BURTON · Ion Step On
Ion Step On
25/26 season
Colour
Expert reviews 2
A properly stiff freeride Step On boot built for laying deep carves and riding fast. It suits bigger riders who need real support from their boots. It's too stiff for beginners and even for many intermediates, so pair it with a board around 7–10/10 stiffness to get the most from it. True to size, with a slightly wider than average fit.
StiffnessHigher means stiffer
Heel hold
Does your heel lift while riding
Out of the box
Comfortable from the first day
Impact absorption
On landings
Tightening zones
Can you tighten areas separately
Grip
On snow and stairs
Compact outsole
Less toe and heel drag for big feet
Who it suits
Suits advanced to expert riders
Good
- ✓Holds up when you lay a carve right over, and stays stable at speed
- ✓Especially good for bigger or stronger riders
- ✓Same length as regular Burton boots, so true to size
- ✓Room across the toes, so nothing gets pinched
Not so good
- —Too stiff for beginners and for many intermediates
- —Not much fun at slow speeds
- —Some pressure across the instep at first (it eases as you ride)
Only a few ounces heavier than the regular Ion, so paired with a light Step On binding you end up with a lighter-than-average setup. Like most Burton Step On boots it runs narrow, so an E width really needs heat moulding. The calf Velcro on the liner grips well whatever your leg size, and with laces plus a BOA it's quick to get out of but slow to get into.
Width
Regular
Sizing
True to size
StiffnessHigher means stiffer
Slightly stiff
Heel hold
Does your heel lift while riding
Out of the box
Comfortable from the first day
Holds its shape
Does it loosen after a few days
Response
Does it turn as soon as you flex
Impact absorption
On landings
Tightening zones
Can you tighten areas separately
On and off
Grip
On snow and stairs
Warmth
Compact outsole
Less toe and heel drag for big feet
How it tightens
Mixed lacing · adjustment: great
Who it suits
Suits intermediate to expert riders
Good
- ✓Barely heavier than the regular Ion, so the whole setup stays light with a light Step On binding
- ✓The liner takes heat moulding very well — once moulded, a wider foot fits fine
- ✓The calf Velcro holds across a wide range of leg sizes and has never come loose
- ✓Burton's J-bars can fix heel lift if your feet are narrow
Not so good
- —Runs narrow — an E width hurts without heat moulding, and anything wider needs the wide version
- —Slow to put on (quick to take off)
