Expert Review: DC Lotus Step On Snowboard Boots · Women's · 2023


At Crystal Mountain, WA. All photos courtesy of Sarah Caldwell
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard boots, which I purchased with my own money in February of 2023.
My take
The DC Lotus Step On boot is great for all skill levels looking for playful all-mountain boots. These are double BOA, so they offer a lot of customization, all-day support, and warmth.
About this gear
- Model: 2023 DC Lotus
- Size: 9.5
- Lacing type: Double BOA
About me
- Height: 5’5”
- Weight: 150lbs
- Street shoe size: 9.5
- Foot shape: Regular, slightly wide
- Experience: 20 years of snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought these: February 2023
- Days tested: 6
- Board: Jones Mind Expander
- Bindings: Burton Step On bindings
- Where I’ve used it: Schweitzer and Crystal Mountain
- Terrain: Groomed runs, trees, off-piste, deep powder days
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was hunting for gear because I owned my Burton Step On boots for a while, and they were not great for my feet. I tried a couple of different sizes in the Burton Ritual Step On boots, but they did not fit my feet properly, resulting in too much pressure on my right pinky toe even after fully breaking them in. I decided I needed a non-Burton Step On boot because the Burton’s felt too narrow in the toe box.
Why I chose this gear
I purchased the Lotus because I’ve had friends and customers rave about how comfortable DC boots were. I purchased the Lotus model because it offers double BOA lacing and higher-end features like insulation and an ankle harness for additional heel hold.
Chillin' in the trees
What I love about them
- Size: These truly fit perfectly out of the box; they are nice and snug. As far as DC boots, I’d say they run true to size.
- Comfort: I’ve been impressed with the comfort of these. Compared to my last pair of Step On boots, these feel like a world of difference. My feet are a lot happier, and feel supported.
- Warmth: These boots are insulated, so they stay toasty but breathable.
- Shock absorption: The Impact-ALG insole offers great support. When I took these off some jumps, I felt completely supported underfoot.
- Responsiveness: Overall, these boots feel incredibly responsive for the 4/10 flex. I typically purchase stiffer boots, but I wanted to try something a little more playful to pair with my playful pow slasher board. For the flex on these, I enjoy their responsiveness cruising in the trees and charging groomed runs.
- Grip (outsoles): The grip on these is solid, with no issues with slippage or traction.
- Ease of use: The double BOA lacing makes these incredibly convenient. It’s quick and easy getting boots on and off at the mountain and making little adjustments throughout the day.
- Durability: The quality feels top-notch. The stitching and overall boot have held up really well to some hard riding, so I’m impressed, to say the least.
- Weight: The weight on these is ideal. I wouldn't call them lightweight, but they aren’t super heavy for a Step On boot which is preferable.
- Versatility: Overall, these boots offer a lot of versatility; however, the only downside I can find is spending a lot of time on double blacks or more technical terrain due to the softer flex.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Heel hold: Here is where I had a minor issue, likely due to the softer 4/10 flex of these boots. After fully breaking these in, I feel some heel lift on steeper, more technical terrain. It's not enough to become a major issue, but I’ve found I have to wear a thicker socks with these so my heels stay more locked in.
Favorite moment with this gear
I rode with these Lotus boots on a couple of different snowboards. Once, I took these out with my Jones Mind Expander on a dreamy powder day, and I really felt like these two were a match made in heaven. After having some major issues with my last Step On boots, I hesitated to continue using that setup. Luckily, the board and the boots offered a more playful feel, and my feet were happier than ever. Cruising in the trees and charging groomed runs was incredibly smooth with the Lotus boots, with plenty of support underfoot while hitting jumps.
Value for the money vs. other options
Supportive snowboard boots are key for a successful day on the mountain, so I’m really happy to have decided to invest in the DC Lotus boots. As mentioned, my previous Burton Ritual Step Ons did not fit my feet properly due to a more narrow-fitting toe box. So I would look no further than the DC Lotus snowboard boots for riders with wider feet. The Rituals are similar in quality but are best for riders with narrower feet. The Burton Limelights are a similar price-point to the Lotus’s but only offer a single BOA. The double BOA offers a lot more customization with an overall fit and is incredibly comfy.
Final verdict
The DC Lotus Step On boots are incredible for riders looking for all-day comfort and convenience. I recommend these to beginner to advanced-level riders searching for double BOA boots to pair with their Burton Step On bindings. The Lotus Step Ons will deliver and hold up for many seasons if comfort and playfulness are top priorities.
DC Lotus Step On Snowboard Boots · Women's · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable