Backcountry Powerhouse With Warmth, Moisture Management, Durability: Vans Viaje Range Snowboard Boots Review 

When I need a snowboard boot that can keep up with freezing, long days in the backcountry, the updated Vans Viaje Range snowboard boot is my go-to. It also helps that I can pretty seamlessly ride my snowmobile without needing to swap boots.

I have the original version of this boot that launched in 2020, and I still love the initial design. In its latest version, Vans introduced a handful of upgrades, including a rear cuff that opens up to provide a better range of motion while touring or walking around at the trailhead.

Overall, I have mixed verdicts on the updates, but the boot’s core attributes remain the same. Whether skinning to a high alpine line or bouncing through deep snow on a snowmobile, this boot delivers dependable support, warmth, and durability.

In short: The recently updated Vans Viaje Range ($465) double-BOA snowboard boots excel in cold, high-output environments and for backcountry days. The design is warm for below-freezing temperatures and impressively durable. The liner and shell offer excellent moisture management. The flex is adjustable, and there’s an integrated walk mode — a rare addition on snowboard boots. The men’s version, the Vans Verse Range, packs in all the same tech and thoughtful features. While it’s a favorite design for far-out missions, the bulkier silhouette isn’t ideal for resort riding, and alpinists pursuing hardcore objectives should consider hard boots or a boot with a crampon counter. 

See how this model compares to our other top picks in the Best Snowboard Boots buyer’s guide.

Vans Viaje Range Snowboard Boots Review 

Field-Tested in Cold Temps

Nearly half of my days on snow are in the backcountry each season in Crested Butte, Colo., where the winter temps routinely rank as the coldest in the Lower 48. After I experienced superficial frostbite on both feet — the first level of frostbite damage — my feet are susceptible to cold. Finding warm boots for far-out adventures is on my priority list. 

When I backcountry ski in the Elk Mountains, I’m routinely out in -10 to 10 degrees. I usually ride a snowmobile to the base of the route, so there’s always wind chill. The ascents are typically 1,000-2,000 feet or more of continuous climbing. Those variables and the fact that I run hot mean that I always sweat, including my feet. 

I have narrow feet, a very narrow heel, and long second toes. The last and sizing for Vans lands me at a larger size than most other snowboard boots I wear, so I strongly suggest trying a pair on in a shop before selecting yours. I sized up to a 9.5 U.S., which worked well for this boot.

Warmth & Moisture Management

One of the most impressive aspects of this boot is how it handles cold temperatures and sweat. The plush liner incorporates FlashDry from The North Face, a fabric technology that pushes moisture to the surface to keep feet dry.

Mesh-reinforced abrasion patches embedded in the leather shell help improve breathability, while four small waterproof valves in the shell release interior moisture.

Vans also added a heat-retention wrap around the toe box and above the outsole, which has kept my toes warm even during long, freezing storms. After 10-hour days on snow, my feet have never felt more comfortable. Having used these boots for many seasons and often climbing for a couple of hours, I can confidently say that this blend of tech works. 

Fit & Flex

The flex is adjustable from a 6 to a 9 thanks to two simple plastic inserts that slide into the shell near the ankle. I’m a set it and forget it type of gal, so I usually leave the stiffest option. But I appreciate that I can fine-tune the stiffness depending on the day’s objective.

When I first tested these boots at the resort, I would remove the stiffeners, which offered plenty of support for resort riding without feeling overly stiff.

The boot feels snug and secure without pinching, and there’s extra room in the toe box to wiggle my toes. My ankle stays locked in place with zero heel lift — even with my narrower feet and heels. The footbeds are supportive and help minimize fatigue on long tours and big days.

Durability & Approved Updates

After five seasons, the support and warmth has begun to fade, and I first noticed that slight dip in power after three seasons. That’s still a solid lifespan for a high-performance boot. The outsole likewise now shows wear after so much use.

Several updates were made to the design in this newest iteration, which carries a stamp of approval from the iconic Hana Beaman. First, the outsole’s tread is much more aggressive.

While the lugs are many and deep on the original, the multi-directional lugs on the Viaje Range are angular with sharp edges — many have a silhouette of a whale fin — while the former pattern was honeycomb. The new lugs are multi-tiered with cutouts, creating multiple sharp platforms.

They also wrap further on the heel, extending the traction zone, and the angular lugs provide a more extensive reach along the exterior forefoot. Dubbed the toe pick, tiny, aggressively angled lugs reach up the front of the toe box.

Secondly, the grab handle is one large loop that easily fits four fingers side by side. The previous loop had a divider that a lean rope slid through, so you could only fit a couple of fingers in one side or the other.

Critiques

While I think the grab loop and tread updates were solid, I’m not sold on the other modifications. Previously, the shell had leather that reached higher and a plush cuff with synthetic material. The boot now has an adaptive range mode, which widens the opening to allow for a more natural gait and extended range of motion.

The system utilizes a power strap to open the drop-cuff, but the strap feels and looks gimmicky to me. As a skier, I’ve also worn ski boots with walk mode, which doesn’t feel close. 

The upper portion of the shell’s spine has two large sections of integrated elastic, meant for range of motion. The strap is affixed at the back corner of the cuff, reaches across, threads through two clunky and loud metal sliders, then doubles back and attaches via Velcro.

But the power strap doesn’t provide noticeable support, and the sliders don’t serve a discernible purpose. There’s a pull tab on the sliders and a central strip of Velcro for attaching the strap when loosened — a step that leaves the power strap sticking out. 

Also, there’s a waterproof zipper shroud on the lowermost section of the front of the boot. I didn’t find much value in this detail in the original version, but it never hindered my ability to pull on or tighten the boot. The zipper was very short, and I just left it alone.

But the newest version has a higher-reaching shroud, which I don’t think was necessary, and it makes getting the boot on harder and pulling out the liner harder. Now I need to unzip the shroud, and I don’t appreciate the extra step. The tiny D-ring still seems questionable, and none of my gaiters have ever been able to reach or hook into it. 

Conclusion

The Vans Viaje Range is one of the most capable and comfortable snowboard boots I’ve worn for backcountry missions and long, cold days on snow. After using it for five seasons and testing the newest iteration, I can confirm that the design is warm, supportive, fast-drying, breathable, and built with durability in mind. The outsole’s tread is aggressive and dynamic, excellent for hiking and walking on snow or kicking into a steep boot pack. 

While I’d prefer something lighter, leaner, and more playful for casual resort riding, the Viaje Range balances protection and performance where it counts. While the Viaje Range is comfortable enough for occasional in-bounds laps, it feels denser and more aggressive than a freestyle-focused boot. If you spend most of your time at the resort, the K2 Trance offers stiffer support in a more slender, lighter package. 

Overall, the pros still outweigh the cons in the Viaje Range. While I don’t find much service in the walk mode — aka adaptive range mode — I see tremendous value in how this boot helps protect my feet from super-cold conditions, especially when I’m outside for 12 hours and constantly in motion. While I’ll keep searching, I won’t be replacing my favorite backcountry snowboard boots anytime soon.