adidas Tactical ADV Snowboarding Boots

Adidas Tactical ADV snowboarding boots review

Review Date: October 2016 to March 2017
Boots Tested: adidas tactical ADV snowboarding boots review, size 9 (mens US) Color Core Black / Solar Green / Running White
Rider specs: 5’9″ shoe size: 9.5
Intended Use: Snowboarding, snow sports

Adidas Tactical ADV snowboard boots Details from adidas:

boost™’s energy-returning properties keep your ride charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy, even in the cold
Synthetic and textile upper
Heel-hold power lacing system; articulating upper cuff
Heat-moldable Ultralon foam liner wraps to the contours of your foot for a comfortable, responsive feel
Rugged, grippy outsole

These men’s snowboarding boots harness the power of boost™ so you can hone your skills with a continuous supply of light, fast energy. With a power lacing system that locks down the fit, the boots have a heat-moldable Ultralon foam liner that wraps your foot for long-lasting comfort. A rugged outsole provides sure footing on ice and snow. – adidas

Review:

Adidas snowboarding launched in fall/winter 2013, and since that time I have anxiously awaited what the sneaker giant might bring to the table. After years of being a huge fan of their skateboard shoes, I was looking forward to seeing what they would bring to snowboarding. Over the past several seasons, I’ve seen vast improvement in Adidas snowboarding boot design and technology incorporated with their classic style. I would expect nothing less from the iconic brand with three stripes.

Adidas was quick to add boost™ foam, with its energy-returning properties for advanced cushioning, into their snowboard boot line; having experienced boost™ first-hand how in their skate line, and being familiar with how great it is at absorbing impact, I was hooked! The only downside was the cost. However, this year they added the adidas Tactical ADV Snowboarding Boots to their line, and those include boost™ foam; the slightly more reasonable price made the adidas Tactical ADV Snowboarding Boots design for 2016/2017 an obvious choice for me to try out.

I have a wide flat foot, and I know from experience with the adidas skateboard shoe line that adidas shoes work out well for me. I figured the snowboard boot line might as well, and I was right! I tried on a 9.5 (mens U.S.) and it felt like I had a bit more room than in other brands I’ve used, so I decided to go down a half size to a 9 (mens U.S.). The fit was great — these boots have a wide toe box that give me plenty of room for my toes to move (good circulation), and the heel hold is superb! All heel-lift worry was removed from my mind. These boots are extremely lightweight, too; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The Ultralon liner is incredibly soft and keeps your feet warm all day long, and the articulated cuff is spot on allowing for great flex and comfort. I’m a fan of a traditional lace system, and these laces stay tight, within reason, all day. If you like BOA or quick lace systems, you may look forward to next year, when they will add another boot – the ACERRA — to their line.

My favorite part of this boot — and why I really wanted it — is the boost™ foam. I can’t stress enough how incredible the cushion and impact absorption this foam provides, even in cold weather. The springy material in boost™ foam keeps me comfortable all day long, and I believe this leads to more time snowboarding.

Lastly, looking at the sole and grip on this boot, you might be concerned the nubs won’t last long, I’ve had over 30 days so far on this boot, and it’s holding up great. There is no sign of wear from treks that include parking lots and icy hikes; the grippy nubs on the sole of these boots are holding up surprisingly well. The only small issue I had was when I was breaking in the boot; I could feel the heel pads (used to prevent heel lift) around my ankle slightly, but after a few days riding this feeling went away. This boot has exceeded my expectations

Summary:

Get these boots… If you’re the type of rider that does it all (park, pipe, all mountain, etc.), you’re looking for a traditional lace up medium/stiff flex boot that provides great cushioning and shock absorption, and you can afford to pay a little more, this is a terrific choice. Depending on your foot size, you may be able to size down about a half size. Overall, the adidas Tactical ADV Snowboarding Boots are super comfortable, provide amazing cushioning and shock absorption. and are a solid offering from adidas.