There are plenty of reasons why snowboarding is better than skiing, not least of which is the boots. Here are seven premium reasons not to ski.
There’s a longstanding adage in snowboarding that says boots are the most important part of any setup, and while that may be true, we’re just glad we don’t have to buckle into a pair of plastic blocks each time we get to the mountain.
Every rider’s foot is unique, so it’s crucial to try on different styles, models and brands when you’re in the market for new boots. But the following six options represent the highest caliber of the three essentials to snowboard footwear — comfort, durability and performance — and provide a solid foundation on which to start when you begin the process of finding the perfect pair for you.
DC Travis Rice
MSRP: $399.95
What’s typically seen as a positive physical attribute also sucks the enjoyment out of snowboarding.
Snowboarders are the only men in the world wishing for smaller feet. While having big dogs is rarely, if ever, advantageous in our sport, Travis Rice seems to be managing just fine. His signature DC boot employs an asymmetrical outsole specifically designed to reduce toe and heel drag…
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adidas The Blauvelt
MSRP: $375.00
Settling is not on the roadmap to where Jake Blauvelt is.
But in regards to his signature boot he says, “After three years of tweaking, it’s finally where I want it to be.” Designed for superior support, The Blauvelt has a tall profile to deliver extra support when powering through unpredictable terrain…
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RIDE Insano
MSRP: $359.95
If you want to slip your foot in and crank it to eleven, the Insano is with you.
Not for those who want a boot that flexes like their sneakers, this one’s for riders who value immediate response and drive from their snowboard footwear…
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Vans Sequal
MSRP: $279.95
Back from a yearlong hiatus stronger than ever, Vans has a new high-end offering in their line.
The Sequal holds down the stiff end of Vans’ flex spectrum, but it’s not overly rigid. Customizable features make this boot a viable option for riders with varying preferences in stiffness…
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Burton Photon
MSRP: $369.95
These are not like other Boa boots you’ve seen.
In place of the metal cable typically employed for tensioning, the Photon uses what is essentially a micro version of a climbing rope fed through a dial that operates in the same way as a traditional Boa® lacing system. The switch to natural-fiber rope provides more fl ex than a steel cable, which equates to all-day comfort…
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K2 Contour
MSRP: $279.95
It’s what’s on the inside that counts, but good looks are nice too.
Premium materials, state of the art technology and custom comfort define this boot that’s built to last. K2’s Conda™ system, operated by a Boa® dial, allows you to reach beneath the Contour’s pretty surface and adjust the Intuition™liner from the outside of the boot…
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ThirtyTwo TM-Two
MSRP: $284.95
Bad relationships start off great. So do bad boots.
If your boots are as comfortable as your favorite sneakers out of the box, they’re probably not going to last. The TM-Two may take a couple days to break in, but once it does it’s the perfect combination of comfort and performance that will last for seasons to come…
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