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Snowboard Boots F/W 2025/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide
The snowboard boot market for the 25/26 season is buzzing with innovation and a renewed focus on customer preferences. As buyers look to stock their shelves, it’s essential to understand the shifting trends, groundbreaking features, and brand-specific developments driving this vital segment of snowboarding gear. Snowboard boots are more than just footwear – they’re the pivot of a rider’s comfort and control on the mountain. Ladies and gents, welcome to next winter’s Snowboard Boots 25/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide, brought to you by Matthieu Perez.
A major trend reshaping the snowboard boot market is consumers’ willingness to spend more for premium features like double BOA and/or durability. Ryan Bachman, Sales Director at ThirtyTwo illustrates, “We used to see the vast majority of consumers going for a lower-end model their first or second time buying boots. But now we’re seeing even the novice snowboard consumer going into mid-range styles.” Similarly, Benedikt Pelikan, Merchandising Director at Burton confirms: “Demand on snowboard boots is still solid at a high level. Consumers are understanding the need of a perfect fitting and comfortable boot for snowboarding and it looks like this part of the equipment is updated more often than boards or bindings.”
Despite global challenges such as inflation, inventory surplus, and geopolitical instability, brands like DC, Deeluxe, and Nidecker report stable or growing sales. “Sell through of Nidecker boots has been great” says Julien Lefrançois, Boots Product Manager, “That’s because of a focus on fit, solid brand and product storytelling, careful price-point maintenance and constant innovation from the team in terms of new features and processes.” DC saw an 8% increase in its order book last season despite poor snow conditions in Europe.
On the flip side, challenges persist. Deeluxe has noted the strain of tough winter conditions and price pressures from discounted goods flooding the market. However, its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship ensures it remains a favourite among dedicated snowboarders. “We’re an independent snowboard boot brand – independently owned and entirely focused on snowboard boots. With a family-oriented approach and over 20 patents to our name, we’re an innovation powerhouse that keeps pushing forward”, claims Christian Brandstaetter, Deeluxe Sales Manager.
At Head, no one is afraid to say it: “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 of new features in season 25/26 we’re going one better!”
WHAT’S NEW?
The snowboard boot market for winter 25/26 is set to feature exciting new models and groundbreaking innovations, as top brands continue to push the limits of design, performance, and comfort. ThirtyTwo is revamping some of its most popular signature styles and introducing new models that include the Zeb Powell signature ZB-1, the ZB-1 BOA, and the Jeremy Jones MTB Lite. The ZB-1 features a fully injected 3-D moulded tongue for progressive flex and durability, alongside a new ZB-1 3-D gel logo for a fresh look. The Jones MTB Lite BOA has been designed from the ground up for Jeremy Jones, with new materials like a lightweight aluminium buckle for quick-release walk mode, a dual-density midsole for improved comfort, and a carbon shank for added stability.
Bataleon is raising the bar with their new Acid boot, which boasts innovative midsoles, outsoles, and updated liners. “We are very proud that after leading the industry into 3D designed snowboards, we’ve quickly taken a leading role in pushing the design of snowboard boots to a new level.” claims Rubby Kiebert, Bataleon Sales Director. Burton is fully revamping their Step On Boot line, offering new designs with gender parity and a simplified line structure. Their 25/26 lineup will feature two main models: the manoeuvrable Waverange boot series and the firm, responsive Highshot series, catering to a range of riding preferences. These innovations simplify the product range while maintaining a high-performance standard, making it easier for consumers to find the right boot for their needs. K2, the ‘freeride brand’, is excited to be enhancing Sage Kotsenburg’s pro boot, the Orton. “Together, we’ve refined the design and integrated even more advanced technology to meet Sage’s high standards for performance and comfort”, says Nicolai Steidle, K2 Marketing Coordinator.
On a similar note, Salomon In 2025, will introduce a completely new line of high-end freeride boots for winter 25/26: Echo, Vista, Malamute, and Synergy. “With all lacing systems updated, this results in a total of six new boot models. We have focused on improving functionality, comfort, and customisation, introducing new features such as a snow gaiter, durable materials, a heel hold system, an inner liner and insole, and tongue stiffeners!” develops Bruno Rivoire, Global Marketing Manager at Salomon.
Deeluxe introduces the all-new ID Y20, a game-changer in performance and comfort. “We’ve pushed every boundary in construction, fit, and technology to craft a boot that redefines what’s possible on the mountain. With cutting-edge innovations and patented designs, the ID Y20 is a high-performance powerhouse that’s lightweight and responsive, blending the bold, streamlined style of top-tier sports gear with the all-day comfort of your favourite Deeluxe snowboard boot”, explains Forian Heim, Deeluxe Marketing Manager. Nidecker’s seamless design philosophy is taken to the next level with two new backstays which, for the first time, feature 100% stitch-free construction. “It’s a more straightforward manufacturing process, there’s no risk of seams ripping, and it gives the boot a cleaner silhouette”, says Lefrançois, “it’s a really smooth construction that enhances the boot’s compatibility with every kind of speed entry binding where you need to slide your foot in from the back.”
BOA technology continues to dominate the snowboard boot market, with brands introducing ever-more refined systems. For instance, DC, Head or Nidecker are now using the ‘wheels of closure’ on liners, while most brands are largely using it on shells. “We focus on fit and comfort with our new ‘Super Lock Heel Harness’ integrated with the BOA® fit system for zero heel slip and a more responsive ride”, illustrates Jean-Pierre Bonnemason, Snowboard Boots Product Manager. Head will be debuting the RAKER BOA ZONAL, a revolutionary boot with both shell and liner BOA® lacing systems. “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”, says Kristin Wimmer. At Nidecker, Lefrançois throws, “Our biggest lacing story this year is the new Wrap Strap, made in collaboration with BOA®. We’re the first brand to introduce this configuration to the market and the plan is to expand it to the regular Kita for winter 26/27”. This system offers even pressure distribution, eliminating discomfort from uneven tightening. He adds, “The upper literally wraps around your foot as it closes, which also gives you a really precise fit with more powerful response”. Comfort and fit remain at the heart of snowboard boot innovation for DC, Deeluxe, Flux, Head, Nidecker, Nitro or Rossignol. DC is also introducing Aerotech, a mesh ventilation system that helps to regulate heat, ensuring a comfortable fit throughout the day and their Foil Strobel Board helps reflect heat back to the foot for additional warmth. Deeluxe is introducing the all new Stage 5 snowboard boot liner: designed for ultimate comfort and performance. It offers an exceptional out-of-the-box fit. With its 100% thermo moldable materials, this liner can be perfectly customised to the shape of your feet, making it a favourite among boot fitters.
Flux has developed the world’s first automatically fitting liner, utilising new Beads Cushion material for a tailored fit that adapts to each rider’s foot. With input from snowboarding legend Terje Haakonsen, Flux is taking their boots to the next level in comfort and performance, suitable for riders of all levels. At Head, Wimmer introduces, “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 personalised fit in the critical ankle and heel areas.”
President Tommy Delago reminds us of Nitro’s ‘Holy Fit’ – ‘Built from the Inside out’. “This best describes our design philosophy of keeping the comfort layers of the boot close to the foot and adding structure and support as you move towards the shell. This approach differs from many other brands that use stiffer liners and somewhat softer shells. The way we make our boots is a bit more difficult, but the riders gain a lot in terms of comfort and fit”. Rossignol Snowboard Category Manager, Arnaud Repa, updates us on a complete reboot on its retail collection; “Placing comfort and function at the forefront of our development, we wanted the best fitting boot possible, from the first try-on in the shop to the 100th day lace up. To get there, we looked at the boot as a whole, creating a liner that works together with the features of the outer shell and vice versa”. As durability is a key focus for 25/26, several brands are introducing materials and designs that extend the life of their boots with the likes of Nidecker and Nitro. Nidecker is pushing its KPU tech story even further in winter 25/26. “We firmly believe that this material is the future of boot construction. It’s more durable, it’s 100% waterproof and it dramatically prolongs the life of the boot’s flex – with no downsides”, reassures Lefrançois. Delago at Nitro adds, “We’re also using upgraded toe protection – moulded or with Endure® Gravity Foam – on more models to protect against toe strap wear and tear.”
Northwave focuses on enhancing the performance and durability of their boots with refined materials and improved cushioning systems. “Our main focus for the 25/26 boots collection will be on our new 2 Spin Lacing System, which is an updated version of our previous system. This new design offers enhanced ease of use and greater precision when adjusting tightness, making it more intuitive and quicker to adjust on the go” explains Gian Luca Barbi. Finally, we end with Ride’s statement, which talks for everyone out there pushing the envelope; “We’re constantly working to keep our boots the best in the business”, says Stefan Schauer, Marketing Coordinator, “Ride is focused on making boots with the best fit through Intuition, upgraded footbeds, innovative lacing patterns with best in class durability through materials like HDR and Michelin soles. Our sponsored team and engineers build snowboard boots for snowboarders”. Word. The 25/26 season promises to be a game-changing year for snowboard boots, with these exciting updates setting a new standard for performance, comfort, and innovation.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SNOWBOARD SHOP
Everyone agrees that shops are the backbone of this industry and that they deserve a close attention, so snowboard boot brands are enhancing their strategies to better support retailers, ensuring a seamless and impactful shopping experience for both shop staff and consumers. Ride is equipping retailers with advanced sales tools, including boot cutaways to highlight technology, lacing diagrams, footbed displays, and Intuition foam blanks, along with visually engaging in-store displays. Schauer adds, “We support our retailers through building the best boots on the market”. Similarly, ThirtyTwo emphasises the importance of their dedicated sales reps, who serve as the brand’s ambassadors. “First and foremost, REPS!!” shouts Ryan Bachman, Sales Director. These reps educate shop staff through annual clinics, host demo events, and actively engage with local snowboarding communities to drive sales and brand awareness. Bataleon, on the other hand, prioritises hands-on experience, ensuring shop staff have access to boots for personal testing to foster confidence and enthusiasm about the product’s fit and performance. Deeluxe supports local shops with year-round assistance from customer service teams and sales reps, along with product clinics to enhance staff knowledge. “Wherever possible, we support the local shop, its riders, the surrounding community, and events associated with the shop” comments Florian Heim. General Delago at Nitro points, “Being an authentic, snowboard-only company, we take every aspect of our market very seriously and make sure the retailer can work with a thought-out and relevant product line and a brand that gives back to continue building our community. Also, our tight network of highly professional sales reps and distribution centres provide on-point service and after sales support.” Through these different strategies, brands are not only boosting retailer confidence but also enriching the consumer journey, ensuring that every rider finds the ideal boot to elevate their experience on the mountain.
LAST WORD
Ride Snowboards continues to solidify its reputation with boots that deliver the best fit, best function, and best durability in the industry. Schauer nails it, “Ride is the company for the people! We build boots for every snowboarder on the market”. ThirtyTwo remains a brand synonymous with variety and inclusivity. “Whether you’re riding freestyle, freeride, or all-Mountain, starting your first season, pushing the limits in the park and streets, or splitboarding and summiting unridden peaks like Jeremy Jones, the ThirtyTwo line has the right boot for you”, reinforces Ryan Bachman. Known for their meticulous attention to detail, Bataleon delivers snowboard boots that embody their philosophy; “We ride what you ride, no other hardware is more important for the feel of your set up than boots so we cut no corners in making the very best high end boots”, enhances Rubby Kiebert, Sales Director. Nidecker lives by its tagline, ‘Different by Design’, exemplifying a relentless drive to innovate across all product categories. “With boots, you see it in everything from the heel lock and overall fit to the seamless design philosophy that makes Nidecker’s speed entry even smoother”, articulates Lefrançois. Look after your own interests. The snowboard boot market for winter 2025/2026 is set to redefine performance and comfort on the mountain. With brands pushing the envelope through advanced innovations, superior durability, and a commitment to rider-centric designs, this season promises to deliver boots that elevate every rider’s experience – whether they’re carving on groomers, launching off kickers, or scaling untouched backcountry peaks. Get out there!
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