Both ends of the board are curved up like on free-ride boards, but on freestyle boards, it's symmetrical. These features make it easier to lead with either foot, one of the reasons these snowboards are ideal for trick riding. These resemble skis in that they have a flat tail, are built stiff, have a narrower body and feature sidecuts for carving. This board type is better suited for the intermediate or advanced user. The two categories are soft boots and hard boots.
Most people use soft boots.
The differences in design are based on the boot's use. Free riders need foot and ankle support, but not as much as freestylers. What's needed for speed are stiff boots that provide the control needed. Remember to try on boots with the socks you'll board in. With these, the boots are held by a harness-like device with a high back, which captures and supports the back of the boot and holds it in place with straps across the boot bottoms and sometimes ankles.