Burton Photon Step On Wide 2023 2024 Boot Review

[@MarkDonegal]

Love the content and appreciate what you guys do for the community! ❤ I would love to see a review of the Nitro Darkseid Step On boots. I like the double BOA integration for separation of upper and lower tightening options as well as the removable stiffener. I have the both the Photons & the Ions Step On’s and have just ordered the Darkseid to compare. I have never liked the strap on the Photons/Ions, though love the stiffness of the Ions which from what I’ve read compares to the Nitro’s. I am hoping (praying 🙏) for a good fit with the Nitro’s so they can become my main drivers! Would love to see a review someday!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for the good words. Greatly appreciated. I asked for those boots but Nitro didn't have em for demo. It's very difficult to get boots but try every year. Hopefully next year. Would love to hear your take after you get some time on them.

[@MarkDonegal]

@@thegoodridesnow The boots arrived today. First thoughts - the boots are superior to the Photons/Ions to the extent that they are both now for sale (Photons already sold). The superiority (personal opinion) is the fit, in particular heal lift. The fit, insoles and internal heal support is way superior to the Photons/Ions. They are better thought out for locking in the ankle internally rather than relying on that ugly strap which to me is design mistake. The time it takes to mess around with the strap is annoying. The Nitro’s also have real adjustability in the upper/lower Boa’s. I am not hating on Burton..I have spent close to 10k over the past 12 months with them and I just presumed as Burton created the Step On system they would obviously have the best boots. I was wrong. The Nitro’s are visually and technically superior, have better much heel support and if they fit well at the front (foot dependant) then I would 100% recommend them over the Photon/Ion. I have the Genesis & carbon X and they feel solid. I love the feeling of them with the Genesis. They feel somewhere between the Photon/Ion for stiffness (closer to the Ion). More expensive than the Ion, but I got a 20% reduction..even without that I would have paid the extra premium because of initial impressions. I was worried about fit, but I have been very fortunate. If you get the chance to review them (and they fit), honestly I would be surprised if you don’t upgrade. Again no shade on Burton, they have been amazing with their warranty and business practice and have done so much for the snowboarding industry. If anything I would hope a product like the Darkseid will motivate Burton to up their game on the Step On boots.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for the detailed take! What is your boot size and width? Would love to hear how they ride on the hill when it snows.

[@MarkDonegal]

@@thegoodridesnow Size 9 US (8 UK). Just under 10 inch circumference at the widest point. Unfortunately I cant give the mountain opinion until December and the French Alps! 🏔🏂

[@MarkDonegal]

Widest point of just the bottom of my foot is about 3.8 inches

[@Against417]

I just swapped from the Burton Swath Step-On to the Photon Wides and I really like the additional room for my foot. I've been a big fan of the Step On system since 2018 and the Genesis/Photon combo is my favorite iteration.

[@thegoodridesnow]

A high five to my fellow wide footed friend!

[@Against417]

Yeah, like you I'm kinda on the boarder of normal and wide, but the extra room does let my foot stretch better and alleviates cramping which I had been struggling with.@@thegoodridesnow

[@jacobandrews2696]

Just wanted to throw down my 2 cents. Been loving the step-on system, and the quick response of the board under foot with them was the major selling point. In in my 20s, so convenience is not my biggest prio. But being able to get straight off the chair and strapped in without stopping, skating right onto the start of the hill, is F'n awesome. I hired a mountain guide with a bunch of friends, ABS packs, shovels and everything. The stepons worked great even in the waist deep pow, I sometimes only got the first click if I had and inch of snow under foot, but its still pretty rock solid

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your 2 cents and glad they work for you.

[@energ8t]

I have the Ion SO. I personally love the stiffer boot, but the stock insoles are like concrete on my feet. New insoles made the completely fine and comfortable. Still not sure why so many “pros” hate on the step ons because they do ride really well and I have been riding since ‘92.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take. What insoles did you get?

[@energ8t]

@@thegoodridesnow I actually just use Superfeet and they are fine. Honestly, I ended up with those because I had to buy insoles on-the-fly and that's what I ended up with. I may upgrade to another brand this season if I can remember, but it isn't dire. I assume the stock soles are kind of meant to be upgraded. They are garbage IMHO.

[@YashChoukse]

The first two days with the Photon Step Ons were painful at the inner ankle area. After watching your video, I think I will get them heat moulded, hopefully that fixes it.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Definitely do the heat molding.

[@Neguz305]

Nice.. I just copped the photon step ons with Genesis and the new custom X... still haven't tried them...hope it's a good set up

[@thegoodridesnow]

Hope it works for you but if you have doubts hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@marciliopereira9007]

I’ve never seen any reviewer as technical yet straight forward as you. Uau! One question though, is the photon that you tried, the regular one or the soft one? Would you go for the wide photon or soft photon? I’m asking because they don’t offer a wide soft photon.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many Thanks! This is the regular Photon (not the soft) and it's the wide version.

[@marciliopereira9007]

Would you chose the wide regular over the soft?

[@marciliopereira9007]

I’m asking because they don’t offer a wide soft version.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Didnt ride the soft yet so cant say.

[@mackakiwinz4353]

You’re reviews are next level James! Thanks heaps such good information. I have the standard step on photons and non step on photons. The width of my foot is borderline at 103 cm. Do you please know the width of your foot at the widest point? Thanks we really enjoy your reviews here in NZ.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks! I'm 105mm so if you are a size 9 US and 103mm then you are an E/wide width too. It's best to go into a shoe store and measure your width there though because you might not have a wide foot if you are a bigger size foot.

[@mackakiwinz4353]

@@thegoodridesnowgreat help thanks James I am 103mm mondo 285 on my slightly larger right foot. Your information and reply is very much appreciated may you have many epic months in your up and coming season. Thanks again 🤙

[@thegoodridesnow]

So 10.5US/28.5 Mondo is much bigger than my size 9US/27 Mondo. That means you are a just a few mm less than a D width and you do not need a wide boot like I do.

[@thedude5510]

Have you ever had any heel lift issues with any models of the Burton Step On system? I tried them out last season and had slight heel lift issues that was rather noticeable. Yes, they were double clicked in. Lol. This season I scored some older used Photons and will be experimenting with adding foam to the binding foot bed in order to try to mitigate this.

[@aaallllen]

Yeah that seems to happen. It wasn't really a problem w/ Photons

[@thegoodridesnow]

I did not. What model boot did you use? Would love to hear how the test plays out.

[@thedude5510]

@@thegoodridesnow I have the updated Step On bindings( regular model). I believe the 2021 or 2022 version. I got some older 2018 Photons used, but they do have the updated heel cleats. I rented the new Photons in this video though from the Burton store twice and both times it happened. Especially on my back foot. I did however adjust the forward lean and strapping in around the house they feel pretty dang solid. Not noticing any heel lift. The foot bed is placed in the correct position for my boot size as well. The one thing I did notice when using the step on system was way less leg fatigue. I do ratchet down slightly more than the average rider so I'm thinking it is allowing more circulation. Just a theory. Overall I do enjoy the response. If I can iron out the small imperfections with the heel lift I would totally use these if they start to feel comfortable and I tend to start reaching for them in my binding quiver.

[@aaallllen]

@@thegoodridesnow I'm 6'3 235lbs w/ XL StepOns for 2 seasons w/ the toe plastic redesign + size 14W Photons. The binding heel lifts 3ish mm off the board. It's more noticeable if you do it inside and on carpet with the other foot planted. On the snow it feels natural.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for this and good to know. Yeah if you crank down your boots/bindings with normal straps you are not only cutting off circulation but often working towards fucking up your feet long term too. So that makes sense with what you are saying about the reduced fatigue.

[@mfd1068]

Excellent review. This is my first season with the Step On and Photon boots. I have the Re Flex bindings. I just recently got a Jones Freecarver 6000 and was thinking about the X model Binding. The upgrade is just under $200 CAD. Is the X performance worth the upgrade? Thank you.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks. I would see how what you have works with the Freecarver first before upgrading. You have a very responsive combo there. It might be all you need.

[@rubensikkema8372]

Hey James, thanks for the review it helped alot. I recently tested out the burton genesis and photon setup at a burton test tour. I tried the normal width boot, it felt great i had no pain but my 2 outside toes were sleeping after a few runs. My widest foot is 10,8cm. Will heat molding do the job or is it better for me to go with the wide boot?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks. 10.8cm doesn't help if I don't know your actual size. Best to go to a shoe store to get your actual boot size and width. Burton fits true to size so If you are an E or above go with the Photon Wide in your true size. If you are a D or below the regular with a little heat molding will do the job.

[@rubensikkema8372]

@@thegoodridesnow my actual size is US 10. I tried searching for a store, but every store here in the Netherlands has one of them sold out. Normal or wide

[@thegoodridesnow]

You are about an E width US. Maybe a touch past so I would suggest going wide if you can find one. If you go regular you will have to really heat mold the sides to get rid of the numbness and it still might not be enough.

[@johnmcdonald6675]

Hi James. I didn't understand that last comment about the Burton channel and adjustability. What is the issue if I don't have a Burton board?

[@thegoodridesnow]

No stance width adjustability and limited boot to binding adjustability with Burton Step On bindings. Check the Genesis Step On Review and go to the Adjustability timecode. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4jTdZ6mhtNgnrc or go to any of my Step On binding reviews.

[@The-Man-On-The-Mountain]

I don't understand the ankle strap. It made sense for the old step in system, because the highback was integrated in the boot, so to speak. But the Step on have got higback already in the binding, the strap is not attached to it, so it doesn't do its supposed function, right? So wouldn't be better to make the boot even lighter, and add a regular binary boa, or just one boa, instead of that strap? Maybe I am missing something here, but I don't see the purpose of that strap, although maybe is an unintentionally good idea, like some boots out there like the Deeluxe Deemon, which have got a boa specifically for that part, to make the heel to really lock on. I don't know lol.

[@thegoodridesnow]

It keeps the tongue from awkwardly folding on toe side turns like a normal strap in binding ankle strap would do. Step On bindings don't have an ankle strap so it emulates one. I felt the fold on Step On boots that don't have this strap.

[@CormacMaher]

It's a psychological thing for me, it emulates the feeling of a tight ankle connection that you feel with traditional bindings. I love my step ons, after 20 years using traditional bindings I knew I wouldn't be going back to them after 15 minutes on my new step ons 🏂

[@mayumic08]

Do you think the Ankle strap kinda compensates not having the double boa? Can i loosen the top boa and tighten the ankle strap to give it more flex wil that work fine? Im beginnerish and looking to progress more this season. Only Felix have the wide version, but heard they are quite stiff?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Kind of. The problem is it only tightens around the ankle so above and below the ankle gets loose. Some people who ride a little more park-oriented or like a really loose/free feel really like keeping the ankle strap tight and then loosening the top. It comes down to personal preference. If you can demo anywhere first that would be the best way to know. If you can't and like adjustability I would pass.

[@snow4lyf]

Any chance you will get to review the nitro step on boots? I destroyed the photons in one season and am thinking about switching to the nitro profile TLS

[@thegoodridesnow]

Sorry but no. I requested Nitro Step On boots but they didn't have any for demo.

[@joshseekins3611]

Hi @snow4lyf , approximately how many days do you ride per season? I have seen good thinks about these boots but very little when it comes to durability. I currently ride about 18 days per season so don’t want something that I will have to replace again in a year or two

[@SlingShotKid007]

Is the step on photon wide any different in terms of width than the normal photon wide? I've heard the step ons have slightly bigger toe boxes?

[@thegoodridesnow]

I haven't done a same time comparison with Photon Step On Wide's and Photon Wide's so hard to say. What I found is regular Burton Photon Step On's were narrower inside than regular Photons. When I tried the non-wide Photon's with my 9E they were wide enough but the Photon Step-On (non-wide) were narrow and cramped my feet.

[@SlingShotKid007]

@@thegoodridesnow Interesting!! Thank you! I'll get back to you if I'm able to compare them side by side.

[@thegoodridesnow]

No prob and that would be great!

[@aftermatch01]

Any way of keeping the lower part a bit more lose and the upper part more tight? I know it's just one boa, which sucks compared to normal photons, but still - I mainly have had issues with the lower part of my foot being in pain and simply loosening it fixed it before (32 lashed). But that might've been due to needing wider boots as well.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Not as is but if you get a Strap Ins thegoodride.com/snowboard-accessory-reviews/strapins-power-strap-review/ you could tighten the top with that strap. You could even take it to someone to sew the strap in to the back of the boot so it's much easier to do. I really wish they did a double BOA with upper/lower separation. What width foot do you have and do you have Photon Wides? Also how hard are you cranking down the BOA?

[@aftermatch01]

@@thegoodridesnow Awesome idea about the straps, thanks! Unfortunately there's no shops nearby at all, so I have to order online and I've been researching like crazy for the past 2 weeks. Width is 103-104mm, which is on the verge of E, so considering how much pain I've went throhg in the past, I'll go straight for the wides this time and if they fit I'll also heat mold them with the rice method. You know, I was on the verge of going with Nidecker too - the main concern I've got with the Step On 2.0 is the hooks - I read online that some people had their hooks break in the first days. I know Burton will replace them for free but it's concerning they don't sell these hooks separately. I'd much rather pay extra and have peace of mind, than worrying that if my hook breaks I'm basically with no option to ride for days or weeks, until they fix it. Have you had any issues with the hooks specifically?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Wides is for sure the call. The Step On Burton's run more narrow than the regular boots. Well there is always a compromise with quick release systems. Both the Nidecker and Burton quick release tech have reliability issues and compromises vs. normal bindings. It comes down to what calls to you more. Nidecker is heavier with less shock absorption but is more damp and works with any boot. Burton has more shock absorption and more response but has proprietary tech that only gives you a few boot options and locks your lower leg in so it doesn't move like normal bindings do. So it comes down to how important getting your bindings on and off is.

[@aftermatch01]

@@thegoodridesnow I purchased the Photon Wides US 9 + Genesis bindings. They'll arrive next week!

[@mayumic08]

Do you think the Ankle strap kinda compensates not having the double boa? Can i loosen the top boa and tighten the ankle strap to give it more flex wil that work fine? Im beginnerish and looking to progress more this season. Only Felix have the wide version, but heard they are quite stiff?

[@JMCHALE]

ordered the genesis + photon set up. the photons are a little concerning because my big toe is a bit tight. not totally pushing against the boot but it’s definitely making contact. problem is my other toes feel fine and the width feels okay. i keep reading they loosen up quite a bit but i’m considering exchanging for a half size up 11. i’m a 10.5. tough call cuz it requires me exchanging the bindings as well. what do you recommend?

[@thegoodridesnow]

When you lean forward a little like when making a toe side turn does it still touch?

[@JMCHALE]

@@thegoodridesnow i’d say the pressure slightly reduced when i do that? bit of pressure on my achilles and a little more toe press when i walk.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Ah man. I get that Achilles pressure even with proper fitting boots. That was hard (even with heat molding) to minimize that for me. If your toe is slightly bent standing up straight I don't think this is the right call. If your toe isn't bent when standing up straight there is hope you can heat mold it. Just do a toe cap over your snowboarding sock, boot fitting foam on your heel and another thin sock over it so you can keep them in place when you heat mold it.

[@mackakiwinz4353]

My photons are now in probably day 20 or so and have become more and more comfortable I added 2 jbars to my left and surprisingly removed the left jbar of my right boot and added a slight heel lift to the right boot and now they are riding perfectly definitely packed out maybe 1/4 to 1/3 of a size I also run mid arch sidas insoles a fair bit of fine tuning but you can get there. Some pain required I find to get them right but I know my right foot is .75 of a US size longer than my right and 3mm wider.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Well done and thanks for sharing what you did to make these work.

[@trex2957]

Rubbish product. I rode them for 70 days. The toe box disintegrated starting at day 35-40. By day 60 the toe seams were gone. They're not engineered to withstand forces applied to the toe clips. The genesis stepon were just as disappointing - held together by little plastic clips that break, gas pedals that fall off, and hammocks that snap off. I know this is the hardware not the rider because I bought non step on photons and used last season for 60-70 days and surprise-surprise, the toe boxes haven't fallen apart. Junk, but if you like getting a few weeks only, or you're super casual and skid your turns and ride like a nanna these might be OK. Just look at how the hammock is attached - it's two little plastic pegs (that snap) and a pop rivet sent through plastic. If you don't see that is rubbish... Well. Think again when it snaps off and you only have s one season guarantee on that highback. The positives definitely do not out weigh the compromises... And I say this taking my non step on photons from last season and Union atlases to europe for their second full season. The step ons were unrideable failing $#@& by day 60. (rear) gas pedals lost, highbacks snapped off, rear toe clips failing on the first heelside. If you get this system ffs don't get photons, and def not genesis. Loved them for the first 2-3 weeks, until bits started falling off, and then boots started failing.