Everyone gets excited about new gear, but new boots can have even the best of us a little worried. The last thing anyone wants is to drop coin on some new boots only to learn that you have blisters or you lost a toe nail after a day of touring. That’s why many of find a boot that works for us and then we stick with it. The only reasons we change are when our favorite boot’s design changes or when we decide that the benefit of certain new boot features outweigh the risk of a poor fitting, or problamatic boot. As boot manufactures began building boots with the splitboarder in mind, some of those features were more durable boots, burlier soles for climbing and scrambling, lace gaitors, semi-auto and now full-auto crampon capabilities, and the ability to take longer strides while touring.

We can’t tell you which boot would perfectly cradle your feet, but this Splitboard Boot Buyer’s Guide will showcase the various boots which are designed with you, the splitboarder in mind. Take a look at our spec comparison at the end of the guide to help you see which boots have what features.

Ladies, we’ve also included approximate sizes conversion on the mens splitboard boots if you were considering one.

Burton

Driver X

$429US

For billy goats and burly lines, there is no substitute for snowboarding’s most responsive and surefooted boot. Sketchy climbs and exposed lines are Burton Driver X™ boot’s domain. Known as the most responsive boot in snowboarding, its burly demeanor is balanced by practical upgrades in warmth and comfort. A one-two punch of DRYRIDE Heat Cycle™ and Sleeping Bag reflective foil captures and radiates body heat while wicking away heat-robbing sweat. Total Comfort balances the power with a perfectly broken-in feel right from the start. Grippy Vibram® EcoStep™ outsoles cling to the mountain with confidence. Add it all up and you get the only choice for riders who hike, sled, guide, or patrol, as well as freestyle technicians like Terje Haakonsen.

Smallest Men’s size converts to a Women’s size 8US

Tourist

$499US

The ultimate splitboarding boot with innovations that improve both the climb up and the ride down. Skintrack or summit bid, the Burton Tourist boot handles the mountains with surefooted confidence. More negative flex than any other boot in the line enhances glide in the skintrack, while an array of insulating features are key on pre-dawn starts or snow camping missions. Developed with team riders plus the crew at Spark R&D, the Tourist sticks to the same trusted Vibram® sole found on the Driver X for near legendary billy goat grip.

Smallest Men’s size converts to a Women’s size 8US

Deeluxe

Spark XV Petrol

$358

When it’s time to explore, the Spark XV is right with you. Designed with Xavier de Le Rue, this fifth generation Spark boot features a lightweight design that showcases C3 construction, a preshaped XLS collar for skinning, and a rubber rand for durability. Make your escape with the Spark XV.

Smallest Men’s size converts to a Women’s size 6.5US

XVe Black/Orange

$548

For demanding missions, tap the XVe. Completely redesigned, Xavier de Le Rue’s expedition boot offers unrivaled performance and protection. Its XLS system enhances strides and comfort when skinning while Boa lacing and a new hiking last also excel on the approach. Drop into the future.

Smallest Men’s size converts to a Women’s size 6.5US

Fitwell

Backcountry

$635US

Finally, after years of waiting, here’s the boot for mountaineering snowboard and freeride. The Backcountry boot is designed to meet the needs of snowboarders who venture far from the beaten track, whether they are faced with a challenging north face or on that perfect day with fresh snow. This boot combines the features of modern mountaineering boots with the comfort and support of snowboard boots.

Smallest Mondo size converts to a Women’s size 10US

Freeride

$635US

Introducing the Freeride – a boot that provides the highest performance while climbing as well as snowboarding. The multi-layer structure guarantees the greatest standard of comfort and sensitivity. The medium-soft hardness of the boot is combined with the soft thermoformed liner and with the memory foam to ensure technical performance. The REEL KNOB lacing system and the Velcro® band closure allow a snug fit. The ascent is facilitated by a flexible collar, particularly when carrying a splitboard on the back. The sole incorporates crushed glass powder to provide excellent traction on icy surfaces.

Smallest Mondo size converts to a Women’s size 10US

K2 Snowboards

Aspect

$479US

The Aspect is perfect for technical split board missions, scrambling over and around ridges and peaks, or for those that need a rugged, stiff, and extremely durable boot for the resort. The hybrid crampon compatible Vibram® outsole is the burliest on the market, and BOA® Conda keeps your heels locked in when the terrain gets sketchy. Add Endo™ construction and a classic leather upper and you have a boot that will stand the test of time.

Smallest Men’s size converts to a Women’s size 8US

Northwave

Domain CR

330Euro

When splitboarding and exploring the backcountry, crampons are a necessity to travel securely on snow and ice. That’s why Northwave built the new Domain CR boots with a crampon-compatible Vibram sole. The Super Lace system with two different boot areas closure allows you to get the perfect fit and feel, while the thermo-mouldable, supportive TF3 Liner will keep your feet warm and comfy all day long.

The new freeride-dedicated CR sole is made in collaboration with Vibram® to provide superior grip and stability while hiking to allow riders to traverse frozen slopes and gnarly ascents while mountaineering. Front and rear crampon compatibility make this sole unique for extremely technical and challenging hikes. It is compatible with step-in crampons, strap-on crampons, hybrid crampons.

Smallest Mondo size converts to a Women’s size 7US

Domain

279Euro

Same design as the Domain CR but with a Vibram sole which requires strap on type crampons.

Rome Snowboards

Guide

$359US

The Guide is our answer for riders who ask for a boot that can withstand the rigors of being on your feet all day, whether running resort laps, scaling peaks or constructing features. The Guide features a low-profile Vibram Griplight outsole with Icetrek for maximum grip, waxed mountaineer lacing, and our ULTRA F.I.T. liner with new Performance heat-moldable foam to keep your boots from packing out. Whether you’re setting the boot pack, skinning to a new zone, welding rails or just demand the most out of your boots, the Guide will lead the way.

Smallest Med size converts to a Women’s size 8.5US

Platinum Liner

Salomon

Synapse

Lace $299US / Boa $349US

Designed to lead the all-mountain expedition, the all new Synapse Snowboard Boot features PowerLock Lacing, totally redesigned upper and new Trek EC+ outsole, and features the new Platinum Liner for premium breathability.

Breathable – Platinum liner with Quickdry Insole provides a breathable sole with mesh channels that dries the liner out quickly and drains humidity out of your boots.
Lacing – Focus Boa delivers a dual zone Boa closure system that allows the rider to adjust foot hold on both lower and upper zones of the boot or Powerlock lace system has a criss cross locker on the tongue and anti-catch hooks on the upper combined for a easy and secure closure.

Smallest Mondo size converts to a Women’s size 8.5US

Speedlace

BOA

Malamute

$379US

The most responsive and supportive boot out there — The all new Malamute comes complete with a new Malamute specific liner, totally new upper design, and new for 2017 Trek EC+ outsole. The new Energizer H Bar on the liner provides added support and transmission.

Platinum liner locks your heel down with its unique anatomical architecture. Full Custom Fit Pro is heat moldable, multi-density foam throughout the entire liner with removable ankle inserts for an even more customized hold. Powerlock lace system has a criss cross locker on the tongue and anti-catch hooks on the upper combined for a easy and secure closure.

Smallest Mondo size converts to a Women’s size 7.5US

ThirtyTwo

TM-Two Jones XLT

$349US

Quickly becoming a park staff favorite, everything you love about the TM-TWO upgraded with a Vibram Outsole for maximum traction. Ride in any condition thanks to Storm Shield shell coating, keeping your feet dry all winter long. Updated with the new Performance Internal Harness, built taller for more support for hitting bigger features. For more, upgrades opt for the Jones edition with a 3D molded toe cap and a half gaiter to keep laces from freezing when hiking the back country.

Smallest Mondo size converts to a Women’s size 8.5US

Jones MTB

$599US

From mountaineering, split boarding to deep pow slashes, the Jones MTB has all the technology for the ultimate back country boot. Upgraded with the new heat moldable Elite liner with energy foam providing consistently smooth flax and support that won’t break down. Scout the terrain and adjust boot stiffness on the fly with all the new recoil flex control. Hike with confidence on the crampon compatible Vibram outsole, while taking longer strides skinning the walk mode collar.

Smallest Mondo size converts to a Women’s size 9.5US

Jones MTB Women’s

$599US

From mountaineering, split boarding to deep pow slashes, the Jones MTB has all the technology for the ultimate backcountry boot. Upgraded with the new heat moldable Elite Liner with Energy Foam providing consistently smooth flex and support that won’t break down. Scout the terrain and adjust boot stiffness on the fly with the all new Recoil Flex Control. And hike with confidence on the crampon compatible Vibram outsole, while taking longer strides skinning with the Walk Mode Collar.