Burton Step On,
Does it Work? We Test It!

For many years, several brands have attempted to design a snowboard binding that is easy and quick to put on. Many manufacturers have tried, but it has never really worked—the boots that fit these bindings have had poor response, the binding has been finicky, and they've never achieved the same responsive and comfortable feel as in a traditional snowboard binding.

Today, "quick bindings" have become increasingly popular. Flow is still a big brand in the market, and many manufacturers have started to notice this trend. However, one of the brands that truly stands out from the crowd is the renowned brand Burton Snowboards.

Burton Step On

Burton's new "quick binding" is called Step-On and has taken the world by storm.
The binding is said to revolutionize snowboarding for those who are tired of bending down and strapping into their bindings. Even skiers benefit from Step-On as they no longer have to wait for us snowboarders to sit down and strap in with traditional straps. And let's not ignore the fact that it feels incredibly good to avoid sitting down. You simply stomp your boots into the bindings and then you're good to go.

Burton Step On is beautifully simple. Burton has developed Step On over several years, and now, after additional changes over the years, the system has reached perfection. The binding looks just like a traditional binding but without the straps. Simple, functional, and movable parts make the binding feel premium and durable. There are three attachment points on the binding: one at the heel and two at the front.

To strap into Burton Step On, you need snowboard boots that are compatible with the binding. Initially, only Burton's Step-On boots worked with the binding, but now more manufacturers have joined Step On, including Nitro Snowboards, which we think is positive because more riders can use their preferred brand.

The adjustability of the binding is significantly less than a traditional binding, but the highback and footbed can still be adjusted, which is the most crucial part of a binding.

All of this sounds incredibly good, but it made us wonder, does it really work? We put it to the test!

Testing Burton Step On

We decided to conduct a test using the following equipment:
• Binding - Burton Step On (Also available as Step On X for greater stiffness)
• Boots - Nitro Profile TLS Step On and Burton Photon
• Board - Nitro SMP and Burton Process

The first thing we noticed when testing the binding is how incredibly easy it is to click in. Push the heel down to engage the first buckle, then lean slightly forward to engage the toes, and you're good to go. Another thing is that the whole setup feels much lighter in terms of weight.

It takes a few runs to find the right angle and approach to both getting into and out of the binding. Once securely on the board, it's mostly psychological as it feels quite different. Years of strapping in the traditional way have left their mark, so you catch yourself reflexively wanting to bend down and give that extra push, which you usually do. It's not because you're not securely strapped in; it's simply an old habit. When you're strapped into a Step On binding, it feels like you're securely fastened but with a bit more flexibility. It took us about three runs to get used to it and appreciate all the benefits of the binding. After a few rounds on the slopes, we finally realize that this is really fantastic.

The response you get with Step On is actually very good. The boots we tested are a pair of Nitro Profile TLS, new for this year, and Burton's top-seller, the Photon. Both snowboard boots are equally stiff and provide excellent heel grip. The transition between toe and heel is incredibly direct, with no delay whatsoever. It was almost a bit intimidating at first, as the response was so immediate, but that's really what all carving enthusiasts are looking for, right?

If someone experiences poor response with Step On, it's more likely due to ill-fitting boots. Therefore, it's crucial that when you purchase Step On boots, they fit perfectly and provide good heel grip. It's worth mentioning that the Step On binding is also available in a stiffer version called Step On X for those who prefer a slightly firmer binding.

We rode with Step On for an entire day, from morning to evening, and no one experienced any dissatisfaction with the snowboard binding. The weather was sunny, with hard conditions in the morning and slushy conditions in the afternoon, so there's no doubt that the binding was tested in various conditions. We've previously tested the Step-On binding in powder and found that it could be a bit tricky to get into the binding when covered in snow, but like a regular binding, you sometimes need to brush the snow off the footbed.

Another positive aspect of Step On is that the binding eliminates pressure points on the top of the foot since it lacks straps.

Is Step On Suitable for Everyone?
We would recommend Step On to anyone looking for an incredibly easy and comfortable binding with good response. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced rider, Step On will be a pleasant surprise for everyone; we have no doubt about that. Even for kids, it's super easy, and parents no longer have to bend down to strap them into the bindings.

As with all new systems and inventions, it might not be suitable for everyone. If you like how you feel in your traditional bindings and don't have any issues with taking a little extra time to strap in, Step On might not be for you. If you spend most of your time in the park, you might want to stick with a traditional binding. However, Burton's riders have used Step On in the park without any problems.

Are There Any Downsides to Step On?
The binding is only compatible with Step On boots, and the boots are only compatible with Step On bindings. Currently, there are very few brands in the market that offer Step On, but Nitro Snowboards manufactures Step On boots, and more brands will likely join in the near future.

Advantages
• Extremely quick to strap in
• Easy to engage
• No need to bend down
• Compatible with all snowboards
• Minimalistic design
• Very lightweight
• Good response

Disadvantages
• Binding requires specific boots
• Boots are not compatible with splitboard bindings
• Limited adjustability

Conclusion
Step On is a revolutionary snowboard binding that will continue to make waves in the market due to its functionality and simplicity. At Stand Tall, we are pleasantly surprised by Step On. Although it's not for everyone, we believe that "quick bindings" will increasingly dominate the market.

It's quite nice to get twenty runs in a day instead of ten.