2024 Burton Step On Snowboard Bindings Review

The Lowdown

This review has been squeezing my mind grapes dry for weeks because I still haven’t decided how I feel about the Burton Step On Bindings. I’ve been against step-in bindings ever since I moved out west and realized my 2012 Flow bindings were U-N-C-O-O-L. But is that a valid reason to dislike alternative bindings? No. And maybe it’s time I changed my mind.

The Burton Step On Bindings are not perfect for every type of rider and every type of snow, but they’re definitely capable of getting most riders down the mountain. The step-in system was far more secure than I would have imagined and they’re a breeze to use in almost every condition.

Does speedy entry matter if you’re still waiting on your archaic strap buddies? Not really. But your skier friends will thank you.

Technical Details

If ease-of-use and speedy setup are your riding focus, the Burton Step On Bindings are the game-changing innovation you need in your life. They offer a seamless and secure connection between the boot and board that eliminates the need for traditional straps. The simple step-in design allows riders to get off the lift and be on their way while experiencing the comfort and control of a traditional binding.

Ride Impressions

I don’t have the patience for instructions and had never used the Channel before, but it was easy enough to figure out how the system works. I didn’t want to embarrass myself on the mountain so I did watch a video on snapping in and out - heel first, then toe. The motion feels pretty off-balance, to be honest. But a few practice clicks in the parking lot and it felt as rote as moving my arm from a bag of sour patch kids to my mouth.

I never got to a point to where I could click into them as I was moving off the lift though, so you still have to skate a bit.

If you know Mount Baker then you know that the snow is rarely primo, and the Step On Bindings held my boots firmly in place through worse conditions than I could have ever imagined. 33” of 33-degree snow - it was the thickest, chunkiest snow I’ve ever ridden and I didn’t pop out of my bindings a single time as I clunked and tumbled my way down the mountain. I would want a stiffer boot and binding setup for these conditions, but the Step Ons responded and absorbed the shock well enough for most riding conditions.

This snow did create some issues getting in and out, as it would accumulate in the heel area and make it difficult to snap in properly. It would also get stuck in the release lever and make it difficult to pull. I’ve never experienced an issue like this anywhere else, but those used to skiing PNW concrete may find the setup a little problematic.

It’s also difficult to pull the release lever if you got yourself into a sticky situation at an angle. If you’re say, exploring Mount Baker in low vis without a local guide, there’s a 98% chance that you’re going to get cliffed out. We were lucky and were able to trudge 15 feet away to a rideable drop and chute, but getting the bindings off in the deep snow and angled terrain was a trial.

Overall, these conditions and terrain were a pretty harsh testing environment, and the Burton Step On Bindings would be secure and responsive enough for most riders.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Who Is It For?

The Burton Step On Bindings are great for beginner to advanced riders who want to move quickly and don't mind getting pigeonholed into a niche brand setup. Strapping in before every run definitely eats into your day, and if you’re trying to hit 33 lines on your 33rd birthday then you’re going to need to get efficient.

While researching the bindings I found a review that emphasized that the Step Ons are also great for riders with upper limb disabilities. This is an excellent point, and I think it applies to riders with broader mobility limitations too. Riders do still have to bend down to pull the release lever, but it's a lot easier than connecting straps. Burton was likely more focused on convenience than inclusivity while designing the Step Ons, but they created a binding that supports those with physical disabilities too, which is pretty awesome!