Vans Snowboard Boots
Hey there, snowboarders! Let's talk about one of the most important pieces of gear you'll ever own: your snowboard boots. And when it comes to boots that combine comfort, performance, and style, it's hard to beat Vans. These guys have been killing it in the action sports world for over half a century, and their snowboard boots are no exception.
Vans first jumped into the snowboarding scene way back in the early '90s, when the sport was just starting to take off. They took all the awesome stuff they learned from making skateboarding and surfing shoes and poured it into their snowboard boots. The result? Boots that not only look good but also feel amazing on your feet and can handle anything the mountain throws at them. Over the years, Vans has teamed up with some of the biggest names in snowboarding to create boots that push the limits of what's possible. They've worked with riders from all over the world to get their input and make sure their boots are exactly what snowboarders need and want.
But what really sets Vans apart is their focus on three key things: comfort, performance, and style. They know that if your boots feel good, you'll ride better. And if they look good, you'll feel more confident and stoked on the mountain.
The Vans Snowboard Boot Lineup — Something for Everyone
One of the coolest things about Vans snowboard boots is that they have a boot for every type of rider out there.
Hi-Standard OG — The Park Rider's Dream
If you're all about getting creative in the park, the Hi-Standard OG is the boot for you. This classic boot has been a favourite among freestyle riders for years and for good reason. First off, let's talk about the flex. The Hi-Standard OG has a soft flex rating of 4/10, which means it's super forgiving and allows for tons of tweakability. Whether you're pressing a rail or getting stylish on a jump, these boots will let you move freely and express yourself. But don't let the softness fool you - the Hi-Standard OG is built to last. It's got a durable rubber outsole that can handle all the abuse you throw at it, from harsh landings to rail slides. The traditional lace-up system is tried and true, allowing you to dial in the perfect fit for your foot.
Inside the boot, you've got the V1 UltraCush Lite footbed. This cushy insole absorbs impact and keeps your feet comfy all day long, even when you're lapping the park for hours on end. But wait, there's more! The Hi-Standard OG also features a V1 Waffle Lug outsole, which provides excellent traction and board feel. You'll be able to feel every nuance of your board, from the flex to the camber, giving you ultimate control over your ride. And let's not forget about the V1 Harness, which locks your heel in place and prevents any slippage or movement. This means you can focus on your tricks and not worry about your feet sliding around inside your boots.
All in all, the Hi-Standard OG is a classic boot that's been refined over the years to meet the needs of today's park riders. It's soft, comfortable, and built to withstand all the abuse you can throw at it. If you're looking for a boot that will help you progress your freestyle game, look no further than the Hi-Standard OG.
Infuse — For the Hard-Charging Pro
If you're the type of rider who lives for charging down steep, technical terrain and sending huge cliffs, the Vans Infuse is the boot for you. This high-performance boot is packed with features that will help you ride harder and faster than ever before. Let's start with the flex. The Infuse has an adjustable flex rating of 5-9/10, which means you can customise the stiffness to your liking. The boot comes with removable tongue stiffeners that allow you to fine-tune the flex for different riding conditions. Leave them all in for maximum support and response, or take them out for a softer, more forgiving feel.
But the real magic of the Infuse lies in its hybrid lacing system. This innovative setup combines traditional laces with a Boa dial, giving you the best of both worlds. The laces allow you to customise the fit around your foot, while the Boa dial lets you quickly and easily adjust the tightness of the upper boot. This means you can get the perfect fit and support, no matter what the conditions are like. Inside the boot, you've got the V3 UltraCush footbed, which is like a high-tech cushion for your feet. This dual-density foam insole conforms to the shape of your foot, providing a custom fit that eliminates pressure points and hot spots. It's also got a layer of temperature-regulating fleece, which helps keep your feet warm and dry in even the coldest conditions.
But the Infuse isn't just about comfort - it's also built to perform. The boot features a V3 Waffle Lug outsole, which provides exceptional traction and durability. The lugs are designed to shed snow and ice, so you won't lose your footing when you're hiking up a steep bootpack or traversing an icy ridge. The Infuse also has a V3 Harness, which is like a high-tech exoskeleton for your foot. This supportive cage wraps around your ankle and heel, providing unparalleled support and response. When you lean into a turn or stomp a landing, the V3 Harness transfers energy directly from your foot to your board, giving you lightning-fast response and control. And let's not forget about the little details that make the Infuse so special. The boot has a waterproof zipper shroud that keeps snow and moisture out, as well as a D-ring for attaching your pants. It's also got a heat-moldable liner that conforms to the shape of your foot for a custom fit.
The Vans Infuse is a top-of-the-line freeride boot that's built for serious riders. It's got all the features you need to charge hard and ride fast, from the adjustable flex to the high-tech lacing system to the supportive V3 Harness. If you're looking for a boot that can keep up with your aggressive riding style, the Infuse is the way to go.
Aura OG — The All-Mountain Workhorse
If you're the type of rider who likes to do a little bit of everything, from ripping groomers to exploring the backcountry to lapping the park, the Vans Aura OG is the boot for you. This versatile all-mountain boot strikes the perfect balance between comfort and performance, making it a great choice for riders of all levels. The Aura OG has a medium flex rating of 6/10, which means it's stiff enough to provide support and response when you're charging hard, but soft enough to allow for some freestyle playfulness. It's the Goldilocks of snowboard boots - not too stiff, not too soft, but just right.
The Aura OG features a Boa lacing system, which allows for quick and easy adjustments on the fly. With just a twist of the dial, you can tighten or loosen the boot to your liking, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit all day long. The Boa cables are also incredibly durable, so you won't have to worry about them breaking or fraying like traditional laces. Inside the boot, you've got the V2 UltraCush footbed, which provides cushioning and support for your feet. This dual-density foam insole absorbs impact and reduces fatigue, so you can ride longer and harder without your feet getting tired. The Aura OG also has a V2 Liner with FlashDry technology, which wicks away moisture and keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long.
The boot also features a V2 Waffle Lug outsole, which provides excellent traction and board feel. The lugs are designed to shed snow and ice, so you won't lose your footing when you're hiking or traversing. The outsole also has a unique tread pattern that provides a good balance of grip and glide, so you can make smooth, effortless turns on any type of snow. The Aura OG also has a V2 Harness, which provides support and response for your foot. This internal harness wraps around your ankle and heel, locking your foot in place and preventing any slippage or movement. When you lean into a turn or land a jump, the V2 Harness transfers energy directly from your foot to your board, giving you precise control and response. But the real secret weapon of the Aura OG is its compatibility with the Vans Flex Control System. This removable tongue stiffener allows you to customise the flex of the boot to your liking. Leave it in for a stiffer, more responsive feel, or take it out for a softer, more forgiving ride. This means you can adapt the boot to different riding conditions and styles, making it a true all-mountain workhorse.
The Vans Aura OG really is a versatile and reliable boot that can handle anything you throw at it. Whether you're cruising groomers, exploring the backcountry, or lapping the park, this boot will keep your feet comfortable and supported all day long. With its medium flex, Boa lacing system, and compatibility with the Flex Control System, the Aura OG is the perfect choice for riders who want a boot that can do it all.
Comfort and Performance — The Vans Way
But enough about the different models – let's talk about what sets Vans apart when it comes to comfort and performance.
V3 UltraCush and FlashDry
First up, we've got the V3 UltraCush footbed. This thing is a game-changer when it comes to comfort. It's made with a special blend of high-density foams that mould to your foot for a custom fit. And it doesn't just feel good – it also absorbs shock and vibration, so you can ride harder and longer without getting tired. But the V3 UltraCush is only half the story. To really take comfort to the next level, Vans teamed up with The North Face to use their FlashDry technology in the boot liners. FlashDry is a special fabric that wicks moisture away from your skin, so your feet stay dry and happy all day long. When you put the V3 UltraCush and FlashDry together, you get a boot that feels amazing on your feet and performs like a champ, no matter what the conditions are like.
Heat Retention 360
But what about those really cold days when your toes feel like they're about to fall off? That's where Heat Retention 360 comes in. This technology uses a special thermal layer that wraps around the toe box of the boot, creating a barrier between your feet and the cold. The cool thing about Heat Retention 360 is that it doesn't add a bunch of bulk or weight to the boot. The thermal layer is super thin and lightweight, so you don't even notice it's there.
Choosing the Right Vans Snowboard Boot
With so many options available, choosing the right Vans snowboard boot can seem daunting. However, by considering a few key factors, you can find the perfect boot for your needs.
Riding Style — Your riding style plays a significant role in determining which boot is right for you. If you're primarily a park rider or freestyler, a softer flexing boot like the Hi-Standard OG might be the way to go. For all-mountain riding, a medium flex boot like the Aura OG offers a good balance of support and flexibility. And if you're an advanced rider who demands the best performance, the Infuse is the top choice.
Fit and Sizing — Getting the right fit is crucial for comfort and performance. Vans snowboard boots tend to run true to size, but it's always best to try them on in person if possible. Make sure your toes have a slight amount of wiggle room, but not so much that your foot slides around. The boot should feel snug and secure, with no pressure points or hot spots.
Lacing System — Vans offers a variety of lacing systems to suit different preferences. Traditional laces, like those found on the Hi-Standard OG, provide a classic look and a customisable fit. Boa lacing systems, as seen on the Aura OG, allow for quick and easy adjustments with the turn of a dial. Hybrid systems, like the one used on the Infuse, combine the best of both worlds for a secure and precise fit.
Related Articles
Let us know you agree to cookies
We use marketing, analytical and functional cookies as well as similar technologies to give you the best experience. Third parties, including social media platforms, often place tracking cookies on our site to show you personalised adverts outside of our website.
We store your cookie preferences for two years and you can edit your preferences via ‘manage cookies’ or through the cookie policy at the bottom of every page. For more information, please see our cookie policy.