How to choose a boot for Hardboot Splitboading
True to our dedication, Cripple Creek Backcountry is here to demystify hardboot splitboarding. Clearing the air about the pros and cons of going from a traditional softboot snowboard boot to (gasps) using a plastic ski boot! For years splitboarders have been modifying gear to be more comfortable & functional for backcountry snowboarding, where efficiency is a key to success.
Why Hardboots and what they do better.
Ski boot manufacturers for decades have been honing their products to be lightweight, comfortable and highly efficient in an arms race to create a boot that can skin uphill all day and still provide a decent enough flex to ski like an alpine boot. Boots these days offer massive ranges of motion with weights averaging 1200g (2.5lbs) giving legs the relief to keep doing lap after lap. Connecting the boot to the boards with a classic tech toe or “Pin” toe piece offers nearly frictionless movement pivoting at the toe. This offers backcountry splitboarders a more natural feel and a longer stride length without a binding inhibiting the motion. These boots often come in at softer flexes due to the materials used which makes them very approachable for snowboarding where the soft flex provides more than enough support for riders. If a longer stride and less weight on your foot aren’t enough, the increased lateral stability of the boot helps massively when traversing a dreaded "sidehill” skin track. The rigid boot directly connected to the board helps roll the edge over to maintain traction while skiing without having to run a strap around the highback & boot. A major advantage Hardboots offer is the ability to use Full-Auto boot crampons via the toe/heel welts with a confidence-inspiring fit. Great for splitboard mountaineering. The uphill efficiency feels incredible–especially when you haven’t been using a splitboard specific softboot that offers some range of motion.
The Best Hardboots for Splitboarding
While only a few companies are making a specific hardboot for splitboarding, folks for years have been modifying boots to make them work for backcountry snowboarding. For the past decade, riders have been modifying and searching for options. Mostly commonly, people choose an Atomic Backland and get a Phantom link lever to replace the walk/ride throw in the back of the boots. Phantom then made the Phantom slipper which is no longer in production. Behold, there are still some solid options available for riders looking to transition from softbooting to hardbooting.
Key Equipment Disruptive Hardboot
The Key Equipment Disruptive is now designing a boot specifically made for hardboot splitboarding. Using a Roxa lower shell and softer plastics in the upper are designed to have a feel that's as close to a supportive stiff boot with a medium flex highback. The sides of the upper are also designed to accomomdate how snowboarders lean and flex a boot sideways vs just forward. A replaceable tongue allows riders to add a stiffer tongue option to match rider preference. The lower strap is positioned to lock in the heel and provide feedback when starting your forward lean while riding. The upper strap is used to help riders determine how stiff or responsive you want the boot to be when flexing forward. Both straps offer a buckle that cams over to loosen the boot for great range of motion for touring uphill. If you need more lateral stability, lock those buckles back in ride mode while still in walk mode. Lastly, the boot offers adjustable forward lean and two forward lean options when riding down. Overall, we love the new Key Equipment Disruptive because it is ready to go splitboarding for all users out of the box.
Atomic Backland and Backland Carbons
A commonly used boot that takes minimal modifying is the Atomic Backland, with multiple versions that work well out of the box like the Pro, Expert & Sport models, and have a decreasing flex range. All Atomic Backlands have a narrow last but feature a shell that is designed to be cooked in the oven to expand and mold to a riders unique foot shape. The Atomic Backland Carbon version is pretty stiff for an out of the box splitboard boot! If you are considering the Carbon Backland then you will want to buy the $200+ Phantom Link Lever and remove the power strap. This boot offers lots of customization with aftermarket parts. Do note that the phantom link lever has been known to pop out of ski mode while riding at times. Upgrading to Intuition Tour Wrap liners also help some riders add comfort and support. The Atomic Backland lineup is one of the lightest boot options on the market with some of the best range of motion as well. Tried and true, the Atomic Backland is a great splitboard hardboot option.
Dynafit TLT X Harboot
Dynafit has its own loyal following of users as well. The Dynafit TLT X is the evolution of the now classic TLT6. While strong riders can use this boot out of the box, some simple modifications to allow some fore/aft movement and lateral flex are out of the question. Boasting a lightweight and 70 degrees of range of motion it's a great option for folks with a wider foot. We like the TLT X because it has a soft enough flex for an uphilling boot that you can splitboard with it without making modifications.
Boot Fitting Tips for Hardbooting
As we switch from softboot to hardbooting there a few things to keep in mind. Ski boots don't typically fit out of the box. Skiers often rely on ski shops like Cripple Creek Backcountry to help with boot punches to customize the shape of the shell to match the riders foot. Drop-in footbeds and custom footbeds will do wonders towards making a ski boot fit properly and be comfortable to walk and ski in all day.
Why take our word for it.
When I got into splitboarding in 2009 binding options were very limited and boot options were nonexistent. Over the years I have tried every binding option out there, from mounting a standard snowboard binding onto a plate & finding a local guy that would weld the plate into the binding that slides over the pucks to secure with a pin. Thankfully those days are gone. Over those yearsI’ve co-founded the Cascadia Splitfest, been a mentor, product tester, binding builder and Skmo racer in splitboarding. Currently I”m an Apprentice Splitboard Guide through the AMGA. As an avid skier as well as snowboarder, I" m no stranger to ski boots. I switch between softboot and hardboot setups depending on the tour plan and partner breakdown. For most mid winter tours in powder I’ll opt for my Nitro Incline boots and Karakoram Prime-X bindings, especially for days where there will be a bit more freeriding going on. But once the days start getting longer, snowpack more isothermal and crampons become involved I use the Backland Carbon with link levers and Spark Dyno HB binding. The speed of the transitions is something I keep in consideration when choosing which direction to go.
Author: Reid Pitman and edited byMichael Warner