Buckles vs. BOA — a head-to-head match that buckles didn’t see coming. But is BOA actually better? Short answer: no. Longer answer: it depends. BOA can solve a couple of fit issues for certain skiers, but it really comes down to where the BOA system is placed. Let’s start with the shell.
When BOA was first introduced on ski boots in 2022, it showed up on the lower shell. (Before that, BOA was only used on a handful of boot liners.) With BOA on the shell, the boot moved from having two separate lower buckles for adjustment to one dial that tightens evenly across the instep. On paper, this looks sleek and simple — but it changes the way the boot wraps your foot, for better and worse.
BOA on the Shell: Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ Even wrap around the foot – Instead of pressure concentrated at two buckle points, the BOA cable spreads tension across multiple contact points. This keeps the shell shape more intact, which is why BOA often feels like it wraps better than buckles.
✅ Micro-adjustability – Quick, precise tweaks with a twist of the dial—no fumbling with ladders or catches.
✅ Helps with common fit issues – Can relieve pressure for skiers with prominent insteps or sensitivity to buckle placement.
Cons
❌ Loss of independent zones – With buckles, you can fine-tune tension over the toes vs. instep. BOA pulls the entire lower shell as one unit.
❌ Less instep pressure – Yes it can be a pro and a con. Skiers who want serious clamp force on the instep find BOA can’t deliver the same collapsing power. BOA's wrap, wrap, wrap as they get tightened. Buckles; wrap, wrap, collapse.
❌ Less structural support – Buckles add rigidity to the boot that a cable doesn’t. Aggressive skiers may feel more shell shear under load, reducing energy transmission.
❌ Harder to put on and take off – Many skiers notice the shell doesn’t open as easily with BOA, since the cable always crosses the overlap under tension. Unlike buckles that fully swing open, BOA can make entry and exit more awkward.
Why Racers Don’t Use BOA
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Durability risk – BOA dials are big and plastic. If one snaps from booting out or hitting a gate, the run is compromised.
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No true memory setting – Racers set buckles to the exact latch every time. BOA relies on feel, not a fixed step, which makes consistency harder at the highest level.
BOA on the Cuff: Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ Great for skiers who struggle to get boots tight enough on their leg – The BOA dial uses a 4:1 gear ratio, which makes it easier to crank the cuff really snug. Unlike buckles, you don’t have to back off a notch to tighten further — you just keep turning the dial until it feels right.
Cons
❌ Loss of independent zones – This drawback is more noticeable on the cuff than the shell. With buckles, you can fine-tune tension at the ankle vs. higher on the leg. BOA pulls the entire cuff in as one unit, which can cause problems if your lower-leg shape doesn’t match the boot cuff. For example, your ankle might feel snug, but your upper leg still needs more compression — buckles can accommodate that difference, BOA can’t.
❌ Durability risk – A cuff-mounted BOA dial sticks out more than a buckle, making it more vulnerable to gate hits, chairlift bumps, or just day-to-day abuse.
❌ No exact memory setting – Racers love the repeatability of buckle notches. BOA tension is based on feel, not a fixed step, so you can’t replicate the same setting every time with absolute precision.
❌ Harder to put on – Some skiers find BOA cuffs trickier to get into because the boot doesn’t open as easily. On certain models, the cuff cable can even snag on the shell during entry.
Full BOA Deep Dive
In the video below, you’ll find a 40+ minute deep dive into all things BOA — how it works, the differences between shell and cuff BOA, pros and cons, and why some skiers love it while others stay away. If you’re serious about understanding BOA ski boots, this is the most complete breakdown you’ll find.