As a snowboarder living in a wintry, cold mountain range, I generally compromise by wearing a snowboard boot that keeps my feet warm rather than a tighter-fitting design. After testing for a full season, what I like most about the Vans Encore Pro Snowboard Boots is that they hit both marks fairly well, providing general warmth and a secure hold around my ankle.
Overall, the Encore delivers instant comfort without sacrificing stability, whether I’m chasing steeps, weaving through moguls, or lapping the park.
Vans markets the Encore Pro for both resort laps and backcountry missions. I’d wear them on the occasional in-bounds hike, but I’d reach for something stiffer for full-day tours. Inside the ropes, though, they’re a quiver‑of‑one performer, especially if you’re looking for a comfortable snowboard boot and you don’t love the stiffest pairs. For more rigidity, check out the Salomon Vista Dual BOA.
In short: The Vans Encore Pro Snowboard Boots ($310) have a medium‑flex profile that pairs locked‑in heel hold with surprising ankle mobility, while a merino‑lined interior and 360‑degree thermal barrier fend off bitter chair‑lift rides. Fast dual‑zone BOA dials fine‑tune the fit, though I need to crank them down more than once daily.
See how this model compares to our other top picks in the Best Snowboard Boots buyer’s guide.
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Comfortable footbed and midsole with no break-in period -
Dual-zone BOA is adjustable and quick
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When you ride aggressively, dual BOA system needs tightening throughout the day -
Ample ankle flexibility in the coronal (vertical) plane might not be everyone’s cup of tea
Vans Encore Pro Snowboard Boots Review
Fit & Comfort: Excellent Heel Hold
If you’re looking for comfort out of the box, these snowboard boots are it. The Encore Pro has no break-in period.
I tested these snowboard boots throughout the season at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Telluride Ski Resort. While I tested during a handful of warmer spring days, lift laps typically featured cold, windy, and snowy conditions at 15 degrees or less. I rode everywhere on the mountain, from the steeps and extreme terrain to groomers, moguls, tight trees, and the terrain park.
For context, I have narrow feet, a very narrow heel, and long second toes. I’ve also experienced superficial frostbite on both feet — the first level of frostbite damage — which has made my feet extremely sensitive to cold. I sized up to a 9.5 U.S., which worked well for this boot.
Off the shelf, the Encore Pro hugs my narrow feet without aftermarket shims or heat molding. The plush cuff cushions my calves. A butterfly‑shaped cushion inside the liner cinches around the ankle and locks my heel in place — no lift, no slop, just secure footing run after run.
I also found that the Encore offers more comfort through the footbed compared to other stock packages.
Flex & Support: Well-Balanced Stiffness and Range
These snowboard boots hit the middle of the stiffness spectrum. The boot’s upper shell, shin panel, and calf zone feel stiffer. The build is especially supportive around the shin and sides of the calf. The lower shell around the foot is firm, too. In contrast, there’s a lot of flexibility around the ankle.
Laterally, they’re stout, so my ankles don’t buckle when I land sideways or carve aggressively. Yet the shell lets me flex deeply at the front of the ankle, which feels natural when I drive into turns or press rails. It’s a well‑balanced blend of freedom and control.
Warmth & Weather Resistance
From bluebird to blizzard, down to 0 degrees F, my toes stay toasty thanks to a full‑wrap thermal retention layer tucked between the outsole and liner. The barrier blocks icy lift rides from creeping into the boot without adding bulk. The Smartwool-collab liner manages sweat, odor, and warmth better than any synthetic liner I’ve ridden.
Closure System
The dual‑zone BOA system lets me microadjust the forefoot and cuff on the fly — gloves on, no problem.
I do, however, find myself retightening both dials a couple of times a day as the liner packs out. It’s quick work, but worth noting for riders who prefer a set‑and‑forget fit.
Critiques
The need to redial the BOA throughout the day is the boot’s main drawback. Riders who dislike midday adjustments might find that tedious. Also, freeriders who demand maximum fore‑aft rigidity for big‑mountain lines may want more rigidity and less flex.
If you’ve ridden Vans boots, you’ve probably noticed that their silhouettes tend to be rounder and less streamlined compared to other brands. I also find that Vans boots fit larger — both in length and volume.
Other snowboard boots I wear are generally a smaller size, and the exterior shape is more athletic and slender. For example, I wear a size 8.5 in Salomon and Burton boots like the Mint and Vista Dual BOA, but Vans feel roomier around the foot and in the toe box.
Because of the larger fit and rounder exterior shell, I usually have to adjust the ankle and heel straps on my snowboard bindings. This is especially important if you’re already near the upper end of your binding’s size range. You don’t want to discover that your new Vans boots are too bulky to work well with the bindings you already own.
Conclusion: Great Choice If Warmth and Comfort Are a Priority
The Vans Encore Pro snowboard boot delivers a rare combo of plush comfort, secure heel hold, and dependable lateral support — all in a stylish, hip package. They’re iconically Vans.
As with any snowboard boot, there’s a compromise. The Encore isn’t the stiffest, most aggressive design. They aren’t an athletic, slender, or compact shape.
What they provide is excellent warmth — I’d give them an 8.5 out of 10 in that category. Living in a place where the temps can frequently drop below 0, having warm snowboard boots is important for my podiatric care. Alternatively, I could wear heated liners, insoles, or socks. They also have an excellent hold around the Achilles and ankle, especially for riders with a narrower physique.
They’re my go‑to choice for all‑mountain resort days, and I consider them a smart investment for riders who want performance without a painful break‑in period.
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