Finding the right snowboard boots can make or break your experience on the mountain. In this review, we delve into the features and performance of the Adidas Tactical ADV boot, and also touch on the innovative LED boots, to help you make an informed decision.
Adidas Tactical ADV: A Rider's Perspective
After spending several weeks riding in the Adidas Tactical ADV boot, averaging 5-6 hours a day, here's a breakdown of my experience. Initial impressions in the store were overwhelmingly positive, standing out as the most comfortable boots I had ever tried on. This is significant, considering I typically try on 10+ pairs of boots each time I buy, accumulated over a decade of riding.
Comfort and Fit
However, the comfort level shifted once I hit the slopes. When applying pressure on the toe side edge, I could feel the "boost" plate pressing into my heel. Upon inspecting the liners, I noticed they were thinner than intuition liners and lacked substantial padding in the heel section. While I could adjust my positioning after a few hours to minimize the discomfort, this shouldn't be necessary.
Impact Absorption
On a positive note, these boots excel at softening the impact on your feet when landing jumps. Many of the freeride hits I encountered resulted in flat landings, yet I never felt a harsh impact thanks to the effectiveness of the "boost" plate.
Stiffness and Responsiveness
The "boost" plate, a hard orange plate in an X shape from heel to toe, significantly contributes to the boot's stiffness and responsiveness. It allows for effortless board control, making this one of the stiffest boots I have ever used and the stiffest I have owned.
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Grip and Traction
For riders who prefer to ride without a stomp pad, having boots with reliable grip is essential. These boots deliver exceptional traction, sticking not only to my board but also to icy surfaces. During a full moon ride up Snowmass, which involved climbing a heavily trafficked and icy trail, these boots performed admirably.
Final Verdict
While these boots ride well, hike well, and provide ample warmth, the discomfort in the heels ultimately makes them a no-go for me. However, if you prioritize a hard-charging, soft-landing pair of boots, the Adidas Tactical ADV is worth considering.Unfortunately, after further use, these boots caused an unexpected fall, leading me to replace them immediately.
LED Boots: Tactical Footwear with a Bright Future
The company LED Boots combines tactical footwear with integrated LED lighting. These boots feature an LED built into the tongue, providing a 100-foot beam with water-resistant lights. The lights are secured with elastic bands that stretch if they get caught on something, and they can run for 72 hours straight on AAA batteries.
Currently, these boots are available in a tactical style marketed to police, military, and firefighters. However, their potential extends to outdoor applications. The company plans to release new styles of hiking and hunting boots, as well as a cross-trainer sneaker, later this spring. Future plans include incorporating GPS and solar charging strips to enhance their versatility.
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Key Features Compared
Here is a table summarizing the key features of the Adidas Tactical ADV and LED Boots:
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| Feature | Adidas Tactical ADV | LED Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | High initial comfort, potential heel discomfort during riding | N/A |
| Impact Absorption | Excellent | N/A |
| Stiffness | Very Stiff | N/A |
| Grip | Excellent | N/A |
| Lighting | No | Integrated LED |
| Target Market | Snowboarders | Police, Military, Firefighters |
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