Burton Step On: Practical Guide and Review After Seasons of Use

Burton's Step On system promises to revolutionise how you strap in. Does it deliver? Pros, cons, compatibility, and who should actually buy it.

When Burton introduced the Step On system a few years ago, the industry reacted with a mix of scepticism and curiosity. A quick-entry system that eliminates straps and ratchets? Sounds convenient on paper. But does it actually work? Is it worth the money? And most importantly: is it for you?

After using it seriously — not a demo session, but actual full seasons — here’s what I think.

How the Step On System Works

The concept is simple: boots and bindings are designed to work together. Step On boots have metal clips positioned on the toe and heel. The bindings have corresponding receivers. You get off the chairlift, place your foot on the binding, push down: click. You’re locked in. To release, press a lever on the side of the binding.

No straps. No adjustments. No sitting on the snow at -15 C with frozen gloves.

Pros: What Actually Works

Speed of entry This is the number one advantage and it is not overstated. You get off the lift and you’re ready in 3 seconds. Over a day with 20 runs, this translates into minutes saved at every start. The psychological comfort of not having to fight with straps at the top of a freezing chairlift is real.

Ease of use in harsh conditions With thick gloves and numb hands, strapping into traditional bindings is miserable. With Step On, there are no fine motor operations to perform. It works with any glove.

Response and power transfer This is where many are surprised. The Step On system, contrary to expectations, transfers force from ankle to board well. There is none of the “play” you might expect from a strapless system. For on-piste and park riding, the response is satisfying.

Comfort on lifts Being able to step out of the rear binding during chairlift rides (as you do with traditional bindings) and step back in quickly at the top is convenient. No fumbling with a locked boot on arrival.

Cons: The Limitations You Need to Know

Compatibility: the main issue Step On is not a universal system. Step On boots work only with Burton Step On bindings. If you have traditional bindings, you cannot use Step On boots, and vice versa. This lock-in is the system’s structural flaw: you are tied to the Burton ecosystem for both boots and bindings.

If you want to switch binding brands in the future, you also need new boots. If you lose a binding or a component breaks in the off-season, you need to wait for Burton to have spare parts available.

Price A complete Step On setup (boots + bindings) costs noticeably more than an equivalent traditional setup. Step On bindings start at around EUR 300-350. Compatible boots add another EUR 200-350. You are investing EUR 500-700 just for the entry system, before even considering the board.

Not ideal for serious off-piste The Step On system is optimised for on-piste and park riding. For freeride in deep snow, more demanding riders tend to prefer traditional strap bindings with very stiff highbacks that allow millimetre-precise adjustment of retention force. Step On does not offer the same level of customisation.

Snow pack (snow build-up) In certain conditions — wet snow, temperatures around 0 C — snow can accumulate in the binding receivers and make entry less smooth. It is not a frequent problem, but it happens.

Who Should Buy It

Step On is the right choice if:

• You ride on-piste and in the park most of the time
• You hate wasting time strapping in and often find yourself waiting for each other at the top of lifts
• You are willing to invest in the system and stay committed to it
• You have hand or finger mobility issues (arthritis, etc.) that make managing traditional straps difficult
• You are an intermediate rider who wants convenience without sacrificing too much performance

It is not the right choice if:

• You mainly ride off-piste and freeride
• You already have a working setup and don’t want to start from scratch
• Your budget is tight — the extra money spent on Step On could go towards a better board
• You want maximum future freedom in choosing boots and bindings

Verdict

The Burton Step On does what it promises: it makes entry faster and more convenient. This is not marketing. It is a system that genuinely works and measurably improves the quality of an on-piste day.

The limitation is the lock-in and the price. Before buying, consider whether you are willing to commit to the Burton ecosystem long term. If the answer is yes, it is a purchase you won’t regret.