Expert Review: Burton Photon Step On Wide Snowboard Boots · 2022
This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard boots, which I purchased with my own money in December of 2021.
Burton Photon Step Ons. All photos courtesy of Jadon Minnich
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard boots, which I purchased with my own money in December of 2021.
My take
The Burton Photon Step On Wide Snowboard Boots are designed for more of an experienced rider since it's a stiff boot, and being paired with the Step On Bindings makes the response with the board almost immediate.
About the boots I own
- Model: 2022 Burton Photon Step On Snowboard Boots
- Size: 13 (Regular version)
- Lacing type: BOA
About me
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 200lbs
- Street shoe size: 12.5-13
- Foot shape: Wide feet
- Experience: 16 years of snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought these: December 2021
- Days tested: 40+
- Board: 2019 Arbor Westmark Rocker
- Bindings: 2021 Burton Step Ons Re:Flex
- Where I’ve used it: Pennsylvania and Colorado
- Terrain: Groomers, powder, backcountry, and ice
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was using Flow bindings and was not too fond of how those bindings had no responsiveness. So I was looking for a boot and binding setup that was more responsive, and I wanted stiffer boots.
Backcountry in Vail
Why I chose this gear
I like stiffer boots; these were the stiffest Burton Step On boots at the time. They also had a strap BOA, so I thought they would feel like normal bindings. I considered the Burton Swath Step On Boots, but I really liked the strap binding BOA that the Photon had, so I went with those.
Powder in Vail
What I love about them
I love the responsiveness these boots offer. Also, I like how these boots are stiff but not too stiff to the point where they hurt my feet after riding. I also like the double BOA system and the strap BOA that gives it a normal binding feel.
- Size: True to size.
- Comfort: I love the comfort these boots offer while riding, as my feet don't get sore after a day of riding.
- Warmth: The Imprint 3 Liner keeps my feet warm on cold days and sometimes too warm on warm days.
- Heel hold: With the strap BOA system going right over the top of my foot, these boots have great heel hold. However, I feel like the heel hold on my back foot is looser than the heel hold on my front foot. That might be because my back foot is the one I push around while on the board.
- Shock absorption: These boots have very good shock absorption and absorb many bumps on bumpy snow.
- Responsiveness: Since these boots are stiff, they are very responsive to the board.
- Grip: These boots are very grippy in any terrain, whether it's icy walks or hiking in the backcountry.
- Ease of use: These boots are very easy to use, and the BOA systems are also very easy to use.
- Durability: I like how these boots are very durable and don’t wear too much for the amount of riding I've done on them. I believe the material Burton uses is the reason they are so durable.
- Weight: These boots aren't that light since they have a strap and two BOA systems, but they aren't too heavy. I'm okay with the weight and like the feel of them.
- Versatility: These boots are very versatile, and I’ve used them in many different terrains and riding styles like parks and freeride, and they have felt great.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Other: The only issue I ran into with these boots is sometimes the strap BOA system that goes over the top of my foot randomly becomes loose, changing the feel of the whole boot. It isn't a big deal since I just have to re-tighten it, but it's something I've encountered.
Closeup of Boots
Favorite moment with this gear
My favorite moment with these boots is when I beat my friends when we get off the lift to see who can strap in first.
Value for the money vs. other options
The Burton Photon Step On Wide Snowboard Boots is a good value for the money. These boots are expensive but offer many benefits that some cheaper options might not, like durability and comfort. A cheaper option would be the Burton Swath Step On, which is also great for its value but does not offer the same systems as the Photon, as the Photon has a strap BOA to give a more natural binding feel.
Final verdict
I believe that the Photon Step On boots are a great option in the Burton Step On lineup, and they make for a great stiff comfortable boot for any riding style or terrain.
