Burton: Men's Ion Snowboard Boots

Categorized as an all-mountain freestyle snowboard boot by Burton, the Ion is the stiffest and most supportive all-terrain design made by the company. It's also a favorite among pros who need the ATV-like versatility coupled the precision response. The Ion has Burton's proven and popular Speed Zone Lacing, which Burton claims (possibly quite rightly so) is the fastest and easiest lacing system currently available to snowboarders. While most high-end boot closures allow you to adjust independently the upper and lower (zonal) tension, Burton's Speed Zone Lacing can be adjusted in seconds while waiting in lift lines or for your friends to catch up. The Ion also offers Burton's Shrinkage Footprint reduction technology, which means that whatever boot size you choose, Burton reduced the exterior boot sole area on your board to better fit your snowboard. If that sounds like a tight fit around your feet, it really isn't. Your feet fit the same size boot, but the exterior footprint fits snowboards better, so the boot is lighter and has less bulk; and if you want to ride a board that might drag the toe on your existing boots, Burton's Shrinkage Footprint reduction technology might give you the solution that you need. This version of the Burton Ion also features a low profile EST Optimized midsole that is lower and lighter than previous Ion boots, and that brings you closer to your EST bindings (you can use other bindings with this boot) for a better connection and feel for the terrain beneath your snowboard. To keep it comfortable, the EST Optimized midsole also has B3 Gel inserts to minimize vibrations and improve overall comfort. If you insist on optimal response in any terrain and all snow conditions, the Burton Ion is a big step up from mainstream middle-of-the-mountain snowboard boots.

• Burton "support" rating: 8 on a scale of 1 to 10
• Intended for advanced and expert freestyle all-mountain riders
• Made with Burton's Shrinkage Footprint reduction technology
• Neat and clean Speed Zone lacing system with molded handle for zonal lacing control and improved support where you need it
• New ultra-light mesh on upper helps reduce overall boot weight without compromising durability
• New injected toe cap
• New outer shell pressure relief panel
• Imprint 4 Liner with Power Panel, J-Bar adjustable heel hold system, EZ Entry Panel, and Velcro Liner Closure
• New InfinFIT Liner sole
• Outlast Adaptive Comfort technology (both in lining and in footbed) treated with an Aegis antimicrobial coating
• Firm Flex Thin Profile 3D molded tongue
• New Level 3 Molded EVA Footbed with ESS Support Shank, dual-density and thermally-resistant Outlast footbed treated with an Aegis antimicrobial coating
• Low profile, cushioned EST Optimized midsole (for EST Bindings, but other bindings work well too) with RX adjustable cushioning and rubber ice spikes