Salomon Snowboard Boots F/W 2026/27 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboard Boots F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Salomon
Interviewee: Basti Kuhn, Marketing Specialist Salomon Snowboards

How would you describe the 2024/25 snowboard boot season in terms of market performance and consumer demand?
We see room to grow in the current market and always working on our R&D to design better products than the season before…

What major trends are currently shaping the snowboard boot market (pricing, consumer preferences, retail shifts)?
Same as for bindings: Riders are increasingly willing to invest in premium boots that deliver top-tier performance, comfort, and durability. With this move toward higher price points, there’s also a growing expectation for brands to back their products with credible sustainability credentials. At the same time, entry-level bindings continue to play a vital role, especially for newcomers transitioning from rental gear to ownership. Keeping snowboarding accessible and affordable is essential to nurturing the next generation of riders. Additionally, as our customer base matures and enjoys greater disposable income, we’re noticing a shift in priorities. This segment is looking for convenience and enjoyment on the mountain, placing slightly less emphasis on high-performance features.his consumer is looking for convenience and and a good time in the snow and a bit less for performance.

From changing consumer behavior to tariffs and supply chain stress, what’s been the biggest challenge for your brand recently?
Same as for bindings: We’re seeing retailers being more cautious with inventory, which is understandable. Many are leaning toward just-in-time ordering rather than overstocking, especially with how unpredictable snowfall and shorter seasons have become in many regions. That uncertainty makes it tough to forecast demand and plan production cycles accurately. And when you add rising material and production costs, shipping issues driven by global conflicts, and things like US tariffs—it all stacks up. These challenges aren’t isolated; they’re interconnected, and together they form one of the biggest hurdles we’re facing as a brand and as an industry. Our goal is to keep snowboarding accessible and affordable, but it’s definitely a balancing act right now.”

BRAND FOCUS

What is your brand’s core mission or philosophy, and how does it influence snowboard boot development?
Same as for bindings: We didn’t invent snowboarding, but we’re proud to be part of it. What got us here is a genuine love for the lifestyle and the creativity that fuels it. Our roots in building quality snowboard gear goes deep—25+ years of craftsmanship and innovation, driven by passion. We design gear to make every slash, every side hit, and every day on the board better than the last. Looking ahead, performance will always be key but our wider focus is about responsibility—to the riders, to the community, and to the environment. How we shape the future is what’ll define us.

How has your brand evolved in the snowboard boot category over the past few years?
Same as for bindings: Our mission at Salomon is to built gear that respects the mountains we ride—from using recycled materials to cutting back on waste, it’s all about blending performance with purpose. The EDB Mindful bindings are a great example: they’ve got a baseplate made with 20% recycled nylon, straps and pads using re-grinded footwear materials, and a glue-free pad setup to reduce chemicals. Even the highback is designed with lower-impact polypropylene. It’s a clean, durable design that skips the gimmicks and focuses on what matters. And don’t forget our ShadowFit tech—super flexible heelcup that moves with your boot for better board feel and comfort, especially if you’re into freestyle or all-mountain riding.”

Who is your target rider for 26/27, and how has this profile shifted compared to recent seasons?
Same as for bindings: “Honestly, we’re super proud of the crew we’ve got riding for Salomon Snowboards. It’s a pretty stacked team—more than 20 riders deep—and each one brings something unique to the table. From young all-terrain machines like Simon Gschaider to legends like Louif Paradis and Wolle Nyvelt, it’s a mix of raw talent and deep experience. If you caught last season’s Natural Selection Tour, you already know Blake Moller (B.MO) is on another level. He’s got this modern but super natural flow in the backcountry, and his riding in our Horizon piece really shows what he’s all about. In the park, Dusty and Judd are just doing their thing—laid-back, creative, and always pushing the sport in their own way. It’s fun to watch them ride because they make it look effortless but still progressive. And on the women’s side, Emma Crosby and Cocomo are both killing it in their own lanes. They’ve got style, power, and a fresh energy that’s exciting to see. With the Olympics happening this season, we’re hyped to have riders like Dusty & Judd out there representing. But really, our focus is on the team as a whole. It’s not just about the big names—it’s about the vibe, the progression, and the way they all live snowboarding.”

Which boot ranges or categories (freestyle, freeride, all-mountain, beginner) do you expect to drive the most growth in 26/27?
We trust in the overall performace of our ECHO Boot; no matter if you decide to go for the ECHO LACE SJ BOA or the ECHO DUAl BOA. It´s built for All Terrain Performance and embodies all-mountain versatility to go for in 26/27. Looking for a more Freestyle dedicated design you´ll find great pleasure with Salomon´s X APPROACH LACE SJ BOA. Inspired by Salomon´s Sportstyle, designed in collaboration with Finn Westbury. Paired with traditional laces for a precise fit, added support and comfort.

BOOTS SPECIFIC

Are you introducing any new or innovative materials (outer shell, reinforcement, cushioning, support, grip) in your 26/27 collection?
Faction and Pearl Boa Boots:
UPGRADED FIT & FUNCTION: New upper contruction on all 3 models which provides a more compact profile, enhances fit accuracy and improves foothold though a more efficient BOA tightening system. Best price quality ratio. Progression oriented.
MORE DURABILITY AND GRIP: The new Feather 1.0 outsole uses a combination of EVA and Contagrip rubber for a balance of comfort, shop absorption, durabitlity, and grip.
ELEVATED AESTHETIC: a lower profile and new upper desing inspired by Salomon footwear DNA

What updates or innovations are you making to liner technology or liner programs?
100% recycled liner fabrics and tongue fabrics

What lacing systems will you emphasize in the 26/27 boot line, and why?
For 26/27 our offering goes from a classic lace system to Dual Boa. For most boots we offer both system´s letting the customer decide, wether he´s going for the classic or the more technical version, not forget to mention Salomon´s STR8JKT BOA Pro, a three-point heel harness designed to eliminate heel lift and Precision Harness 3.0

What are the dominant design directions for 26/27 — patterns, colors, materials, artist collaborations, or partnerships?
Modern design lines inspired by iconic Salomon footwear with a durable design with superior grip.

What steps are you taking toward sustainability and ethical production in boots (materials, processes, lifecycle, packaging)?
Salomon´s ECHO and VISTA Boot utilizes recycled and bio-sourced materials for support, comfort and durability. Accross the range – boots:
100% PFC/PFAS & PVC free
100% Aqueous glue
100% recycled liner fabrics and tongue fabrics
25% recycled content on BOA wheels
20% recycled materials on uppers
Best products – freeride range:
78% Recycled Thinsulate insulation system
30% Bio-based FuseSurge midsole
63% Recycled Relief Insole
15% Recycled rubber & natural rubber on outsoles
PACKAGING:
No single use plastic on boots
650 000 single use plastic bags not being produced for bindings packaging.
100% FSC Certified cardboard (boards, boots & bindings)
Bulkpackaging on Unite bindings
TRANSPORTATION:
90% Sea freight
10% air freight (air freight = 540gr of CO2 per ton/kilometer vs. sea freight = 15gr of CO2 per ton/kilometer)
RESPONSIBLE FOREST MANAGEMENT:
The Forest Stewardship Council is dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide and helps take care of forests for future generations. Some of our snowboards are FSC certified wood core.

Are you focusing on any particular customer segments (freeride, freestyle, women’s-specific, youth, entry-level) for 26/27?
More freeride / all mountain oriented with the push of the new Horzion Series. Freestyle is strong and present as usual.

Key Products:

ECHO DUAL BOA / MEN ALL MOUNTAIN / FREERIDE:
The Echo Dual BOA boot embodies all-mountain versatility. Built on a supportive upper with a snow gaiter and featuring our Precision Liner and Harness, the Echo provides superior comfort and response in all conditions. From top-down and inside-out, Echo utilizes innovative recycled and bio-sourced materials for support, comfort and durability. All Terrain Performance – Loaded with Tech – Rugged and Responsive

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VISTA DUAL BOA / WOMEN ALL MOUNTAIN / FREERIDE:
The Vista Dual BOA was designed for freeride performance. Built on a supportive upper with a snow gaiter and featuring our Precision Liner and Harness, the Vista provides superior comfort and response in all conditions. From top-down and inside-out, the Vista utilizes innovative recycled and bio-sourced materials for support and durability. All Terrain Performance – Loaded with Tech – Superior Comfort

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X APPROACH LACE SJ BOA / UNISEX ALL TERRAIN / FREESTYLE:
The X Approach Lace SJ BOA is a unisex park and freestyle boot inspired by iconic Salomon footwear DNA. Utilizing premium materials and our Fit to Ride construction, the X Approach offers superior comfort in a lightweight design along with our BOA activated STR8JKT, eliminating hell-lift for enhanced support. Unisex model – SJ BOA Pro Harness – Iconic Salomon Design

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