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Salomon Launch Lace Boa 2021-2022 Snowboard Boots Review

Tested and selected for our top 100 snowboard products of the year: the Salomon Launch Lace Boa

  • Price: €280
  • Sizes: UK 6-12.5
  • Flex: 4/10
  • Lacing System: Lace & Boa
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Why we chose the Salomon Launch Lace Boa Snowboard Boots: In terms of quality and comfort, this premium freestyle boot truly touches the sky.

When you get down to brass tacks, what you use to tie your boot up is all about personal preference. That’s why Salomon (among a few other brands) offers some of its most popular models with different closure systems, so that all bases are covered. The Salomon Launch is also available with a speed-lace, but as far as we’re concerned, it’s the regular lace version that takes the biscuit.

A dealbreaker? Perhaps not – we love the pull-and-go version too – but read on to see why we reckon Salomon has absolutely nailed it in this case.

“In terms of quality and comfort, this premium freestyle boot truly touches the sky”

Who Is The Salomon Launch Lace Boa For?

The Launch Lace Boa is a firm favourite with Salomon’s freestyle specialists, thanks to the level of support relative to its softness – not to mention the classic look that’s never going to go out of fashion. That said, you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy these; this one is as accessible as they come.

MORE INFO:
SALOMON.COM

Shell & Outsole

The first thing you’ll notice here is, of course, the chunky lace. This is one of only three boots in Salomon’s range of 23 that employs it, but it makes the most sense on a freestyle-focused boot – especially when you factor in the nifty ‘Str8jkt’ solution to the heel-lift problem (more of which later).

The shell itself is lightweight and just the right level of malleable, with a pleasingly low profile. The sole, too, boasts a reduced size, allowing you to get away with a narrower board if you’re on the cusp between standard-sized decks and wider versions. It’s also made with Salomon’s own Contragrip rubber, which is denser around the edge for durability, but softer in the centre to improve boardfeel.

The Salomon Lace Launch Boa comes in a pretty slick black-on-black version, but if you’re feeling bolder you can always opt for the handsome Team colourway that employs a palette of ‘Vanilla Ice’, ‘Grape’ and ‘Rainy Day’ (Salomon’s words, not ours).

“The shell itself is lightweight and just the right level of malleable, with a pleasingly low profile”

Liner

The liner comes ready to be heat-moulded, but even if you don’t they’ve been designed to bypass any ‘breaking in’ period and take you straight to Comfytown. This is especially valuable if you only get a precious week or two a year in the mountains.

Then there’s the aforementioned Str8jkt, an internal harness that wraps around your ankle to keep your heel down where it belongs. Thanks to the Boa closure, adjusted using the dial on the outer shell, you can fine-tune this element to ensure you can banish heel lift without feeling too ‘locked in’. It also means the rest of the boot can be worn a little looser, if that’s what you prefer.

Under your foot sits an insole made in partnership with the sole senseis over at Ortholite. The springy, uber-breathable material – often found in quality walking boots – cancels out troublesome vibrations and keeps boot-stink buildup to a minimum.

“Freestyle boots simply don’t get better than this”

Roundup

From top to toe, the Salomon Launch Lace Boa snowboard boot is a marvel; well-designed rather than over-designed, and comfortable without taking the focus off performance. Freestyle boots simply don’t get better than this.

As things stand, it won’t be long before most mentions of the word ‘Launch’ refer to whichever billionaire bellend has just entered the great intergalactic pissing contest. For now though, let it only be reserved for DJ Jean’s late-90s floor-iller, and the best boot in Salomon’s stable.

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Trade Secrets

James Fuller – Salomon snowboards U.K

“Team Colour of the Launch Lace boot, Closely designed with the team, Str8 Jkt Ankle Hold system for zero Heel lift, Heat mouldable, matching Salmon Shoe to go with it.”

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