Battalion Rave Snowboard Boot Review: A Solid Mid-Flex All-Rounder

Introduction

The Rave is a new boot for Battalion, and it is only their second year making boots. That inexperience does not show in the design work. The Rave is a thoughtful, solidly built mid-flex boot with dual Boa lacing, a heat moldable premium liner, and several fit features that address common pressure-point complaints. If you are shopping online, we have links below so you do not have to hunt them down yourself, but boots are the one piece of gear we recommend trying on in person. The best boot is the one that fits your foot and your needs.

Shell Construction and Durability

The shell features a rubber molded toe cap built from three pieces, which improves durability. There is less likelihood of seams blowing apart, and the boot can take some abuse without coming apart. A double stitch seam holds in the tongue and the eyelets for the lacing system.

On the side where the toe strap comes down, there is no seam, which helps the boot resist creasing even when you are really cranking the strap down on that last click. The boot also has small pull handles at the back and on the tongue, making it much easier to pull your foot in, a genuinely useful touch for anyone who struggles getting into boots.

For riders with bigger calves, Battalion includes a stretchy neoprene elastic panel at the back of the cuff that pushes back to accommodate bulkier lower legs. The ankle articulation also sits a bit higher, above the instep, which is good news for anyone who struggles with instep pressure.

Lacing and Fit Adjustability

The Rave runs dual Boa. The lower dial only controls two eyelets, which means the ankle articulation works in conjunction with the upper zone rather than being clamped down with the rest of the boot. In practice, bringing the lower dial up one zone so one dial holds the upper and the other holds the lower gives you a more refined fit, with the second dial then controlling ankle articulation directly.

The lacing uses a nylon cable instead of steel, which gives a little more give in the system. Inside, a drawstring internal harness comes up higher than on some other boots, and because it is sewn into the shell, cranking it down pulls everything snug around the foot. The release tab is easy to use.

Liner Comfort and Heat Molding

The Rave features Battalion’s heat moldable premium liner, a solid, lightweight option with some clever details. The toe area uses a more malleable foam that pushes out to relieve pressure, and a denser foam at the heel does the same for bunions or spurs. One caveat: the larger seams in the liner may be felt by riders with sensitive feet.

The liner has more open area than average, so riders with thicker feet will notice the extra room, while those with thinner feet may need to fill the volume. Around the top of the calf there is softer foam and neoprene over harder foam, allowing the cuff to bulge slightly for bulkier calves and shins.

The tongue carries a small pocket of malleable foam that creates a flex point when you drive forward, letting the liner sit tighter and the heel lock down better with the harness. J-bars hold the heel, and the heel pocket is closer to a U-shape than a narrow V, which reads as average to slightly wider in the heel.

One clear warning: the stock insole is not worth keeping. If you ride more than five days a year, plan on an aftermarket insole and line it up so your foot sits perfectly in that heel pocket.

Outsole and Ride Feel

The boot rides on Battalion’s SureGrip outsole, a foam and rubber mix that sits a little higher than average. The sole is firm, with a bit of give in the middle but less than other brands in the same category. On chop, chunder, and death cookies, that firmness helps dampen the kinetic energy coming up from underfoot.

Flex Profile and Durability Expectations

Battalion positions the Rave as a middle-of-the-road boot, and that is accurate. It is neither the stiffest nor the softest boot out there, sitting squarely in the mid-flex range. Keep in mind that boots only get softer with use, and body weight changes how a given flex reads: a tall, heavy rider in a size 10 will flex the boot differently than a shorter, lighter rider in the same size.

Expect the shell and construction to retain that flex for roughly 30 to 50 days of riding before it starts breaking down like any other boot. The instep is slightly thicker, so riders with higher insteps should be fine unless theirs is ultra high.

Fit Sizing and Buying Advice

Measured on a size 10 (Mondo 28), the boot comes in at about 11 and 3/4 inches of sole length, roughly an inch and a half gained over the size. The shell measures about 4 and 1/2 inches wide at the forefoot, with the liner at about 4 inches at its widest point, which is about average width for snowboard boots. The heel is slightly wider than average, closer to a U-shape, and there was a touch of side-to-side play, though the boot does not read as truly wide.

There is a lot to like here. Battalion spent the time to make a good all-around boot, and for what it is, there is not much to be concerned about. The main caveat remains fit: if it fits your foot and matches your needs, it is a strong pick.

Conclusion

Battalion’s second boot in as many years shows real design maturity. A durable molded shell, smart dual Boa zoning, a well-executed heat moldable liner with pressure-relieving foams, and a firm damping outsole make the Rave a compelling mid-flex all-rounder. Budget for an aftermarket insole, size it properly, and the Rave makes a strong case as this season’s versatile daily driver.