Everything you need to know about Burton Step On boots and bindings
You’ve probably seen fellow snowboarders hopping onto their boards in a matter of seconds, leaving you fumbling with your bindings at the top of the mountain as they ride off into the distance.
If you haven’t found out already, this wizardry is the work of Burton. Their aptly named Step On boots and bindings have become seriously popular — and for good reason.
In this guide, we’ll get into the nitty gritty and answer the most common questions we hear in store. If we miss anything, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you out.
Want to jump straight to the range? Browse all Burton Step On boots and bindings online.
What are Burton Step On boots & bindings?
In a nutshell, Burton Step On is a quick-entry binding system designed as an alternative to traditional strap bindings. Instead of straps across the boot, Step On technology uses three cleats — two on the sides of the toe and one at the heel — that lock the boot directly into the binding.
To get on your board, you simply step in, attach the leash, and you’re ready to ride. The system is fast, intuitive and incredibly convenient, which is why it’s become so popular.
To release, there’s a small lever on the side of the binding that disengages the heel cleat, making the exit just as quick as the entry.
If you’re specifically shopping for bindings, you can jump straight to our Burton Step On bindings .
Can you use Step On bindings with normal boots?
Sadly not. Step On bindings (and boots) will only work with their Step On counterparts. This is due to the connection points that hold the boots in place — these must match up between the boot and binding.
If you look at a Step On boot you’ll see the three cleats (two at the front and one at the back) that correspond with the clips on the bindings. Without those cleats, the system simply won’t function.
If you’re looking for boots that work with the system, you can browse our range of Step On compatible boots from Burton, Nitro and DC .
Are there any alternative brands to Burton’s Step On?
Burton Step On is the most established step-in system on the market, and it remains the go-to option for riders who want strapless convenience.
While the Step On binding system itself is exclusive to Burton, there are alternative boot options beyond Burton’s own lineup. Brands such as Nitro and DC produce boots that are officially compatible with Burton Step On bindings, giving riders more flexibility when it comes to fit, flex and overall feel.
That means you can stick with the Step On system while choosing the boot that best suits your foot shape and riding style — without being limited to a single boot brand.
Can you fit Step On bindings to any snowboard?
Yes! This is great news if you’ve already got a board and want to change the bindings. The Step On system will work on any type of board, and there are options for men, women and kids too.
Can a beginner use a Burton Step On setup?
Yes, beginners can use Burton Step Ons. Whether you choose to or not is down to personal preference. The setup cost of Step Ons is typically higher than a standard binding, and while you can rent them at certain snowboard hire places (including Rhythm), they can be harder to come by depending on demand.
If you’re new to the sport and want help choosing the best binding option for you, we recommend speaking to one of our team. If you want to try Step On before committing, you can check our snowboard hire options (availability can vary), and view current snowboard hire pricing here .
Can you get splitboard Step On bindings?
Yes! You can now get touring-specific Step On bindings which are a real winner when all you want to do is explore the backcountry. You can easily switch between ride and tour mode, letting you get the most out of your splitboard wherever you wind up.
You can browse our current range of Step On splitboard bindings online.
Do you need a leash with Step On bindings?
Yes. All Burton Step Ons come with a leash that clips to your boot and should be used. It’s also a legal requirement in most countries (ISO Code 14573).
While we have every confidence in the security of Burton bindings, a leash is key to keeping everyone on the mountain safe.
Should my kid ride in Step On boots?
Whether you choose to put your kids on Step On boots and bindings is totally up to you (and them!). You’ll need to make sure the bindings and boots are size-compatible, and because kids are still growing, that can mean sizing up more often.
This isn’t all that different from regular boots and bindings, but with Step On systems typically sitting at a higher price point, it’s worth considering whether that works for your budget.
Are Step On boots good for wide feet?
Burton has a number of Step On boot options designed to suit different foot shapes and riding styles, and certain models are available in a wide-specific fit. Nitro and DC Step On compatible boots also expand the range, making it easier to find a comfortable match.
You can browse our full range of Step On compatible boots online.
What are the downsides to Step On boots & bindings?
As you can tell, there are lots of positives when it comes to Step Ons — but there are a few drawbacks too:
- The need for a leash.
- You can only use Step On specific boots with Burton Step On bindings.
- The overall setup cost is generally higher than a traditional strap binding setup.
How do you set up a Step On binding?
Step On bindings mount exactly the same as their regular counterparts. The key difference is making sure the setup is correctly matched to your boot and binding size. You’ll also want to ensure the gas pedal is adjusted to suit your boot size.
Step On boots must be used with the correct sized bindings. Women’s boots must use women’s bindings, and men’s boots must use men’s bindings. Pairing incompatible boots and bindings can cause malfunction and may compromise your safety.
If in doubt, give your local board workshop a call. And if you buy with Rhythm, we’ll get you set up for free so you know you’re ready to ride.
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