The Step On thread

[coleslawed]

yeah, I believe it wraps around the heel of the boot the same way the regular Photon BOA does around the achilles:

[jsil]

After riding probably half of the higher end Step On boots out there (from Burton, DC and Nitro), my favorite are the Burton Ion and the Burton Photon. Your preference may depend on your foot shape and riding style, but that's where I tell people to start. Boots are even more important in this setup because you don't have the crutch of straps.

The other standout was the Nitro Darkseid and Profile boots. For 2024/2025, the Profile now has a strap like the Ion/Photon, and the Darkseid is the only stiffer boot with a true dual zone boa. Technically, the DC Judge is also a dual zone boa, but I felt like it softened up quickly.

My perfect boot would be a triple Boa Ion rather than dual speed lace + boa strap. Like the K2 Thraxis but a Step On. My ankles are a on the thinner side and my calves are small and high, so I just can't get the top of the boot as tight as I like with speed lace.

I don't think the Step On system is very great with a soft boot, which is why I steer people away from the lower end boots (DC Control, Burton Ruler, etc.). If you really want a soft boot I'd go for a Burton Swath (dual zone boa), but if you are helping outfit a beginner, IMO the Burton Photon Soft is the best option. It's still a stiff boot (where the system shines), but with a neoprene flex point that is a bit more forgiving.

[jota]

After riding probably half of the higher end Step On boots out there (from Burton, DC and Nitro), my favorite are the Burton Ion and the Burton Photon. Your preference may depend on your foot shape and riding style, but that's where I tell people to start. Boots are even more important in this setup because you don't have the crutch of straps.

The other standout was the Nitro Darkseid and Profile boots. For 2024/2025, the Profile now has a strap like the Ion/Photon, and the Darkseid is the only stiffer boot with a true dual zone boa. Technically, the DC Judge is also a dual zone boa, but I felt like it softened up quickly.

My perfect boot would be a triple Boa Ion rather than dual speed lace + boa strap. Like the K2 Thraxis but a Step On. My ankles are a on the thinner side and my calves are small and high, so I just can't get the top of the boot as tight as I like with speed lace.

I don't think the Step On system is very great with a soft boot, which is why I steer people away from the lower end boots (DC Control, Burton Ruler, etc.). If you really want a soft boot I'd go for a Burton Swath (dual zone boa), but if you are helping outfit a beginner, IMO the Burton Photon Soft is the best option. It's still a stiff boot (where the system shines), but with a neoprene flex point that is a bit more forgiving.

I totally agree with you, the best would be a triple boa boot (but nor ion for me) Upper zone, lower zone and ankle support that I would like to have internal because a strap outside the boot will never hold the ankle as well as an internal system like vans or salomon, which is what seems like a good solution to me.

So many doubts are because vans infuse works for me but B hasn't done it the last few years with slx and others because my ankle was lifting... and thinking about buying a B boot with doubt that it won't work well makes you feel a little stupid.

The step on est are coming next week (in the end curiosity got the better of me) but I still don't know which boot to get... I think I'm going to prioritize double boa with the swath and I'll look for a solution if my ankle lifts up.

and if I make a mistake with the swath, i will see photons… I won't be the first EL rider to buy two boots in the same year

[jsil]

After riding probably half of the higher end Step On boots out there (from Burton, DC and Nitro), my favorite are the Burton Ion and the Burton Photon. Your preference may depend on your foot shape and riding style, but that's where I tell people to start. Boots are even more important in this setup because you don't have the crutch of straps.

The other standout was the Nitro Darkseid and Profile boots. For 2024/2025, the Profile now has a strap like the Ion/Photon, and the Darkseid is the only stiffer boot with a true dual zone boa. Technically, the DC Judge is also a dual zone boa, but I felt like it softened up quickly.

My perfect boot would be a triple Boa Ion rather than dual speed lace + boa strap. Like the K2 Thraxis but a Step On. My ankles are a on the thinner side and my calves are small and high, so I just can't get the top of the boot as tight as I like with speed lace.

I don't think the Step On system is very great with a soft boot, which is why I steer people away from the lower end boots (DC Control, Burton Ruler, etc.). If you really want a soft boot I'd go for a Burton Swath (dual zone boa), but if you are helping outfit a beginner, IMO the Burton Photon Soft is the best option. It's still a stiff boot (where the system shines), but with a neoprene flex point that is a bit more forgiving.

I totally agree with you, the best would be a triple boa boot. Upper zone, lower zone and ankle support that I would like to have internal because a strap outside the boot will never hold the ankle as well as an internal system like vans or salomon, which is what seems like a good solution to me.

The step on est are coming next week (in the end curiosity got the better of me) but I still don't know which boot to get... I think I'm going to prioritize double boa with the swath and I'll look for a solution if my ankle lifts up.

and if I make a mistake with the boot I won't be the first EL rider to buy two boots in the same year

If you are an advanced rider mostly freeriding/all-mountain id steer you towards the Photon Soft, but if you want a softer setup I'd look at the Swath. In the end, fit trumps all.

I personally felt like I'd be a half size larger in the swath, but didn't ride them long enough to really decide.

If you can, I'd grab a swath and photon (or photon soft) and figure out which should work best for you with what you're looking for. Buying from REI (if they have what you want in stock), may be worth it as if you choose wrong they will let you exchange a used boot for another.

[jota]

After riding probably half of the higher end Step On boots out there (from Burton, DC and Nitro), my favorite are the Burton Ion and the Burton Photon. Your preference may depend on your foot shape and riding style, but that's where I tell people to start. Boots are even more important in this setup because you don't have the crutch of straps.

The other standout was the Nitro Darkseid and Profile boots. For 2024/2025, the Profile now has a strap like the Ion/Photon, and the Darkseid is the only stiffer boot with a true dual zone boa. Technically, the DC Judge is also a dual zone boa, but I felt like it softened up quickly.

My perfect boot would be a triple Boa Ion rather than dual speed lace + boa strap. Like the K2 Thraxis but a Step On. My ankles are a on the thinner side and my calves are small and high, so I just can't get the top of the boot as tight as I like with speed lace.

I don't think the Step On system is very great with a soft boot, which is why I steer people away from the lower end boots (DC Control, Burton Ruler, etc.). If you really want a soft boot I'd go for a Burton Swath (dual zone boa), but if you are helping outfit a beginner, IMO the Burton Photon Soft is the best option. It's still a stiff boot (where the system shines), but with a neoprene flex point that is a bit more forgiving.

I totally agree with you, the best would be a triple boa boot. Upper zone, lower zone and ankle support that I would like to have internal because a strap outside the boot will never hold the ankle as well as an internal system like vans or salomon, which is what seems like a good solution to me.

The step on est are coming next week (in the end curiosity got the better of me) but I still don't know which boot to get... I think I'm going to prioritize double boa with the swath and I'll look for a solution if my ankle lifts up.

and if I make a mistake with the boot I won't be the first EL rider to buy two boots in the same year

If you are an advanced rider mostly freeriding/all-mountain id steer you towards the Photon Soft, but if you want a softer setup I'd look at the Swath. In the end, fit trumps all.

I personally felt like I'd be a half size larger in the swath, but didn't ride them long enough to really decide.

If you can, I'd grab a swath and photon (or photon soft) and figure out which should work best for you with what you're looking for. Buying from REI (if they have what you want in stock), may be worth it as if you choose wrong they will let you exchange a used boot for another.

Thank you very much!! My problem is that I mainly ride in small resorts (more than 30 years of riding) and the boots don't work enough to break in and adapt to you. Freeride between rocks and resort…, that's why I think of soft boots. I thought of photon soft and I like your recommendation... I think I'll go to swath first.. . I'm already looking forward to my Vans Infuse in step-on format... my ankle never moves...

[jota]

After riding probably half of the higher end Step On boots out there (from Burton, DC and Nitro), my favorite are the Burton Ion and the Burton Photon. Your preference may depend on your foot shape and riding style, but that's where I tell people to start. Boots are even more important in this setup because you don't have the crutch of straps.

The other standout was the Nitro Darkseid and Profile boots. For 2024/2025, the Profile now has a strap like the Ion/Photon, and the Darkseid is the only stiffer boot with a true dual zone boa. Technically, the DC Judge is also a dual zone boa, but I felt like it softened up quickly.

My perfect boot would be a triple Boa Ion rather than dual speed lace + boa strap. Like the K2 Thraxis but a Step On. My ankles are a on the thinner side and my calves are small and high, so I just can't get the top of the boot as tight as I like with speed lace.

I don't think the Step On system is very great with a soft boot, which is why I steer people away from the lower end boots (DC Control, Burton Ruler, etc.). If you really want a soft boot I'd go for a Burton Swath (dual zone boa), but if you are helping outfit a beginner, IMO the Burton Photon Soft is the best option. It's still a stiff boot (where the system shines), but with a neoprene flex point that is a bit more forgiving.

I totally agree with you, the best would be a triple boa boot. Upper zone, lower zone and ankle support that I would like to have internal because a strap outside the boot will never hold the ankle as well as an internal system like vans or salomon, which is what seems like a good solution to me.

The step on est are coming next week (in the end curiosity got the better of me) but I still don't know which boot to get... I think I'm going to prioritize double boa with the swath and I'll look for a solution if my ankle lifts up.

and if I make a mistake with the boot I won't be the first EL rider to buy two boots in the same year

If you are an advanced rider mostly freeriding/all-mountain id steer you towards the Photon Soft, but if you want a softer setup I'd look at the Swath. In the end, fit trumps all.

I personally felt like I'd be a half size larger in the swath, but didn't ride them long enough to really decide.

If you can, I'd grab a swath and photon (or photon soft) and figure out which should work best for you with what you're looking for. Buying from REI (if they have what you want in stock), may be worth it as if you choose wrong they will let you exchange a used boot for another.

On the functional side, did the swath work well for you?? Do you feel that you need the ankle strap? Or to put it another way, have you ever rode your Ions with the ankle strap loosely on? In short, do you think the ankle strap is necessary or can you ride them on without it? (let's remove mental things about trust from the question. Only functional)

On the other hand, I shop at a friend of mine's store. It's a small store. There's no concept of trying and comparing different boots…

[jsil]

I totally agree with you, the best would be a triple boa boot. Upper zone, lower zone and ankle support that I would like to have internal because a strap outside the boot will never hold the ankle as well as an internal system like vans or salomon, which is what seems like a good solution to me.

The step on est are coming next week (in the end curiosity got the better of me) but I still don't know which boot to get... I think I'm going to prioritize double boa with the swath and I'll look for a solution if my ankle lifts up.

and if I make a mistake with the boot I won't be the first EL rider to buy two boots in the same year

If you are an advanced rider mostly freeriding/all-mountain id steer you towards the Photon Soft, but if you want a softer setup I'd look at the Swath. In the end, fit trumps all.

I personally felt like I'd be a half size larger in the swath, but didn't ride them long enough to really decide.

If you can, I'd grab a swath and photon (or photon soft) and figure out which should work best for you with what you're looking for. Buying from REI (if they have what you want in stock), may be worth it as if you choose wrong they will let you exchange a used boot for another.

On the functional side, did the swath work well for you?? Do you feel that you need the ankle strap? Or to put it another way, have you ever rode your Ions with the ankle strap loosely on? In short, do you think the ankle strap is necessary or can you ride them on without it? (let's remove mental things about trust from the question. Only functional)

On the other hand, I shop at a friend of mine's store. It's a small store. There's no concept of trying and comparing different boots…

I felt that the swath were too soft for me, but I ride often aggressively and prefer stiff setups. Part of what the able strap does is stiffen up the boot at three pivot point which is why I like it. If you're looking for a soft setup, the swath is the only one that I'd ever recommend and it is fine if that is what you're looking for.

I would order them from a big retailer (or Burton itself) and return them imo. You need to try multiple boots.

[jota]

If you are an advanced rider mostly freeriding/all-mountain id steer you towards the Photon Soft, but if you want a softer setup I'd look at the Swath. In the end, fit trumps all.

I personally felt like I'd be a half size larger in the swath, but didn't ride them long enough to really decide.

If you can, I'd grab a swath and photon (or photon soft) and figure out which should work best for you with what you're looking for. Buying from REI (if they have what you want in stock), may be worth it as if you choose wrong they will let you exchange a used boot for another.

On the functional side, did the swath work well for you?? Do you feel that you need the ankle strap? Or to put it another way, have you ever rode your Ions with the ankle strap loosely on? In short, do you think the ankle strap is necessary or can you ride them on without it? (let's remove mental things about trust from the question. Only functional)

On the other hand, I shop at a friend of mine's store. It's a small store. There's no concept of trying and comparing different boots…

I felt that the swath were too soft for me, but I ride often aggressively and prefer stiff setups. Part of what the able strap does is stiffen up the boot at three pivot point which is why I like it. If you're looking for a soft setup, the swath is the only one that I'd ever recommend and it is fine if that is what you're looking for.

I would order them from a big retailer (or Burton itself) and return them imo. You need to try multiple boots.

Are you talking about just stiffening the boot or keeping the ankle down? The Nitro Darkside (you mentioned it as a good option) uses a rigid tongue. It is always an option that can be added to the Swath and you keep double boa.

I know the importance of trying boots but my experience is contradictory with this. I have bought boots to try at home and then return them… but the behavior in the snow is sometimes different. I have a 32 that I don't use that were great at home. Several days of testing. It was putting them in the snow and the heel in the air. I bought the Vans Infuse on a whim. assuming that the ankle always lifts up (given the experience of my previous boots) and yet it never lifted up and with them I am happy… I discovered a new world But yes, it is important to try and compare

[jsil]

On the functional side, did the swath work well for you?? Do you feel that you need the ankle strap? Or to put it another way, have you ever rode your Ions with the ankle strap loosely on? In short, do you think the ankle strap is necessary or can you ride them on without it? (let's remove mental things about trust from the question. Only functional)

On the other hand, I shop at a friend of mine's store. It's a small store. There's no concept of trying and comparing different boots…

I felt that the swath were too soft for me, but I ride often aggressively and prefer stiff setups. Part of what the able strap does is stiffen up the boot at three pivot point which is why I like it. If you're looking for a soft setup, the swath is the only one that I'd ever recommend and it is fine if that is what you're looking for.

I would order them from a big retailer (or Burton itself) and return them imo. You need to try multiple boots.

Are you talking about just stiffening the boot or keeping the ankle down? The Nitro Darkside (you mentioned it as a good option) uses a rigid tongue. It is always an option that can be added to the Swath and you keep double boa.

I know the importance of trying boots but my experience is contradictory with this. I have bought boots to try at home and then return them… but the behavior in the snow is sometimes different. I have a 32 that I don't use that were great at home. Several days of testing. It was putting them in the snow and the heel in the air. I bought the Vans Infuse on a whim. assuming that the ankle always lifts up (given the experience of my previous boots) and yet it never lifted up and with them I am happy… I discovered a new world But yes, it is important to try and compare

They stiffen the boot at the natural pivot point and keep the heel down.

This is why I recommend somewhere like REI that will accept a used boot in exchange if it doesn't work out. Otherwise, you'll be reselling used.

[jota]

I felt that the swath were too soft for me, but I ride often aggressively and prefer stiff setups. Part of what the able strap does is stiffen up the boot at three pivot point which is why I like it. If you're looking for a soft setup, the swath is the only one that I'd ever recommend and it is fine if that is what you're looking for.

I would order them from a big retailer (or Burton itself) and return them imo. You need to try multiple boots.

Are you talking about just stiffening the boot or keeping the ankle down? The Nitro Darkside (you mentioned it as a good option) uses a rigid tongue. It is always an option that can be added to the Swath and you keep double boa.

I know the importance of trying boots but my experience is contradictory with this. I have bought boots to try at home and then return them… but the behavior in the snow is sometimes different. I have a 32 that I don't use that were great at home. Several days of testing. It was putting them in the snow and the heel in the air. I bought the Vans Infuse on a whim. assuming that the ankle always lifts up (given the experience of my previous boots) and yet it never lifted up and with them I am happy… I discovered a new world But yes, it is important to try and compare

They stiffen the boot at the natural pivot point and keep the heel down.

This is why I recommend somewhere like REI that will accept a used boot in exchange if it doesn't work out. Otherwise, you'll be reselling used.

Ok I see how the strap works
REI’s system seems great to me but the problem is that I live in Europe

Great @jsil