K2 Aspect Boa Snowboard Boot

Pros: 

K2's award-winning Aspect has been a staple amongst splitboarders for the last few years. The bomber boots boast a robust Vibram outsole built with mountaineering in mind; if the beefy lugs, stiff shank, and crampon-compatible heel welt don't get you hyped, then we suggest you switch to hardboots. The heat-moldable liner is comfortable and cinched into place with full-body lacing and a BOA system to boot. To top it all off, the Aspect is locked into place with a burly Velcro power strap on the shin. BOA is a liability in the backcountry, and although we've never busted the Aspect's BOA in several years of use, we're stoked that the Aspect has a standard lacing system. Worst case scenario and the BOA breaks, you'll be able to make it home thanks to the security of the lacing system and power strap. 

While we've had multiple testers fall in love with the Aspect, boot-fitting is a tricky art. The fit of the Aspect is true to claimed size and may be too tight for folks with wider feet, but the best way to figure it out is to try them for yourself. Luckily, many of our retail partners will allow you to return items for free, so you can purchase two pairs if you're between sizes and try them on at home. 

Cons:

Toe to heel flex is on point, but there is some lateral wiggle room. Freestylers will love this; hardcore mountaineers might be turned off. Additionally, the bulky outsole reduces some board feel and maneuverability—if you're not regularly riding steep terrain, there are less aggressive options on the market that will work for you. Finally, there's not as much negative flex as we'd like for walk mode, especially when compared to competitors' offerings like Salomon's S/Lab Boot  and ThirtyTwo's Jones MTB. You can pop the BOA and loosen the strap and have a decent range of motion, but there's room for improvement in this regard. 

Tester Comments: 

"When it's time to kick steps or scramble along a ridgetop, I'm stoked to have the Aspects on my feet." 

Best for: Intermediate to expert splitboarders who crave more support and mountaineering capabilities (but aren't ready to make the switch to hardboots).