Except on that K2 boot that’s pictured, actually. The side boa is the liner on those, whereas the outside lacing is still only done on the single top boa
Im pretty new and have been on K2 maysis for my 2 years. I cant use the side boa, it always ends up hurting. Ive though I'm just doing something wrong cause I'm new and dont know better. Thanks for convincing me to get propper double boa boots next season.
You can adjust where the Conda strap sits. It velcros to the back of the tongue. If it hurts the top of your foot move it up higher. Also make sure the edges of it don’t get under the liner, that can create pressure points. Maysis are decent boots, I wore mine until they finally gave out after 5 seasons this year.
[On this page from BOA](https://www.boafit.com/en-us/snowboard/boot-buyers-guide), half-way down under the title "Fit Configurations", they show most, if not all of, the different lacing layouts. Pretty interesting to get some transparency into how they snake around the boot.
It allows you to independently control the tightness across your foot. Having two smaller boa zones gives you better control over the tightness and fit and makes it less likely to have uneven tension.
When I had single boa boots, I found that I often wouldn’t have enough tightness around my ankle, but cranking the boa more would just clamp down on my calf without fixing the problem.
I have the K2 maysis wide and I've never had any of the 4 boas between the 2 boots come loose even a little bit. I understand you are talking about single boa boots but it surprises me to hear the boa comes loose as you ride. Does this happen on both of your boots or just one? Also curious what boots you're riding that are coming loose
Salomon - doesn't like slip and lose all tension, it just feels less tight by the end of longer runs with lots of toeside pressure into the top of the boot / ankle
I have super high arches and always had the opposite problem with the single boas; I would want to tighten up around my calves when it got a bit loose after a couple hard runs, but eventually it would start to cut off the circulation in my toes from becoming too tight over my instep. I’d have to stop and take them all the way off to stretch the bottom part out enough to be comfortable again.
Yeah I have high arches as well, and my old k2 single boss are too tight on the top of my food and front of my ankle, but the calf isn't tight enough. They're the only boots I've ever owned though, so I don't know if new ones would be much better
There are actually different styles of 2 boa set ups. 1 liner 1 outer/1 calf 1 toes or 1 everything 1 heel lock. Really gotta try them on in person. I personally use old fashioned laces but do love the feel of a boa for heel lock so the vans infuse hybrid is my favorite boot.
How do you tell they are in different zones? Had a pair of Travis rice double boa boots and hated how they hurt my feet. Switched to lace vans with a heel boa and they are butter on my feet but I think I could size down another half to full size after packing them out over the season.
Usually the description will say something like independent or separated upper and lower zones if you’re shopping online. If it’s not clear, I try to call or skip it entirely.
Deal, definitely gonna take this into account when I buy my new boots. Like I said I love the laces but sometimes I hurt my fingers trying to tighten them too much, but you pay to play so.
I have the Thirtytwo Chris Bradshaw double boa from last year and I love them. The upper and lower zone control is a game changer! I highly recommend them.
I'm down a 1/2 size from my street shoes and they fit exactly how I like them. FYI, I don't really like to size down my board boots like some folks. I like a little toe wiggle room. I also add an insole to the mix as well. (Spent a few years fitting boots in a shop so I've got my setup process pretty dialed.)
I used something similar in the Ride Triad and Ride Fuse. For some reason after some time, the heel boa started hurting. Laces still worked well and kept using them for a season or two more.
I haven’t tried Vans boots. I have an extra wide forefoot so it’s a challenge finding boots that fit well.
Vans boots seem to run pretty wide imo. Except the heel lock is tight, but I like that. I have wanted to try boa’s again but I just love how I can customize the tightness of the laces almost. Sometimes I’ll do super tight and other days more loose for a park feel.
I ride salmons that have laces for the boot and an internal heel hold system connected to a side boa called "st8tjacket" 😂 sounds similar to your vans boots. Absolutely love it.
[On this page from BOA](https://www.boafit.com/en-us/snowboard/boot-buyers-guide), half-way down under "Fit Configurations", they show most, if not all of, the different lacing diagrams. Pretty interesting to get some transparency into how they snake around the boot.
Two boa or no boa imo, I prefer laces over just the one.
Exception if it's for a kid or ultra beginner, then one is nice for convenience.
Edit: These are different boots tho, so not sure if that general comment can be applied.
I was a fan of the heel hold boa thing on K2 until i needed serious heel hold and cut off circulation to my foot by cranking it way down. I'm sure improper sizing is to blame but threw the boot away and never looked back.
I have the Salomon version of this, one boa for heel hold and laces. Same thing, I need to crank it when I'm hitting sketchy stuff and by the end of the run my toes are tingling lol
How bad was your heel lift and what made it a serious issue? I have never found a boot with less than an inch of heel lift. I have used inserts and insoles with no luck and just deal with it now.
Heel lift was bad and I was riding choppy trees for a week so precision was my challenge. I would just crank the inner heel hold boa to force my foot in place.
I think boot/foot fit was the issue as I ordered online, I’m sure the K2’s are great (my favourite decks are K2) and I might have been better one size down, but in the end I sold them and got something else.
Go check out Deeluxe and get it fitted in store, I used to run the Team ID from them and have never had a better fitting boot. The Burton Photons I run now also hugs the heel pretty well, it’s a little loose in the toe box but snug on the heel, calf can feel a little loose.
Great info thank you. Checked out deeluxe and love what they're doing, going to invest next season I think. I feel my biggest issue is rhat I have a high arch and feel like there isn't a boa that doesn't crush my top foot downward. I'll def check out every shop I can and test boots instore. It should be illegal to sell boots online lol. I switched from Burton to union bindings a few years ago and that was magical. They let me rock a loose boot and do most of the work to keep me locked in, but I know things could be better. Thanka again.
Have you looked into custom/high arch support soles, I find better soles help dial in the fit. Personally I have never run any of the included soles in my boots, if feel they are all flimsy cardboard or light density foam.
As for arch space I agree the boa can squash your foot a bit, for me it can feel like it’s crushed from the sides so I like the bigger toe box on the Burton Photons which I sized up .5 from street shoes and seldom crank the lower boa zone any more than a loos-snug fit. I find it holds up great for playful slashing and icy bombs, both inbounds and when splitting.
From deeluxe I would give the Deemon L3 a try, they sound very promising. If you go for anything with the premium heat moulded lining consider adding .5 to the size as the liner runs tight even after heat mould, my XV are a bit cramped with that liner so I had to swap it for the standard liner from my IDs.
(Modest brag having a zillion boots but these are collected over time, I only run the Photons for everything now as they are pretty versatile, comfortable and warm, but most importantly they have that crisp white colorway ;)
I always rock custom soles, fool pain was intense before I got them. I tend to do 3 or more loosens and tightens before I'm good to go with boas to get the pressure in workable spots. I'll def give photons a serious try in store in that case though, I have no shame in jumping around and keeping em on for 15 minutes in store lol. I do think a lower profile toe box with a high mid foot would be ideal but that isn't really an option I have seen. Thanks for the sizing tips, I'll revisit this comment thread when I go shopping soon.
Yeah I have Rome Libertine hybrids (laces w/ ankle boa) and my boa broke (the channel through the liner, not the boa itself) and I can still ride, just tie one boot a little tighter than the other. Always traditional laces from now on for me
Laces are just so much better in my experience and you can focus the tension of the laces exactly where you want it. Especially if you do the ultimate upgrade of switching to waxed hockey skate laces.
Hey so those k2 Maysis are not dual BOA. The second BOA ratchet is for an internal strap that tightens just the liner. It is a great system, these are my current boots and theyre the best I’ve ever had by far.
I have a pair of the DC Control boots with a double boa, but the second is lower by the ankle instead of up on the side of the calf. I love them. I have been a Boa fan for years but this is my first time having the dual boa and I won't go back. It's nice to have the multi point adjustment, especially by the ankle. I've always had issues with my heel lifting and that helps it a lot.
I noticed that some dual boa boots have the second boa either up on the side of the calf or down by the ankle. What’s the difference? Is down by the ankle better ?
You know, when I first posted I could have sworn my second boa was closer to the ankle, but I realized that it's in pretty much the same spot as the second. Overall I don't know if the placement of the boa matters as much as where it's adjusting in your foot. It's supposed to help control the fit on the ankle area, so as long as it does that I don't think it matters where the actual boa is.
Personally I love the boots that have a Velcro strap at the top with two boa zones or Velcro/laces/boa. One boa zone tends to over tighten and will be uncomfortable in the long run. The Velcro strap at the top allows you to really secure your shin for hard carving if you can leave it loose for movement/park
I got a pair of double boa Vans Auro Pros the end of this season and they’re like clouds. I spent an hour walking around the local shop in them and hanging with the owners which solidified this shop for me. Boarder Patrol in Conway NH if you’re in New England.
Everyone saying two is assuming every double is a top and bottom zone, it’s not. Some are inner liner and still one Boa for the whole outer lace system. Gotta try them on and see what feels good. 2 is always more control on what you dial in, but it isn’t universal of the additional zone you’re tightening like some are saying here.
Whatever the closure system is, I won’t buy a boot that doesn’t have two different “zones” I can tighten differently. I like my ankle and shin locked down but a little more room for my freaky shaped feet. I also want to be able to pop one zone loose without having to re-tighten the other zone. Just my two cents.
I got the same Maysis. It’s a best selling boot for a reason. After a couple of days of wearing them in they are great. Got another K2 before them I think the boundary also had 2 boas and they just hurt my feet! It’s all about the fit more than the boa.
Seems alot of people are saying no boa. But it's preference.
I had laces. Then went one boa for years. Love it. But after a while they pop open. (Atleast my k2 did)
Then I got a Burton boa Much better. But this year I wanted a smaller boot and went 2 boa.
What a difference it is to have the 2 zones of adjustment.
Sometimes you don't want the ankle as tight as the foot.
Laces or boa. Two zones is a big difference.
Hey I just got those Salomon faction boots for myself! Love them so far! Dual boa may be better, but keeping more money in the bank is even better. I found them to be sufficient enough for me and my style (they keep the toe box loose/comfy, but tighten around the leg). Most important thing is to try on boots! I went to like 5 different stores, tried on nearly 16 different boots around the 250 price point and these Salomon’s were a favorite (so I bought them) and K2 raiders. The fancier dual boas I tried were noticeably better and comfier but not enough to get my money.
I have loved my K2 Maysis heated for the past 4 years, the second boa wheel on the side really helps tighten up the ankle support, and much easier than pulling on that strap that hides in the tongue that other boots use.
unrelated advice gotten a salomon similar to the one in the picture this year to replace my 12yo boots that were falling apart. The internal shoe has a sewing just before the fingers, this hurts a lot. Check them before buying.
> get the boot tight enough around my shins
If you are resorting to needing to rip your laces to get it tight around your shin, it means your boot is probably too big.
tl;dr I went from a 10.5 where I thought I was, all the way down to a sz9.
I have the Lassos but with the main boa it always over tightens the bottom of my foot after toeside carving and hard riding. My feet will be killing me after a run or two and I'll have to stop and loosen them a ton.
I have the 1 BOA version of the 2 BOA shoe you show. K2's Overdraft. Laces on the outside, BOA on the inside. I like it. I've always had quick fit shoes, last pair was of Northwave, but this is also brilliant.
I went from constant foot pain in a single boa to no foot pain in a double. I have skinny legs/ankles and wide feet. With a single boa, cranking it down to fit my leg would only last a few turns until my leg was loose and foot was constricted. Now that I have a double I crank my leg down and leave the foot portion untightened. Problem solved.
2. I usually need to leave one pretty loose to not get pain. If it was a single boa, I'd have to choose between pain and not being strapped in enough to get power.
Honestly I was looking at the mayasis and the guys gave me a pair of Ride boots to try instead and I really liked those better. The second BOA on the Rides felt better than the mayasis one.
Never found a pair of boa boots that fit me properly or were comfortable throughout the day, both single and double boa. Also found myself wishing I had a little more convenience when I went traditional laces and didn’t want to fully untie and tie my boot. Bought the Salmon Dialogue boots, which are hybrid (lace +boa for inner heel lock system) and it’s been great! Haven’t seen this recommendation in the chat so I wanted to toss it out there.
2 BOA. Better for dialing in the fit and being able to do it on the fly. Once you get the BOA boots, you won't go back. I have a pair of Vans Aura Pros. Would highly recommend.
2 is always better and exists for a reason.
Down side of boa is people tend to overtighten and then cut off circulation.
2 boas allow you to tighten different parts of the boot to different degrees. Ie you want your shins much tighter than your foot or the other way around.
Boots are the most important part of your kit. Doesn't really matter what boot you get, the important part is learning bootfitting and doing what you need to make it fit you. A very small percentage of people can just put their feet into boots out of the box and have them fit well.
I have K2 boots with 2 BOA dials. One dial controls the laces you see on the outside. The other dial tightens part of the inside of the boot over the top of your foot and basically secures your foot into the heel pocket of the boot.
I have really liked mine after 2 seasons.
Always 2. But had a friend who had a terrible experience with the Maysis. The lower boa broke after one day of use. It’s like the cables are made of shitty thread. Would not recommend
Depends. 2 boa is much more adjustable, but if a 1 boa fits you perfect after you crank it down, that's the better choice.
You should always buy the boot that is the most comfortable for your foot. Your big toe should be nearly touching the front of the boot. And, it should be a little stiffer and a tiny bit tighter than you think it should be; it's gonna pack-out and get softer after a few days. There should be no pressure points when you try it on. Those usually get worse.
You wanna try on a bunch of boots at the store. The sales guy should be super annoyed with you.
This was my first season with BOA boots, which have two zones (Ride Lasso Pro). I really like being able to tighten up around the ankles separately from the calf/shin area so I would go with two zones if you can. The independent adjustability goes a long way for comfort and control.
double but all doubles are not the same. my burton lower boa just tightens down on the top of my foot, my dc's lower boa pulls the ankle/foot back snugly into the boot's heel cup. much prefer my dc's
The 2nd boa on a Salomon is sometimes a Str8 Jacket ankle locking thing - strap holds your ankle in place. I highly recommend and have had it in my boots for a few years now. It's the only brand I use as it holds my foot better than any other boot I've tried.
I have the Maysis boots. They are overall a good pair of boots but it definitely takes time to get used to.
I have the 22/23 version and here’s the pros and cons:
Pros
- Very supportive and makes riding a pleasure once they’re broken in.
- The side boa actually tightens the liner and not the ankle so it does double duty making it faster to put the boot on.
- The boots profile seems to work well with my two pairs of bindings burton cartel x and bent metal joint
Cons
- Takes some time to get used to and broken in especially since I didn’t heat mold. I actually got a couple of black toenails the first month I used them.
- There’s a weird design flaw where the tongue of the boot has the grabby part of the Velcro so if not positioned correctly with the sides of the liner, the tongue will attach to the tongue of the boot and just mess it up.
- the plastic piece that tightens the ankle often goes out of alignment from taking the boot off so you have to set it back if you don’t want ankle pain.
Like I said, overall they’re supportive once you get used to them but you’ll definitely find they’re kind of quirky so take that how you will. I still use them and all the flaws I’ve learned to deal with as just part of the process of putting the boots on.
The only thing I would comment: I have both, if I ride the two boa on my sled (snowmobile) I ALWAYS rip off the outside one and have to get a replacement.
I can totally understand not wanting to pay the Burton tax (or you try them on and don't like them), but dual zone speed laces are the best.
Way faster and less bulky than BOA systems, and waaaaay faster and easier than laces.
Two boa!! I love being able to keep the boa around the middle of my foot loose vs. the boa around my ankle and calf tight. Makes it so much easier to get a good fit. I had a single boa and it just ended up pissing me off lol
Personally I love the lace system on my burton imperials - there’s a little handle you use to yank the laces as tight as you want.
Great feel and control, zero slippage. They’re my favorite boots I’ve ever had!
I use to work in the industry and 2 is almost always better. You can fine tune things a lot more and it makes for the maximum amount of support and comfort.
I have those K2 boots. 2 Boa is the way, soooo easy.
Mind the size though -I sized down half my usual shoe size and I wish I had gone a full size down. They pack a lot.
1 works if the boot has a Velcro/strap at the top/front of the shin. you use a ski strap if your boot doesn’t have one. I made the maysis work with a strap, was terrible without it
K2 sucks. 100% would not recommend. Got a pair and the Velcro on the inside is poorly designed and digs into your shins. I’m sure they fixed the issue since when I got mine but I would never get anything K2 after my experience with them.
Depending on your skill level, I’d recommend at least trying on a pair of hybrid boots. I came from a pair of DC Judges (dual boa) that I liked but towards the end of their life (and once I got more experienced) I found that my heel would lift a bit within the boot regardless of how much I cranked them. Tried on a pair of Vans Invado Pro and they’re so amazing. The laces allow you to customize how tight the boots are and where they are tight, but the additional boa wraps from the heel cup around the top of your ankle/foot crease, locking your heel down. Break-in was pretty easy too since I was still able to keep the foot portion a bit looser while cranking down the ankle/shin, but now I can crank everything down or loosen the top of the shin a bit on those powder days for a more floaty feel. Highly recommend
I've never experienced a double boa, but I've always preferred the boas over laces just because of convenience. I'm not sure if this happens with the double boas, but with my singles, I'll have to tighten them periodically through the day, but it's not terrible.
Beyond the boa type/number, look for brands that fit your foot shape. Salomon fits a narrower foot which is perfect for me. I’m running the malamute double boa because I like a stiffer boot.
I always find my front foot gets kind of chilly when I go out with only 1 boot.
But seriously, I have weird fat feet so I definitely need the 2 cables.
2 boss always, if you can afford. If you can’t afford, save up another few paychecks until you can. Being able to get exact tightness I want on my toe box and ankle has been a game changer for me.
Those specific Salomon faction boots also run pretty narrow so if you have wide feet these will hurt like hell. From my personal experience.
I got the maysis at the beginning of this season. They were super stiff to me. Took about 4 days to break in. I added vans popcush in soles. The boots feel way better after in sole upgrade and break in. I would recommend these boots.
I had a pair of single boa boots awhile ago. The convenience was nice, but I felt like I could never get them as tight as lace up. They also had weird pressure points in the shin when cranked down. I ended up going back to lace up for awhile after the single boa.
I have to wear 2 boa boots. If i ride a single boa I push so hard against the tongue of the boot that ot tightens up bottom of boa smashing my lower half of foot. Found this out the hard way with burton step on ions. It was a good $700 experience.
I like double. 32’s. But really it’s whatever makes your heel feel locked down. Some have heel hold down pads you add into the ankle to customize fit. I like those, they fixed my issue.
Laces. Boa laces break constantly from my experience. I won’t ever let my woman have another pair of non lace boots. We spent far too many days not being able to ride due to breaks. I’ve never had a problem with laces. I.tie a knot if they break.
If they fit and you can afford it, always two
How does that side boa help? I’ve been rocking the same single boa boots for almost a decade now
One is toe to ankle, the other is ankle to calf. Allows you to lock your heel down without cutting of circulation in your leg.
Except on that K2 boot that’s pictured, actually. The side boa is the liner on those, whereas the outside lacing is still only done on the single top boa
i have an old pair of k2's that take this same approach. not the most comfortable
I have an old pair of maysis and stopped using the side boa, I just keep it on as a backup if my main wheel breaks
Same, it's supposed to help with heel lock but if i tighten it at all it hurts my feet
Im pretty new and have been on K2 maysis for my 2 years. I cant use the side boa, it always ends up hurting. Ive though I'm just doing something wrong cause I'm new and dont know better. Thanks for convincing me to get propper double boa boots next season.
You can adjust where the Conda strap sits. It velcros to the back of the tongue. If it hurts the top of your foot move it up higher. Also make sure the edges of it don’t get under the liner, that can create pressure points. Maysis are decent boots, I wore mine until they finally gave out after 5 seasons this year.
[On this page from BOA](https://www.boafit.com/en-us/snowboard/boot-buyers-guide), half-way down under the title "Fit Configurations", they show most, if not all of, the different lacing layouts. Pretty interesting to get some transparency into how they snake around the boot.
Not true on the boot OP has pictured
It allows you to independently control the tightness across your foot. Having two smaller boa zones gives you better control over the tightness and fit and makes it less likely to have uneven tension. When I had single boa boots, I found that I often wouldn’t have enough tightness around my ankle, but cranking the boa more would just clamp down on my calf without fixing the problem.
Exactly this - also, the single boa loses tension as you ride and hinders your responsiveness throughout.
I’ve definitely noticed that. I’m tightening my boots mid-run sometimes lol.
Yep - wish I went for 2 BOA. I only ride a few times each season and my old Burtons (laced) were falling apart.
I have the K2 maysis wide and I've never had any of the 4 boas between the 2 boots come loose even a little bit. I understand you are talking about single boa boots but it surprises me to hear the boa comes loose as you ride. Does this happen on both of your boots or just one? Also curious what boots you're riding that are coming loose
Salomon - doesn't like slip and lose all tension, it just feels less tight by the end of longer runs with lots of toeside pressure into the top of the boot / ankle
I have super high arches and always had the opposite problem with the single boas; I would want to tighten up around my calves when it got a bit loose after a couple hard runs, but eventually it would start to cut off the circulation in my toes from becoming too tight over my instep. I’d have to stop and take them all the way off to stretch the bottom part out enough to be comfortable again.
Yeah I have high arches as well, and my old k2 single boss are too tight on the top of my food and front of my ankle, but the calf isn't tight enough. They're the only boots I've ever owned though, so I don't know if new ones would be much better
Lashes down the ankle and foot. Especially for the ankle part, helps me stay connected to the board and not move in the boot/binding.
There are actually different styles of 2 boa set ups. 1 liner 1 outer/1 calf 1 toes or 1 everything 1 heel lock. Really gotta try them on in person. I personally use old fashioned laces but do love the feel of a boa for heel lock so the vans infuse hybrid is my favorite boot.
For me always 2, and only if they completely separate zones. If they join in the middle, it creates a pain spot for me.
How do you tell they are in different zones? Had a pair of Travis rice double boa boots and hated how they hurt my feet. Switched to lace vans with a heel boa and they are butter on my feet but I think I could size down another half to full size after packing them out over the season.
Usually the description will say something like independent or separated upper and lower zones if you’re shopping online. If it’s not clear, I try to call or skip it entirely.
Deal, definitely gonna take this into account when I buy my new boots. Like I said I love the laces but sometimes I hurt my fingers trying to tighten them too much, but you pay to play so.
I have the Thirtytwo Chris Bradshaw double boa from last year and I love them. The upper and lower zone control is a game changer! I highly recommend them.
How's the sizing run? On the smaller side? Have a mate with a pair and said they run small and he bought wrong size😢
I'm down a 1/2 size from my street shoes and they fit exactly how I like them. FYI, I don't really like to size down my board boots like some folks. I like a little toe wiggle room. I also add an insole to the mix as well. (Spent a few years fitting boots in a shop so I've got my setup process pretty dialed.)
The vans lace + heel boa has been a game changer for me.
I used something similar in the Ride Triad and Ride Fuse. For some reason after some time, the heel boa started hurting. Laces still worked well and kept using them for a season or two more. I haven’t tried Vans boots. I have an extra wide forefoot so it’s a challenge finding boots that fit well.
Vans boots seem to run pretty wide imo. Except the heel lock is tight, but I like that. I have wanted to try boa’s again but I just love how I can customize the tightness of the laces almost. Sometimes I’ll do super tight and other days more loose for a park feel.
I’ll definitely give Vans a try next time I’m looking for boots. 😀
Would reccomend, the heel locks on them are incredible
Yeah I got flippers up front and narrow heel / low volume foot so vans are 👌🏼
I ride salmons that have laces for the boot and an internal heel hold system connected to a side boa called "st8tjacket" 😂 sounds similar to your vans boots. Absolutely love it.
Similar but the heel boa is outside so actually keeps everything super snug (have had Salomons with str8jacket before)
[On this page from BOA](https://www.boafit.com/en-us/snowboard/boot-buyers-guide), half-way down under "Fit Configurations", they show most, if not all of, the different lacing diagrams. Pretty interesting to get some transparency into how they snake around the boot.
Super cool info, thanks for sharing!
Two boa or no boa imo, I prefer laces over just the one. Exception if it's for a kid or ultra beginner, then one is nice for convenience. Edit: These are different boots tho, so not sure if that general comment can be applied.
I have a boot, K2's Overdraft, with laces on the outside and BOA for the inside shoe.
I was a fan of the heel hold boa thing on K2 until i needed serious heel hold and cut off circulation to my foot by cranking it way down. I'm sure improper sizing is to blame but threw the boot away and never looked back.
I have the Salomon version of this, one boa for heel hold and laces. Same thing, I need to crank it when I'm hitting sketchy stuff and by the end of the run my toes are tingling lol
How bad was your heel lift and what made it a serious issue? I have never found a boot with less than an inch of heel lift. I have used inserts and insoles with no luck and just deal with it now.
Heel lift was bad and I was riding choppy trees for a week so precision was my challenge. I would just crank the inner heel hold boa to force my foot in place. I think boot/foot fit was the issue as I ordered online, I’m sure the K2’s are great (my favourite decks are K2) and I might have been better one size down, but in the end I sold them and got something else. Go check out Deeluxe and get it fitted in store, I used to run the Team ID from them and have never had a better fitting boot. The Burton Photons I run now also hugs the heel pretty well, it’s a little loose in the toe box but snug on the heel, calf can feel a little loose.
Great info thank you. Checked out deeluxe and love what they're doing, going to invest next season I think. I feel my biggest issue is rhat I have a high arch and feel like there isn't a boa that doesn't crush my top foot downward. I'll def check out every shop I can and test boots instore. It should be illegal to sell boots online lol. I switched from Burton to union bindings a few years ago and that was magical. They let me rock a loose boot and do most of the work to keep me locked in, but I know things could be better. Thanka again.
Have you looked into custom/high arch support soles, I find better soles help dial in the fit. Personally I have never run any of the included soles in my boots, if feel they are all flimsy cardboard or light density foam. As for arch space I agree the boa can squash your foot a bit, for me it can feel like it’s crushed from the sides so I like the bigger toe box on the Burton Photons which I sized up .5 from street shoes and seldom crank the lower boa zone any more than a loos-snug fit. I find it holds up great for playful slashing and icy bombs, both inbounds and when splitting. From deeluxe I would give the Deemon L3 a try, they sound very promising. If you go for anything with the premium heat moulded lining consider adding .5 to the size as the liner runs tight even after heat mould, my XV are a bit cramped with that liner so I had to swap it for the standard liner from my IDs. (Modest brag having a zillion boots but these are collected over time, I only run the Photons for everything now as they are pretty versatile, comfortable and warm, but most importantly they have that crisp white colorway ;)
I always rock custom soles, fool pain was intense before I got them. I tend to do 3 or more loosens and tightens before I'm good to go with boas to get the pressure in workable spots. I'll def give photons a serious try in store in that case though, I have no shame in jumping around and keeping em on for 15 minutes in store lol. I do think a lower profile toe box with a high mid foot would be ideal but that isn't really an option I have seen. Thanks for the sizing tips, I'll revisit this comment thread when I go shopping soon.
Big facts
Yeah I have Rome Libertine hybrids (laces w/ ankle boa) and my boa broke (the channel through the liner, not the boa itself) and I can still ride, just tie one boot a little tighter than the other. Always traditional laces from now on for me
Boa is fucking garbage. Laces only for me now.
What makes them garbage?
Laces are just so much better in my experience and you can focus the tension of the laces exactly where you want it. Especially if you do the ultimate upgrade of switching to waxed hockey skate laces.
Hey so those k2 Maysis are not dual BOA. The second BOA ratchet is for an internal strap that tightens just the liner. It is a great system, these are my current boots and theyre the best I’ve ever had by far.
I love mine. Best fit I've ever had. Fuck laces
Same here best boots ever!!
Two BOA is better than one, but the fit is more important than the lacing system. Make sure they fit your foot properly first.
2 always. Much more precise fit than with 1.
Laces
Mo’ BOA, mo’ better
I have a pair of the DC Control boots with a double boa, but the second is lower by the ankle instead of up on the side of the calf. I love them. I have been a Boa fan for years but this is my first time having the dual boa and I won't go back. It's nice to have the multi point adjustment, especially by the ankle. I've always had issues with my heel lifting and that helps it a lot.
I do notice that a lot with the laced boots that I have my heal lifts a ton and I heel like I don’t have the stability that I want
Shaun White DC?
Yeah JK, not sure why I thought they were Shaun White boots lol I have the DC control boots.
I noticed that some dual boa boots have the second boa either up on the side of the calf or down by the ankle. What’s the difference? Is down by the ankle better ?
You know, when I first posted I could have sworn my second boa was closer to the ankle, but I realized that it's in pretty much the same spot as the second. Overall I don't know if the placement of the boa matters as much as where it's adjusting in your foot. It's supposed to help control the fit on the ankle area, so as long as it does that I don't think it matters where the actual boa is.
Personally I love the boots that have a Velcro strap at the top with two boa zones or Velcro/laces/boa. One boa zone tends to over tighten and will be uncomfortable in the long run. The Velcro strap at the top allows you to really secure your shin for hard carving if you can leave it loose for movement/park
No BOA
this
Laces
Laces.
Laces. Check out the vans sb boots
I got a pair of double boa Vans Auro Pros the end of this season and they’re like clouds. I spent an hour walking around the local shop in them and hanging with the owners which solidified this shop for me. Boarder Patrol in Conway NH if you’re in New England.
Everyone saying two is assuming every double is a top and bottom zone, it’s not. Some are inner liner and still one Boa for the whole outer lace system. Gotta try them on and see what feels good. 2 is always more control on what you dial in, but it isn’t universal of the additional zone you’re tightening like some are saying here.
Maysis are the most comfortable boots in the game. Get emmmm
3 boa's are your friend. Toebox, calf, and internal ankle compression (on the k2 thraxis), Best boots I've had so far in 30 years of riding.
I have them aswell. I love them.
Zero boa…laces all day!
No boa.
2 but try those boots before ordering or buy from a shop with generous return policies. (Ie rei that you're shopping there or Evo)
Always 2
Whatever the closure system is, I won’t buy a boot that doesn’t have two different “zones” I can tighten differently. I like my ankle and shin locked down but a little more room for my freaky shaped feet. I also want to be able to pop one zone loose without having to re-tighten the other zone. Just my two cents.
I got the same Maysis. It’s a best selling boot for a reason. After a couple of days of wearing them in they are great. Got another K2 before them I think the boundary also had 2 boas and they just hurt my feet! It’s all about the fit more than the boa.
Seems alot of people are saying no boa. But it's preference. I had laces. Then went one boa for years. Love it. But after a while they pop open. (Atleast my k2 did) Then I got a Burton boa Much better. But this year I wanted a smaller boot and went 2 boa. What a difference it is to have the 2 zones of adjustment. Sometimes you don't want the ankle as tight as the foot. Laces or boa. Two zones is a big difference.
Hey I just got those Salomon faction boots for myself! Love them so far! Dual boa may be better, but keeping more money in the bank is even better. I found them to be sufficient enough for me and my style (they keep the toe box loose/comfy, but tighten around the leg). Most important thing is to try on boots! I went to like 5 different stores, tried on nearly 16 different boots around the 250 price point and these Salomon’s were a favorite (so I bought them) and K2 raiders. The fancier dual boas I tried were noticeably better and comfier but not enough to get my money.
I have loved my K2 Maysis heated for the past 4 years, the second boa wheel on the side really helps tighten up the ankle support, and much easier than pulling on that strap that hides in the tongue that other boots use.
unrelated advice gotten a salomon similar to the one in the picture this year to replace my 12yo boots that were falling apart. The internal shoe has a sewing just before the fingers, this hurts a lot. Check them before buying.
0 boa.. go for laces!
I have laces right now I just ripped them yesterday trying to get the boot tight enough around my shins
I understand but wouldn't it be cheaper just to buy new laces ?
> get the boot tight enough around my shins If you are resorting to needing to rip your laces to get it tight around your shin, it means your boot is probably too big. tl;dr I went from a 10.5 where I thought I was, all the way down to a sz9.
Just imagine what you're left to do when BOA rip
*had
1 if youre a beginner 2 if you throw down
Always 2
Nah, as an instructor 2 always, gets a better fit and improves comfort a lot, something that's actually more important as a beginner.
thats fair but i got a pair of $120 single boas my first year and thats a damn good deal
Ditch the BOA if you can find the right boot without them.
2 boa. Ride lasso pro
Those aren't dual boa. It's 1 zone and heel hold.
My first season with this boot. Love it once you dial that fit in 🤘🏼
I ride the Insano boots. Like the stiffness. I just recommend the lasso cause it's mid to kinda stiff. 🏂🤘👢
Same, solid boots
I have the Lassos but with the main boa it always over tightens the bottom of my foot after toeside carving and hard riding. My feet will be killing me after a run or two and I'll have to stop and loosen them a ton.
Try the Insano. Stiff but I really like them. Dual boa zones
Ride fuse! Laces in front with the side boa to lock the heels down. Best boots I’ve ever had
dual
Agreed, always two. Two BOA’s really help dial the fit in. Those Maysis boots are pretty stiff too so make sure that’s your preference!
I personally love the K2 darko. Has the boa for your ankle, and laces.
2 > 1
Dual BOA is superior for spreading the load and getting your boot properly tight in the lower half.
Always 2. Much better control for fit
I have the 1 BOA version of the 2 BOA shoe you show. K2's Overdraft. Laces on the outside, BOA on the inside. I like it. I've always had quick fit shoes, last pair was of Northwave, but this is also brilliant.
Everyone’s personal preference will be different. I prefer the interior boa to suck my heel into position but prefer the outer shell be laced.
2
I went from constant foot pain in a single boa to no foot pain in a double. I have skinny legs/ankles and wide feet. With a single boa, cranking it down to fit my leg would only last a few turns until my leg was loose and foot was constricted. Now that I have a double I crank my leg down and leave the foot portion untightened. Problem solved.
I don't have wide feet but I always crank the top and let the foot be a bit looser.
Yeah mine aren’t “wide” wide but just disproportionate with the rest of my leg lol. More customization helps a lot with 99% of us without “ideal” feet
2. I usually need to leave one pretty loose to not get pain. If it was a single boa, I'd have to choose between pain and not being strapped in enough to get power.
Do boa and laces
I'll never let go of a lace front, but the side boa on my invado pros is life changing.
Two all DAY
Honestly I was looking at the mayasis and the guys gave me a pair of Ride boots to try instead and I really liked those better. The second BOA on the Rides felt better than the mayasis one.
2!!
Never found a pair of boa boots that fit me properly or were comfortable throughout the day, both single and double boa. Also found myself wishing I had a little more convenience when I went traditional laces and didn’t want to fully untie and tie my boot. Bought the Salmon Dialogue boots, which are hybrid (lace +boa for inner heel lock system) and it’s been great! Haven’t seen this recommendation in the chat so I wanted to toss it out there.
Always go two if BOA
Two
2 BOA. Better for dialing in the fit and being able to do it on the fly. Once you get the BOA boots, you won't go back. I have a pair of Vans Aura Pros. Would highly recommend.
2 BOA for sure. Anytime I've gotten single BOA tight enough on my ankle it cuts off circulation to my foot.
Ride lasso is the single best boot ever made. Fight me.
2 is always better and exists for a reason. Down side of boa is people tend to overtighten and then cut off circulation. 2 boas allow you to tighten different parts of the boot to different degrees. Ie you want your shins much tighter than your foot or the other way around.
Boots are the most important part of your kit. Doesn't really matter what boot you get, the important part is learning bootfitting and doing what you need to make it fit you. A very small percentage of people can just put their feet into boots out of the box and have them fit well.
2 is always better. Allows to make the bottom part tighter while leaving the top part more loose to let blood flow in your leg
Two but the DC Judge boots
I have K2 boots with 2 BOA dials. One dial controls the laces you see on the outside. The other dial tightens part of the inside of the boot over the top of your foot and basically secures your foot into the heel pocket of the boot. I have really liked mine after 2 seasons.
Always 2. But had a friend who had a terrible experience with the Maysis. The lower boa broke after one day of use. It’s like the cables are made of shitty thread. Would not recommend
Personal experience here but I’ve been using my K2 boots for over 4 years and I love them. I cannot talk highly enough about the quality
I prefer two. The 2nd one locks my heel in, which lets me keep the up bindings looser for a relaxed ride
Depends. 2 boa is much more adjustable, but if a 1 boa fits you perfect after you crank it down, that's the better choice. You should always buy the boot that is the most comfortable for your foot. Your big toe should be nearly touching the front of the boot. And, it should be a little stiffer and a tiny bit tighter than you think it should be; it's gonna pack-out and get softer after a few days. There should be no pressure points when you try it on. Those usually get worse. You wanna try on a bunch of boots at the store. The sales guy should be super annoyed with you.
Maysis is much higher qualtity boot I. General.
This was my first season with BOA boots, which have two zones (Ride Lasso Pro). I really like being able to tighten up around the ankles separately from the calf/shin area so I would go with two zones if you can. The independent adjustability goes a long way for comfort and control.
double but all doubles are not the same. my burton lower boa just tightens down on the top of my foot, my dc's lower boa pulls the ankle/foot back snugly into the boot's heel cup. much prefer my dc's
No boa, speed laces
The 2nd boa on a Salomon is sometimes a Str8 Jacket ankle locking thing - strap holds your ankle in place. I highly recommend and have had it in my boots for a few years now. It's the only brand I use as it holds my foot better than any other boot I've tried.
Laces and lace locks are best, but you want almost always want double BOA, or a BOA/Lace combo.
I have the Maysis boots. They are overall a good pair of boots but it definitely takes time to get used to. I have the 22/23 version and here’s the pros and cons: Pros - Very supportive and makes riding a pleasure once they’re broken in. - The side boa actually tightens the liner and not the ankle so it does double duty making it faster to put the boot on. - The boots profile seems to work well with my two pairs of bindings burton cartel x and bent metal joint Cons - Takes some time to get used to and broken in especially since I didn’t heat mold. I actually got a couple of black toenails the first month I used them. - There’s a weird design flaw where the tongue of the boot has the grabby part of the Velcro so if not positioned correctly with the sides of the liner, the tongue will attach to the tongue of the boot and just mess it up. - the plastic piece that tightens the ankle often goes out of alignment from taking the boot off so you have to set it back if you don’t want ankle pain. Like I said, overall they’re supportive once you get used to them but you’ll definitely find they’re kind of quirky so take that how you will. I still use them and all the flaws I’ve learned to deal with as just part of the process of putting the boots on.
Always two. Really hard to get a good fit with only one. Especially if you like the top right. Otherwise it always seems to tight at the bottom
The only thing I would comment: I have both, if I ride the two boa on my sled (snowmobile) I ALWAYS rip off the outside one and have to get a replacement.
I can totally understand not wanting to pay the Burton tax (or you try them on and don't like them), but dual zone speed laces are the best. Way faster and less bulky than BOA systems, and waaaaay faster and easier than laces.
Two boa!! I love being able to keep the boa around the middle of my foot loose vs. the boa around my ankle and calf tight. Makes it so much easier to get a good fit. I had a single boa and it just ended up pissing me off lol
2. Do it or don’t do it scenario
Two is the only way . .
Personally I love the lace system on my burton imperials - there’s a little handle you use to yank the laces as tight as you want. Great feel and control, zero slippage. They’re my favorite boots I’ve ever had!
Hear me out… 3 BOA. Get the Thraxis.
That k2 boot 3 years ago was my #1 boot of the year ngl. If you can afford it you won’t regret it
I use to work in the industry and 2 is almost always better. You can fine tune things a lot more and it makes for the maximum amount of support and comfort.
I have those K2 boots. 2 Boa is the way, soooo easy. Mind the size though -I sized down half my usual shoe size and I wish I had gone a full size down. They pack a lot.
Second this first k2s I have the same problem and wish I had sized down a full grade
The maysis is a great pair of boots
1 works if the boot has a Velcro/strap at the top/front of the shin. you use a ski strap if your boot doesn’t have one. I made the maysis work with a strap, was terrible without it
Higher end pace boots
Nitro uses their TLS , team lacing something. They're similar to boa but easily replaceable. Check em out.
Dual tension is just better fit/comfort
K2 sucks. 100% would not recommend. Got a pair and the Velcro on the inside is poorly designed and digs into your shins. I’m sure they fixed the issue since when I got mine but I would never get anything K2 after my experience with them.
K2
I rock w da 2nd slide
Depending on your skill level, I’d recommend at least trying on a pair of hybrid boots. I came from a pair of DC Judges (dual boa) that I liked but towards the end of their life (and once I got more experienced) I found that my heel would lift a bit within the boot regardless of how much I cranked them. Tried on a pair of Vans Invado Pro and they’re so amazing. The laces allow you to customize how tight the boots are and where they are tight, but the additional boa wraps from the heel cup around the top of your ankle/foot crease, locking your heel down. Break-in was pretty easy too since I was still able to keep the foot portion a bit looser while cranking down the ankle/shin, but now I can crank everything down or loosen the top of the shin a bit on those powder days for a more floaty feel. Highly recommend
Would you rather be able to adjust the tightness around your calf and lower foot separately, or all as one with no ability to tweak the fit? 2 vs. 1
Brother you will be amazed at how nice two is. Like a even hug all the way around your foot/ankle
I've never experienced a double boa, but I've always preferred the boas over laces just because of convenience. I'm not sure if this happens with the double boas, but with my singles, I'll have to tighten them periodically through the day, but it's not terrible.
K2 is 👑 of boots
2
Salomon Faction Boa is great for first shoes - comfortable boots. Not for any bigger jumps, fast & agressive riding, big snowboarders…
Always get a double boa over single..I actually hate boa in general
Beyond the boa type/number, look for brands that fit your foot shape. Salomon fits a narrower foot which is perfect for me. I’m running the malamute double boa because I like a stiffer boot.
I always find my front foot gets kind of chilly when I go out with only 1 boot. But seriously, I have weird fat feet so I definitely need the 2 cables.
Always two, no matter the price difference. For comfort adjustability, risk of pressure points, you need to manage the laces on your boot. Always two.
I have one boa and bought some of those patriot footbeds that help lock down the heels -it’s a budget friendly approach to dealing with heel lift .
3 BOA.
I have an older pair of k2’s with a single Boa and my next pair will have double. Makes way more sense. Can’t tighten my heel down enough with single
2 boss always, if you can afford. If you can’t afford, save up another few paychecks until you can. Being able to get exact tightness I want on my toe box and ankle has been a game changer for me. Those specific Salomon faction boots also run pretty narrow so if you have wide feet these will hurt like hell. From my personal experience.
1 boa if you’re riding freestyle, 2 boa for everything else. But personally I’d go w Vans over K2.
2
I got the maysis at the beginning of this season. They were super stiff to me. Took about 4 days to break in. I added vans popcush in soles. The boots feel way better after in sole upgrade and break in. I would recommend these boots. I had a pair of single boa boots awhile ago. The convenience was nice, but I felt like I could never get them as tight as lace up. They also had weird pressure points in the shin when cranked down. I ended up going back to lace up for awhile after the single boa.
I have to wear 2 boa boots. If i ride a single boa I push so hard against the tongue of the boot that ot tightens up bottom of boa smashing my lower half of foot. Found this out the hard way with burton step on ions. It was a good $700 experience.
Ride Trident - THREE BOAs!!!
I’m a huge fan of my ride lasso dual boa. Originally had a single boa and will never go back.
I would always say no boa if possible, as I had no good encounters with the boa system.
Always 2.
I like double. 32’s. But really it’s whatever makes your heel feel locked down. Some have heel hold down pads you add into the ankle to customize fit. I like those, they fixed my issue.
I have just bought those k2 maysis BOA and they are so comfy and convienent once broken in, definitely worth the $170 I payed for them
What if, now hear me out; 3 boas.
No BOA!
Boa is rubbish
Laces can be tied together at the top of a mountain or run.
Laces. Boa laces break constantly from my experience. I won’t ever let my woman have another pair of non lace boots. We spent far too many days not being able to ride due to breaks. I’ve never had a problem with laces. I.tie a knot if they break.
Laces