4 Best Budget Snowboard Boots

Budget Snowboard Boots Under 150

Snowboarding boots are an essential part of your setup, but you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get a decent pair (some are even in the $100-$200 range). A budget option can be good for newcomers to the sport or anyone looking to save some money. 

I’ve been a snowboarder for most of my life and have been an instructor for the last ten years. I’ve used budget snowboard boots in the past and know what to look for in a good pair. 

The DC Phase is my pick for the best budget snowboard boots this year. These are a solid all-around option that will give you versatile and reliable performance. 

In this post, I’ll give you a handful of my other top budget picks so you can find an affordable snowboard boot that works for you. 

Get your socks on, and let’s get started. 

Who Should Get This

All snowboarders can use the boots listed in this guide. That being said, the low price tags make them especially useful for boarders on a budget. Anyone looking to save some money or put their cash towards other parts of their ensemble will love the price tag of these options.

These boots are also great for new or first-time boarders. Getting into snowboarding can be quite a commitment. If you’re someone who wants to dip their toes in without shelling out a lot of money, a cheap pair of boots is an excellent place to start.

Top Cheap But Good Snowboard Boots

Here are my picks for the best budget snowboard boots for this year, along with a quick review of each option so you get to know its pros and cons.

1. Best Overall: DC Phase

  • Key features: Performance liner, versatile performance, comfortable, warm, durable, Unilite outsole
  • Flex: Medium 
  • Lacing Style: Traditional 

At the top of the budget list comes the DC Phase. These boots are a versatile option that will work for many different ability levels and riding styles. You’ll get outstanding all-around performance and quality comfort in a budget package.

The Phase comes with a performance liner that will give you plenty of support throughout your entire foot and up into your ankle. It has a multi-layer construction of EVA memory foam combined with a thermal-regulating fleece layer for extra warmth. 

The footbed is made of an EVA material that is stable and adds cushioning where you need it the most. It’s also very durable, so you will get solid use and performance, even if you ride tough. It’s also covered in a moisture-wicking cloth to keep your feet dry. 

A Foundation Unilite Outsole adds durability and extra grip without weighing you down. This material is very lightweight and increases the dampening abilities of the boots considerably. They also have a good traction pattern for increased grip in the snow. 

Most budget boots come with a traditional lacing system, and that’s what you’ll get with the Phase. While it works, it can loosen up over the day.  

==> You can also get it on DICK’S or Buckman’s or Evo.

2. Best for Comfort: System APX

  • Key features: Heat-moldable liner, great fit, reinforce laces, 3-year warranty, comfortable
  • Flex: Medium
  • Lacing Style: Traditional 

The System APX is a great snowboard boot under $150 that has a focus on comfort. You’ll also get versatile performance in a wide range of conditions, making them a good option for beginner and intermediate riders alike. 

The liner is the foundation for all of the comfort that the APX has to offer. You’ll find a Thermofit heat-moldable liner that allows you to get a customized fit that shapes itself around the contours of your feet. This means pain-free riding and a minimal break-in period. 

Classic leather and synthetic material construction make the boots very flexible and mobile as well. You can keep these on all day without worrying about your feet getting tired or worn out. 

The APX also comes with reinforced laces that are strong and durable. This helps them remain tight and in place even though they are traditional style laces. The metal hook design is effective at assisting toward this end. 

You can also enjoy the benefits of a 3-year warranty that extend these boots’ value even further and make them a solid choice all-around. 

These aren’t the most weather-resistant boots and might not be a good choice if you ride in deep powder often. 

==> You can also get it on Grailed.

3. Best All-Mountain: Nitro Vagabond TLS

  • Key features: Versatile performance, warm, Interlock Cloud Liner, bailout system, EVA footbed
  • Flex: Medium
  • Lacing Style: TLS Twin

For all-mountain performance at an affordable price, check out the Nitro Vagabond TLS. These boots are built to tackle just about any terrain or condition, making them a good budget choice for the well-rounded rider. 

The Vagabond offers excellent heel support and cushioning thanks to an EVA footbed and Interlock Cloud Liner. These work together to keep your feet firmly in place as you ride all over the mountain. 

The TLS Twin lacing system is a cool take on traditional lacing that helps to keep them tight and secure all day long. It’s not quite as effective as a Boa system, but it’s better than standard lacing alone. 

They also have a lightweight TR outsole that gives you extra cushioning when you are riding and grip in the snow when you need it. 

The liner isn’t heat-moldable, so you won’t get a customized fit here. They are still pretty comfortable with that in mind. 

==> You can also get it on outlet46.

4. Best for Beginners: Salomon Titan 

  • Key features: Bronze liner, imprint footbed, D-light outsole, comfortable, good support for a soft flex
  • Flex: Soft
  • Lacing Style: Quicklock

The Salomon Titan is a good boot for beginners on a budget. When you start to ride, you don’t need the most expensive gear to have a good time, and the Titan gives you decent performance for cheap. 

A softer flex is ideal for beginners as it’s more forgiving and will allow you to stay comfortable as you are learning the basics. The Titan still offers good support even with this softer flex. 

The boots are also very comfortable, thanks to foam placed in critical areas around the food. A Bronze liner uses multi-density foam to keep you cushioned and supported at all times. 

The D-light outsole is lightweight while still providing another layer of cushioning and comfort. It’s grippy in slippery snow as well. 

I’m not a fan of the quicklock lacing system, but I think it works well for beginners. You just might notice some loosening once you tackle more challenging terrains or conditions. 

==> You can also get it on Salomon or Buckman’s or Utah Ski Gear.

Best Budget Snowboard Boots: What to Consider

Keep the following factors in mind when you are shopping for a good pair of budget snowboard boots. 

Insulation

When getting a cheaper pair of snowboard boots, you need to make sure you get ones that adequately protect your feet and toes from the cold.

Many companies reach a lower price point by cutting down on insulation, which can be a considerable problem in colder conditions.

Look for models with reinforced construction, padding, interior lining, and other extra attributes to keep you warm.

Comfort

If you want to have a good time on your board, your boots have to be comfortable. They need to feel good on your feet and also need to fit in a way where they won’t pinch or rub.

A snug fit is what you’re going for, but a little bit tighter can work for more advanced boarders as well. Do your best to get shoes with a soft interior and a cushioned shell.

Also, note that all snowboard boots are a bit uncomfortable before you break them in.

Ability Level

When getting a snowboard boot, it’s important to buy one that matches your experience and abilities. While there are general, all-purpose options out there, you want to go as specialized as possible.

Beginners will want a more all-mountain-focused model with a low flex that guides them on the snow, while more serious riders want a boot with less support, more mobility, and a higher flex.

Useful Tips

Every part of your snowboarding ensemble needs to stand up to the trials of the mountain. Part of that is getting good products, and part of that is taking care of the gear you own.

If you want to know more about protecting your snowboard clothing so it lasts, check out the tips in this video.

As crucial as maintenance is, you also need to keep your boots in good shape. This can help them last longer and maintain their strength and warmth. Read related guides below:

Final Verdict

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want a solid set of snowboard boots, I’d recommend the DC Phase as the best option. These boots come in well under $150 but are still built for performance and comfort. 

Snowboard boots are essential for any rider, but most of us are on a budget. All of the options listed in this article give you great results at an affordable price that’s less than $150. You don’t need to spend money on top-of-the-line boots to have a great time.  

It doesn’t matter how or where you like to ride, everyone can appreciate cheap, effective gear.

About Lorraine
I'm a certified snowboard instructor. My first experience with snowboarding occurred at an indoor resort. One run had me hooked, and it has turned into a lifelong passion ever since then. I'm here to share with you some of the tips and advice I have learned along the way.

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