Union Snowboard Boots F/W 2026/27 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboard Boots F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Union
Interviewee: Claudio Distasi – EMEA Sales Manager

How would you describe the 2024/25 snowboard boot season in terms of market performance and consumer demand?
We didn’t have boots in the market yet for 24/25, so we were mostly observing and learning. It gave us a good opportunity to see how the category is evolving and where we can bring something new to the table with our first launch in Fall 2025.

What major trends are currently shaping the snowboard boot market (pricing, consumer preferences, retail shifts)?
Riders are looking for higher-quality gear that lasts longer and performs better — they’re willing to pay for it if it actually delivers. There’s also been a noticeable shift toward simplicity and clean design rather than overbuilt or overly complicated products. On the retail side, we’re seeing shops become more selective about what they carry. They want brands that are bringing something fresh and technically sound, not just another version of what already exists.

From changing consumer behavior to tariffs and supply chain stress, what’s been the biggest challenge for your brand recently?
Starting a new boot program from scratch has its own set of challenges. The biggest one for us has been building out all the tooling, materials, and production systems from the ground up while keeping everything in-house. It’s a massive project, but controlling our own development and supply chain is what will set us apart long-term.

BRAND FOCUS

What is your brand’s core mission or philosophy, and how does it influence snowboard boot development?
At Union Boot Division, our goal is simple — build the best snowboard boots we possibly can. That idea drives everything we do. We’ve invested a lot into R&D, new machinery, materials, and the right people to make it happen. At our new Union Boot Division headquarters, we handle every part of the process in-house — design, engineering, prototyping, testing, and supply chain. Having everything under one roof means we can move fast, make quick decisions, and keep a close eye on quality. With our background in snowboard materials, we’re also able to share resources between boots and bindings, which helps us use higher-end materials that most brands can’t access.

How has your brand evolved in the snowboard boot category over the past few years?
What started as an idea is finally becoming real. Fall 2025 will be the first season Union boots hit the shelves, and we can’t wait to see how riders and shops respond. It’s been a long time in the making, and launching the first model — the Reset Pro — is a huge milestone for us.

Who is your target rider for 26/27, and how has this profile shifted compared to recent seasons?
Right now, we’re building boots for riders who really push their gear — performance-driven snowboarders who want precision and reliability. Travis Rice has been involved since day one, and his input has been huge in shaping how our boots ride and feel.

Which boot ranges or categories (freestyle, freeride, all-mountain, beginner) do you expect to drive the most growth in 26/27?
For 26/27, our lineup is focused on freeride and all-mountain riders — people who want power, response, and comfort all day long

BOOTS SPECIFIC

Are you introducing any new or innovative materials (outer shell, reinforcement, cushioning, support, grip) in your 26/27 collection?
Yeah — our biggest breakthrough is the Single Frame Shell™, which is completely new to snowboarding. It’s a one-piece shell design made from Pebax, a lightweight and super durable material that stays consistent in flex and performance over time. It’s also waterproof and way tougher than what’s typically used in boot construction. This new shell design lets us streamline the build process while improving durability and feel.

What updates or innovations are you making to liner technology or liner programs?
The Forma Pro Liner is built from the ground up — it’s our own design, not something off the shelf. It’s made from high-quality memory foam that molds right out of the box and stays supportive through long seasons. You’ll notice the fit right away when you lace them up, but ideally, you won’t think about it at all once you’re on the hill — which is the goal.

What lacing systems will you emphasize in the 26/27 boot line, and why?
We’re focusing on Dual Zone BOA®. It gives riders separate upper and lower control, so you can dial in fit and response exactly how you want it. The upper dial fine-tunes flex and support, while the lower locks in the forefoot for stability and control.

What are the dominant design directions for 26/27 — patterns, colors, materials, artist collaborations, or partnerships?
Clean, technical, and timeless — that’s the Union look. We’re keeping things minimal and performance-focused for the launch.

What steps are you taking toward sustainability and ethical production in boots (materials, processes, lifecycle, packaging)?
Our main focus is durability. If a boot lasts longer, it’s automatically more sustainable. The Single Frame Shell™ plays a big role in that — it resists breakdown far better than traditional constructions. We’re also looking closely at materials and processes to minimize waste and improve consistency in production.

Are you focusing on any particular customer segments (freeride, freestyle, women’s-specific, youth, entry-level) for 26/27?
For the first season, we’re focused on freeride and all-mountain riders. But this is just the start — we’ve already got plans to expand the range in the next few years with more options across all categories.

Key Products:

UN26 RESET WHITE:

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UN26 RESET PRO TAN:

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UN26 FACTORY BLACK:

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