HEAD SNOWBOARD BOOTS F/W 2025/26 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboard Boots F/W 2025/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Head
Interviewee: Marketing Team

How was last season in the snowboard boot market?
We are satisfied with last season’s sales.

With the recent overall price increases, have there been any positive developments in manufacturing, sourcing, or logistics?
We did not make any significant changes in terms of manufacturing or sourcing processes. In general, we still see pretty much a V-shaped recovery in the main markets, as well as extremely strong results in overseas regions like Japan and the US, where we have again the strongest results ever. Therefore we see no need to pivot our business model.

What are the major trends you’re seeing with product pricing in the snowboard boots market?
HEAD is traditionally strong on entry-level price points; in the last years, we experienced a shift towards upper price points – in all categories.

E-commerce vs. physical retail, how are you balancing both channels?
Generally speaking though, stationary retail is the backbone of our business, offering products online is needed and requested from a consumer perspective, but the main business remains stationary so far, therefore will be supported with all means. We maintain transparent communication with our dealers regarding our e-commerce plans

How are you supporting retailers to sell this category?
At HEAD, we help retailers sell our products through a combination of digital and physical channels. Our marketing approach includes the use of social media platforms where we create engaging content that showcases the performance and quality of our equipment. We often work with team riders to highlight product benefits and increase brand awareness. We also provide durable and sustainable POS items, such as metal-branded boots slat wall holders for the stores. However, the most effective way to convince customers is by letting them try the boards on snow during events to experience their performance. With this comprehensive strategy, we ensure that retailers have the tools and support they need to maximize their sales and reach a wider audience.

What unique brand messages are you focusing on for the 2025/2026 snowboard boot season?
OUR HOME TURF. LET´S CLAIM IT. We are traditionally very strong in the boots segment: Unique performance achieved by innovation and experience, innovative design, known for quality and function, and best fit distinguished by comfort and customization. This is what we are known for and with our all- new boot line and plenty new features in season 25/26 we’re going one better!

Are you introducing any new or innovative materials (for outer shell, reinforcement, cushioning, support, or grip) in your 2025/2026 boots?
The revolutionary boot fitting system Liquid Fit provides the most precise and quickest customization by using a 100% flexible, paraffin-based material that can be injected in Liquid Fit-ready liners. The Liquid Fit material then automatically adjusts to the individual foot shape, focusing on the most critical areas of the foot: the ankle and the heel section. This increases precision, performance, comfort, and heel hold. Liquid Fit technology is used in our pro boots TEAM BOA HYBRID LIQUID FIT.

Are there any updates or significant changes in your liner technology or programs for the 2025/2026 collection?
We will not only introduce BOA® in shell lacing but also in liner lacing with our brand-new model RAKER BOA ZONAL. This innovative zonal lacing system ensures a secure fit for both, the foot and heel, enhanced by a heat-moldable liner. This creates a supportive boot suitable for all terrains, offering great comfort without excessive strain. At HEAD, we integrate more environmentally friendly materials and substitutes in our boots, like coffee grounds integrated into our liners as a natural add-on to reduce bad odor after many days of use. Due to anatomical differences in women’s wider calves, women’s boots feature flexible inserts in the back collar of the boot liner and a larger cuff pattern with more flexible materials in the back of the boot’s shell. This design significantly enhances flexibility and overall comfort. The Wrap Fit system, also seen on trail running shoes, offers an innovative shaft design that snugly wraps around the midfoot, adapting to it. This specialized closure system provides optimal heel hold, better connection to the midsole, and more freedom in the forefoot area and results in a precise and uniform fit ensuring optimal support. The boot achieves a Full True-To-Foot Shape by molding the lower quarter to match the higher instep on the medial side, while the upper toe box conforms naturally to the position of your toes eliminating pressure points or discomfort. The new Thermo Brace Liner with its heat-moldable design, combined with internal memory foam pads, offers a perfect fit tailored to your feet. The Removable Ankle Brace, an integrated heel harness that wraps over the instep, secures your foot in the heel pocket for a personalized fit in the critical ankle and heel areas.

What lacing systems will be your main focus for the 2025/2026 boots?
We have mainly used BOA® Fit Systems for many years as they are simple to use, comfortable, time-saving, and durable at the same time. No more fumbling with laces in the cold. Depending on the boot model, we use different BOA® Fit Systems, from the version with a single BOA dial for our entry-level boots up to BOA Hybrid or BOA Mid Power Focus used in our top boots as those configurations allow riders to charge harder and perform at their peak. New in 25/26 is our Zonal BOA® Fit System integrated into the liner.

What are the dominant visual themes, patterns, and materials you’ll be highlighting in next year’s boot line? Any artist collaborations or notable partnerships?
Most boot models have simple but modern designs and color themes, like black, white, and natural earthy tones, to match a wide range of bindings-, boards- and sportswear designs. But we also added more outstanding colored versions into the line in season 25/26, for both, men and women. Even if the boots show a clean look in general, a lot of design details are attached, like the use of different fabrics tone in tone but with little color spots and contrasts attached. These also include elements from running shoe technology, to underline the boot’s contemporary and clean look.

Which segment of your boot range (Freestyle, Freeride, All-Mountain, Beginner) are you investing in the most, and why?
We mostly invest in the “do-it-all”/all-mountain part, as we want to make it easy for our consumers. Other than with boards, our customers do not buy three or four different models for different applications. Once a consumer has found a boot that fits perfectly and performs in a way they like, we feel that they should be able to use it anywhere on the mountain.

Have there been significant changes in how you approach product pricing for the upcoming season?
No.

Does your 2025/2026 boot line target any specific price ranges?HEAD is traditionally strong on mid to entry-level price points; in the last two years, we have experienced a shift towards upper price points – in all categories. Therefore we extended our line and developed new boots with new technologies and features serving this target group.

Key Products:

The QUANTOS BOA FOCUS:
Is designed for ultimate performance and comfort. Featuring BOA® Focus Lacing with two independent zones for a custom fit, a full true-to-foot shape, and cuff cut for added flexibility. The Ninja Pro Eco Sole and EVA midsole with coffee grounds offer lightweight durability and eco-conscious design. With the Perfect Fit Thermo Brace liner and heat reflective shell lining, you’ll stay warm and supported all day.

QUANTOS BOA Focus

Introducing the RAKER BOA ZONAL:
Designed for top-tier comfort and performance. Featuring BOA® Coiler Lacing in the shell and Zonal BOA® Fit system in the liner for quick adjustments. Wrap Fit and a True-To-Foot shape ensure a snug fit. The Cuff Cut and Comfort Cuff provide added flexibility, while the lightweight sole delivers superior traction.

RAKER BOA Zonal

Introducing the GALAXY & TESS BOA COILER:
Designed with BOA® Coiler Lacing, Wrap Fit, and Heel Lock for a secure, true-to-foot shape. Featuring women-specific details like the Comfort Cuff and Flylite EVA sole, they ensure comfort and flexibility. Both models come with advanced cushioning and traction, making them ideal for all-day riding.

TESS BOA Coiler black