Traversing on a snowboard is synonymous with riding in the extremes of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Last spring, while kicking up short, steep slopes, I was happy to be wearing a sturdy boot with an aggressive outsole: the women’s Salomon Vista Dual BOA snowboard boot.
This design was a good match for the mixture of hardpack and slush as I booted to our run’s apex. I also liked the high support that the Vista offered compared to a softer or more park-oriented pair.
In short: The Salomon Vista Dual BOAs ($450) are sleek, high-performance women’s snowboard boots built for riders who want precision, stability, and all-day comfort. Right away, I noticed how lightweight and compact these boots feel compared to other models — Salomon claims they’re 10% leaner, and I’d say that checks out.
See how this model compares to our other top picks in the Best Snowboard Boots buyer’s guide.
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Dual BOA supports more precise fit -
Foam ankle wrap keeps heel locked in -
Very compact exterior
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Insole is not very supportive — we suggest adding your own -
Bit of a break-in period for the plush Precision liner: We suggest heat molding -
Not the warmest option on the boot rack
Salomon Vista Dual BOA Women’s Snowboard Boots: Review
I had a chance to test the Salomon Vista Dual BOA women’s snowboard boots at Crested Butte Mountain Resort last spring. I rode resort days that were on the firmer side. My laps included groomers, firm moguls, and chalky steeps.
Streamlined Shape, Solid Heel Hold
Despite the streamlined build, these snowboard boots offer a roomy toe box while keeping the ankle and forefoot snug. That’s thanks to the heat-moldable Precision liner, plush ankle hold, and an integrated harness that secures the foot in place.
Even through choppy terrain — whether hammering through glades, carving spring slush, or hopping through moguls — I never felt heel lift or shifting inside the boot.
I appreciated how well the liner fit around my entire foot, ankle, calf, and shin. I equally liked how streamlined the boot was. The model neatly and easily slid into my snowboard bindings.
Grab Loop System
One of the more thoughtful design details in these snowboard boots is the grab loop system, which makes pulling these boots on effortless.
A wide loop at the front accommodates gloved fingers with ease, while two stacked loops on the back and two large ones on the liner provide plenty of grip points for easy entry. Once harnessed up, the dual BOA system allows for independent adjustments between the upper and lower zones, offering the ability to fine-tune the fit.
Warmth & Comfort
Warmth and comfort are priorities in the Vista Dual BOA snowboard boots. The 3M Thinsulate insulation, made from 78% recycled materials, provides reliable heat retention on warmer spring days. During a squall with freezing temps, and while I was standing in line, my feet did get cold, even with the Thinsulate insulation.
Other boots I’ve worn, like the Vans Women’s Encore Pro Snowboard Boot, tend to keep my feet warmer. Why? There’s merino wool in the liner, and a thermal retention layer is wrapped around the toe box, between the outsole and the liner.
The Vista has a multidensity foam in the liner, which offers cushioned reinforcement. Though, I did experience some shin pressure on the first day. Heat-molding is a must to ensure an ideal fit.
Also, the Ortholite Eco-Hybrid footbed, designed with recycled materials, is firm and supportive. But riders needing arch support might want to swap in a custom insole.
In my experience, the Encore also offers more comfort through the footbed. However, the Encore is a much softer construction and has a beefier silhouette — so much so that I need to lengthen the straps on my bindings.
Critiques
Not every boot is perfect. This model is an excellent athletic, performance-oriented pair that’s stiff and supportive. On the flip side, I found that it lacks arch support and warmth for frigid conditions. With a stiffer construction, the boot is not forgiving in choppy, firm terrain.
While the boot doesn’t carry the most premium tag, it’s on the upper half of the price scale. Not everyone needs such a burly build. That said, a stiffer boot should last you more seasons than a softer one.
Conclusion: Who This Snowboard Boot Is For
Overall, the women’s Vista is a firmer yet streamlined all-mountain snowboard boot for riders who want to hit high speeds, wrap through big carves, kick into boot packs, and traverse slopes. This supportive set is an excellent choice for gals who prefer a more responsive setup and a longer-lasting construction.
Underfoot, the Contagrip outsole — crafted from Salomon’s proprietary rubber blend — delivers confident traction across snow, ice, and our snowboard bindings. The deep, variable, multidirectional lugs used for this design enhance grip.
The stiffness is about 7.5 or 8 out of 10 in my book. Prefer something softer? The Ride Harper would be a better bet.
If you’re after a boot that locks in your foot, grips with confidence, and feels secure without excess bulk, the Vista Dual BOA is a top choice.
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