Gear: Northwave Edge SL Snowboard Boot

Rating

Overview

As a newcomer to snowboarding and snowboard boots, I was taking nothing for granted when it came to fit, features and technology. Not keen to spend a fortune, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the cash goes a bit further when compared to my usual domain of ski boots. After evaluating many different pairs, it was the Northwave Edge SL that was both a good fit and the right price for the budget.

Overall, the boot is well designed, has some nice features and is really comfortable. The colour-coded lacing system is pretty good and doesn’t take long to achieve a suitably tight and supportive fit. There are at least three colour options for Northwave’s 2018 Edge SL model so, unlike the Ford Model T, there is something for everyone. Even if you don’t like black!

Time for some technical features…

Features

Colour: Black version
Lacing: Super Lace (inner and twin outer)
Heel Retention: 540°
Sole: Stamina
Liner: TF2 (thermoformable)
Flex: 6
Mass: 1.05kg (for size 43)
Reinforced heel panels
Multiple pull/carry loops
Inner pocket for inner lace handle
Outer pockets for outer lace handles
3 Position lace lock (locked, one-way and free)

Living With It

After trialling over ten pairs of snowboard boots to arrive at the Northwaves, I was confident these were the right fit for my feet. I had been keen on the rotating knob lacing system that I’d tested on other makes and models, but the Super Lace system is easy to use and feels more robust. The independent control of inner, lower outer and upper outer lacing zones is a nice-to-have and certainly makes it easy to ensure a good fit. The colour coding for upper/lower laces may seem like a gimmick, but is actually very useful. The inner and outer lace loops make it fairly easy to slacken-off the lower lace zones, however, the inner laces are more difficult and can require some strong fingers. Not always available in the carpark after a cold day on the mountain!

As an established skier, I’m fairly used to cold toes on the colder days, but I haven’t had any issues with temperature during a week’s testing and the padding has worked well to support, achieve good control and provide a nice level of warm comfort.

When I first tried the boot, I was concerned that the lace lock levers would be stiff and difficult to use. Either they have freed-off or I have got used to them, but the system seems to keep the boot tight and the mid, one-way position is great to hold tension whilst tightening the laces.

The materials used appeared good quality when new and there have been no signs of wear after a week’s use.

Niggles and Suggestions

As a skier, and new to the world of snowboarding, I find lacing a slow and fiddly experience. Especially when compared to the easy clip, snap of ski boots. Although the lacing system on this boot is a huge step forward from the much older, traditional lace-up boots and provides the right support, it is slower than the rotating knob systems and does take some time if you’ll want to store the three laces neatly. This is a little challenging with cold fingers or wearing gloves, but not absolutely necessary if you’ll cover with your trousers anyway.

The inner is comfortable and easy to fit around the lower leg, but I did prefer the snug fit of the wrapped hook-and-loop inner of the Burton Imperial boot. The lower loop on the inner lace could be bigger and easier to grab when loosening the boot, but all this is more a case of finding something to talk about, rather than highlighting real problems.

Verdict

This is certainly a good value boot. Although used to ski boots, actually, I have enjoyed wearing the Edge SLs as they feel light, warm and comfortable. I’ve got used to the lacing system, and even though I’m not usually a fan of black, the white sole brightens them enough that they’ve grown on me. I’ll give this boot 4 out of 5.