Burton Viking 2016 - 2015 Review by The Good Ride

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The Burton Viking Snowboard Boot is a high-end lace/speed lace combo for those that want a stiff responsive lace boot but also wouldn’t mind a little more of a locked in the ankle.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  No one is perfect and we do make money from the “Where To Buy” links below, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

The 2016 Burton Viking is very similar to the 2015 except the Rad Pad’s aren’t as good as the 2015. Other than that it’s all pretty close. Also, the boot seems to fit a little more true to size this year where last year it felt about 1/4 size too small.

Days: 1
Riders: James
Bindings:  Burton Diode
Boards:  Burton Flight Attendant,

Size: 9

James’ Foot Specs
Foot Size: Right 9 and Left 8.75
Foot Width: Right and Left between a D/E
Arch Length: Right 9.5 and Left 9
Calves (Widest Point): 17”
Calves (At top of boot): 12”

Fit:  The Burton Viking Feels a little like the SLX which is a little on the smaller side of Burton’s sizing. Normally with most Burton boots (except the SLX), my right foot feels perfect and my left foot (little smaller) feels just a shade on the loose side.  Just like the SLX the Viking fits my left foot perfect and my right foot a little tight. If I were going to keep these boots I would have to heat mold the liners to get them to fit my right foot.

Flex:  Even though it’s marked a 7 out of 10 like the Imperial it feels like the flex is more on par with the stiffer Ion. Burton boots have gone stiffer lately so the flex rating in 2015 is a lot stiffer than a boot you would have from Burton in 2010.  Each year after 2010 the boots got a little stiffer to where 2015 is the stiffest we’ve seen in a while.

Flex Retention:  I’m not keeping this boot so I can’t say for sure but based on the construction it’s like most high-end Burton boots and it will last a long time. The infinite ride liner (long lasting), combined with a little articulating notch and pretty stiff material will most likely retain its flex for a while but my guess is it will be more like the Burton Ion, which does break down some, than the SLX when it comes to softening up.

Turn Initiation:  Very quick edge to edge and for me, it’s almost too much.

Comfort:  Now the new infinite ride liner isn’t like the old liners from Burton.  They don’t start out comfortable like the other liners and take a while to break in. The liner felt hard against my feet and there are hot spots for sure.  You definitely need to heat mold these boots at a shop if you want to reduce the break-in period.  Lasting a long time comes at a price of comfort at first so heat molding them really helps you break them in and get to a much more comfortable feel.

Heel Hold:  The speed lace around the ankle that sits under the traditional lace really locks in the ankle and feels great. If you have had heel lift in the past with Burton traditional lace or speed lace this boot will be a big improvement.

Adjustability: It’s not quick but with a little knot work you can get upper and lower separation. The ankle speed lace is pretty solid and really changes up the feel of the boot around your whole foot. It’s a much tighter and conformed fit.

Shock Absorption:  Felt like it was right there or even a touch more shock absorbent than the Imperial which has a very similar role.  It’s on the good side of

Traction: Very good traction and we are big fans of Vibram. 

Reduced Footprint: When comparing it to other Burton boots the footprint is smaller by a little bit. It’s like the SLX when it comes to footprint which is pretty small.  In some cases, it will be even more than one size smaller than a standard boot. 

On & Off Ease:  Not quick on and off but it’s not super slow either.  I’ve been using the Burton Fiend LTD boots a lot and I don’t ever find myself holding up other people because of the traditional lace. These have one more rung but other than that it’s pretty similar. 

So all in all this isn’t a bad boot. Lately, I’m not as into the more responsive boots like this but it’s definitely a bump up from the Fiend LTD in terms of flex and response.  So if you want traditional lace with no heel lift and lot’s of response then the Viking could work.  You just will have to have the patience to break it in.