Deeluxe Spark XV Snowboard Boot Review

If you think you’re regular snowboard boots are going to cut it as splitboard boots, the harsh reality is they won’t.  The main difference is a pair of splitboarding boots like the Deeluxe Spark XV Snowboard Boots will offer a lot more lateral support (sideways) than a traditional snowboard boot.  Regular snowboard boots tend to be built focusing more on the flex of the boot.  (front to back)

Deeluxe Spark XV Liner

What makes the Deeluxe Spark XV Boots unique is the way the liner cradles your foot really holding your heal into place which is especially noticeable while sidehilling.

Excessive motion of the foot inside a snowboard boot, if not properly checked, increase the chance of injuries to your knees, shin as well as other parts of your body.  The mechanics of touring on a splitboard are different from what your body has been accustomed to.

Some of the best high end splitboard boots have been coming out of Europe via Deeluxe for years.  The problem in the past is these big mountain snowboard boots were so stiff that most riders had trouble using them or even getting their feet inside the boots.

Sure guys like Xavier could use a boot like this but what about the average splitboarder like you and I?  Out of all the boots I tested this year, Deeluxe surprisingly offers the most comfortable fit right out of the box, even more so than the Vans boots…

For extra durability, the Deeluxe XV Spark Snowboard Boots come with added rubber in the toe box and on the side of the boot which really helps minimize abrasion from rocks.  This also increases the amount of pressure you can put on your toes while climbing, which is wonderful.

Plus the toe and heals and made ready for crampons in this big mountain snowboarding / splitboarding boot.

Almost how ballerinas can stand on their toes.  The only downside to this toe design is it makes kicking in boot steps a little tricker as you don’t have as much flex in the toes.

Deeluxe Spark XV Speed Lacing

The lacing on these boots is unique to Deeluxe and in fact, took me pulling out the instruction manual to figure them out.  Some serious Euro tech going on here.  On each side of the boot is a speed lace/pull tab that synchs specific parts of the boot.  When you pull up on one side, the boot tightens around the foot and calf while the other side locks your ankle and heel into place. The Deeluxe SparkXV heel hold is impressive to say the least.

Once the speed lace is pulled up as tight as you can get them, simply press the button down to lock into place.  To unlock simply slide the button up.  What’s rad about this design is it allows for super quick on the fly adjustments.   Just be sure not to push the button down accidentally.

I did notice the boots would loosen up a little bit on longer (5+ hour tours), keep in mind we’re going up down, up down a lot while splitboarding.  Once I felt the boot had loosened it was super easy to yank the L3 Lacing system up click down on the button and have great support in the boot for the remainder of the day.

The Deeluxe Spark XV Boot also comes with a powerstrap which helps offer additional support towards the top of the boot.  Powerstraps are becoming common in all splitboarding boots these days.

Snowboard boots should not hurt your feet at the end of the day.  If you’re rushing to yank your boots off as quickly as possible at the end of the day perhaps you should look into a new pair of snowboard boots.

I can’t say enough about how comfortable the Deeluze Spark XV Snowboard Boot is. It’s especially noticeable when sliding your foot in and out of the boot.  There is zero fighting this boot.

Deeluxe is using a material called D-Tek a waterproof membrane in the boot which is similar to that in a wetsuit.  The liner for the Deeluxe Boots in their backcountry line were designed by Xavier de la Rue featuring added insulation for warmth.  I have worn these boots in temps well below 0 °C, (32 F) without ever noticing any discomfort. If you find yourself trudging around in deep snow often, these Deeluxe Snowboard boots will keep your feet happy, dry and warm all in one.

Deeluxe Spark XV Snowboard Boot Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Offers more lateral support than traditional boots
• Liner cradles foot for added stability
• Speed lacing allows quick adjustments

Cons:

• Not as flexible for kicking in boot steps
• Lacing system may loosen on longer tours
• May be stiff for some riders

Overall Impression

Figured I would save the best for last.  These boots are insane when it comes to sidehilling.  You can literally stand on the outer edge of your foot for extended periods of time without feeling a fighting motion or any fatigue.  Having used these boots for over 14 days in the backcountry splitboarding, hiking and even at the resort, I have yet to find anything wrong about them.

The hiccup Deeluxe faces is getting people to put their feet into the Deeluxe Spark X Boots ($419.00), once they do they will become fans of the Deeluxe brand. These boots offer incredible stability yet are not nearly as burly and stiff as they may appear to be. GO TRY THESE BOOTS ON…

Related Snowboard Boots

1. Nidecker Kita Boots
2. DC Shusksan Boots
3. Nitro Capital TLS Boots