2021 Vans Snowboard Boots Review | Trojan Wake Ski Snow

2021 Vans Snowboard Boots Review

UPDATE: Vans boots are in stock and ready to go. Shop in-store or online now.

With the southern hemisphere winter fast approaching, we thought it would be an excellent time to review some of the Vans snowboard boots for 2021. You or some you know probably own a pair of vans shoes; they have been in the business for what feels like an eternity now. Vans have also been making snowboard boots for a long time. With so much knowledge and experience, you can see why their lineup of snowboard boots for 2021 is impressive. From the clever use of traditional laces combined with BOA to durable outsoles, these are some must-have boots for your next trip to the snow.

Many of Vans' snowboard boots have become classics in their own right, so you'll be happy to know that they make many of their snowboard boots are available in both "OG" and "Pro" versions. For those not in the know, OG stands original gangster, meaning someone (or something) that is exceptional, classic and authentic. Their OG range of boots set a high standard for intermediate to advanced riders. Their Pro versions step things up a notch with more features and premium materials. These boots are for the intermediate to advance rider looking for the vans comfort and style in a more responsive package. Either way, both versions will offer comfort, durability and style, so its best to select the boot that matches your needs.

It is also worth mentioning that all Vans snowboard boots include a 360º heat retention system. This lay wraps the toe box and extends between the outsole and liner, helping reflect body heat into the boot and keep cold out.

Vans Men's Hi-Standard Range

The Vans Hi-Standard range of boots is the tried and true option with traditional laces. Laces are simple to use, easy to replace, offer lots of customisation and look the part. They can tend to loosen up as you ride but are still the closure system of choice for many riders.

Hi-Standard LL DX Snowboard Boots

The Vans Hi-Standard LL DX Snowboard Boot is about as close as you can get to a skateboard shoe on a snowboard. The LL stands for linerless, so unlike other boots, the liner is built into the shell. By removing the internal liner, Vans has made a super flexible boot that allows your foot to sit closer to the board for the ultimate in park and jib freedom. The Powercuff Strap at the top of the boot allows for customisable support. The boot has a soft elastic cuff around the calf area called Pleasurecuff, which will adapt to your calf for a comfortable ride. This boot has a traditional lace system that will flex naturally with the boot and stand up to any abuse. This boot is ideal for the Intermediate to Advanced jibber/street rider wanting maximum flex and tweakability.

Vans Mens Hi-Standard LL DX Snowboard Boots - Black/Gum

Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots

This Mid-flexing boot will be ideal for the All-mountain or park rider looking for a traditional lacing system. Looking closely at the boot, you will notice two eyelets at the ankle called Instep Lace Lockout. The double eyelets lock the lace in place for enhanced heel hold and consistent fit all day long. The removable V1 UltraCush Liner is comfortable and straightforward, whilst the internal harness combined with the outer Lace Lockout system will eliminate heel hold. The V1 POPCUSH Footbed is a single density, 3D-molded construction that will be comfortable all day. The V1 Waffle Lug sole will be nice and grippy whilst maintaining a classic skate shoe look. The Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots offer great value for the beginner to the intermediate rider or the more advanced rider wanting a slightly softer feel.

Vans Mens Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots - (Jake Kuzyk) Moonbeam/Black - 2021

Vans Mens Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots - Black/White - 2021

Hi-Standard Pro Snowboard Boots

Taking many stylistic cues from the OG, the Vans Men's Hi-Standard Pro boots offer a similar look in a stiffer, more premium feel. The boot of choice for professional rider Arthur Longo, it's ideal for both All-Mountain and Park riders. The instep flex zone will allow for tweakability in a stiffer overall package. Upgrades on the Pro version include a Powercuff Strap at the boot's top for additional support and customisable response. The V2 Ultracush with Smartwool Liner for better moisture-wicking, enhanced comfort and the X-Cage around the heel for better heel hold. The outer lacing system has a Tongue Lock Down system. Loops connected to the boot's tongue are engaged when you tighten the laces, pulling the tongue inwards and helping lock your heel down. The upgraded dual-density footbed offers more comfort and less fatigue. Finally, the sole steps it up a notch to V2 Waffle Pro for enhanced board feel and durability. The Hi-Standard Pro is the ideal boot for the intermediate to advanced rider looking for a traditional lacing stem.

Vans Mens Hi-Standard Pro Snowboard Boots - (Arthur Longo) Apricot/Black - 2021

Vans Mens Hi-Standard Pro Snowboard Boots - Black/Classic White - 2021

Vans Men's Aura Range

The Vans Aura snowboard boot lineup include Boa® lacing systems. Boa® closure systems offer precise adjustability and the ability to micro-adjust the fit (even with gloves on). They don't loosen up and provide a simple and efficient closure so you can focus on riding. Boa® systems have been around for a long time and tested in extreme conditions. They come with a warranty for the lifetime of the product.

Aura OG Snowboard Boots

These lightweight and straightforward boots are ideal for all-mountain and freestyle riding. The Aura OG Snowboard Boots have a mid-flex with a soft elastic section around the calf called Pleasurecuff, which reduces calf bite and conforms to your leg. It uses a similar Pleasurecuff, V1 UltraCush Liner, V1 Boot Harness, V1 POPCUSH Footbed and V1 Waffle Lug outsole as mentioned on the Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots, which is an excellent compromise between comfort, price and performance. However, the Aura OG has a single Boa® Coiler lacing system designed to enhance closure force where you need it. The Vans Men's Aura OG Snowboard Boots is an ideal choice for the beginner to intermediate snowboarder on a budget, looking for the simplicity of a Boa® closure system to use all over the mountain.

 

Vans Mens Aura OG Snowboard Boots - Black/White  - 2021

Vans Mens Aura OG Snowboard Boots - White/Gum - 2021

Aura Pro Snowboard Boots

As you would expect, the Vans Men's Aura Pro Snowboard Boots step things up compared to the Aura OG. The increased stiffness and upgraded features compared to the OG make the Pro version ideal for more experienced all-mountain riders and freeriders wanting to explore backcountry terrain. Parts of the Auro Pro are comparable to the Hi-standard Pro. They feature an enhanced Pleasurecuff, V2 Ultracush with Smartwool Liner, V2 Boot Harness, V2 POPCUSH Footbed and V2 Waffle Pro outsole for enhanced comfort, response and performance compared to the OG. However, the Pro features a Dual Boa® closure system. The Custom Boa® system allows for control of three zones for maximum closure around the instep for enhanced heel hold. The Vans Custom Slide Guide can move along the instep (front of the ankle area), providing adjustability and a tailored anatomical fit. The Aura Pro is suits the intermediate to advanced rider wanting to explore inside and outside the resort.

Vans Mens Aura Pro Snowboard Boots - Black/White - 2021

Vans Mens Aura Pro Snowboard Boots - Gray/Marshmellow - 2021

Vans Men's Invado Range

Can anyone remember the Taco Ad? The punchline was "Why don't we have both?" and that's what you get with the Invado line. You get a traditional lacing system combined with a Boa® system at the ankle design to lock your heel down. If you still like traditional laces but want the precision and heel hold that Boa® can offer, then the Invado might be the option for you.

Invado OG Snowboard Boots

This boot's classic styling is coupled with a perfectly balanced mid-flex, making it ideal for park and all-mountain riders. As with the Hi-Standard and Aura boot lines, the Invado OG version uses the same Pleasurecuff, V1 UltraCush Liner, V1 Boot Harness, V1 POPCUSH Footbed and V1 Waffle Lug outsole for the perfect mix of performance, comfort and price. However, this boot's main talking point is Vans' Hybrid Boa® lacing system. The hybrid system has a traditional lacing system coupled with a Boa® closure at the instep for targeted heel hold. Traditional lacing control's the boot fit and allows for natural flex. The Boa® closure borrows the Custom Slide Guide mentioned above for the Aura Pro for unrivalled and customisable heel hold. The hybrid lacing system and Custom Slide Guide allow stiffness to range from 4 to 6 out of 10, making it versatile for many riding styles. All this makes the Invado OG Snowboard Boots the ideal choice for the Beginner to Intermediate riding or the more advanced rider looking for a slightly softer mid-flex boot but looking for precise control of fit and response.

Vans Mens Invado OG Snowboard Boots - Black/White - 2021

Vans Mens Invado OG Snowboard Boots - Navy/White - 2021

Invado Pro Snowboard Boots

The medium to stiff flex of the Vans Invado Pro Snowboard Boots makes them ideal for intermediate to advanced all-mountain/park riders wanting to take their riding to bigger features. The Pro version starts were the OG left, with enhanced features such as the Powercuff Straps for extra support at the boot's top. The ability to wrap the strap around the internal liner or the exterior tongue allows for a customisable response, giving you the option to tweak the boots behaviour to suit the terrain and riding style. As you expect from the Pro version, the Invado Pro steps things up with enhanced Pleasurecuff, V2 Ultracush with Smartwool Liner, V2 Boot Harness, V2 POPCUSH Footbed and V2 Waffle Pro outsole compared to the OG. Like the OG, the Pro has a hybrid lacing system consisting of traditional lacing coupled with a Boa® closure at the instep for targeted heel hold. Traditional lacing allows for boot fit customisation and natural flex, whist the Custom Slide Guide provides a customised, precise heel hold. All this makes for a customisable feel and response, and with stiffness from 5 to 7 out of 10, a versatile boot. This boot will suit the Intermediate to Advanced park/all-mountain rider wanting custom control of their boots response for varied conditions and terrain.

Vans Mens Invado Pro Snowboard Boots - Black/White - 2021

Vans Mens Invado Pro Snowboard Boots - Brown/Red - 2021

Vans Women's Snowboard Boots

Hi-Standard OG Women's Snowboard Boots

The women's Vans Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots is the ideal boot for all-mountain/freestyle riders wanting a Mid-flexing traditional lacing system. Stylistically, the Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots shares the look of a classic Vans shoe, combined with hi-performance features you need on the mountain. A vital aspect of the boot's performance is the Instep Lace Lockout. The lockout system enhances heel hold, and the double eyelets lock the lace in place for a consistent fit all day long. The V1 Waffle Lug sole will be nice and grippy whilst maintaining a classic skate shoe look. The single-density V1 POPCUSH Footbed will be comfortable all day. V1 UltraCush Liner increase comfort whilst the internal harness combined with the outer Lace Lockout system will eliminate heel hold. With a refined women's fit, the Hi-Standard OG Women's Snowboard Boots offer great value for the beginner to the intermediate rider or the more advanced rider wanting a slightly softer feel.

Vans Womens Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots - Black/White - 2021

Vans Womens Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots - Port Royale/Leapard - 2021

Encore Pro Women's Snowboard Boots

The women's Vans Encore Pro Snowboard Boots are a high performing dual Boa® boot for All-Mountain to backcountry riders. With a slightly stiffer flex compared to the Women's Hi-Standard OG, this boot will suit the more aggressive Intermediate or Advanced rider looking for a more responsive feel. The Pleasurecuff allows for a contoured fit around your calf for a more comfortable ride. Elsewhere, Vans steps up to the V2 Ultracush with Smartwool Liner to help eliminate moisture enhance comfort and heel hold. A dual-density V2 POPCUSH Footbed increases cushioning and reduces fatigue, while the V2 Waffle Pro outsole will enhance grip, board feel and cushioning. With a Dual Boa® closure system controlling three zones on the boot, you can expect precise closure around the instep and enhanced heel hold. This customisation is made possible by the Vans Custom Slide Guide, which can move along the instep (front of the ankle area), providing adjustability and a tailored anatomical fit. If you're an Intermediate to Advanced rider wanting to explore inside and outside the resort, this boot will be a great option.

Vans Womens Encore Pro Snowboard Boots - Oatmeal/Peyote - 2021

Vans Womens Encore Pro Snowboard Boots - Black/Irridescent - 2021

Learn More and Fitting Advice

This season's line up of Vans boots available at TROJAN WSS looks the part, we are expecting the boots in the store in April. You can check out the range of Vans products available on our Vans page. When it comes to buying boots, the most important thing to consider is that your boots fit correctly and meet your performance needs. Check out our range of Men's Snowboard Boots and Women's Snowboard boots for more options.

Most boots these days come with heat mouldable liners, allowing you to customise the fit. However, we recommend you start with a boot that already fits well. Things to look for when trying on boots include a snug but not painful fit, minimal heel raise when you lace up the boot, no pressure spots, room for your toes (you should be able to wiggle your toes, but it's ok if they gently graze the end), comfortable around the calf and the list goes on. When trying boots, always wear your riding socks and lace the boot like you're riding. The internal harness and lacing systems will lock your heel back and pull your toes away from the toe cap. Many boots will need a few days of riding to pack out to their actual size, so a loose fit in the shop might become too loose on the mountain. As a result, a brand new boot should be relatively tight in the store.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the size of binding you will require (and possibly your board's width) will depend on your boot size, so make sure you get the correct binding size to match your boots.