Nidecker Rift Lace Written Review Review by The Good Ride

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Here sits the Nidecker Rift Lace Snowboard Boot Review from an average rider who’s ridden a ton of boots and has an exceptionally objective perspective.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

How It Rides And Who It Is For

How This Nidecker Rift Lace Review Happened:  Borrowed this for an extended demo

Size: 9
Days: 15+
Conditions: Everything from hard groomers to along with some early morning slackountry time with Drift Board Bindingss & Union Rovers
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10”, 185-190lbs)
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers, Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile, Sandsole Custom Insoles
Bindings:
Union Atlas, Union Force, and many other bindings.
Boards:  Jones Hovercraft, Jones Frontier, Ride Shadowban, Yes Standard Uninc, Yes Basic Uninc, Jones Mtn Twin, Jones Ultra Mtn Twin, Yes Greats, and many other boots.

Jacket: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Tusk Jacket, Volcom TDF Infuse 3L Gore-Tex Jacket
Pant: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Hover Pant, Burton AK Gore-Tex 2L Swash Pant, Burton Gore-Tex Ballast Pant
Helmet: Smith Maze
Goggle: Smith 4D Mag
Gloves: Burton AK Guide Glove, Burton AK Clutch Mitt, Burton AK Clutch Glove, Burton AK Tech Leather Glove, Burton AK Tech Glove, CG Habitats Glove, CG Habitats Work Glove, Drop Tahoma Mitt, Drop Cascade Glove, Drop Web Glove,

Similar (but not the same) Boots: Ride Torrent, Ride Fuse, Nidecker Rift BOA

James’ Foot Specs
Foot Size: 9 US
Foot Width: E
Arch Length: Right 9.5 and Left 9
Instep (left and Right) 10.5”
Calf Circumference: Top of boot 17” & Bottom of boot 12”

How These Were Tested

I rode these a lot and tested them with many bindings, boots, and boards.

Fit

The Nidecker Rift Lace fits true to size, and the width worked well for my E-width feet. It started out tight, but after a few days of riding, it widened out inside and fit me well. I never needed to heat mold them like I do with some bindings. A D width will be comfortable on day one, and if you are an E like me, it will still work with a little time.

Flex vs. Response

The Nidecker Rift Lace has a pretty medium flex that matches its 6 out of 10 flex rating except for at the top. It doesn’t wrap tight around the top so it doesn’t have the response some boots do at this flex. I wish they had a tighter wrap in the liner and in the tongue but it’s made to give you freedom of movement in the park. Its not really for turning demanding boards. You can get the Nidecker Rift BOA a little tighter but it has the same liner issue. I didn’t notice this as much on the 2023 models but I did on the 2024 when comparing it to my daily driver the Ride Fuse.

Flex Retention

The articulating cuff of the Nidecker Rift Lace makes for a longer-lasting flex, and after 15 days, I barely noticed any degradation of flex. If this had more rubber or reinforcement in the backstay, it would last for a super long time.

Adjustability/Heel Hold

Traditional lace isn’t easy on and off but the adjustability is exceptional. The Nidecker Rift Lace’s only issue is the liner doesn’t wrap tight around most calves. Neither does the top of the boot/tongue. I personally like an almost loose lower and moderately tight upper, and I couldn’t accomplish that with this boot. The Rift BOA will be better for heel hold, though. One thing I hope they fix is the rungs come loose, and sometimes the lace gets stuck in the loose spot when I double-tie the top. I think this might be more of a demo boot issue and my guess is this will be ok in production.

Shock Absorption

Upper tier for sure. There is a lot of thick rubber at the end of the heel that reduces the shock absorption a little, but it’s for sure shock-absorbent without being too mushy response-wise.

Traction

There is excellent traction here and the thick rubber of the Nidecker Rift Lace gripped everything I came across. It gave me confidence skating in the lift line in harder snow.

Reduced Footprint

Very reduced for a size 9. Smaller than my Ride Fuse (similar fit) and about the same as my Burton boots.

Conclusion

So, if the Rift Lace could give me more support/response at the top of the boot, I would want this as my daily driver for riding all kinds of boards. As it stands now, though, it’s an excellent boot for those who want a great park to mtn freestyle boot.

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