CCS Tech Talk: 2018 Burton Boots

CCS Tech Talk breaks down tech jargon into digestible chunks of info you can use. This week I'm going to tackle the difficult and highly personal Snowboard Boots category. I say personal because boots have just as much to do with how they fit you as they do the tech behind them - what works for you may not work for your buddy or me, so be sure to try on a few pairs before dropping $300 on something you heard was great. That being said, I wanted to give you a sense of what's out there, so I'm going to go through what we have left in our inventory by price.

Burton

Burton is a huge name in snowboarding - a fact that makes it somewhat of a target and the bar other brands measure itself by. Because of its size, Burton's able to invest more in research and tech, so you're going to see more options at different price points. Some major differentiating points are Burton's use of New England Ropes, a Marine company used around the world, in both its Boa and Speed Lacing System, use of Vibram outsoles, and 1:1 construction, which simply means Burton makes a liner for every boot it builds.

Starting at $200, the Burton Moto and Moto Boa are excellent entry-level options that feature space blanket tech in the sole that reflects heat back to your foot, 1:1 boot/liner construction, an imprint 1 liner, and a DynoLITE Outsole. Next up are the Burton Ruler Boots, which ring in at $260. Designed with 3M Thinsulate Insulation in the liner and space blanket tech on the insole for added warmth, the Ruler will definitely keep your feet warm in colder conditions. The Ruler excels in flexibility and out of the box comfort making it a great entry-level boot or update for riders who get out ten times or less a season.

Stepping up to the $300+ range, we have the Burton Photon Boa Snowboard Boot. The Photon Boa features a Dual Boa Coiler closure system, so you can lock down the top of your foot as well as above the ankle independently. An Imprint 3 Liner, level 2 Molded EVA Footbed, and a Vibram outsole all work together to keep your foot comfortable and absorb shock. The Photon is a great boot for riders looking to get up to the hill as much as possible in a season and progress. Another option for riders looking to progress is the Burton Concord Boa, which also features a dual Boa lacing system. An Imprint 3 liner, ReBounce cushioning system, and space blanket tech promise to take care of your feet in harsh conditions.

If you're not digging the Boa Lacing System, but want a durable, comfortable Burton Boot you can ride 25+ times a season, the Burton Imperial Boots are a great option that run $340. They feature Burton's Speed Lacing System, which uses New England Rope, a marine rope proven with proven durability in the harshest sailing conditions in the world. The combination of the Vibram EcoStep rubber outsole and S4 shell panels make the Imperial near bombproof - great durability and comfort inside and out. Also featuring Burton's Speed Lacing System with New England Rope are the Burton Ion Snow Boots, which feature a Molded EVA footbed, DRYRIDE Heat Cycle lining, and an outer shell pressure relief panel that helps deliver added overall comfort, responsiveness, and durability.

Women's Boots

Burton Women's Snowboard Boots mirror its men's boots in tech with boot shapes made specifically for women. The Women's Limelight Snow Boot is similar to Burton's Moto Boot. It features Burton's Speed Lacing System with New England Ropes, Imprint 2 liners, 3M Thinsulate insulation and a DynoGRIP outsole. A $250, it's a hard entry level boot to beat. We also carry the Burton Limelight in a Boa, which is a single Boa version of the Limelight - a great option for Boa lovers and snowboarders who despise lacing up boots in cold conditions.

The last boot from Burton I want to talk about is the Burton x Danner Snowboard Boot. Danner's a Portland boot company that's known worldwide for making some of the toughest, longest lasting boots in the world. It's headquarters aren't far from our flagship store and warehouse, so naturally, we back the brand heavy. Danner has a longstanding tradition of delivering rugged, durable boots for getting work done. The Burton x Danner Snowboard Boots have an inspired workboot aesthetic and construction making it a great looking boot that's going to last. In terms of tech, it features a Vibram EcoStep Rubber Outsole, B3 gel cushioning insole, ESS Support Shank, and Space Blanket insole lining. The Burton Danner boots are tough as nails, but they break in comfortable and deliver the support and responsiveness you need to rip through the trees and get down on any terrain in your path.