Boots & Bindings Buyer’s Guide ‘20/’21
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Boots & Bindings Buyer’s Guide ‘20/’21
What’s up people? Our last issue featured a selection of the finest boards available for this winter, and now it’s on to boots and bindings. We made a loose comparison to a snowboard being like a dance partner in the last guide, but is it too much a stretch to compare snowboard boots to dancing shoes..? You could say that they perform a similar function in the sense that they’re specialised bits of footwear, designed to help you move gracefully and comfortably with your partner. We have no idea what sort of dance comparison we could make with bindings, to be honest we didn’t think about extending the dancing theme further than the boards. Now we’ve picturing an image of someone ballroom dancing while wearing bindings strapped around their shoes. Have you ever tried walking with bindings strapped to your boots? It makes you feel like an astronaut. Ok, we’ll stop wasting your time now. Flick these pages and have a browse at some of the finest boots and bindings on the market for this year, we know you’ll find something you like. - Method Photo: Benny Urban Trick: Wallie Halfcab to Switch Nosepress Photo: Theo Acworth Previous page: Casey Pflipsen Trick: Caveman Photo: Evan Pierce
burton.com
WOMEN’S BURTON SUPREME SNOWBOARD BOOT The reigning queen of the mountain with warmth and comfort that pushes performance to the limit. As accomplished as the pros who ride it, the women’s Burton Supreme Snowboard Boot channels the best of the best into one boot that balances pro-level performance with Total Comfort any rider will appreciate. The Life Liner is our most comfortable yet, reducing weight while cranking warmth thanks to DRYRIDE Heat Cycle which captures and radiates body heat inward. The curve-hugging comfort continues with ReBounce and Sleeping Bag underfoot, which work together to reflect body heat back at you and keep the cushioning soft no matter how cold it gets.
MEN’S BURTON ION BOA® SNOWBOARD BOOT Setting the bar higher in every discipline, the Burton Ion BOA® boot is the only men’s model to feature the Hi-Power Focus BOA® Fit System, the pinnacle offering for effortless, precision fit. Built to charge hard across the entire mountain, the Ion is legendary for its stacked tech package, and upgraded with our Life Liner for lightweight comfort and enhanced rebound. The full feature list includes AutoCANT EST® soles for natural lowerbody alignment and superior board feel, DRYRIDE Heat Cycle™ for enhanced warmth and moisture wicking, and ReBounce tech that reflects body heat and cushions consistently in freezing conditions.
dcshoes.com
THE LACED BOOT To deliver out-of-the-box comfort in every DC boot, we are constantly pushing to make them fit and feel more like skate shoes. Combining cutting edge technologies and authentic skate-inspired design. Balancing support and flexibility. Convenience and adjustability. The all-new Laced Boot. The most progressive lace-up boot we’ve ever made. Sophisticated yet simple. Infinitely adjustable. And like all our boots, purpose-built to perform. The all-new Laced Boot is the one you’ve always dreamed of. Delivering premium, pro-level performance, out-of-the-box comfort, and authentic skate-inspired styling, it marks a milestone as the most responsive lace closure boot we’ve ever built. Features: Traditional Lacing New Vibram Outsole Black Liner Sole re-Purpose Insole Internal Ankle Harness Wrap Lock Hardware
TRAVIS RICE BOOT The rider behind our most responsive boot is constantly pushing to level-up. From the heaviest lines to his signature gear, his pursuit is relentless. So his award-winning boot has it all: an exclusive asymmetrical design, Stormproof™ Storm Flap, and Boa Focus closure. Still, Travis saw room for improvement. So for 2021, we made it warmer, adding our top gun Black Aerotech Travis liner featuring 3M Thinsulate® insulation. Features: Boa Focus Closure System With H4 Coiler Dial Asymmetrical ANTI DRAG Outsole Black Aerotech Travis Liner 3M Thinsulate® Insulation Sole re-Purpose Insole Internal Ankle Harness Articulated Construction Aerotech Ventilation System
deeluxe.com
TEAM ID BLOODLINE The TeamID Bloodline pays homage to our team riders - and all those who share their passion. This limited edition boot features a double Power Strap and a blood red colorway that gives a nod to the blood, sweat, and tears that our riders put into pursuing their dreams each and every season. Especially versatile, this freestyle fiend offers enhanced heel hold to maximize board control. Drop into the TeamID Bloodline to throw down with confidence. “What I look for in a boot is a long lasting medium stiff boot which is good for both - jumps and rails. The last two seasons I’ve been riding the DEELUXE Team ID boot, which has been the perfect boot for me and what I like to ride.” - Markus Olimstad Features: Flex: 5/10 L3 lacing Power Strap TPS-Shield Custom Flex Backbone Thermoblock Sylyech Skate Flex sole
ID LARA Designed by Miyon Yamaguchi Female-driven and park-proven, the ID Lara blends a timeless design with inspired technology. No wonder the ID series is a favorite among our team riders. Thanks to a construction based around a softer shell, it provides an unrivaled fit and the perfect blend of comfort and performance. Get ready to hide these from your friends, because they look so good they’re going to try and steal them off your feet. Features: Flex 4/10 L2 lacing Power Strap TPS-Shield Pro Flex Backbone Thermoblock
k2snow.com
MAYSIS CLICKER™ X HB Snowboarding’s most time-tested step-in meets the #1 boot in snowboarding. The Maysis Clicker™ X HB gives riders looking for a convenience binding the security of a toe and heel mount point, the heel retention of Boa® Conda™, and the fit and heatmoldability of an Intuition® Control Foam 3D liner. Equal parts comfort, performance, and convenience. Compatible only with Clicker™ X HB Binding* Features: H4 Boa® Coiler Lacing, Rubber Reinforced Articulating Cuff Upper with Endo™ 2.0, Intuition® Control Foam 3D Liner, Boa® Conda™ Liner Lacing 3D Formed EVA Footbed, Clicker™ X Outsole *Only compatible with Clicker™ X HB Binding Colour: Black, Grey, Realtree Sizes: 7-13 (1/2 Sizes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) Flex: 7
BOUNDARY Push your boarding to new levels with the K2 Boundary boot. A mid-flexing boot complete with dependable features like a cozy Intuition® Control Foam 3D Liner, 3-Point Harness for support and heel retention, and a H4/M3 Zonal Boa Fit System to micromanage your fit, the Boundary has everything you need to keep you exploring all season long. Features: H4/M3 Focus Boa Fit System, Articulating Cuff Upper with HDR Premium Synthetics, Intuition® Control Foam 3D Liner, 3-Point Harness Liner Lacing, 3D Formed EVA Footbed, This Grips! Premium Rubber Outsole with Harshmellow™ Colour/Sizes: Black: 7-13 (½ Sizes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11); Brown: 7-13 (½ Sizes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11); Party: 7-13 (½ Sizes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) Flex: 6
nitrosnowboards.com
BIANCA The women´s fan-favorite Bianca TLS is officially the goddess of comfortable performance, designed to be the most comfortable leather women´s boot ever made, and engineered to outperform the pack all over the trail map. The Ultimate Fit!
TEAM TLS The Best Fitting Boot On The Mountain! For well over a decade the Nitro Team boot has been the goto boot for snowboarders everywhere, from pros to local legends, because of its undeniable comfortable fit, versatile flex, and time-proven performance. Equipped with a Vibram® Outsole made of Icetrek™ Vibram® Compound, EVA Midsole, and an Air Dampening system underfoot. The Ultimate Fit!
northwave.com
DOMAIN The Domain is famous for being flown 120ft through the air or submerged tit deep in creamy pow with the upmost ease and comfort. Brand new for this year we added the Super Lace Single which has revolutionised overall fit along with ease of entry and exit, combined with the new Power Strap along the top of the boot, we guarantee you’ll be locked in and tight ‘till your very last lap.
DECADE ETHAN Meet Ethan Morgan’s first official Pro Model boot… the GAPER69. A boot as loud and sturdy as an early 90’s VW Caddy Inspired from his trusty workhorse the ‘Gaper Mobile’, a finely oiled machine designed to take you places. The GAPER69 boot is no different, there is enough tread on these puppies to rip you around the resort until your legs give out.
ridesnowboards.com
FUSE The Fuse is a team favorite. Traditional lacing provides the adjustability and feel of a lace boot. Fitted with Intuition™ Mobile Wrap Liner. Traditional lace with Boa® powered Tongue Tied™ fit system. Side Boa® dial provides a secure micro-adjustable fit in the ankle and eliminates the need for a traditional harness. Flex Slime Tongue™ provides rebound and damping. Rubber Toe Cap reduces boot profile and increases durability. Michelin® Fiberlite Sole combines rubber with a +Slime Midsole for traction and cushioning. The Fuse is a stiffer flexing freestyle boot designed for performance, durability and comfort.
LASSO PRO This boot delivers the fit and function that made the Lasso our best selling boot in the US, but is packed with new high end features. The rebound heel counter provides support, damping and durability. Fitted with Intuition™ Support Wrap Liner. H4 Boa® Coiler provides a uniform fit while Boa® Tongue Tied™ delivers a secure micro-adjustable fit in the ankle and eliminates the need for a traditional harness. Michelin® Summit Sole combines rubber and phylon for lightweight performance. This is a stiffer flexing boot, offering a responsive ride with a hassle-free fit system, and is available in standard and wide sizes.
romesnowboards.com
LIBERTINE BOA Hot diggity dog, we’ve done it this time! New for 20/21, we’ve restructured our boot line so that each model has three unique lacing options. This means three different flexes and feels for each model, making it even easier than ever to find the perfect boot. Take the Libertine family for example – now we have this badass powerful and hyper-adjustable Libertine BOA. The same medium flex Libertine, now with the support and adjustability of a Focus BOA system.
BODEGA HYBRID BOA Overhauled and underfoot, the Bodega Hybrid BOA is one of the new fan favorites of the boot collection. The Bodega Hybrid BOA is a softer flexing, supple yet supportive boot, backed with the adjustability and reliability of a single BOA reel. All of our BOA boots utilize the TX3 lace material, a flexible composite material designed to let you tweak and still be supportive.
salomon.com
DIALOGUE DUAL BOA The DIALOGUE DUAL BOA features a precise and heat-moldable fit and a progressive flex for the rider focused on freestyle perfection. Salomon’s Fit To Ride boot building process ensures instant out of the box fit and comfort. The DIALOGUE allows custom tightening and flex with the speed of Focus BOA.
LAUNCH LACE BOA SJ This team favorite, do-it-all park boot utilizes Salomon’s Fit To Ride building process, ensuring instant out of the box fit and first-rate comfort. Designed for the modern freestyle rider featuring our lightest construction, dual BOA closure system, our Salomon specific BOA STR8JKT for deluxe heel hold, and a compact footprint.
vans.eu
HI-COUNTRY & HELL-BOUND - SAM TAXWOOD BOOT From the Wasatch backcountry to the Rail Gardens, Sam’s diverse brand of snowboarding is the direct result of riding some of the most iconic locales. So it only made sense that Sam chose the new HiCountry & Hell-Bound boot to match his flexible style. Packed with our new V3 UltraCush® with The North Face FlashDry liner, V3 POPCUSH footbed, V3 UltimateWaffle outsole, a waterproof zip-up shroud, and Vans Flex Control System, the Hi-County & HellBound is an extremely versatile, high-performance boot that can be adjusted on the fly and thrive in a variety of conditions.
HI-STANDARD PRO – ARTHUR LONGO BOOT Simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a snowboard while maintaining a degree of relatability to the general resort riding population, Arthur wanted a boot that could handle the full spectrum of his snowboarding dreams. Featuring our V2 UltraCush® with Smartwool® liner, V2 POPCUSH footbed, and our all-new V2 Waffle Pro outsole, the Hi-Standard Pro is the perfect boot to handle whatever a day in the mountains may put in front of you. Designed for cross-terrain adaptability, the HiStandard Pro provides a lightweight and flexible build to meet all of your needs.
arborcollective.com
HEMLOCK Color: Fatigue The Hemlock is perfect for park laps, urban assaults, and all-skill-level resort shredding. Our exclusive System X Baseplate transfers rider input to a snowboard so effectively that Arbor was able to create a softer freestyle, all-mountain design that delivers surprisingly responsive performance and comfort.
CYPRESS Color: Bone The Cypress is a freeride design for riders who like their lines a little more rowdy and their playgrounds bigger. We’ve created a powerful binding by stiffening our exclusive System X Baseplate with double the fiberglass; adding a lighter, stiffer and more laterally supportive highback; and beefing up the outsole. That translates into high-speed, bigmountain performance.
bentmetal.com
Axtion The new BMBW Axtion is a performance-enhanced all-mountain go to. A team favourite this binding is solid reliability with a light design. Featuring the Mobility ankle strap and Grip Form toe strap, a UniBody nylon chassis, and a solid asymmetric high back for increased rigidity. Looking for top to bottom performance, comfort and reliability? Then it’s time, time, time for some Axtion!
TRANSFER JL Versatile Performance. BMBW’s perfect all-terrain Binding. Because Bent Metal – Binding Works! Yes, it does! JAMIE LYNN Artist, skateboarder, rocker and godfather of power freestyle snowboarding on the open road to freedom. Jamie Lynn. This year Jamie’s misty mountain art is featured prominently on the BMBW Transfer’s only completely solid high back option. Classic, badass, powerful, Jamie Lynn.
burton.com
WOMEN’S BURTON LEXA X EST SNOWBOARD BINDING Pro-caliber control for the entire mountain updated for even lighter, more responsive performance. Experience comfort and response in the women’s Burton Lexa X EST® Snowboard Binding. This shred-it-all binding offers top features like a Hammock ankle strap and Heel Hammock hi-back for enhanced hold and response. The SensoryBED cushioning sets a high standard for feel and control, while freestyle-minded zero forward lean is microadjustable for the ideal stance. The EST® version offers enhanced flex and board feel and is only compatible with Burton Channel™ mount boards.
MEN’S BURTON BINDING
GENESIS
EST
SNOWBOARD
Supercharged suspension and ultimate comfort in a binding that redefines high performance. The men’s Burton Genesis Snowboard Binding was built to meet the comfort, strength, and power demands of our team riders. Featuring a slightly softer flex and advanced anatomical design, it combines the plush cushioning with straps and hiback that cradle and wrap your boots in comfort. Advanced composite materials keep it lightweight, while The Hinge (available on the EST® version only) activates medial and lateral flex for less fatigue and easier ollies. Offered in two versions, choose the across-the-board compatibility of Re:Flex, or pair the EST model with boards featuring The Channel® mounting system for the ultimate in flex, feel, and adjustability.
northwave.com
SUPERSPORT RUSTY The Rusty Toothbrush boys like it “al denté” in both the Backcountry and the Streets so the Supersport was the obvious choice to base this crew’s pro model on. The Supersport is fully tool-less and packed full of features including ‘Eazy Entry’, Grandmaster Strap, a Carbon composite Highback, cantered footbeds and magnesium buckles. “what an honour to fly the Rusty Toothbrush flag on such an incredible binding with such an iconic brand” - Alex Stewart
PODIUM Podium. I mean, who doesn’t want to stand on it? Well, with these babies, you’ll definitely get on it fast! The alloy ‘Omnicrom Light baseplate’ combined with the extremely lightweight and responsive carbon-fibre highback make it a real winner. This binding is designed for the heavy hitters who need a binding that can keep up with their desired level of send. “I love the Podium because It transfers all my power straight to the board” Nicolas Huber.
fixbindingcom.com
TRUCE How do you take the Truce, the most popular Fix binding, and make it even better? You start by simplifying the function, then you improve the fit and adjustability, and then you build it in our new state-of-the-art production facility; the result is an extremely simple and effective design that is bombproof on the hill. A medium flex binding that is stiff enough for the most advanced level rider, while having a price tag that is affordable enough for even the most budget-conscious snowboarder. The nylon frame flexes with your board, making it a forgiving and fun, yet solid and reliable binding.
MAGNUM It’s our flagship binding and team favorite for a reason. The Magnum is completely redesigned for Winter 21 and is a dream for riders who really like to dial in their set-up and customize the fit. The extruded aluminium heelcup can be slid inand-out and provides unparalleled strength and rigidity, while the injected ankle and toe straps provide featherweight performance and stretch over the rider’s boot to evenly distribute pressure. It’s everything that you could want in a binding, and that’s why it’s the number one choice of the Fix team.
jonessnowboards.com
MERCURY SURF SERIES Rock-solid, yet super tweakable, the Jones Mercury binding is designed for freestylin’ freeriders who slash and jib their way down the mountain. Featuring NOW Skate Tech technology, a new dual stiffness Control Flex highback and Surf/Freeride modes, the mid-stiff flexing Mercury responds instantly to your movements, sucks up chatter, and offers adjustable response.
APOLLO If you’re a speed demon, steeps freak or hardcharging freerider, you deserve to strap into the Jones Apollo binding. Featuring NOW Skate Tech technology, a wide and tall Flax Carbon highback and Surf/Freeride modes, the stiff flexing Apollo is a super responsive and precise binding that can also be slightly tamed by setting up in Surf Mode.
k2snow.com
CLICKER X HB For the demanding snowboarder that refuses to sacrifice comfort and performance for convenience. The all-new K2 Clicker™ X HB provides secure toe and heel metal mount point; aiding in quick edgeto-edge response and natural lateral mobility for a familiar flex and feel. Tool-less forward lean adjustment lets you dial in your stance on the fly, and a 3° cant on the chassis helps keep you in your natural riding position. Features: GF Nylon Clicker™ X HB Chassis, 3° Canted Chassis, Full Coverage EVA Footbed GF Nylon AT Clicker™ X HB Highback 6061-T6 Adjustable Aluminum Heelcup Tool-Less Forward Lean Adjustment One-Tool Adjustment Colour: Black, Grey Sizes: M (6-10), L (10-14) Flex: 4
LIEN AT (Grey/Pat Moore) Whether you’re laying down a hard carve, deep in the fluffy stuff, or high above it all, the K2 Lien AT is meant to handle anything you throw at it. Built for the aggressive, all-terrain rider, the Lien AT features a responsive AT Opti Highback, tool-less adjustability, and our customizable Tripod Chassis with LockOut Block to give you top-tier board feel, stability and power transfer. Features: Tunable TriPod™ Chassis with LockOut Block 3° Canted Footbed AT Opti™ Highback, Sender™ Ankle Strap Perfect Fit™ 2.0 Toe Strap 100% Tool-Less Adjustment Sizes: M (5-9), L (8-12), XL (11-15) Flex: 7
nitrosnowboards.com
TEAM PRO The Ultimate Interface equipped with the comfort of Air Dampening - the Team Pro bindings are backed by the best snowboarders in the world, from the X-Games, to the streets and the backcountry, because of their Air perfect fit, durable Cable Reinforced straps for extra strength to go harder! Just ask Zeb, Sam, and the rest of the crew!
INCLINE SPLITBOARD BINDING The Ultimate Interface splitboard binding. Engineered together with the most capable splitboarding partners at Spark R&D and equipped with the fit and durability only Nitro can provide, these are the strongest split bindings on the market with a Vibram toe strap, Cable Reinforced straps and connector ladders. Upgrade your splitboard setup with the ultimate interface.
ridesnowboards.com
A-10 The A-10 packs all of Ride’s proprietary technology into the most advanced binding in the world. This is our high-performance model designed for the most demanding snowboarders. If you liked the El Hefe, you will LOVE the A-10. The all-new A-Series Aluminum Chassis provides the reactive flex and power transfer of aluminum with less rigidity than previous designs.
C-10 The C-10 packs all the features of our A-10 model into our new composite platform. The C-Series Performance Chassis pairs an aluminum heel cup with a glass-filled nylon base tray. This two-piece design allows for ultimate toe-heel centering for the perfect fit of any boot size. The aluminum heel cup provides the feel and durability of aluminum where you need it, while the composite tray offers a more damp and smooth ride than an aluminum chassis.
romesnowboards.com
CLEAVER The Cleaver is our most powerful and responsive binding ever. Built with a carbon-infused nylon highback and baseplate, nestled into our overhauled FullWrap platform, this thing is freakishly light. Add our all-new ProGrip ankle strap powered by AuxTech™, and you’ve got next level board control with locked-in hold not found anywhere else.
390 Boss Freshly overhauled for this season, the 390 Boss is a lightweight, tweak-friendly park assassin. With a new highback, our new FullWrap platform and our super nimble PureFlex ankle straps, the 390 Boss is everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
salomon.com
DISTRICT The District binding featuring ShadowFit Technology for first-rate freestyle performance on jumps, rails, or side-hits. This binding is simple yet beefed up with the updated Soft Heelcup and Kevlar Quickwire + PowerHook for a natural connection to your board.
HIGHLANDER An all-mountain focused design delivers unmatched comfort and top of the line tech. ShadowFit’s lateral flex provides a natural feel and connection. The highlight is the innovative 3D geometry of the lightweight Minima 3D highback offering premium support and maximum control.
sparkrandd.com
ARC SPLITBOARD BINDINGS The Arc splitboard binding is lightweight for long tours, epic overnighters, trees, and steeps. The baseplate is CNC machined with maximum cutouts to shave weight yet maintain strength and performance while incorporating our industryleading Tesla T1 binding anatomy. All Arc bindings feature a medium flex version of the Rip ‘N’ Flip highback and a smaller profile Pillow Line ankle strap with flex window for a nice surfy ride down. Every piece of this binding is made in-house with the exception of a few screws and the buckles!
SURGE SPLITBOARD BINDINGS The Surge is built for big days on big lines, and is preferred by our bigger, more aggressive riders. Solid baseplate design, stiffer Rip ‘N’ Flip highbacks, and more supportive Pillow Line ankle straps combine to give riders greater control in demanding terrain. All Surge bindings incorporate our industry-leading Tesla T1 technology. Every piece of this binding is made in-house with the exception of a few screws and the buckles!
lobstersnowboards.com
HALLDOR PRO The Halldor Pro bindings are fully spec’d out for allmountain freestyle riding. The wrap-around high backs and flexible cocoon ankle straps give you all the support you need to live out your dreams. Mount them on the color matching Halldor pro Lobster board for a winning combo that is sure to turn heads in the park.
EIKI PRO Eiki Helgason approaches snowboarding with a unique perspective. His pro model bindings grant total freedom for creative and innovative freestyle riding. They feature super comfy cocoon straps and a loose yet supportive Tweaker highback. Get weird or get out.
unionbindingcompany.com
ATLAS The 20/21 Union Atlas has been redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up. Combine Union’s strongest baseplate ever built with all-new Vaporlite High- Density bushings, a stiff Duraflex CB highback, the rapid response of Exoframe 3.0 ankle straps and you’ve got yourself the #1 choice of professional snowboarders like Kazu Kokubo and Arthur Longo. Designed, tested, and trusted by the best snowboarders in the world - Welcome to the future of Union Bindings.
TRILOGY From backcountry lines to Olympic slopestyle runs, there’s only one binding that Jamie Anderson trusts when she straps in. The Union Trilogy is a women’s specific classic that comes equipped with a responsive Stage 4 Duraflex ST baseplate, supportive Trilogy highback and new for 20/21, the super lightweight Exoframe 2.0 ankle strap. Take on the entire mountain and more with the Union Trilogy.
vimanasnow.com
THE SCANDO This binding is close to unbreakable due to its urethane construction. The new powerbase enhances edge to edge control without interfering with the board’s natural flex. The slimmed-down binding and straps make it one of the lightest bindings on the market. New team straps lock you into place without pressure points. Full EVA dampening to eliminate heel bruise. New mini disc to fit any insert pattern, and a Lifetime warranty.
THE SCANDO GOLD Want a little extra power for a stiffer board or the possibility to flex the hell out of a softer one? The Scando Gold is a Kevlar infused binding and will get you there. It has the same features as the regular Scando binding but with even more aggressive egde to edge control. The teamstraps have flex for you to tweak your methods, while the base and highback give you ultimate edge to edge control. The Vimana teamrider’s powerhouse.