The Splitboarder’s Dilemma: Hard Boots vs. Soft Boots
Splitboarding has given snowboarders what skiers have long had: the ability to comfortably and efficiently travel uphill in the backcountry in pursuit of big-mountain lines, untracked powder, or just old-fashioned exercise. The original Splitboarders were DIYers in the early nineties, who split their own boards and sacrificed downhill performance for uphill travel. Modern splitboards have come a long way since the early days. Downhill performance on top-of-the-line splitboards is comparable to what riders get out of their resort boards, yet there’s still one major drawback— the uphill travel experience. Unlike skiers, Splitboarders have a hard time engaging their edges, which can make uphill travel difficult, especially in hard-pack and icy conditions or when side-hilling. Many Splitboarders have done the unthinkable, switched to ski boots, or more specifically, modified ski tour boots, AKA hard boots.
The Argument for Hard Boots
The argument for hard boots rests solely on the efficiency of uphill performance. Even the staunchest hardboot enthusiasts will admit that you sacrifice mobility that would enhance downhill riding. But touring is 99% uphill travel, and there’s no denying that soft boots make uphill travel unnecessarily difficult and transitions unnecessarily slow. What you sacrifice on the downhill with limited ankle mobility, you gain on the uphill with better edge engagement on hardpack and ice, increased lateral stiffness for side-hilling, more efficient power transfer when skinning, reduced weight, greater range of motion in walk mode, efficient transitions, increased security in critical terrain, and precision when boot packing or using crampons.
The Argument for Soft Boots
Soft boots are quintessential to snowboarding and downhill performance. Even the stiffest all-mountain boots allow for ankle flexion, which allows snowboarders the range of motion necessary for big, arching turns. Despite hard boots having clear superiority for uphill travel, many of snowboarding’s most accomplished splitboarders, like Jeremy Jones and Nick Russel, wouldn’t dream of trading in their soft boots. Softboots don’t just feel familiar, they offer better board feel and allow for surf-style riding. They’re more forgiving in variable snow conditions and comfortable during long days. Hard boots require modification for Splitboarding, while soft boots are ready to ride.
The Issue with Hardboots
The main hang-up most riders have when transitioning to hardboots isn’t just the cost, though that’s real, or even the cultural implications of embracing ski tech. It’s what you lose on the way down. The surfy powder turn is something snowboarders spend all season chasing. When conditions line up, a proper pow turn can make your whole year. Hardboots limit ankle flexion, which allows you to initiate a turn early, sink into it, and draw it out with style. The ride becomes more precise, more direct, but less fluid. You gain control and efficiency. You lose some of the looseness that makes snowboarding feel like snowboarding.
The Issue with Soft Boots
If you’ve spent enough time on the skin track, you don’t need to be convinced that soft boots are an inferior uphill boot. You’ve slipped on enough ice, had skin failure at critical moments, or been scared for your life while side-hilling over high exposure. The reality of touring is that most of our time is spent going uphill. If you want that time to be spent as efficiently and safely as possible, hard boots are the way to do it.
Ride Hard Boots If…
- You prioritize uphill efficiency over ride feel.
- You tour in firm, icy, or high-consequence terrain.
- You’re regularly side-hilling steep skin tracks.
- You value weight savings and tech toe efficiency.
- You approach splitboarding more like ski mountaineering.
- You’re chasing big alpine objectives.
- You don’t mind tinkering with the gear.
Ride Soft Boots If...
- You prioritize downhill feel above all else.
- You ride with a surf-style approach.
- Most of your touring is in soft snow.
- Your tours are shorter or less technical.
- You want comfort without heavy modification.
- You transition frequently between resort and backcountry.
- You care more about flow than efficiency
Ultimately, the decision between hard and soft boots in Splitboarding comes down to what the rider values. If you’re hooked on chasing powder, big mountain riding, and want to retain as much downhill performance as possible, choose soft boots. If you’re tackling big alpine ascents, touring for exercise, or enjoy the climb as much, if not more, than the downhill— ride hard boots. Whatever you choose, being comfortable, safe, and efficient in the backcountry is vital. Shop Teton Bros' selection of backcountry apparel designed to help you make the most of your time in the mountains.
