Boot tech can be hard to wrap your head around, since much of how it operates lies beneath the surface. But, here’s a system we’re particularly fond of, because of how well it works. Developed to provide a rock-solid heel hold, the Tongue Tied lacing system is incredibly simple, super effective, and gives many of Ride’s boots their versatility and responsiveness.

Here’s how it works: Depending on the boot model, a lace is attached to either a BOA, or a manual lace pull, which runs through a passageway on the back of the boot’s tongue, then is routed through the heel of the boot. From there, it passes to the other side of the shell, through the other side of the tongue, and is anchored inside the shell. As the Tongue Tied lace is tightened down, the entire tongue evenly retracts back against your foot, anchoring your heel into place, without any of the pressure points that are common with a traditional harness.

How much of a difference does it make? Even without tightening the outer lacing, the Tongue Tied system has enough authority to hold your foot firmly in place. So, in theory, you can ride with your outer laces completely slack, for that loosey goosey, jibby feel, if you so wish.

Our gear editor Mike Basher tore into Ride Snowboards Tongue Tied technology to figure out how it all works.