8 Best Snowboard Boots UK 2024 | Vans, Burton and More

Snowboarding is one of those awesome and inclusive sports that, granted it snows, everyone can participate in. This inclusivity means that there's plenty of great boot options to be snapped up for both men and women and, of course, children. 

In recent years, snowboard boots have been redesigned to fit women more comfortably. By reducing the boot cuff (the top part) to align with women's calves, the boots feel less restrictive. The typically slimmer fit also goes a long way in preventing heel lift and foot ache. 

Women's boots also come with a slightly softer flex that helps with the transfer of energy, but we'll go more in detail on that later. Most kids' boots tend to be unisex, so you'll just need to ensure you get the right sizing.

Speed, or 'quick' laces, are super easy and efficient. These lacing systems feature a thin and durable nylon lace, with two handles at either end. The handles enable you to get a good grip and pull until you're satisfied with how tight your boots feel. You then simply slide the lace through the integrated gripping teeth and away you go. 

BOA is the most premium style of lacing system. This closure uses a high tensile cable and ratchet wheel that's easy to adjust and, once locked, will remain incredibly tight. Double BOA's offer an even tighter fit, by allowing you to adjust the upper and lower part of the boot independently, giving you a sense of confidence to stomp tricks. 

You might have seen or heard the words 'flex' or 'stiffness' in relation to snowboard boots, and wondered what it means? Every snowboard boot has its own individual flex pattern that's intended for a specific kind of rider. Flex is usually measured on a scale of 1 - 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest.

Soft to medium flex boots (1 - 6) offer increased ankle movement, making them ideal for beginner to intermediate riders as their margin for error is higher. They're also enjoyed by park riders for their playfulness, allowing them to tweak out features with steeze and ease. 

Stiff boots of 7 or above are for advanced riders searching for speed on and off-piste. The lack of ankle movement offers riders the level of response that's required to make slight adjustments quickly at high speeds and on landings. That being said, some park riders also enjoy stiff boots and their snowboards flexy, making it a personal preference in the end. 

The liner is the inner part of the boot that your feet sit in, which makes them rather important. However, this is where it gets a little bit more complex, as each brand uses slightly different terminology to describe their boot liners' features. 

Mouldable liners are usually only found within the upper echelon of mid-range and premium boots. Using the heat from your body, the foam liners will actually mould around the shape your feet, which is a big reason why rental boots are such a terrible idea.

Heel holds are extra pieces of foam that go one step further in eliminating heel lift, and fleece linings are a huge win for anyone who's worried about the cold on long mountain days. Velcro straps are good for keeping a liner exactly where it should be, before you lace up the outer shell of the boot. 

The insoles, or footbeds, are the part of the boot that sits just under the liner. Even though you can't see them, they are incredibly important as their sole intent is to create a comfortable platform for you while riding.

The sentiment of 'you get what you pay for' is certainly not lost when it comes to insoles. Budget boot insoles are rarely more than a thin piece of foam that offers next to no comfort, and you can forget about support! They'll also wear down faster, which will make you want to get new and improved insoles before the season is out. 

EVA foam is the go-to material for insoles built to a certain standard. EVA provides riders with an insanely good amount of shock absorption, as well as being light, flexible and durable. Look for additional insole support, like arch support, heel cushioning, moisture-wicking and reflective foil for retaining heat and repelling the cold.