[Closed] Shoes: BOA or buckles❓

I prefer boa as you can dial it just right and they release easily. But unless it's multiple boas per shoe you can't get a range of adjustment over the foot.

The ME4 is one Boa and two velcro straps.

The ME3 is one buckle and two velcro straps.

I dont think it makes a huge difference. BOAs are neater; I prefer shoes with a 2 x BOA system rather than one.
But straps and a buckle can obviously work fine too and I have a couple of old pairs still in occasional use.
The BOA is a little easier to dial in, particularly if you have two sets per shoe, a bit lighter [but general shoe construction will have a more marked effect on weight].
I prefer to wear my BOA shoes and Northwave equivalent rather than those with straps and buckles.

I've had boa come loose in a crash but not a buckle if that makes any difference. I feel like boa works slightly better but can imagine a buckle would be sturdier and longer lasting in mud, grit etc.

You can fix a buckle with a zip-tie!

I've got both systems on various shoes/boots, not sure which I prefer TBH. The single BOA can introduce a pressure point on top of the foot if you aren't careful.

I find some shoes with boa type dials are very uncomfortable. You can feel the back of the dial digging into the side of your foot on the inside the shoe.
As said, boa are more micro adjust, some are two way, the one way ones are less of an advantage over a buckle. Meaning, if you ratchet them up too tight, you have to fully release and start all over again.
I don't think I would choose one over the other to be honest, I would be more concerned about fit, price and weight

BOA great adjustability and lifetime warranty direct from manufacturer

I like the Boas for the adjustability. You can get spares for them too if they wear out or break.

Ive had issues with boa dials. One email later and a whole replacement system arrived in the post a few days later. Excellent service.

They are fidly if they go wrong but I like using the dial to put my shoes on!

Maybe for road go boa, off road go ratchet?

Never tried BOA, but straps are pretty easy to repair eg one of the straps on my 2005 Specialized BG shoes snapped last month, just glued the two bits back together and been fine ever since.

I had another brands version of BOA on my last Spuik mtb shoes, the wire snapped a few times and after a year or so mud started finding it's way into the mechanism, and I had to keep rebuilding them. Perhaps the BOA is better sealed, but I go for a ratchet now- the BOA is cool but I think actually more fiddly if anything. Solomon Speedlaces on some of the shimano stuff (AM9's) is better than either

ooh timely thread. I've got two set of Shimano shoes

M200 in anniversary blue
https://www.bikearthadleigh.co.uk/666/products/shimano-spd-mtb-m200-blue.aspx

and for winter the MW7
https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/shoes/mountain-bike-shoes/shimano-mw7-mtb-shoes-review/

M200 has the old buckle on it, which has been fine, although i find it keeps getting bent. The MW7 has the Boa, which i really like, it's quick and simple and so far not found it getting damaged in crashes. It can if dialled too toght cause a pressure point, but then anything would i suppose. I've found that the single dial actually stops me tightening the whole shoe too tight and suffereing from cold feet.

I need to replace my M200's as the tread has come away from around the cleats, so was looking at the new ME7 (blue obvs cos i like it), however why does the lower grade ME5 have BOA and the ME7 have a buckle?? can't figure it out..?

I've got Five 10 Kestrels with a Boa. Works well but I do feel a little more pressure across the top of my foot than with a strap.

I've also got the Boa equivalent from Northwave on my winter shoes. Which worked fine until it ingressed Surrey Hills winter grinding paste (one visit ruined them). Now I can only undo them one click at a time, which takes a while.

Shimano straps - faultless. If not as pretty.

I had another brands version of BOA on my last Spuik mtb shoes, the wire snapped a few times and after a year or so mud started finding it’s way into the mechanism, and I had to keep rebuilding them.

Ask ton about non boa versions. What ever you do, if you go for a dial make sure they are boas so that you get the warranty and back up. Don't go cheap dials!

I've got the same 2FO's with Boa and Laces, have had a pair of those Me7's with the buckle (and various old Specialzed with buckles).

Boa better than laces because they're quick to put on and remove.
Buckle better than Boa because I find I Boa loosen during riding (fiddle with them quite a few times during a ride)
The quick lace and velcro strap on my newest Shimano seems to work well.

Had a Bont Riot ratchet buckle break last week on its first outing, on the only short section of hike-a-bike of the day. No spares around, but fortunately bog standard Shimano buckles are compatible. I've had problems with Velcro straps in snow and ice but I'd tend to prefer them (for the riding I do).

I like BOA but do find you have to re-tighten them join a ride.