It seems like the boot market changes every year. New material, new construction techniques, and new lacing concepts, 2005 has them all. 2005 looks like it could be one of the biggest years in innovation since snowboard boots first started fazing out Sorrels.

	Product:	Burton - Ion
	PR Blurb:	Based upon years of research and development, the Ion fuses powerful performance into the most advanced snowboard boot on the planet. Built around a durable, full synthetic leather shell with full-length backstay, the Ion offers explosive response and moderate flex for all-terrain freestyle outlaws like Ross Powers, Jussi and Japanese prodigy Kazu Kokubo. Clean on styling, but filthy rich on function, the ultralight Ion features the all-new Speed Zone lacing. This innovative lacing system is designed so that you can independently tighten the upper and lower halves of the boot for a custom fit unlike any other. To increase snow sensitivity, we engineered an all-new, ultra-light outsole to transfer maximum board feel to your feet.
	SBG Comments:	The Ion’s lacing system is very unique, and very cool. It uses one pull-lace to tighten the upper half, and another to tighten the lower set; a couple of strong pulls one each lace, and your whole boot is tightened. Who knows how it will function on the hill, but in the tradeshow, it worked flawlessly, effectively eliminating the need to get your fingers bloody tightening and tying laces. This boot is also available in a women’s specific model called the Sable.
	Product:	Burton - Shaun White
	PR Blurb:	We worked closely with Shaun to engineer a boot that worked with his precise riding style. The all new 3-part outsole provides the heel cushioning necessary for landing technically twisted airs without sacrificing sensitive board feel to satisfy Shaun’s skate-driven approach. The all-synthetic leather upper and full-length backstay further amplifies response and stability for riding out the roughest of landings. With the heat-moldable Imprint 3 EVA liner equipped with an Aegis antimicrobial coating, the Shaun White defines all-day park and pipe freedom.
	SBG Comments:	If I was giving an award to the cleanest looking boot for ‘05, it would probably go to the SW. There is no fat here, just well defined muscle wrapping a super comfortable liner. Air pockets are always nice for park boots, and from the jumping we did at the show, these feel like they should add a good bit of cush. Unlike his board, the Shaun White boots are available in most sizes, so even the older guys can be White fans now.
	Product:	Burton - Sapphire (W)
	PR Blurb:	The Sapphire’s mission, to provide lightweight support, means that you have less weight to haul around when you’re hitting booters in the park, riding in two feet of fresh or just sitting on the lift. In 2005 the Sapphire features a mellow but responsive, flex for enhanced board feel and all-day riding comfort. Skate shoe styling and two different lace color choices give you standout style in the lift line and at your favorite apr’s ride spot. Our Imprint 3 EVA liner will keep your feet warm and gives you the option for a truly customized fit. With a low-profile, lightweight outsole design, you have the freedom you need to take on rails, kickers and the local park rats.
	SBG Comments:	There is no doubt that this is a high performance women’s boot; I feel comfortable saying that just from looking at them. Like all of Burton’s women boot line, they built entirely around the women’s body rather than using a smaller version of a men’s boot. This means a superior fit; especially around the calf and upper ankle. Also, since girls are generally lighter than guys, the reduction of gear weight is important, and these boots deliver; in fact Burton says it is their lightest boot.
	Product:	Forum - Freeride BOA
	PR Blurb:	New for 2005, the Freeride boot delivers cutting-edge construction and quality in a no-nonsense, high-performance design for advanced riders demanding power and precision in the harshest of riding situations. It features a removable molded PVC tongue stiffener, numerous TPVR high-frequency welds in key contact areas, a PVC arch support, and a unique molded forefoot tread. The Boa Lacing System provides effortless tightening and a precision fit.
	SBG Comments:	One of the problems we had with the ‘04 Forum boots was that they were hard to get tightened all the way. The addition of the Boa system to Forum’s line should solve that issue, and since the boots look and feel much the same as last years in all other aspects, this should be a very well performing boot.
	Product:	K2 - Proof
	PR Blurb:	The Proof boot, with new Light-Fit Liner, is ultra-light, yet has superior fit and power. The Shell Locked Harness System provides unequaled response, heel hold, and ease of use. The full height, stitched down harness is focused on the ankle area to provide heel hold and support in the toe-heel direction without sacrificing side to side flex. The harness is connected using the K2 Access System so you can adjust for the precise fit from the outside of the boot, on the fly, without having to adjust the shell laces.
	SBG Comments:	The main reason to watch for this boot is that it uses the K2 Access System (essentially Boa) to tighten the liner (rather than the outer boot). The beauty of this system is that you can loosen and tighten your liner without unlacing your boot. On top of that, the Proof is a very technical, comfortable and lightweight boot. This also uses a specially made Vibram sole, which K2 claims is the best sole in the footwear world.
	Product:	K2 - T1 Womens (W)
	PR Blurb:	All of our women’s boots are made to fit women’s feet from the scaled calf, to the insole arch, to the fitted heel pocket. We also added softer foam & mold density for comfort. The women’s flex notch on the cuff is especially comfortable. We’ve gone above and beyond to make the finest women’s snowboarding boots. The T1 is versatile and responsive. AGS Tongue for adjustable flex, and Vibram sole for hiking the pipe or in the backcountry. Gretchen Bleiler rides this boot, whether she’s hitting kickers in the park, or doing a McTwist in the super pipe.
	SBG Comments:	The T1 Womens is a top of the line boot, and definitely one to check out next fall. It uses the K2 Access System (like Boa) instead of inner laces, which allows you to tighten and loosen your internal lacing, without touching the outer laces. The boot is only offered in one color, black.
	Product:	SP - Epic
	PR Blurb:	We chose the name becoz it just fits - individual design and intelligent cuts are served with all the knowledge of construction and material composition and is stuffed with our brand-new Ultralight Liner, wrapped in the new ankle cast system. The classic harness inside the outerboot more or less ‘grew together’ with the liner itself, which means zero stress getting the liner out and back into the boot after and before shredding PLUS it maximizes the heelhold without pressure points. The EPIC is a featherlight beauty built to rock wherever you go, from backcountry to park this is your ultimate choice - by the way: this is the first SP boot below the ‘magic’ kilo-mark, with just 945g each!
	SBG Comments:	I hadn’t heard of SP before this year, but their designs blew me away. These are some seriously lightweight boots, and are some of the most comfortable that I’ve worn. Their ‘ankle cast system’ pretty much wraps your ankles and provides a ton of support, without making the boot overly stiff.
	Product:	Vans - BFB
	PR Blurb:	Another new style for the 04/05 season the Best F%&#in Boot is designed and ridden by those on the Vans team that prefer a traditional lace closure boot. An all-synthetic leather upper wit ha double layer embossed backstay combined with the support cage on the Quadfit thermal liner provides a solid and supportive ride. As anyone who rides it will attest, the BFB is well deserving of its name.
	SBG Comments:	The BFB is a super slick looking boot that is ridden by riders like Andreas Wiig, Kyle Clancy, and Daniel Frank. If you’re in the market for a high-end boot without a lot of extra stuff, then the BFB is right up your alley. No crazy gizmos, inflatable liners or Boa, just a high tech, solid boot.
	Product:	Vans - Danny Kass II
	PR Blurb:	Danny’s second signature model is a true reflection of his unique personality and style. Danny wanted a little more support with his new boot so we incorporated an instep panel that wraps around the heel from ankle to ankle. Opting for a little more stash capacity we transformed the hidden zipper pocket into a full on cargo pocket. The Vans sidestripe, pyramid stud details and a chemical warfare colorway highlight this high end freestyle performer.
	SBG Comments:	This is one of the stiffer freestyle boots we saw at the show, but that doesn’t prevent if from being super comfortable or looking good. You may have noticed these boots in the X-Games, Danny was rocking them and the chemical warfare green is kinda unavoidable. The accents on the boot, the pyramid studs for example, match Danny’s pro model Agency bindings. The expandable cargo pocket is a pretty cool touch, adding a unique look to these boots, only equaled by Danny’s unique style.
	Product:	Vans - Contra
	PR Blurb:	The only people last season not surprised by the runaway success of the Contra were those who didn’t get the chance to ride it. This incredible riding freeride boot has only gotten better with the addition of lace closure on the new Quadfit liner and the new double lasted V-tread Snowaffle sole. Also equipped with all new optimized cable guides, the Contra continues its dominance as the original and premier boot in the BOA category. Also available in a women’s model.
	SBG Comments:	While the Contra was one of the first Boa boots, there are certainly others entries in the category now. Unfortunately for the competitors, Vans has continued to upgrade this boot every year, and it appears that they are still right at the front of the Boa pack. There isn’t much to set it ahead of other Boa boots, but there also isn’t anything to drop it behind others, and it is one sick looking boot. So if you’re thinking about jumping on the Boa train, try these on.