As a snowboarder, you have some options when it comes to your gear. Lacing style is one of those choices where some people have a particular preference. Boa lacing is a popular style that is easy to use and effective.
I’m a certified snowboarding instructor who has worn many different boots over the years. I prefer a Boa lacing style and know what to look for in a high-quality boot.
The Ride Lasso Pro is my pick for the best BOA system snowboard boots this year. These are a great pair of all-mountain boots that are versatile and effective in various on-snow scenarios.
I’ll show you a handful of other BOA options in this post so you can pick an option that works best for your riding and style and any other preferences you might have.
No need to tie your laces before getting started here.
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Who Should Get This
Boa styling lacing systems are becoming more and more popular due to their comfortable and secure fit. Standard laces can loosen up if you ride hard or don’t tie them up tight enough.
On the other hand, Boa laces provide a secure lacing that will stay in place even under the most demanding conditions. This style of lacing is also really easy to tighten up quickly in the cold.
If you ride hard and want your laces to stay tight all day long, Boa boots are the way to go.
Some people like the look and feel of standard lacing over Boa. That is simply a personal preference.
Even though I think Boa laces deliver a better fit for increased performance, advanced riders can still rock standard laces and still rip it up on the mountain.
Top BOA Snowboard Boots
Here are my picks for the best BOA snowboard boots.
1. Best Overall: Ride Lasso Pro
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Lightweight construction, micro-adjustment BOA, Intuition foam liner, flex sole
- Flex: Stiff
- Cost: $$$
The Ride Lasso Pro is an excellent choice for versatile performance and a highly effective micro-adjustment BOA system. These are my favorite BOA boots on the market.
They have a stiffer flex that will give you high performance all over the mountain. These fall into the all-mountain category, which means you can ride just about anywhere you want to go and get good response through it all.
Rugged and robust construction makes the Lasso Pro durable, and you’ll get consistent flex and performance for season after season of steady use.
An Intuition foam liner and flex sole will keep your feet fully supported and exceptionally comfortable no matter where or how long you ride. They are also lightweight, which is great for long days on the mountain.
There is not much of a downside to mention, except they aren’t a great beginner’s option and are a little bit expensive.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Christy Sports or Buckman’s.
2. Best Freeride: DC Travis Rice Boa
- Best for: Freeride
- Key features: Awesome freeride capabilities, responsive, storm flaps, warm, articulated construction
- Flex: Stiff
- Cost: $$$
The DC Travis Rice Boa boots will have you covered in the backcountry and beyond. They are a solid choice for riders who want a set of freeride boots with the Boa system.
These high-performing boots are great for intermediate and advanced riders who want to tackle challenging lines and terrain. They have a very stiff flex that is responsive and reliable.
They are also very warm, which is another great feature for freeriding. 3M Thinsulate insulation will keep moisture away and help you retain heat. Built-in storm flaps keep out the snow and cold.
These can be a little too aggressive for the average rider, and they are also expensive.
3. Best for Beginners: thirtytwo STW Boa
- Best for: Beginners
- Key features: forgiving, heat-moldable liner, STI evolution foam sole, 3D molded tongue, comfort harness
- Flex: Soft
- Cost: $$
Beginners who want to take advantage of the precise fit of the Boa system should check out the thirtytwo STW Boa boots (review). These have a forgiving flex that will let you practice your skills and improve to the next level.
They fit well right out of the box thanks to 1:1 lasting and a 3D molded tonight that will give you comfort and support.
A heat-moldable liner is made out of dual-density foam that gives you a customized fit. This means you can stay out in the snow longer because your feet won’t get as tired.
The lacing system will keep your feet supported and secure all day long.
With a soft flex, you might outgrow these boots quickly if you are approaching an intermediate snowboarding level.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Backcountry.
4. Best Women’s: Ride Hera
- Best for: Women
- Key features: Lightweight, comfortable, Calf Adjustment System, Intuition liner, articulated cuff
- Flex: Medium
- Cost: $$$
The Ride Hera is the best Boa boot for women. These are another high-quality boot with versatile performance that can work for a variety of riding styles.
The medium flex allows for their versatile nature and gives you a good response while also being forgiving when you need it.
They are lightweight and have a women’s specific lasting that translates into all-day comfort and reliable performance.
Calf Adjustment Tech allows you to get a customized fit around your upper leg, which works really well with the Boa system to give you outstanding comfort and support.
The Hera might be a little too flexible for advanced riders, but it’s still a great all-mountain Boa-equipped option.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Curated or Buckman’s.
How to Choose The Best Snowboard Boots with BOA System
Take a look at the following factors before purchasing a pair of BOA boots.
Number of Dials
Most Boa snowboard boots will either have one or two dials. If you want customized comfort and an extra secure fit, look for boots that have two dials. Such models can be more expensive, but they offer excellent comfort that’s ideal for increased performance.
A single dial is standard as well, and it offers a nice fit but isn’t as versatile.
Durability
No matter what type of snowboard boot you get, you want it to be strong and durable. Cheaper boots that aren’t made with quality materials can quickly wear out over the course of a single season. Nobody wants to have to buy multiple pairs of boots in a year.
Always choose well-made models that can handle the elements.
You want boots constructed with strong, long-lasting materials like leather and rubber. Such options can withstand heavy use out in the cold, making them a must for any serious snowboarder.
All of the options listed here are built to last and use strong materials alongside durable design elements.
Additional Features
There are some additional features to look out for in Boa boots that can increase their comfort or make them much more enjoyable to use. A lot of riders like gel or air soles in their boots.
This type of sole can add additional comfort and cushioning when you land from big airs and allow you to stay in your boots for longer. Power straps across the top of a boot also increase the stiffness and allow for better performance.
FAQs
Here are some quick answers to a few common questions about BOA boots and the lacing style in general.
What does BOA mean in snowboard boots?
The BOA system gets its name from the Boa Constrictor snake. In a similar manner to how this snake wraps up its prey, the lacing system wraps up your foot for a tight and secure fit that is difficult to loosen up.
Is the BOA system reliable?
It is. This system provides some of the most reliable tightening of all the lacing systems for snowboard boots. They will keep your feet in place and secure, which lasts longer than standard laces or quick-pull designs.
Are BOA Snowboard boots worth it?
If you like this style and want a reliably secure fit, then they are totally worth it. If you have ever struggled with your laces loosening up before, I would suggest exploring a BOA system because it will most likely fix the problem.
How long do Boa boots last?
It depends on the boot, but a BOA boot can easily last for years. This comes down to the quality of the boot over the lacing system. All of the boots mentioned here are from reputable brands that are known for high quality.
Can you fix Boa snowboard boots?
You can, but it can be difficult for anyone who has never attempted it before. There are some good YouTube tutorials and guides out there to help you if you want to try to fix yourself. Otherwise, take it to the snowboarding shop and see what they can do.
My Verdict
The Ride Lasso Pro is one of the best BOA system snowboard boots currently available. I like these boots a lot and think that they will give many different riders the performance, comfort, and secure lacing they are searching for.
You don’t have to get snowboard boots with the BOA lacing system, but I would recommend it. The customizable comfort goes a long way towards increasing the amount of fun you can have in the snow.
And all of the options mentioned above come recommended, of course!
About Lorraine