest encourages smart on-the-hill organization. His favorite aspects, however, were the overall fit and weight. 鈥淭he vest wraps around the body and adjusts easily. I can wear it on lifts without feeling like I鈥檓 going to fall off the chair, and throw tricks I might not try in a backpack,鈥� he says. 鈥淔or lift-accessed sidecountry, snowmobiling, cat-skiing, or heli days, this Arva vest is unbeatable.鈥�

Now Bindings Select Pro X Kowalchuk ($400)

A collaboration with OG skate and snow illustrator Mark Kowalchuk, this special edition of Now鈥檚 best-selling, mid-stiff Select Pro is a functional work of art. The snow-white canvas of the highbacks is festooned with a slime-oozing heart and skull鈥搖napologetic, heavy metal graphics for a binding built for heavy metal riding. Now鈥檚 proprietary SkateTech鈥揳 pivoting design that funnels energy from boots to bushings located at the board edges鈥損rovides stellar response and curtails ankle aches and foot exhaustion during bell-to-bell sessions. The hinging ankle and boot-locking toe straps balance comfort and performance, while the freestyle-friendly highback and canted foot pillow encourage tweaked grabs and gnarly cliff drops.

Salomon Echo Lace SJ BOA ($400)

Between a heel-wrapping BOA harness, good old-fashioned laces (a favorite of backcountry riders, since they鈥檙e fixable in the field), and a Velcro power strap across the cuff, Salomon鈥檚 new, all-mountain Echo Lace SJ BOA boot gives riders everything they need to fine-tune their boots and hit the gas. A rugged, lugged outsole provides in-bound hikers, sidecountry explorers, and backcountry bootpackers secure purchase on slippery scrambles. And unlike many boots that require a lengthy break-in, one tester reported that the mid-stiff Echo was immediately comfortable and ready to rip out of the box.

Looking for more boots, bindings, and accessories? Check out the top-rated essentials from our annual snowboard test.

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Lots of听snowboard boots are ugly and utilitarian.听($420) from the style geniuses at Danner and Burton is not. The look听is classic听Danner, with a mix of leather and听100-denier听Cordura听on the upper. The performance is all Burton,听with rubber ice spikes built into the sole for extra traction ultra-grippy and a reflective foil lining to keep your feet warm on the coldest days.听

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Rawlings鈥攜eah, the听maker of听baseball gloves鈥攑artnered with Ride听to make these听leather snowboard boots ($350). Not only do they look good, they also come packed with slick features like a comfy听Intuition liner and Boa lacing system.

听

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Vans Infuse Snowboard Boots

BEST DURABILITY AND SUPPORT

The key to the 鈥檚 secure feel is a three-part closure system that includes traditional laces, a BOA dial, and a removable power strap up top. It was easily the most supportive boot we tested. The only downside: a sturdy leather boot like this takes longer to break in.

Nike Zoom ITES Snowboard Boots

BEST CUSTOMIZATION

By swapping out boomerang-shaped stiffeners in the liner, riders can adjust flex. Which means the can ride the pipe in the morning (our freestyle testers loved these boots), then stiffen up for steeps in the afternoon. Bonus: a space-blanket-like liner in the insole reflects your foot鈥檚 heat.

Rome Libertine PureFlex Snowboard Boots

BEST FAST-AND-TIGHT LACING

Of all of the lacing systems we tried, Rome鈥檚 , which tightens four separate zones with one lace pull, earned the highest praise from testers. It simply never came loose. Board feel and shock absorption on the all-mountain Libertine were also superb. Our one (major) gripe: the locking mechanism that cinches down the laces is so grippy it frays them.

Ride Triad Snowboard Boots

BEST ALL-DAY COMFORT

Traditional lacing still has its perks: you can snug 鈥檈m in the upper and lower, independently, to your liking. The 鈥檚 medium flex was ideal for groomers and pipe walls, but this wouldn鈥檛 be our first choice for challenging, choppy terrain. Prefer Boa? Upgrade to freestyler Seb Toutant鈥檚 signature model ($220).

ThirtyTwo JP Walker Light Snowboard Boots

BEST FREESTYLE

The softest-flexing boot we tested earned high marks in the park and on naturally jibby terrain. The articulating cuff made for easy grabs and responsive board feel, improving balance on rails. At 1.7 pounds, the featherweight 听 felt great on our feet and in the air but a bit outmatched in the steeps and deeps.

Burton Ion Snowboard Boots

BEST SOLE TRACTION

This gets a new snow-tire-inspired outsole through a design collaboration with Pirelli. Testers reported no-slip grip on icy boot-packs and rinklike parking lots and touted the perfect mid-to-stiff flex and out-of-box comfort. But Burton, we鈥檙e curious: why are the laces so absurdly long?

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Never Summer SL Splitboard

A poplar, aspen, and carbon core makes Never Summer鈥檚 7.8-pound among the lightest of the dozen splits we tested. But the board was still damping enough to suck up 25-foot cornice drops in the B.C. backcountry and stiff enough to power through a blissful 18-inch April dump in Colorado鈥檚 San Juans.

AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH: Can’t afford a new splitboard setup with all the necessary backcountry fixings? A company called MTN Approach offers four-pound collapsible approach skis that, when you’re ready to board down, fold up into the size of a hardcover book and slide into your pack. They’re sold in a package with skins, shovel, probe, and poles for $950.

K2 Speed Link Poles

Collapsible (and therefore packable) poles are mandatory for the backcountry. K2’s four-piece Speed Links weigh just one pound and shrink from four feet to just one and a half.

Voile Climbing Skins

There鈥檚 nothing fancy about ; they鈥檙e just incredibly reliable, with steel tip loops that never break, water-resistant nylon bases that climb extremely well, and incredibly adhesive reusable glue. Make them extra secure with a set of Black Diamond split clips.

Black Diamond Equipment Split Clips

Unlike most ski skins, splitboard skins don鈥檛 come with tail clips鈥攆ine, until snow creeps under the unattached tail, saturating the glue and causing the skins to fall off your board. Avoid that problem with these , which can be affixed to any climbing skins on the market.

Karakoram SL Splitboard Bindings

Backcountry boarders owe Karakoram a debt of gratitude for its . They鈥檙e the first to feature a latch on the riser so the free heel can be locked down鈥攍ike an AT binding鈥攁llowing boarders to skate, pole, or ski across low-angle terrain.

Patagonia PowSlayer Bibs

Bibs are better than pants in the backcountry, where the fundamental mission of every trip is to find powder higher than your waistline. Enter Patagonia鈥檚 鈥攍ightweight, three-layer Gore-Tex bibs with coverage to your nipples and gaiters around the ankles to keep snow out.

Deeluxe Spark XV Boots

Deeluxe鈥檚 44-ounce snowboarding boot functions like a mountaineering-snowboarding hybrid. The features a Vibram lug sole that鈥檚 stiff enough to take crampons, a toe bumper burly enough to kick steps into the hardpack of couloirs, and heat-moldable linings that are soft enough to ride in.

Mammut Ride R.A.S. Pack

Mammut鈥檚 air-bag-compatible includes a four-pocket design with homes for all your traditional snow-safety gear鈥攕hovel, probe, first-aid kit. And at 30 liters, it still has room for extra layers, lunch, and a camera.

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Ride Sash Boa Coiler Snowboard Boots

鈥淟ike riding in slippers with support,鈥� one tester said. The is extra comfy thanks to the women-specific calf, soft flex, and low weight (it was noticeably lighter than other test boots). All of that adds up to a stellar park boot鈥攐r your go-to for backcountry tours. Nubby tread gripped ice patches, but you might want something stiffer when descending serious steeps.

Vans Ferra Snowboard Boots

The main reason we loved the : the triple-lacing system (Boa, traditional laces, and an internal fastener) kept us locked in all day. The low-profile, skate-shoe look scored compliments from onlookers, while the supportive insole nabbed thumbs-ups from high-arched testers. Bummer: the sole was too slick for hike-to terrain.

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Salomon F4.0 Snowboard Boots

A single lace draws tight three independent panels that wrap the foot, eliminating pressure points and creating a uniform, moderately stiff flex. The only downside: micro-adjustments are difficult to make. Great for big-footed riders, as the integrated liner and shell reduce the profile of the boot, diminishing overhang on your board.

TAGS: LIGHTWEIGHT, LOW-PROFILE

DC Gizmo Snowboard Boots

The softest boot we tested, the Gizmo is geared toward all-mountain riding. A Boa closure keeps your forefoot nice and snug, while traditional lacing up top allows you to ride loose or cinched down. Bonus: a slimmer profile means they pair well with many binding designs.

TAGS: BOA, MIDRANGE FLEX

Flow HyLite Snowboard Boots

The freestyle-focused HyLite offers the best of both worlds in fit and flex. Dual Boa systems control foot and ankle tautness independently, so you can customize stiffness, while an articulating cuff allows the boot to flex with you. Our crew happily reported that this combo resulted in noticeably better board control.

TAGS: DUAL BOAS, COMFORT

Ride Hi-Phy Boa Coiler Snowboard Boots

By building the Hi-Phy’s injection-molded foam frame in one piece (compared with some two dozen pieces in traditional boots), Ride reduced the seams, glue, and thus overall weight of this all-mountain freestyle boot. Testers praised its midrange flex for freeride but found it a bit stiff for tricks.

TAGS: STIFF, SOLID ANKLE SUPPORT

Vans Cirro x POW Snowboard Boots

Vans collaborated with pro-sustainability nonprofit Protect Our Winters to revamp this top-of-the-line men’s boot with recycled materials, cork footbeds, and nontoxic, water-based solvents. Sustainability aside, the Cirro earned high marks for out-of-the-box comfort, ankle support, and micro-adjustability (the Boa Focus dial lets you customize three different closure zones).

TAGS: ECO, CUSTOMIZED FIT

Burton Rampant Snowboard Boots

To keep the freestyle Rampant ultralight and maintain long-term pop and rebound, Burton built thin carbon inserts into the lateral side of the uppers. Testers liked the resulting high level of support and spring. A consistent but cushy flex (second in softness to the Gizmos) and the traditional lacing system were also well-received.

TAGS: FREESTYLE, SMALL BOOTPRINT

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Arbor Swoon Board

Because pretty topsheets sell boards, we predict this one will be flying off the shelves. Luckily, it鈥檚 also gorgeous on snow. This forgiving, reverse-camber directional twin excelled on wide-open groomers and mellower off-piste slopes. While expert testers wanted more heft, -especially when charging through crud at high speeds, intermediate riders will likely find that it feels just right at slower (read: normal) speeds. arborcollective.com

TAGS: FORGIVING, BEGINNER-FRIENDLY

Union Milan

Testers appreciated Union鈥檚 back-to-basics approach with the Milan. There was just enough shock-absorbing cushioning in all the right places, torsional stiffness where you need it most (like in the asymmetrical highbacks), and no pressure points. Our only gripe: adjustments require a screwdriver.

TAGS: SIMPLE, STURDY

Burton Supreme Boots

The word 鈥減erfect鈥� was scribbled across several testers鈥� review forms, leading us to believe the high price tag is justified. While a no-slip heel cup and out-of-the-box comfort are great in-bounds, the Supreme鈥檚 articulated cuff and moderate flex also make it plenty comfy for hiking or wearing with a split-board in the backcountry.

TAGS: CROSSOVER BOOT, LIGHTWEIGHT

Salomon Idol Board

This Idol is no one-hit wonder. With a hybrid profile鈥攖raditional camber
between the feet, rocker from the bindings out鈥攁nd a tapered tip and tail, it confidently handled everything from ungroomed steeps to chopped-up powder. 鈥淚t made me idolize myself,鈥� reported one tester. Although it鈥檚 responsive and poppy enough for park riding, it lost points for getting squirrelly on hardpack.

TAGS: CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING, BIG MOUNTAIN

Ride Fame Bindings

All the glory here is in the park: the Fame was a clear favorite with our freestyle-oriented testers. Customizable canting inserts help align your knees and give you extra leverage for added pop. And then there鈥檚 all the padding鈥攅xtra around the ankle strap and in the footbed鈥攖o help absorb impact. ridesnowboards.com

TAGS: SOFT LANDINGS, PARK-SPECIFIC

Vans Veil Boots

The top-shelf, all-mountain Veil gets an eco-friendly makeover thanks to Vans鈥檚 partnership with Protect Our Winters (POW). Recycled cork footbeds, water-based dyes, and proceeds that bene-fit POW shrink this boot鈥檚 footprint. The only thing that hasn鈥檛 changed is its performance. Two Boa dials and -moldable internal liners make customizing fit and flex a cinch.
Fits wider feet best.

TAGS: ECO-FRIENDLY, ALL MOUNTAIN

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Jones Snowboards Mountain Twin

About a dozen companies make splitboards, but our favorite is the Jones Snowboards Mountain Twin for its buttery powder float and trustworthy turning ability鈥攅specially in the backcountry’s sometimes sketchy terrain.

Spark R&D Blaze Bindings

Of course, skinning up with the Jones Snowboards Mountain Twin split apart requires bindings that rotate 90 degrees and pivot freely, like Spark R&D’s Blaze. While they’ll work with almost any snowboard boots, they (not surprisingly) mate best with the Deeluxe Spark boots.

Deeluxe Spark Snowboard Boots

Spark R&D’s Blaze bindings mate best with the Deeluxe Spark boots, a backcountry-specific, Vibram-soled, crampon-compatible collaboration between Deeluxe and Spark R&D.

Gecko Mohair Splitboard Skins

The last critical piece of the hardware puzzle: skins. Gecko’s mohair splitboard skins are welterweight and stick to your board via silicone adhesive. Get dog hair or pine needles on ’em? You can stick them under the faucet, unlike most skins.

Black Diamond Compactor Poles

Oh, and poles. At a minimum, they need to collapse for storage. We like Black Diamond’s three-piece Compactor poles鈥攖hey’re sturdy, quick to deploy, and lie flush against your pack (we like Burton’s AK31) on the way down.

Hestra Vertical Cut Freeride Gloves

Transforming all your gear requires dexterity, and Hestra’s weather-sealed and moderately warm Vertical Cut Freeride gloves fit so well it’s as if they were tailored to your hand.

Trew Pow Funk Jacket

Trew’s helmet-compatible Pow Funk jacket lets you dump heat through 16-inch pit zips as you schlep uphill.

Burton AK 3L Hover Pants

None of this will be fun, though, if you can’t regulate your temperature. Trew’s helmet-compatible Pow Funk jacket lets you dump heat through 16-inch pit zips as you schlep uphill, while Burton’s lightweight AK 3L Hover pants do the same thing down low with their thigh vents.

Helly Hansen Odin Insulator Jacket

Toss in Helly Hansen’s PrimaLoft-packed Odin Insulator. The hood is a lifesaver on windy ridges, it layers perfectly under a slightly loose-cut shell like the Pow Funk, and it takes up barely any space, scrunching down to the size of a grapefruit when you don’t need it.

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