Burton Step On Binding 2018-2023 Review

Took a while to like them.

On the first two days, I was in pain! My ankles, calves, and feet felt pain! My toes were squeezed, even though I had Photon 9Wide. My heel was feeling sharp pain in the back and side because the boot was so stiff. My inner calves felt like the boot was carving into my leg. So, my first two days were extremely disappointing. I still rode 15+ trails per day at Kirkwood and Heavenly. My right toes were numb and the bottom of my foot was in pain. My left foot was ok. But both of my heels felt bruised after the first two days. I had scabs on both of my calves because the boots had dug into them.

Fast forward 2 weeks later. I pulled the insoles out of the inner boot. I found out those insoles were harder and created awkward angles for my feet, ankles, and calves. Without the insoles, my feet and ankles felt so much better. They felt the same way that they did when I wore Burton Ruler regular boots. Pulling OUT the insoles made a HUGE difference!

I finally tested the Photon Wide 9 step-ons WITHOUT the insoles and was able to ride two days at Kirkwood and Heavenly without pain. I have to say that I could finally appreciate the boots and step-on design because they fit properly like my old Ruler boots.

Yes, step-ons are faster to click into than traditional strap-ons. I would say that I appreciated the stiffness of the Photon boots. Compared to typical days, riding with my Ruler boots, Mission ESTs on a Custom Flying V, my legs were worn out because my quad muscles did more work to turn and to stop. But with the Photon Step-On, my legs did less work and I was not worn out by the end of the day. I tested the Photon's with both my Custom Flying V EST board and my Burton Shaun White traditional camber board. I would say that I finally appreciated the step-ons. I went faster and turned less while riding with the step-ons because the stiffness absorbed the bumps and shocks. Kirkwood was icy and I handled it easily with the Photon step-ons because of the stiffness of the boots and bindings.

So, I finally appreciated the Photon Step-On bindings.

Finally upgrade my Step Ons

I've used the old Burton SI bindings since way back in 2001 and they've never failed me, but time to upgrade. Can't wait to try these out, paired with Rulers. Seems a tad bit harder to step in than the SI's but easier to get out since only 1 hand needed.

Tip for DC Boots StepOn

I early adopted the StepOn 3-4 years ago but couldn’t stand the photon Burton boot for more than 3-4 hrs a day, despite having them baked/insoles/etc., and I would switch back to regular bindings. This really ruined the StepOn experience for me.

This all changed when I bought the DC StepOn boots. Out of the box these boots were more comfortable then the Burton boots were after 3+ seasons with them. It was a revelation and while I prefer straps when riding with other boarders, having the StepOns made me the MVP when riding with all skier friends.

Since then I’ve been telling everyone and anyone I see on the mountain to try the DCs; and give knowing nods and Covid safe air fives to those that are already wearing them.

In regards to the binding system - get these for convenience if you typically ride with skiers or struggle to strap in. It’s extremely convenient. These are great for bombers, tree runs and carving up the mountain. These are a hard charging binding due to stiffness and locked in feel.

Don’t get these if you are a park rat, love to session natural features, or just live to butter. They won’t give you the flexibility you want.

If you do get these, get the DC boots to go with them - you won’t be disappointed… air five!

Go With the Stiffer Boots (Photon or Ion)

I thought I would share my experience after a season with these to give an idea of how they work for other intermediate weekend-warrior type riders who may only get in 15-20 days a season.

MY SPECS - I’m 41 years old, have only been riding for three seasons, and probably fall somewhere in the middle of that vague and boundless realm referred to as the “intermediate” level. I can ride some double-black terrain (when the snow is soft), but I still skid plenty of turns and occasionally look like a moron on rutted up cat tracks, too. I ride the Burton Step-On bindings on the Yes Hybrid 157 with US size 10 Burton Swath Boots.

EASE OF ENTRY – My overall take (from the standpoint of a crappy, middle-aged, intermediate rider) is exactly the opposite of James’s take away point – get these for the convenience (not necessarily for the responsiveness). To me the added convenience is worth it - I can save my energy for riding, instead of wasting breath bending my fat ass over to fiddle with straps. They aren’t ALWAYS easier to get into, though. They have a big advantage over straps when you are getting off lifts on the groomers; but they can be a little trickier in the steep side country when you need to get further out a traverse before locking-in. They are made to step in (obviously) while standing, so sitting down to get locked-in is difficult. Powder (especially sticky spring powder) will pile in under your boots making it difficult to get engaged. Again, this is only an issue on steep and deep spots. When I ride with (much) more experienced riders, I will be ready to go before they are 98% of the time when we are getting set-up in normal circumstances, but they will be waiting on me every time we get out onto a traverse ledge to strap in. It is worth noting that Step-Ons do seem to have a “break-in” period, and for the first week they will require more force to get the cleats engaged; so it’s a good idea to try them out at home to help soften them up.

RESPONSIVENESS – Just like James says, they are a very responsive binding, but it is a different kind of responsiveness that is difficult to fully articulate. As an intermediate rider, I do not think you would switch to these just to get that type of response (but more a more advanced rider might). To get the full benefit of that responsiveness, though, it is important to note that the design of the SO’s makes the boot much more important for responsiveness than it is with traditional bindings. James mentions at the end of his video that riders that are mostly interested in the convenience might want to go with the softest SO boot (the Ruler), and I don't really agree - although in his written review, he mentions the front part of the Rulers flex too much and he doesn't recommend them. I agree much more with what is stated in the written review. I have the Swath (the 2nd softest in the line), and I would NOT want to go any softer. In fact, if I had it to over again, I would go to the next step up in stiffness, the Photon. I have to tighten the BOA on the Swaths quite often to get the response I want, because the front of the boot just gives too much - and the boot plays such a different role in how these bindings ride (versus traditional). I ride the Yes Hybrid 157 (which is pretty wide), and with my size 10 boots, I need every bit of responsiveness I can get – so that may explain part of my take regarding the need for stiffer boots.

ADJUSTABILITY – The highback forward lean is adjustable with the use of a screwdriver – but it has to be a full-length traditional screwdriver, as a pocket tool will not reach the adjustment screw. Not to mention that the screwdriver shaft has to be thin enough to fit down into the hole to reach the screw, which has been an aggravation several times when I have tried to use the adjustment tables at the resort only to figure out the driver won't fit down in there. (I will also note that adjusting the forward lean past the midpoint makes these much more difficult to get clicked in fully - which is why I am occasionally trying to adjust these things at the resort, in case you were wondering what kind of weirdo adjusts their forward lean while they are out riding). My biggest complaint with Burton SO is the lack of any adjustability on the traditional mounting discs (i.e. if you’re not using the Burton Channel system). James discusses this in his review, and he is spot on with the lack of any real adjustment for tweaking stance width, or ability to center the boot over the board. My Yes Hybrid only has 5 row inserts, and is a wider reference stance than I prefer, so I can’t dial in my stance width exactly where I want it with these discs. Why Burton can spend years getting the engineering perfected on the locking mechanisms, but can't give you any adjustment out of a damn plastic disc is a hard one to figure out.

OVERALL – Everything has trade-offs, and to me the convenience of these bindings outweighs the downsides. Heck it’s nice just from the perspective of not having those straps flailing around and in the way when you aren’t strapped in. I think Burton has got the Step-On system right, and for the target audience it will be worth it.

Love These Bindings!

These are truly epic. I have them on a Jones Ultracraft 156 and the added response that the bindings give you work great with a board that’s a little wider like the hover/ultracraft. What is truly the best part is the ease to click in and out with the feeling like your in your normal boots. I have a bad back and I noticed a huge difference from not having to stop and strap in over and over. The ease of just clicking in really makes a difference and in my case probably ends up in a few extra laps for me throughout the day. They also work great in powder and are easy to get on and off which is contrary to what you’ll read online. I was a skeptic with everything I read online and now I that I own them they’re legit. Give them a try you’ll be surprised with how awesome these are.

There is more adjustability

I love my Step Ons from 2020 with Photon boots. So responsive it definitely helped improve my riding ability and confidence staying on toe side edge.

The 2021 bindings in all of Burtons line have consolidated the disk to a single disk. In the review video it was mentioned this had less adjustability but this isn't quit the case. If you turn the disk 180° the extra holes are now on the other side and allows to help center bindings on board. Also some might not realize there is high back forward lean adjustment as well done with a screw driver from the inside of the highback. Two screws designed for forward lean adjustments.

Only part I struggle is I lack flexibility so reaching the release lever is difficult for me. But some creativity can help solve this until Burton outs in a real solution. Knocking one store for that otherwise 5 stars.

I bought a pair of BURTON Hard boots in 2001 a buddy of Jakes at Sunny Breeze Sports set me up with the original set of step in race bindings. These sound and review the same except the original came with a cant plate a little ackward when walking but well worth it.Hard on the ankles without.

Straps? You don't need no stinking straps!

Bought these last year after ripping the soles off my 2nd set of K2 clickers in a season and a half just out of warranty. I'll never go back! My riding confidence has gone way up which translates into my ability increasing as well with these. I can feel the board now. The edge to edge response is super quick.

The boots are comfortable once you get the tension right, I usually loosen them a bit after the 1st run (Photons). They do pack out about 1/2 a size over the season so if your toes are just barely touching new you should be good to go after 4-5 days of riding. I've ridden these in all conditions and have had zero issues with them. No hot spots, no trouble getting in and out of them in the powder. If you have too much fwd lean in them getting that 2nd click is hard to do. But really with the way the system is hooked up I haven't noticed any difference in having as much fwd lean as I could get in and still get the 2nd click and having zero fwd lean.

I really liked my K2 clickers for 1 big reason. And that is I could click in while riding the chair and just board right off. My wife who purchased the step ons a season before I did couldn't do this and so I was hesitant about not being able to do this. I have a knee injury that when my foot slips off the board getting off the chair and I do the splits basically will pull at it and make it hurt from just a little to really freaking bad. Well 1st run up the chair I figured it out. you get the inside toe cleat started, then rock your foot to the 2nd toe cleat, once you have those engaged you roll the board fwd and get one click in the back and you're good to go. Ride off the chair, Ollie it up and bam 2nd click and you're gone!

I've never had any fear about coming out of them. I don't use the leash. You'd have to bust the rear plastic out of the rear of the boot and I just don't see that happening. I rode them in the Super Pipe at Bachelor and didn't think twice about it.

I'm purchasing a Rossi XV 168w this year because of the reviews here and am going to run the new Step On X bindings on it which should suit the board and my riding style well.

These things are just too convenient and with the response as great as it is not to run. Burton has knocked it out of the park with these. Get some, you won't be dissapointed.

Never Going Back to Straps

I will never go back to bending over and strapping. First day on them I was charging the steeps with very little learning curve. Back edge very positive and tow edge 2-3 runs and I was back in my groove. I ride at Snowbird so I have had pow days with 16+ inches and was able to get in and out without much trouble. Practice pulling out of the toe at home on a dry surface to get the feel of exiting. Overall I love them and have a lot of jealous looks when Im off and running without wait time.

Poor Manufacture Quality

The step in process works well on these bindings, while stepping out is more challenging. Not as easy as you may think. The main problem, however, has to do with the poor manufacture quality of these bindings. I've ridden Genesis for the past six seasons. Those bindings are solid, while the StepOns are not well made -- particularly the foam under your boot, which lifts each time you step out and allows snow underneath it. This makes it impossible to step back in without spending a few minutes cleaning off the snow and trying to push the foam down. Boarders around me with strap bindings laugh at these and can be off and riding much quicker than these Burton StepOns would ever allow. Not ready for prime time, that's for sure.