While the skate-inspired styling of Vans' Encore snowboarding boot has always been a popular choice, women freestylers and freeriders will warm up to a new Trifit liner and comfortable 3D molded tongue in this season's offering. One of the best features on the women's Encore snowboard boot--the dialed-in BOA closure system--remains exactly the same. The BOA closure allows for simple and easy entries and exits while the rotating dial tweaks your fit with almost near-infinite settings. The warm and newly updated Trifit liner features an open cell interior for cushion and a seam brushed fleece upper cuff. Vans added heel-holding Achilles pad to help keep you comfortably in place throughout your ride down the mountain or halfpipe. This version of the women's Encore features the Vans Pro-Flex Snowaffle sole, a progressive-flex inverted waffle tread that borrows the look of the classic Vans waffle sole without giving winter traction performance the slip. Because the boot sole decreases in stiffness as you move from heel to toe, you enjoy better turning response without sacrificing the flex and feel at your toes. The low-profile die-cut EVA midsole gives you great cushioning with metatarsal and heel impact pads, but doesn't sacrifice the skate look (just remember that this boot doesn't have the air sole--that's something aggressive female riders want after taking big air). The middle-of-the-pipe flex rating makes the Encore a great choice for freeriders and freestyle enthusiasts who want don't want too much flex or rock-solid stiffness.