Shell

The Rift features a two-part articulated shell that bends naturally without deforming. The upper and lower sections can be tightened independently via a dual BOA system, including textile-coated laces. Everyone has their own feelings about BOA; gun to our heads, we’d probably plump for a hybrid system with BOA heel harness and classic laces. There’s no denying, though, that this twin dial solution is by far the most convenient – you are in and out of the boot in a matter of seconds.

The Rift’s look is minimalist, with a seamless toe cap to improve weather sealing and an innovative smooth join between the sole and the backstay. Nidecker calls this the ‘Transition Zone’; the idea is to eliminate the sole’s edge so it can’t catch on your binding which is a) annoying and b) bad for the boot. Clever.

They’ve carried through the pared-back styling to a new low profile outsole that’s still capable of absorbing shocks thanks to some technical foam cushioning. All in all it looks quite trainer-like – despite the BOA laces – and it feels great too. The Rift is light on your foot, and with its mellow flex it doesn’t take a solid week to break in. Skate-inspired tweaks and surf-like turns are the order of the day.

“The twin dial BOA is by far the most convenient – you are in and out of the boot in a matter of seconds”

Liner

The inside of the Rift is a comfortable place to be. It features Nidecker’s Silver Level heat-moldable liner which (you guessed it) is second only to their Gold offering for tech.

The liner can be custom-fitted in store but will adapt naturally to your foot over time anyway, and to be honest, we found the Rifts to be comfy straight out of the box. There are chunkier liners on the market that will perhaps withstand more riding before they give out, but the advantage of this compact foam design is it weighs very little and requires minimal bedding in. We also like the way it wraps around at the front and stays locked in using velcro, enclosing your foot snugly with no danger of the tongue slipping sideways.

Finally, there’s a dual density insole that provides a little extra cushioning underfoot and reasonable arch support.

“Skate-inspired tweaks and surf-like turns are the order of the day”

Roundup

Unless you’re a serious speed freak or you ride north of 28 days a year, the chances are you won’t get the most out of the stiff-as-fuck boots that tend to sit at the top of every range. Instead, the majority of riders – park shredders, cruisers, holidaymakers, weekend warriors – would do well to consider a softer (and for that matter, cheaper) boot like the new Rift. It looks sick (we especially like the blue camo option) and the flex is ideal for playful turns and tricks. Most importantly, the Rift doesn’t make you suffer for a good day on the hill; it fits well straight away, and the dual Boa takes the hassle out of the morning and afternoon routine.

Pros:

• Straight out the box comfort
• The mellow flex keeps them super versatile

Cons:

• The support won’t last as long as stiffer boots
• No Hybrid BOA option

“We gave our boot designer Maurizio carte blanche to make the best technical freestyle and snowsurfing boot he could imagine, and this is the result. We’ve even heard about non-Nidecker pros riding the Rift with the logos blacked out…a huge compliment.”

Buy the Nidecker Rift: €380 at Blue Tomato EU