Burton Driver X Review

Hello and welcome to my Burton Driver X review.

In this review I will take a look at the Driver X as freeride snowboard boots.

As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Driver X a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other freeride boots.

Overall Rating

Boots: Burton Driver X

Price: $549 (USD recommended retail)

Style: Freeride 

Flex Rating: Stiff

Flex Feel: Stiff (9.5/10)

Rating Score: 91.0/100

Compared to other Freeride Boots

Who are the Driver X Most Suited to?

The Driver X are best suited to anyone looking for the stiffest boots they can find (without going to hard boots). Anyone looking for that ultimate in support and carving and want something that can drive their stiff flexing board hard. 

Best suited to boards with a medium-stiff to stiff flex. 

Definitely not for a beginner. Too stiff for that. 

The Driver X in More Detail

Board Demoed With: Rossignol One LF 2018

Bindings Demoed With: Burton Malavita

Outersole Length:  30.7cm (mondo 28.5cm)

Difference between Mondo & Outersole: 2.2cm

Backstay Height: 30.3cm

Weight: 1080 grams*

* Average of a sample of boots I weighed was 1006 grams, so a just a little heavier than the average, but pretty close to average. Heaviest were 1320 grams and lightest were 740 grams. Stiffer boots tend to be heavier, so for their flex, they are quite light. 

Flex

The equal stiffest boots I've ridden. 

Fit

Width: A little wider than medium. Not super wide but just a little more width there than the average boot. 

True to Size?: I rode these in a 10.5, where I would normally ride in a 10. They worked fine in the 10.5, but I could feel that once they broke in more they could pack out too much in the 10.5. For the time I had them demoing, the 10.5 was good, but I think I would likely go with a 10, if I was to buy them, so I'd say true to size. 

High or Low Arch: I felt a little pressure on the top of my right foot to begin with (my left foot is quite flat, so that's usually only an issue for my right foot). But that's typical for me with new boots. After heat molding it was better. Then just after a walk to the lift they were even better and after a couple of laps could barely notice it anymore. So I would say normal in terms of arch.    

Responsiveness

Made my board a better carver for sure. You've got to put energy into them, but you sure get it back! They are carving machines. And even though you've got to put it in to get it out, it's not a crazy amount of effort you've got to drive into them. 

Certainly not as good in terms of maneuverability at slower speeds vs my test boots (Vans Aura), but that was definitely to be expected. And didn't feel like complete planks at slower speed - you could still ride at slow speeds, without feeling like you were just going to tip over. 

Heel Hold

I found there was a bit of lift there, but nothing crazy. And didn't really notice it whilst riding. More just when I was trying to feel for it and more whilst walking than anything else. 

Adjustability

Good separation between the upper and lower sections with the speed lacing, so you can get a good bit of customization in terms of fit with them. 

Adjusting the liner, you've got to open the outer boot first as it's just a standard lacing harness in there, with velcro. I didn't find I had to adjust it, but if you did, it's not something you can do on the fly, like you can with a boa that controls the internal harness. 

Comfort

Could feel it on the shins from toe side turns after a while, but nothing too bad, and that was just because of how stiff the tongue is. Otherwise, all round pretty comfortable. 

No major pressure points and no cramping, which is the main thing. 

Shock Absorption

Good shock absorption on flat landings and decent at absorbing chatter. Not world beating, but decent enough. 

Board Feel

For how stiff they are, the board feel isn't too bad. Still not great, but I don't find that stiff boots typically provide great board feel. 

Traction

Looks like a good amount of rubber, some spikes and good tread depth. Didn't have anything epic to test them in in terms of hiking or an icy car park or anything, but they felt like they gripped well and the sole seemed really good quality. 

Reduced Footprint

Burton boots are typically pretty good in terms of reduced footpring. The Driver X are even better than most Burton boots. The size I measued (10.5) had just a 2.2cm difference between the Mondo and the outersole. And Burton boots, the Driver X included, tend to have a more aggressive bevel on the toe, giving you even more leeway, in terms of boot drag. 

Entry/Exit

OK getting in and out of. This is a small thing, IMO, though. 

I'm not a big fan of speed lace in terms of getting on and off. But once it's done and you're riding, it doesn't make much difference, so not bad, but not great, but also not a big deal, unless you're a beginner, IMO, and if you're a beginner, then the Driver X are not a good choice!

Score Breakdown and Final Verdict

Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.

The Driver X are awesome boots for those that like to carve aggressively and prefer their boots stiff. They made my board a better carver and drove it harder. 

And they're still decently comfortable at the same time and have a highly reduced footprint, for those looking to get on a narrower board than they otherwise could with a bulkier boot.