Vans Aura Snowboard Boots 2011

Comments about Vans Aura Snowboard Boots 2011:

The Aura is perfect. Double Boa for under $250? Get outta here. Perfect fit. Lightweight sole.

Rode the heck out of the pair I had last year and had to upgrade for this season! I'm in.

Gonna be a good season!

Comments about Vans Aura Snowboard Boots 2011:

I wear a Size 10.5-B/Narrow width in a dress shoe. I did a great deal of research on narrow width snowboard boots and elected to try the 2011 Vans Aura's, because of the awesome fit technology that they offer; Upper and Lower BOA Lacing, Internal Web Lacing (that is part of the boot, not the liner), Thermal Liner Moldability and Integrated Liner X-Pads for heel hold. I regret to report that, even in a Size 10 with proper "toe-rub", I was not able to attain a "zero heel lift" fit.

The problem with the Aura's is the same as with most snowboard boots, the heel cup is so very rigged that no amount of adjustment causes the heel cup to pinch in at the heel. The Internal Web Lacing did an amazing job of moving my heel into the heel pocket and keeping it shoved back. However, because the heel cup is rigid, tightening the Lower BOA Lacing did not cause the cup to pinch in on the Integrated Liner X-Pads. Hence, I still had heel lift. I was aware of the problems created by a rigged heel cup and had hoped that the Vans Aura's would have more heel cup flex, because they are described as a "Sneaker" type boot.

The Aura's are so great that they made me really wish I had more of an average width foot. I am greatly impressed with the technology incorporated into them. Even though they didn't fit me, I highly recommend them.

Additionally, kudos to EVO! You can be confident when buying from them.