Snowsports are some of the most fun to try, but it can be overwhelming deciding what gear is right for you. There’s usually a lot of different equipment involved – from insulated layers of clothing to the boots, skis, and boards, and it’s important that you have everything you need within a budget that you can afford.
Fortunately, we’ve rounded up this list of the best snowboard boots for women to take the mystery out of keeping your feet warm and dry on the slopes. You can use our buying guide to narrow down all the different styles and features available to determine what will be perfect for your winter wonderland.
We will demystify the different liners, lacing systems, and flex styles to help you decide on which you prefer. Then, we’ll give you detailed reviews of our top picks in this category based on quality, craftsmanship, and user reviews.
Contents
Our Top Products
- Best Overall: Burton Limelight BOA
- Best Premium: Burton Supreme Snowboard Boot
- Best Value: Vans Women’s Encore OG
To find out why these were the winners, and to see all the pros and cons of our list-toppers, check out the rest of this article.
Picking the Best Snowboard Boots for You
If you’re ready to put together your board, boots, and binding setup, it’s always a good idea to start by finding your perfect pair of shoes. You’ll want to search for an option that hugs your foot comfortably and provide you with both the support and flexibility to be an excellent match for your bindings and your board.
May experts suggest that if you’re going to splurge on one component of your setup, you should do it on your snowboard boots. Because they will make a massive difference in your comfort level on the slopes, they’re more important than a flashy board when it comes to performance.
You’ll want to shop for the best snowboard boots for women by considering both your riding style and what types of snow conditions you typically find on the slopes.
Here, we’ll dive into the most critical boot variables and give suggestions on what types of riders should look for which types of features when you shop. These include:
- Riding style and flexibility of the boot
- Type of lacing system
- Footbed and linter options
- Fit and comfort
Let’s get started.
What’s Your Riding Style?
Before you shop for snowboard boots, you’ll first need to determine where you’re most likely to ride. If you’re a mountain rider, you’ll want to shop with different features and boot flex specs in mind than if you’re a freestyle boarder.
Here are the three main types of terrain, and buying tips for each.
Are You an All-Mountain Rider?
When veteran snowboarders talk about all-mountain terrain, they’re referring to pretty much anywhere there’s powder that you can safely snowboard. If you like the idea of going out on a variety of terrain, like untracked powder, groomers, or park-and-pipe, then you’ll want a flexible boot that gives you these options.
Are You a Freerider?
Also sometimes called “big mountain” riding, freeriders stick to the backcountry and more technical groomed runs. To master these trails, you’ll need both speed and precision, which means stiffer boots with lots of rigidity to give you the edge power you’ll need to cut through firmly-packed snow and ice.
Are You a Freestyle Rider?
If doing tricks or hitting terrain parks is your preference, then you fall into the freestyle rider category. Boarding on rails or half-pipes and executing spins, jumps, and other tricks mean you’ll need flexible, soft boots that move with you.
Match Your Riding Style with Boot Flex
Another critical component to finding the perfect snowboarding boots is matching your normal riding conditions and style with features that support it. One of those features is called boot flex, which refers to the flexibility of the materials and the amount of mobility they give you as a rider.
There are three main types:
- Soft
- Medium
- Stiff
Here’s what you need to know about each.
Soft Flex Snowboard Boots
Options in this category are a great choice for riders who value comfort and who spend long hours on normal, mountain terrain. They’re made from resilient materials that provide support and cushion and stand up well to the elements.
If you like riding in places that require a lot of precision or control, this isn’t the best option. But, if you’re an average rider who typically heads out on regular mountain territory, or you’re a beginner, this flex option is probably the right fit.
Medium Flex Snowboard Boots
Predictably, medium-flex boots fall somewhere between the soft and stiff categories and still give the rider lots of mobility but have added support that allows you to conquer more technical mountain trails.
Stiff Flex Snowboard Boots
Snowboard boots that are stiff-flexing have the highest level of support, which makes them perfect if you need to have optimal control and power in tricky conditions. Advanced snowboarders, racers, or anyone who likes riding on technical backcountry trails should consider a stiff flex option.
Flex Note
It’s worth pointing out that boot flex isn’t a universal or standard measurement across brands. When you’re shopping, you may find that one manufacturer’s medium flex boot is on par with another’s soft flex option.
Because of this, it’s always smart to order from companies that offer a simple exchange policy or a satisfaction guarantee. That way, you have an opportunity to try them on to not only ensure fit and comfort but to make sure the construction is as soft or stiff as what you’ll need for your riding style and terrain.
Boot Lacing Systems
Although it may not seem like it, the lacing system on your snowboard boots is another important feature that will factor into your overall comfort and performance. You want laces that allow you to get a tight yet comfortable fit that doesn’t rub, cause blisters, or allow your foot to shift around in the boot.
There are three main types of lacing system you’ll discover on snowboard boots:
- Traditional
- Quick-Pull
- BOA
Here we’ll tell you the differences between each and point out a few advantages and potential drawbacks to consider when making your choice.
Traditional Snowboard Laces
Traditional laces run in a criss-cross pattern from your foot up to your leg and tie in a neat bow just like your shoelaces. They are inexpensive, and this is generally the lacing system you’ll see on value-priced snowboard boots.
Users like them because they’re simple to use, and it’s inexpensive to replace the laces if you want a different color or style, or they’re showing signs of wear and tear. You can also customize the fit by hand, although it could be a tedious process to get it just right.
Drawbacks are that they can be hard to tie or untie if you’re wearing bulky gloves, which means it’s tricky to adjust the fit and tightness when you’re out on the slopes. It’s also possible that your laces could accidentally get untied, which could loosen your fit while you’re heading downhill.
Quick-Pull Snowboard Laces
Quick-pull laces are a favorite option if you like the convenience of cinching everything with one good yank. Most boots that use this system have a quick-pull in two or more zones of the boot, which allow you to adjust the tightness of your foot separately from your ankle or calf.
Users love these because the process is so quick, and it’s easy to make adjustments when you have frozen fingers or thick gloves. The separate zones give you a customized fit and are especially helpful if you have unique fitting needs, like a narrow foot and a wide calf combination.
Despite their convenience, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some snowboarders feel like they can’t get a snug enough fit with the laces, and if they quick-pull mechanism starts to wear out, your laces may loosen unintentionally while you’re on the slopes.
Also, because these are more difficult to find than standard laces, if one of them does break, you might have to end your day in the powder early to go in search of a replacement.
BOA System Snowboard Laces
The most advanced lacing option, boots with a BOA system, use a wheel or dial that’s rigged to thin cables to adjust your boot’s snugness. High-end models use stainless-steel cables and will usually have two separate dials to control the fit – one positioned near the tongue of your boot and the second just above your ankle so that you can make precise adjustments to the different areas of the shoe.
BOA laces are fast, easy to use, and can usually be fine-tuned with only one hand. Because the dials are easy to grip, you can turn them when you’re wearing gloves on the slopes.
If you like a pair that has a one-dial system, it’s important to know that turning it will tighten the fit throughout your entire foot and leg. If you need a more customizable option, look for a pair that as two sections.
These laces are also more difficult to find and replace, and they’re the most expensive of the bunch. They can significantly add to the overall cost of your boots on the front-end and are costly to replace if they break or wear out.
Liners for Snowboard Boots
The material that covers the entire inside of snowboard boots is the liner. They’re most commonly made from the same lightweight foam that you will also find in running shoes called ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
In boots, the liner keeps your foot warm, stable, and cushioned when you’re heading up and down the slopes.
Some of the options on this list have attached liners, while others have removable versions. If you like being able to air out your boots after a day on the mountain, look for the removable variety.
There are three main categories of liners: non-moldable, thermoformable, and custom moldable.
Non-moldable liners are your stock options. They are the most affordable and are form-fitted based on an average foot. These provide stability and added padding in the shoe, and will eventually conform to your foot’s shape a bit over time as you break them in.
Thermoformable liners are activated by your body heat and are a more expensive option. Within the first day or so of wearing them, the lining will warm up and mold to the custom contours of your feet for a perfect fit.
These are an excellent choice if you have high arches or other pressure points because they will conform and not rub uncomfortably once they’ve taken shape.
Custom moldable liners are another option that works well to achieve a perfect fit. This variety uses an artificial heat source, and you may want to rely on an expert at a local sporting goods store to help you get it right. It’s also possible to mold your liners at home, and it’s important you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to do it safely.
Finding the Right Fit
One of the keys to comfort is buying the best snowboard boots for women in the right size. Fortunately, most manufacturers use standard footwear sizing, and you can shop based on what you wear in your street shoes.
It’s always best to try on the shoes to gauge fit later in the day because your feet will swell during the afternoon and evening hours. Especially after a day on the slopes, you’ll be grateful for a bit of extra room that could prevent pinching or blisters.
When you slide the shoes on, take a moment to make sure the liner hugs your foot tightly but isn’t so snug that it constricts the blood flow to your toes. Although the material may soften and give you a little more room over time, you want to aim for a perfect fit out of the box.
If you end up with a bit more volume in the fit once your boots are broken in, you can always layer on a heavier sock to tighten things back up.
Avoid any boots that are wiggly, sloppy, or loose when you try them on; they will impact your stability on the slopes. Your toe should come nearly to the toecap, and your heel should be tightly cupped in the back of the boot. Especially if you’re a snowboarder looking for high-performance shoes, you’ll want to avoid any heel lift in your fit.
If you’re ordering boots online, note any user reviews or manufacturer comments about fit. Some brands will tell you that you should size up or down to get the perfect fit.
Choosing Snowboarding Socks
It’s always smart to try on your snowboarding boots with the socks you plan to wear on the slopes to make sure they work well together. Look for high-quality merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic socks that will keep your feet dry while you’re shredding through powder. The thin, comfortable material will also smooth over hot spots so that you don’t get blisters or sore areas on your feet.
Snowboarding Lingo
If you’re a newbie to the sport, you’ve probably already realized it has a language all its own. If any of the descriptions above are confusing, then this quick guide to some of the common lingo might help you decipher what type of snowboarder you are (or will be).
Carving
When you’re making your way down a mountain, shifting your weight back and forth and making slight curves in the snow with the edge of your board, that’s called carving. It’s how you control your speed and descent and is also a technique used to plow through hard-packed or ice-covered snow.
Groomed Trails
If you’re just starting out, groomed trails are probably very appealing. You can find them at ski resorts where they have a plow-like machine that will run over the hills to smooth out the snow and make it fluffy and even. Groomed trails provide beginner-friendly descents and soft places to land if something goes wrong along the way.
Ungroomed Trails
Some ski resorts also have an array of ungroomed trails to choose from, or you can find them out in the backcountry anywhere that there’s both hills and snow. The term means that the snow is untouched, or powder, and hasn’t been altered before you head out on it.
Powder
Both skiers and snowboarders alike love it when they see fresh powder. That means that there’s been a snowfall, and the slope hasn’t yet been touched.
Terrain Park
Similar to warm-weather skateparks, snowsport terrain parks are areas of ski resorts that have features where you can do stunts. They are man-made and could include things like half-pipes, rails, boxes, or jumps.
Read Also: Best Snowshoe Boots
Best Snowboard Boots for Women
Check out this roundup of the best snowboard boots for women for every budget. Our top picks include a variety of flex and ride styles, top-notch construction, and a plethora of features to keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable during long days out on the slopes.
1. Burton Limelight BOA
Our winner for the best overall snowboard boot for women, the Burton Limelight BOA, is a versatile boot that’s perfect for new and elite riders alike. It’s a medium flex model built for all-mountain terrain, which means it has the ability to keep up with you on most surfaces and provide support and cutting power down the slopes.
The boot liner is thermoformable, which means after one wear, it will cup your foot perfectly. It also uses patented technology inspired by sleeping bags that locks warmth in and redirects it back to your frozen toes when they need it most.
The boots have a ratcheting cable lace system on the exterior, which allows you to get a precise fit with exactly as much support as you desire. There’s a separate lacing system for the lining which uses quick-pull lace technology to lock down the foot and ankle of your boot to give you the support that you need.
Another notable feature of this boot is the internal flaps that are designed to prevent the show from getting inside the top of your boot. They work well and will help ensure that your feet stay dry even when you’re kicking up fresh powder on a downhill.
Users report that the Burton Limelight runs a little snug, and most prefer a half of a size larger than their normal street shoe. Keep that in mind when you try these on, and make sure you wear the socks you plan to wear on the slopes so that you get a good idea of the true fit of this boot.
Pros:
- Two-part lacing system gives you a snug fit
- Flap construction keeps snow out of your boots
- The thermoformable heat-redirecting liner will keep your feet warm
Cons:
- Sizing can run small
2. Burton Supreme Snowboard Boot
When we awarded the Burton Supreme Snowboard Boot as our Best Premium option in this guide, it was for several good reasons. Not only is this shoe beautiful and edgy, but it also boasts a plethora of high-end features and delivers elite performance and comfort.
This stiff support boot is perfect for technical snowboarders, and the patented women’s specific True Fit technology responds uniquely to the ways that women ride.
The trademarked Speed Zone lacing system on this boot is a high-end quick-pull system that uses rope technology that’s exclusive to Burton. They say it delivers better response, more rebound, and more wrap with less effort when you’re out on the slopes.
One of the best features of this boot is the trademarked Articulating True Fit technology used throughout the liner. It’s incorporated into a cuff that’s broken into three parts, the upper and lower zones of your foot and your calf. This means that each area can flex independently of each other, giving you lots of fluidity while still maintaining heel hold.
Not only is the liner fit impressive, but the DRYRIDE Heat Cycle technology it’s made from is luxurious and functional. It uses thermally-activated carbon thread that responds to your natural body heat and keeps you warm while also wicking moisture away to keep your feet dry.
The plush calf cuff then hugs and flexes with you to give you support and stability while also keeping snow out of your boots.
The footbed is this shoe is a Level 2 molded EVA that incorporates B3 gel and additional cushioning to give you a broken-in feel as soon as you try these on. Burton’s also added a support shank that runs along the arch of your foot that will help your arch stay strong if you take a long drop off a high slope.
Pros:
- Dual lacing system for a precise fit
- The luxury liner provides cushioning, stability, and warmth
- Footbed built for technical trails and high drops
Cons:
- Expensive
3. Vans Women’s Encore OG ’20
Often, “value” products mean low-quality, but that’s not the case with the Vans Women’s Encore OG. This budget-friendly boot doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it’s still a high-quality option that delivers reliable performance when you’re on the slopes.
It’s an all-mountain boot with a medium flex, though many users report that they would rate it as medium-soft or soft compared to other manufacturers. That means these are perfect for beginners or snowboarders who like softness and comfort in their boots.
This boot uses a BOA-style ratcheting cable lace and comes with a thermoformable boot liner. Made from their patented UltraCush material, it has a built-in “flex zone” in the ankle that gives you enough support to tackle the slopes but also the room to move, as needed.
The Vans Encore uses similar heat-retention technology to many of the higher-end boots on this list to reflect your body heat and keep your feet warm. This means you can ride longer and be comfortable while you’re doing it.
The boot soles come with Waffle Lugs, which promote grip stability and perform well in both snowy and icy conditions.
It’s also worth noting that Vans makes this model in small sizes and narrow widths, which means women with hard-to-fit feet might love the sizing options. Users report the Encore OG runs true to size.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Ankle “flex zone” provides comfort and versatility
- Advanced heat-retention technology
- Available in small and narrow sizes
Cons:
- Prominent branding and logo placement
4. K2 Estate BOA Coiler Women’s Snowboard Boots
The K2 Estate is a true medium-flex all-mountain snowboard boots for women that are known for being extremely comfortable thanks to their “Intuition Spaceheater” liner technology.
Designed to provide both comfort and warmth, the liner uses the same technology found in reflective heat blankets to trap your body heat and repel the cold. Combined with the heat-moldable custom intuition foam, your feet will feel cozy all day long.
This model uses a BOA lace system, and also incorporates an automatic retractor into the design to make it easy to lace up (and get out of) your boots.
The boot liner is custom moldable, and the rugged outer layer adds extra durability and sturdiness without sacrificing comfort. The Vibram RollSole outsole provides superior traction, mobility, and range of motion and is another unique feature of this boot.
The K2 Estate is a favorite of women who value comfort and control out on the slopes.
Pros:
- The boot liner is plush and comfortable
- High-tech BOA lacing system makes adjustments easy
- Vibram RollSole outsole combines comfort traction technology
Cons:
- One of the heaviest boots on the list at approximately 6 pounds each
5. Vans Ferra Snowboard Boots
A newer product to the Vans line up, the Ferra Snowboard Boots made their debut in 2018 backed by their women’s competitive team riders, including the prominent Hana Bearman.
If you like the idea of carving down big mountain slopes and need a medium-stiff snowboard boot to do it, then this high-end model might be your perfect fit. They’re rated as a 5-7 flex (on a scale of 1-10), and comes with a plethora of female-specific features to smooth out your ride.
Like most of the snowboard boots by Vans, they feature a Waffle Flex outsole that will give you superior traction while still being responsive when you’re on the slopes. The footbed support is their second-generation variety and will mold to your foot for a comfortable, flexible fit.
These boots feature a hybrid BOA closure to help you get them perfectly snug. The liner uses a BOA dial, and the outside of the shoe incorporates a traditional lace-up design, which makes it easy to adjust your fit combination.
It’s also worth mentioning the unique “Reach Around” feature in the boot liner. It’s a strap that extends around your ankle that can lock you into the liner or around the tongue to help keep your heel in place and avoid any sort of lift while you’re cruising down the slopes.
This boot has a distinctive look and style, and some users love that it stands out from other models on the slopes. Conversely, some women aren’t a fan of the prominent branding and patterned liner, despite loving the fit of the shoe. Be sure that the aesthetic works for you before making the investment.
Pros:
- Female-specific features
- Dual lace system
- Advanced liner to ensure your foot stays in place
Cons:
- Some people don’t like the aesthetic of the shoe
6. SALOMON Ivy BOA Str8jkt Women’s Snowboarding Boots
Here’s something that might shock you – you might love wearing a straightjacket. That is if it’s the patented Str8jkt liner found in the SALOMON Ivy BOA Str8jkt snowboard boots.
This medium-flex model is a favorite of freestyle riders thanks to its excellent ankle support that will have you doing tricks for hours on end. The boot liner comes with extra foam insulation for your vulnerable areas, like your heels, shins, and ankles that will not only keep you warm but prevent bruises when you’re grinding rails or hitting the half-pipe.
It’s custom moldable and uses a ratcheting cable lace to help you get a snug, secure fit. The patented Str8jkt is the heel harness that sits inside the liner designed to hold your foot in place during every stunt.
The insole is made from advanced Ortholite C2, a dual-density foam that cups your foot and provides all-day comfort.
Pros:
- Extra foam insulation protects feet, ankles, and legs during tricks
- Str8jkt technology holds your heel firmly in place
- Extremely Comfortable
Cons:
- Limited colors available
7. ThirtyTwo Women’s TM Two Snowboard Boots
ThirtyTwo is a fan-favorite brand with a devout following, and for a good reason. Founded in 1995 by avid snowboarders, the company remains privately held and continues to innovate its products and gear thanks to their passion for the sport.
Every item they produce is rigorously tested and approved by elite and professional snowboarders worldwide before it’s released to the public, which means you’re always guaranteed excellent fit, comfort, technology, and performance.
The Women’s TM Two boots are a stiff option that the company ranks as a seven on a one to ten scale. They come with a heat-moldable liner made from dual-density intuition foam that’s comfortable and formfitting. It’s topped with a cozy, fuzzy, soft fleece cuff that hugs your calf and gives you extra warmth.
These boots feature a traditional lacing system on the outside, and additional ankle lock-down support built into the liner.
One additional feature to note is that this model has a Storm Shield All-Weather Seal on the boot, which adds durability and keeps the cold, snow, and ice outside your shoe where it belongs.
ThirtyTwo recently updated the way that they size their boots to give them a truer fit, and this model also comes in half-sizes to give you more options. Users still report that they sometimes need to size down a half size to get them properly snug.
Pros:
- Fleece cuff adds cozy support and warmth
- An internal ankle strap keeps your heel in place
- All-weather seal makes these boots long-lasting
Cons:
- May need to order half-size down
8. K2 Sapera Women’s Snowboard Boots
This medium-flex, all-mountain option from K2 is great for carving curves into the mountainside. What makes these unique is the blend of materials used in the boot insulation.
K2 combines both medium and high-density intuition foam to make the liner, which means you’ll get the benefits of lots of forward flex in your calf and ankle combined with the support and fit through your foot and sole. The moldable 3D foam liner conforms to your foot for a custom fit.
The Sapera also uses a unique 3-point harness lacing system that includes a dial adjustment for precise fine-tuning of your fit. Users report that it gives you excellent heel hold without sacrificing your range of motion on the slopes.
The roll-style outsole on these boots is more lightweight than most, combining rubber and phylon, which means that these are just over half a pound per boot. That’s by far the lightest option on our list, but they are no less durable and functional than the other models.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- The dual-material liner gives you the best of both worlds
- The three-point harness provides foot and ankle support
Cons:
- Not many adjustment options
9. ThirtyTwo Lashed Women’s Snowboard Boots
Another popular option from ThirtyTwo, their women’s Lashed style, is a medium-stiff option that ranks at a six on their one to ten ranking scale.
They come with a standard lacing system, but they also have a high-end option with comparable features that also include a double BOA system if you prefer that type.
The Lashed also boasts a customizable internal harness that’s fully adjustable to give you the most comfort possible while also locking down your heel and keeping your foot in place on tough downhills. The cozy fleece collar includes an articulated cuff, which means you’ll be able to move naturally when you’re walking.
One notable feature of the outsole is the evolution foam that does an excellent job of absorbing shock and chatter, making these a great choice on icy slopes.
Users also love the different patterns available in this model. They come in basic black, but also fun options like leopard print and tie-dye.
Pros:
- Color and pattern options
- Evolution form outsole
- Fleece collar with articulated cuff
Cons:
- Some users report inconsistencies in sizing
10. Ride Karmyn Women’s Snowboard Boots
These boots made their debut in the Ride family in 2019, and they were so well-received that they’re back for 2020 with a few upgrades. They are a medium-flex option, coming in at a six out of ten on Ride’s scale.
It comes with a heat-moldable liner that uses heat-reflective technology to keep your feet warm like many of our top performers on this list. The boot features BOA-style laces.
A notable feature of this boot is their power cuff, which provides additional adjustability to the fit of the boot. You can tighten the cuff to make it more responsive if you’re heading down a technical trail, or you could leave it a bit looser on a more forgiving ride.
Another advantage of the Karmyn is their high-quality Michelin soles that have amazing traction but also do a superior job of absorbing shock on hard landings.
Pros:
- Power cuff for an adjustable fit
- Michelin soles for shock absorption and traction
Cons:
- Only one color option
Final Thoughts
Picking the best snowboard boots for you comes down to finding the perfect match for terrain and ride style. On this list, there’s a variety of options for shredding all types of powder, and you’re sure to find a match.
For all-mountain riders, our Best Overall pick the Burton Limelight BOA is an excellent mid-priced option that’s comfortable, versatile, and performs well out on the slopes. If you’re looking to invest in a high-end boot, our Best Premium winner, Burton Supreme Snowboard Boot, has all of the plush luxuries you want and is a great choice for both novices and experienced snowboarders alike.
The Best Value winner, Vans Women’s Encore OG ’20, is an affordable pick that doesn’t skimp on performance or comfort.
Regardless of which shoe you choose, make sure that you try them on to find the perfect fit. Finding a snug and cozy liner can make the difference between an enjoyable day on the slopes and a miserable experience.