Nidecker Rift Snowboard Boot Written Review Review by The Good Ride

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Here we have the Nidecker Rift Snowboard Boot Review from an average rider that’s ridden a ton of boots but also has an exceptionally objective perspective.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

A Breakdown of How It Rides And Who It Is For

How This Review Happened:  Borrowed this for an extended demo and sent it back.

Size: 9 US
Days: 3
Conditions: Mixed but good spring conditions.
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers
Bindings: Union Atlas. Nidecker Kaon X, Kaon
Boards: Jones Mountain Twin, Nideker Mellow, Never Summer Proto Slinger
Jacket: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Tusk Jacket, Volcom TDF Infuse 3L Gore-Tex Jacket
Pant: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Hover Pant, Burton AK Gore-Tex 2L Swash Pant, Burton Gore-Tex Ballast Pant
Helmet: Smith Maze
Goggle: Smith 4D Mag
Gloves: Burton AK Clutch Mitt, Burton AK Tech Leather Glove, CG Habitats Work Glove,

Similar (but not the same) Boots: Burton Kendo, Burton IonBurton SLX, DC Judge, Vans Implant

James’ Foot Specs
Foot Size: 9 US
Foot Width: E
Arch Length: Right 9.5 and Left 9
Instep: (left and Right) 10.5”
Calf Circumference: Top of boot 17” & Bottom of boot 12”

Fit

The Nidecker Rift fit true to my size 9’s length wise but felt a little tight for my E width. I think a good heat molding with boot fitting foam on the sides of my feet might pack it out enough to make it work.  They seem best for a C or D Width.

Flex/ Flex Retention/Construction

I love the articulating cuff of the Nidecker Rift. It makes the flex more natural but it also lasts longer than regular single construction boots.

Response

There is a pretty medium to medium fast response edge to edge but it isn’t overpowering which I personally love. I don’t like a really responsive boot but don’t want something super soft either. This type of flex/response with the Nidecker Rift blends really well with a wide variety of boards and bindings.

Adjustability/Heel Hold

The Nidecker Rift has good heel hold but it’s not exceptional. If you need a really locked in ankle look elsewhere but I think most will be fine with this heel hold.

It doesn’t have the best heel hold but the adjustability is exceptional. The Upper and lower is completely separate. You can really dial it out. It isn’t perfect like traditional lace where you can customize every rung in the upper section but it’s much more convenient.

Shock Absorption

So the sole is pretty stiff which a lot of people will like because it has very good board feel. I prefer a softer sole for a little more shock absorption.

On & Off

The Nidecker Rift’s  BOA isn’t super fast on but is incredibly easy off which is best. After a long day you can pretty much pop right out of it.

Traction

The Nidecker Rift doesn’t have Vibram or a tire companies mark of approval but it grips super well. There is a very thick rubber sole that reduces some of the shock absorption but it has near excellent grip in the conditions I rode it in. It handled hard to icy snow in the morning, soft snow and everything inbetween in the spring that I tested it.

Reduced Footprint vs. Warmth

Burton is usually the standard for reduced footprint boots but The Nidecker Rift has a little smaller footprint than my Burton Kendo’s in a size 9 to 9 comparison with a similar fit as well. A reduced footprint boot isnt’t necessary but it can give that little extra bit of room to carve harder or ride in steeper terrain without toe/heel drag. It’s really reduced in a size 9 but I can’t say for sure how reduced it is in bigger sizes.

Conclusion

So overall, the Nidecker Rift is an exceptional boot and it was by far my favorite of the Nidecker line I tried. Its great for someone who wants a medium flexing boot but don’t want to loose that flex and traction for a long time.

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