Best article EVER! I’ve been riding with no highbacks for over 20 years. No one can ever understand why despite my repeated attempts at explaining. Got a job as a snowboard instructor this year & my lack of highbacks has inspired an epic season long debate amongst fellow instructors. I’ve got a few coworkers willing to give it a shot for curiosities sake. ????

Hey Jared,

Thanks for reading the article and dropping us a line. Apologies for the delay in replying and I’m going to fill in for Jon on this one 😀

Basically boots with an articulated contain a separate upper and lower section linked further back, this means the boot can flex easier without bending/deforming the side of the lower ankle. They don’t suit everyone and it’s always a good idea to try any boots on prior to buying.

Articulating ankle boots can be put into 2 main categories:

1) The upper panel actually lips over the lower part at the ankle, examples (as of August 2018) are:
Burton – Ritual, SLX, Almighty, Supreme
Vans – Ferra

2) Some brands go for an elongated flex panel between the 2 parts and examples (as of August 2018) are:
32 – Lashed
Vans – Infuse
Salomon – Synapse

Give those a search and that should help with what to look for. Both types have their merits and hope you find a pair to help with the no-back-epicness 😀

Baden