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Rome Bodega 2021-2022 Snowboard Boots Review

Tested and selected for our top 100 snowboard products of the year: the Rome Bodega

  • Price: BOA: £250 / €280 / $300, LACE: £180 / €190 / $200, HYBRID BOA: £230 / €230 / $250, WOMEN’S: £310 / €280 / $300
  • Sizes: MEN’S US 7-13 / UK 6-12 | WOMEN’S US 6-10.5 / UK 4-8.5
  • Flex: 6/10
  • Lacing System: Classic / Boa / Hybrid

Why we chose the Rome Bodega Snowboard Boots: They’re proof that the most high tech boots don’t have to be the stiffest.

Park rats can get a bit of a raw deal when it comes to boots. Brands will typically throw all their premium tech at a flagship freeride or ‘full send’ model. Maximum support, maximum price, maximum stiffness. If you prefer to keep it mellow – maybe hit the rail line, dial in some butters or tweak the crap out of your favourite grab – it’s assumed you don’t need (or want) the same level of features and you’ll be directed to a freestyle-focused boot that’s priced for younger wallets. Rome have challenged all that with the Bodega. OK, it’s not quite as loaded as the top-of-the-line Libertine, but you won’t find a better specced boot with a flex this friendly.

“They’re proof that the most high tech boots don’t have to be the stiffest”

MORE INFO:
ROME.COM

Who Is The Rome Bodega For?

Park lappers, side hitters, rail rippers and any other shredders who need a little more flexibility in their boot to be able to express their style – but who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Shell & Outsole

As with the Libertine, the Bodega comes in three lacing configurations: classic lace, Boa, and hybrid. That is, if you’re a guy. The women’s version is unfortunately only available in Boa.

Assuming you have a choice, then Boa is obviously the most convenient, and with their new textile-based TX3 laces (as opposed to steel cables) this boot looks and feels way better than old school Boa designs. There’s a separate dial for tightening the upper and lower sections, but if you need even more control over the fit then classic laces are the way to go; they also give the boot more of a skate shoe appearance that will appeal to park kids – which (given this is a freestyle model) makes them our pick. The hybrid version adds a single Boa dial to the side which operates a small targeted lacing zone for maximum heel hold.

The construction is top notch, with lightweight and waterproof materials throughout. There’s plenty of cushioning underfoot too, paired with a smooth-flexing outsole that delivers awesome traction on hardpack, slush or icy cheese grater stairs. All in all, this has the look and feel of a product that’s been designed by someone who understands what freestyle snowboarders really want. It’s soft enough to tweak and press, sure, but there’s enough support in the outer shell and tongue to soak up some heavier landings when you’re ready to step up to the big line.

“The construction is top notch, with lightweight and waterproof materials throughout”

Liner

The attention to detail is carried through to the Bodega’s PRO F.I.T inner. It’s got a snug lining (hey, park kids like toasty feet as much as the next rider) and it’s fully heat moldable for a perfect fit. If you buy them online and don’t have access to a boot oven then don’t stress: the foam will naturally take shape with the heat from your feet as you ride – and together with the standard Pro Footbeds we actually found them to be super comfy straight out of the box.

The liner also features Rome’s Skate Cuff 3D ankle support to stop your foot rolling around (definitely a bonus when you’re getting techers on park features) and an effective harness that’s attached to the inside of the shell, pulling the inner and outer together with a quick yank on the cinch and eliminating any heel lift.

“The Bodega is firmly focused on freestyle”

Roundup

The Bodega is firmly focused on freestyle. From the shell to the sole, it’s designed with a smooth flex in mind so you can fully lean into presses and style out your kicker tricks. But even outside the park we found these boots felt great to just cruise in, because that same mellow flex lends a surfy flavour to your turns. Like most models in this category they’re a little lighter on your wallet (and in your hand) but what we love about the Bodega is that they don’t feel cheap. You’re getting a top quality boot here, with all the comfort and support you need to learn new tricks in confidence.

Trade Secrets

Matt Stillman – Marketing Manager / Team Manager, Rome

“The Bodega boot collection is our offering for riders who want a high-performance boot with a buttery soft, forgiving flex. This collection is focused on plush comfort and tweakability with the locked-in hold of a Focus BOA.”

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