I’ll admit it, I was initially skeptical about Burton Step On bindings. But after seeing Burton team rider Rob Roethler ripping with them, I was convinced to give Step Ons a go. I had both high hopes and valid concerns about certain aspects of Step On bindings. After testing, I’ve ended up really liking them for reasons I was not at all expecting when I first clicked in.
Burton launched their Step On lineup in 2017 and there are several offerings for both boots and bindings. For bindings I went with their most affordable option, Burton Step On Re:Flex Bindings.
As for boots, I chose the Burton Highshot X model, which Burton describes as somewhere between “happy medium” to “stiff and aggressive”—a fair description of how they feel and perform. They were immediately comfy enough for at least a few hours of riding, but they can be cranked down for a very secure and more performance driven fit. The boot’s dual-BOA system and materials allow for easy on and off, and fast tightening and loosening of the boots for a dialed fit. Being able to quickly loosen them was especially great for letting my ankles breathe on the lift when I was still breaking them in. They break in after several days of riding but if you’re new school and impatient, they’re also heat moldable. Combining them with the Step On Re:Flex Bindings and a Burton Custom has resulted in a solid setup that can get down in a wide variety of terrain.
My Burton Highshot X Step On Boots in the Orange Cream / Multicolorway. Even after a dozen uses between street spots and ski areas, they are showing very little signs of wear and tear. Photo: Ben Shanks Kindlon
On the outside of Burton Step On boots there are three clips—two on each side of the foot near the toes, and one on the heel. The boots attach securely to the bindings when the wearer steps onto the binding and connects the clips on the boots to the bindings’ corresponding hooks—two toe hooks attached to the binding’s baseplate, and the heel clip that’s attached near bottom of the binding’s highback. To release the foot, the wearer pulls a lever that sits near to the highback. This lever releases the heel clip, allowing the wearer to lift their foot up and away from the highback before slipping their toe clips away from the hooks that are holding the front of the boot. Getting in and out of Step Ons takes some getting used to, but the overall convenience, feel and performance they provide ultimately make them a worthwhile innovation in snowboarding.
This is where the clip on the back of a Burton Step On boot attaches to the heel cup of the Burton Step On binding. Photo: Ben Shanks Kindlon
On day 1 of using my Step Ons, due to operator error (I hadn’t fully clicked in but thought I had), I had a foot come out while riding to the lift. I simply didn’t know how it should feel when I’m fully connected. I quickly learned that to be fully attached to Step On bindings, it’s important to hear not one, but *two* clicks when connecting the heel of the boot to its corresponding clip. My technique since then has been to step on as heel heavy as I can, feel and listen for two clicks, and then step my toes into place. I haven’t had an issue since.
That convenient loop on the side of the boot is there for a reason. Never mind the haters. Use the leash when you’re riding with Step On bindings at a ski area. Photo: Ben Shanks Kindlon
I tested the Step Ons in a variety of different conditions and settings, from lapping lifts at nearby ski areas to hiking features at my local skatepark where we use sketchy DIY drop-ins for speed. With a little practice, getting the Step On boots secured into the Step On bindings started to work faster than traditional strap bindings. Admittedly, skateparks and street spots aren’t the Step Ons primary use case, but nice to know you can still step on in the streets.
Over time, I found that the benefits of Step Ons are aplenty, but two stick out to me as the main reasons a snowboarder should try them out. One reason you’re likely expecting, the other you might not have considered.
Burton Step On Re:Flex Bindings passing the press test at the local skatepark. Video: Ben Shanks Kindlon
Jibbable. Carveable. Fun for the whole mountain type bindings. Video: Lakshman Reddy
The first is obvious: Convenience. As the name implies, these bindings allow you to simply Step On your snowboard, then off you go. Step On bindings make getting off the lift and attaching your back foot to your snowboard easier than it’s ever been before. If the snow is at all edge-able, putting your heel edge into the snow and then stepping your back foot down to lock into place is such a simple yet satisfying feeling. Once you get really good at it, you don’t even have to stop to click in.
Step Ons effectively cut the number of times a rider has to bend over per day of snowboarding in half. For folks in a major rush on a powder day, the Step Ons could potentially help save you a vital 10-15 seconds, helping you to beat that other rider to the line y’all both have your eyes on. There are opportunities for Step On bindings to be used creatively too. I’ve seen clips where riders pull a one-foot trick at the beginning of a run, step their back foot into the binding, then hit their next trick with both feet attached. I utilized mine at the skatepark on a January day that I didn’t want to build a drop-in ramp. I started with just my front foot attached to my board, pushed towards a small incline, rode down it and pointed towards a ledge. While already en route to the feature, I stepped my back foot onto the binding. Altogether, it gave me just enough speed.
I've always wanted to do something like this. Burton Step On bindings made it possible. Video: Ben Shanks Kindlon
The convenience and creativity aspects are great, but what surprised me the most about Step Ons is how they feel and perform when you’re riding.
Because the sides of your feet are attached to the baseplate of the binding, the power you put into your movements will generate force faster and in slightly different places than it does with strap bindings. It adds towards the sensation of having your board be an extension of your body.
So, who should drop in on a pair of these Step Ons? Anyone who’s looking for a slightly new way to snowboard. Anyone who thinks it looks fun. They’re fit for all skill levels. For big dogs who want something stiffer than the Burton Step On Re:Flex, they need only look higher up the line for a more advanced option. The surfy feeling nature of the pair I’ve got has me eager to try them out in deep powder. In the meantime, they’ll be one of my go-to setups for ripping carves at ski areas and and going medium in terrain parks.
For whichever model of Step Ons you might end up trying out yourself, just be sure to wear the leash out on the first day… ok?
Burton Step On Re:Flex retail for $319.95 and Burton Highshot X Step On Boots retail for $499.95
See Burton’s full lineup of Step On Bindings here.
Photo: Ben Shanks Kindlon
About the tester:
Age: 33
Height: 5' 10"
Boot size: 8.5
Bindings size: Medium
Board: Burton Custom 154cm
Years riding: 25
Home mountain: The streets
Riding style: Freestyle focused