Burton SLX Snowboard Boot Review |
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The Good Ride TakeThe Burton SLX Advanced to Expert All Mountain Snowboard Boot Review
If you ride allot and/or have allot of money then the Burton SLX of the best boots you can ride. After 200+ days on this boot we haven't found any major flaws and it continues to ride close to how it was when it was new. It's taking snowboarding to the skiing price levels. Another issue for some but not for others is the shrinkage tech with this boot. If you are a size between 11 and 10 then the SLX is awesome to help you fit into a smaller board and binding. The SLX has a low profile so a size 9 shoe looks more like a size 8 wich makes a difference if you have big feet.
Flex-They are not supper stiff and now they are on the medium side. In the old days before 2010 the SLX was pretty stiff. The 2010 boot was the first attempt at making the boot soft and in our opinion it was a time for learning. This is the only year we won't back this boot. The tongue would fold on a forward lean causing a pressure point on the front part of your ankle which should never happen for a boot of this price. In 2011 and 2012 this issue was fixed with a little stiffer flex and rubber guards on the liner where it use to fold. We were skeptical with this tech but after close to 100 days in 2011 we aren't any more. Comfort- The Burton SlX really fits like a glove and is pressure point free on the first day. This goes for every year we tried except for 2010 and aside from that one pressure point the boot was very comfortable. You don't have to bring your old boots up on the first day like you do with many other new boots because most riders will not have a break in period with them. In 2012 the SLX has newer tech to make this break in period even easier. No matter how hard you crank the laces down it seems to have the least pressure points of almost any boot we have ever tried so if you like to crank your shit down then you will be ok here.
Heel Hold-For all burton boots the heel hold has vastly improved from past years but the SLX was always pretty awesome when it came to keeping your heels in place. Before you needed the J-Bars to completely eliminate heel lift but now you almost don't need them unless your ankle is really tiny. It allows the Burton Boot to cater to many different riders.
Upper and Lower Adjustability-The dual zone lacing system is the best out there so you can pretty much adjust the upper and lower however you would like. The only thing you cant do is individually adjust the top rungs like you can with some traditional lace boots but this is pretty minor because the SLX's lacing is so good you won't really think about that. The 2011 and 2012 models laces are much more durable. The 2009 SLX's laces had to be replaced every 50-70 days but now the new laces are good for at least 100 days without any sign of wear.
Response-This boot can adapt to many different conditions depending on how you tighten it. The edge to edge response is incredibly predictable. It doesn't have the Ion's almost magical create the next turn for you kind of feeling but it really is a joy to turn with these. There isn't a boot out there that can respond like these. The only boot that could have better edge to edge transitioning is the Ion but its a coin toss and up to your personal preference. The rebound rods in the boot liners are actually worth mentioning. They are supposed to help you transition from edge to edge. We put an older Burton liner without rebound rods in the boot and noticed a huge difference in edge to edge transitioning and realized his is not a gimmick.
Traction-This boot's traction does fine in any type of snow or ice but will not perform as well as the driver x if your hiking back country. This boot is also really light compared to other boots.
Sole Cushioning- The one complaint for these boots is the sole cushioning. It is no where near as cushy and forgiving as the Ions but that is not their intention with this boot. They want more feel but they have made improvements over the 2009 and below models when it comes to cushioning. They are no longer using an air bag and cover the entire foot bed instead of just the heal. Good choice but this isn't made to be super soft. It's made to be low to the board and provide shock absorption when needed. They aren't chattery or tough on the feet but they just aren't super paded.
The Burton SLX boots of almost any year integrate perfectly with any bindings and any board. If you have the cash or can find a closeout go for it. I haven't met anyone yet who has been dissapointed with the boot except from people who had the 2010 model. You'll get some looks and comments but it's worth the social bullshit.
The Good Ride Take on Articulating Cuffs The Good Ride Take on Burton Burton is huge. They have developed or acquired most of the technology that we use today. Burton is one of the only companies that can provide you with everything you need to snowboard from boards to beanies. Burton even owns arguably the best surfboard company Channel Islands because Jake likes to surf. They are like the Yankees of snowboarding because they can always outspend their competition to win. The positives- Burton provides more products for each gear/clothing/accessory category than any other company. Burton has possibly the best customer service in the snowboarding industry. Burton continuously spends more money than almost any company to develop new tech or just make what they have better. Burton sponsors more pro’s and get’s more high level user feed back than any other company. They have some of the best boots, bindings and boards in the industry. They also have great clothing.
Company InfoBurton SLX 2012
Burton SLX Material obsession, tweaked to perfection.
It's no secret that Burton has the most experience building boots. But in the case of the SLX™, turning raw materials into high-tech luxury is a bit more complex than just piecing together parts. The steps start with extraordinary materials such as a lighter weight Vibram® outsole, DRYRIDE liner science, and bulletproof vest fibers tweaked to toughen the infinitely responsive S4 shell. The final formula is a result of three decades of material obsession and Haakon’s boot of choice.
Ridden by: Terje Haakonsen, Jack Mitrani, and Mikey Rencz
Features + Shrinkage™ Footprint Reduction Technology + LACING: Speed Zone™ Lacing System for True Zonal Lacing Control + LINER: Imprint™ 5 Liner with Rebound Rods, NEW DRYRIDE Moisture Wicking Tech, InfiniFIT™ Liner Sole, and Rad Pad for Lace Comfort + CUSHIONING: NEW Vibram® EcoStep™ Plus Outsole [50% Recycled] Featuring NEW Lightweight Sandwich Construction with Dual Zone B3 Gel Cushioning in the Heel and Toe + FLEX AND RESPONSE: NEW S4 Shell Panels Combined with Schoeller® Keprotec® Mesh, Easy Slide Articulating Cuff, Medium Flex Thin Profile 3D® Molded Tongue, NEW Seamless Asym Power Spine Backstay, and Super Grip Toe + COMFORT: NEW Total Comfort Construction, NEW Snow-Proof Internal Gusset and Level 3 Molded EVA Footbed with ESS Support Shank, Dual-Density Cushioning, and Aegis™ Antimicrobial Coating
Colorway: Black / Red
Sizes: 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11 11.5 12 13
Support: 7
Burton SLX 2011Burton SLX Luxury slippers for all-mountain rippers. Employing the most scientific methods imaginable and tested relentlessly by our team, testers, and shred technicians, the SLX™ is like no boot you’ve ever felt. The purest reflection of anatomical perfection—every stitch, cutline, and curve has been sculpted to mirror your every move. Our most premium piece, it’s got everything, including heat-ready Therm-ic liners, an ultra-light Vibram® outsole, and infinitely responsive S4 shell paneling. Prepare to ride harder, stronger, and longer than ever before. Features + Shrinkage™ Footprint Reduction Technology + LACING: Speed Zone™ Lacing System for True Zonal Lacing Control [Featuring NEW Winder Handle and Additional System Upgrades] + LINER: Therm-ic Heat Pre-Wired Imprint™ 5 Liner with InfiniFIT™ Liner Sole, and NEW Rad Pad For Lace Comfort + CUSHIONING: Vibram® 3D Gumlite Outsole with Dual Zone B3 Gel Cushioning in the Heel and Toe + FLEX AND RESPONSE: S4 Shell Panels, Easy Slide Articulating Cuff, Medium Flex Thin Profile 3D® Molded Tongue, Dual-Component Power Spine™ Backstay, and NEW Super Grip Toe + COMFORT: Level 3 Molded EVA Footbed with ESS Support Shank, Dual-Density Cushioning, and Aegis™ Antimicrobial Coating Colorway: Black / Silver Sizes:7-13 Support: 7
Burton SLX 2010The SLX™ fits like no boot you’ve ever felt. The purest reflection of anatomical perfection, every stitch, cutline, and curve has been sculpted to mirror your every move. Besides the ever evolving improvements to fit, flex, and cushioning, the NEW S4 shell paneling resists breakdown for infinitely accurate response. A showcase for technical function, prepare to ride harder, stronger, and longer than ever before.Comfort
Flex Response
Lacing
Cushioning / Trac
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Other Features
Compare Laces & SizingBOA vs. Speed Lace vs. Traditional Lace
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Burton SLX Snowboard Boot Review
Boots - Boot Reviews
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5.0 (1) |
User reviews
Average user rating from: 1 user(s)
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THIS BOOT ROCKS!
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
I have been a fan of this boot for a number of years. I used to ride 32 boots, which were light but not durable for me. Then I went to the Burton Ion which I found to be a solid boot which I really liked, with that quick two zone pimp lacing system...then I found the SLX series. I'm on my 2nd set as I just picked up a 2011 at the end of last season.It's just a very comfortable supportive boot that does everything I need. My feet are never hot (in the spring) or cold (on the bitterest days). I see that my 2011 model came with heat capable liners, but I don't think I'll ever buy or need the heater pack. A good pair of smartwool snowboard socks is all you need! Your feet will be dry, well supported and the boot hikes great as well. Two negatives that fall into the "no boot is perfect" category...first, in 2011 they stopped sending out the J Bar pads which you put in below your ankles to help lock your heel in. They work great and the velcro is still inside the boot for them. I called Burton and they sent them right out. Second, I do find they'll loosen up as I ride and I'll have to tighten them up a couple times during the day. The outer laces are fine, and they don't loosen and are quick to lace anyway. It is the inside liner lace that I like to keep nice and snug. In order to re-lace it you have to undo the top of the boot to access the lace pull, and PUSH down the cleat. I don't like this system. Burton used to have a great lace tightener in my old Ions which let you PULL to tighten. That was great because you could keep the tab sticking out of the top of your boot and just give it a pull once in a while and you didn't even have to take your foot out of the binding. Price is high, but just pick it up at year end when Burton approves all the retailors to blow all their gear out at 40% off. In any event, if you find this boot at a price point that you're okay with, you won't be disappointed in it. It really is the best boot I've ever tried. |
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Reviewed by Kiter Todd
January 20, 2012 |