Hello and welcome to my Burton Ion boots review.
In this review I will take a look at the Ion as all-mountain snowboard boots.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Ion a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain boots.
Overall Rating
Boots: Burton Ion
Price: $589 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Stiff
Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating Score: 88.0/100
Compared to other All-Mountain Boots
Out of the 31 all-mountain boots that I rated:
Overview of the Ion’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Ion's specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain |
Price: | $589 - BUYING OPTIONS |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Weight: | Normal |
Lacing System: | Speed Lace |
Who are the Ion Most Suited to?
The Ion are great for anyone looking for a boot that's on the stiffer side, but don't want to go super stiff. Someone who values speed and carving more so than slow speed maneuverability, but that doesn't want to reduce their slow speed agility too much.
They are suited to those with a higher budget. These things don't come cheap. But they also seem high quality. I can't attest to how they hold up in the long term, but from my experience with them, they certainly seem to be good quality.
Best matched to boards with a 6/10 to 8/10 flex. But can work for 5/10 or 9/10 depending on your preferences.
The Ion in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Ion are capable of.
Demo Info
Boots: Burton Ion 2022
Size: 10 (US Men's Sizing)
Date: February 4, 2022
Conditions
Snowing. But quite a wet snow. Cascade concrete for sure. Visibility iffy in places and OK in others.
Temp: -1°C (30°F). Apparently as cold as -7°C (19°F) with wind chill but didn't feel that cold.
24 hour snow: 3cm (1.2")
48 hour snow: 8cm (3.2")
7 day snow: 26cm (10.2")
Snow conditions on groomer: Soft, with fresh wet pow. Some well groomed other parts cruddy. Slow. Cascade concrete for sure. But not the slowest cascade concrete I've been in.
Snow conditions off groomer: Some good soft building on top. Still felt some crust in patches but pretty good all round.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Board Demoed With: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker 2021
Bindings Demoed With: Burton Malavita
Outersole Length: 30.3cm (mondo 28.0cm)
Difference between Mondo & Outersole: 2.3cm
Backstay Height: 30.3cm
Weight: 1100 grams (2lbs 7oz)*
* Average of a sample of boots I've weighed was 1018g (2lbs 4oz), so a bit heavier than the average, but not overly heavy. Heaviest were 1320g (2lbs 15oz) and lightest were 740g (1lb 10oz).
Flex
They felt stiffer than the Photon that I also rode that day and my test boots (Tactical ADV) and certainly stiffer than average, but with some flex - not as stiff as the stiffer freeride boots I've ridden. Not quite an 8 for stiffness, but more than a 7.
Fit
Width: Plenty of room in the toe box width-wise, but not overly wide throughout the boot. But certainly not narrow. I'd say a mid-wide - a little wider than average, but nothing super wide. Good for regular width feet or slightly wider than normal feet, IMO.
True to Size?: Yes. I'm typically a 10 and the 10 fit well. Just the right length and everything else about it fit well. If I was being fussy, could maybe fit in a 9.75, but that would be really fussy. The 10 fit pretty ideally.
High or Low Arch: Normal in terms of the arch. When first putting them on my right foot (which has a higher arch than my left) there was some pressure there, which is the case with every single boot I wear. But it was minimal and got less and less the more I wore them - which was also typical.
Bindings Fit
Fit very similarly in my Medium Burton Malavitas as my Tactical ADVs. Felt like they were a little bulkier around the ankle but not so much so that I had to lengthen the ankle strap. Fit very similar width-wise in the binding and very similar on the toe strap.
Responsiveness
As expected from the boot - it allowed me to carve deeper and harder compared to my control boots and made my board more carvy. On the flip side, also as expected with a stiffer boot, they weren't as as good for quick turns at slower speeds. Made the board feel less nimble at slower speeds. Not to a great extent, but noticeable.
Heel Hold
I found some heel lift, but that's case for pretty much every boot. But the heel hold overall was really good. I've had boots that had better heel hold, but the heel lift was minimal enough that I didn't notice it when riding - only when actually trying to lift the heel up in the boot.
Adjustability
Outer lacing: Speed Zone: The bottom zone (3 laces) are controlled by one "puller" (not sure of the technical name of those plastic things you pull on to tighten the laces!) and the top zone (top 3 laces) is controlled by the other "puller". From what I could tell the zones were both completely independent.
Inner Lacing: Has a standard lacing harness on the inside, with velcro straps that help to tighten and keep in place the top of the liner. I liked how the velcro worked - got a nice secure feeling around the shins. The "puller tag" for the liner lacing harness felt good quality - which seems to be a rarity these days, even on higher end boots from some brands, so that was nice. And it was easy to get that lacing harness really tight - in fact I had to loosen it a bit after I initially over tightened it - something I find I can't do with some boots.
To readjust the liner lacing, you do have to open up the outer boot, so it's not as convenient as having a BOA that controls an liner ankle harness or anything like that, so you lose some convenience there compared to a system like that, but all round I liked the lacing system on these boots and felt I could get a nice custom fit fairly easily.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Comfort
Really comfortable from the moment I put them on. Which is not something that's always the case, particularly with stiffer boots.
I didn't experience any foot cramping in these boots which is pretty much the main thing for comfort next to any major pressure points. Which I didn't have any of with these boots either.
I could feel some very minimal shin-bite and initially quite tight around the ankles, but in terms of the shin bite, this is something I typically get to start with with stiffer boots. The tightness around the ankle got less and less noticeable - without the heel hold worsening or anything like that. As they molded to my feet, they became even more comfortable.
Note: Comfort can be quite a subjective thing with boots as everyone's feet are different. Your comfort level in this boots won't necessarily be the same as mine.
Shock Absorption
Felt pretty good both in my stomp test in the office and on snow. I always hit a couple of ollies with flat landings when I test boots on top of thinking about the overall feeling of shock absorption as I ride and the Ion absorbed that shock well.
The stomp test I do in the office involves wearing one boot on one foot and another on the other and stomping the ground to get a feel for the shock absorption before riding. I stomp tested against both the Tactical ADV (my control boots) and the Burton Photon).
Versus the Photon, they absorbed shock a little better, both on snow and during the stomp test.
Versus the Tactical ADV, they weren't as good, but nothing I've ever tested has been as good as the Tactical ADV, so wasn't surprised there.
Board Feel
Not amazing, being a stiffer boot, but actually better than I thought they'd be. Was confident hitting ollies, butters and spins in these boots. Part of that might be down to the "EST Optimized Midsole" which Burton claims to give you a lower center of gravity in the boots.
The other part that may have helped is that there is some flex in the toe end of the sole of the boot and down the mid-foot section of the sole. More so than on the Photon. Not quite as much flex in the sole as the Tactical ADV or the Vans Aura Pro, which I also tested them against, but a reasonable amount there.
Traction
The tread isn't super deep on these boots (which may have also helped with board feel) but there's good tread variety and the sole feels like really good quality (which you'd certainly expect for the price-point!) - a good amount of rubber in the sole.
Didn't have anything super slippery to test them on - the snow was pretty soft and no icy carpark or anything, but felt like they gripped pretty well.
Reduced Footprint
They're nice and low profile. Just 2.3cm difference between the mondo and the outer sole.
Entry/Exit
Foot just slid right in, super easy! But foot feels snug once in – so foot didn't get in easy because it’s too big – just easy to open it right out so that it is easy to just slip in. Speed lacing pretty fast and easy once you get used to it.
You've got the velcro straps to deal with on top of the standard lacing harness on the liner - but that little bit more time setting those up is well worth that extra snugness around the shins.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SLOW SPEED RESPONSE | 3.5 | 7/10 |
HEEL HOLD | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TRACTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
REDUCED FOOTPRINT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.0/100 |
The Ion are great quality boots that were comfortable from the get go and had that kind of response and feel that made my board a better carver. That did come at the cost of a little maneuverability at slower speeds, as expected, but it's a subtle decrease in that area.
They're one of the pricier boots going around, but if you can afford them and you think they would suit your style of riding, then they are an awesome pair of boots!
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Ion, are ready to buy or want to research current prices and sizing availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Ion compared to other all-mountain boots, or want to check out some other options, check out the link below.
Hey Nate,
finally bought my dream board, a korua cafe racer 159 and am in love with it. though i have had the same second hand boots for about 5 years, ~2.5 weeks a season which are also about a size over. i’ve had my foot measured to be 10.5-11 depending on shoe fit and am currently riding in burton imperials. they are super soft and i’m starting to get some discomfort on the top of my foot. I ride the korua with Cartel X bindings, which also feel great and am finally looking for new boots.
Though i’m a bit torn on what boots to go for. I really want to improve my carving and getting flat towards the mountain, but still occasionally like going for tree lines and want to be able to make it through chunder.
i’ve mainly been looking at stiff boots such as the driver x, as the reduced footprint would also be handy but have recently seen these ions and seem to be the do-it-all boot, which i feel compliments the cafe racer.
i board in Australia so usually by midday there is not much groomed left and more chunder meaning i get quite a bit of boot out to go deep into the carves. My question would be do you think i should go with these ions or a more hard charging boot such as the burton driver x, or do you think both would go well with what i do?
Hi Michael, thanks for message. And apologies for the slow response (generally running behind, life/family and computer issues all contributing!)
Given you still like to ride tree lines, I think the Ion would work well. You can certainly still charge hard in them, but have that little bit more forgiveness in them. The Driver X wouldn’t be wrong and would also get the job done, but I would be leaning Ion in this case. And they’re also nice and low profile, in my experience. If you get them in a 10.5 or 11, I wouldn’t imagine you’d have too many boot-out issues on the 159 Cafe Racer.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
What I really dislike with my IONs BOA is how roomy they are in toe area. After spending a week with this boots I do not feel super comfortable and thinking of selling them and getting another boots. I don’t know is it typical for all Burton shoes Nate? I was thinking to try a Burton Photon but if the fit is the same then makes no sense.
I had a chance to try Nidecker Rift and I was impressed from the beginning how well they fit. Snug, like a glove. Full support, no roomy space in toe area. The only problem with Rift is that they have 5mm longer mondo in comparison to IONs in the same size and I need low profile boots.
What would you recommend? Should I try other Burton shoes or maybe Vans Infuse (boots for my primary board – Jones MT and future Standard Uninc/Burton Free Thinker i plan to get soon)
Hi Peter
Yeah, Burton boots tend to have a bit of room in the toes. Depending on your foot type, it can feel good, or it can feel too much. The Vans Infuse, in my experience, certainly have less room in the toes, so they may fit your better – and they are a good match for all the boards you mention.
Hey Nate.
Thought I would mention that I did a side by side of the liner’s between my 9.5 and 9 ions and they are identical. But the shell is larger in the 9.5.
I thought that was interesting.
Chris.
Hey Chris
Yeah, I think liners tend to be whole sizes. So one liner will fit over 2 half sizes. I’m not sure that’s the case for every liner, but that’s how intuition liners do it, I think. So Burton’s liners are potentially the same.
Hey Nate.
One last update fella.
I did a shell fit with my old 9.5 ions. I can fit two fingers side by side or two and a half over lapping. So looks like the 9.5 is definitely too big.
Cheers mate.
Chris.
Hey Chris
Thanks for the extra info. It sounds like you’ll be good in the 9s. Boots are (and should be) always tighter and less comfortable to start with. So you’ve got to take that leap sometimes. It can be tricky to make a call based on how they will pack out and mold with your feet, so it can be a bit of a gamble. But I think based on all the extra info there that you should be good. It doesn’t sound like your getting anything major in terms of pressure points now and you aren’t getting any numbing or cramping in your toes or feet. Plus, if you haven’t heat molded yet, that should also help them to mold to your feet quicker than just wearing/riding in them.
Thanks Nate for the advice. Its greatly appreciated. Im going to take the leap and run with the size 9 ions.
Chris.
You’re very welcome Chris. Hope they work well for you.
Before I bought these I had a boot fit in a shop who sized me as a us9. They sell ride and k2 and recommended the maysis in a 9. I also found it a little uncomfortable. Especially for my right foot. I was doable though kind of like my ions. Its a tough call.
Chris.
Hey Nate.
I just bought a pair of us 9 burton ions boas as replacement for my 2018 9.5 ion speedlace.
They feel pretty tight and I wonder if I should return and try to locate some 9.5s which seem to be sold out in NZ.
My L foot is 26.1 and R 25.8. My L width is 9.6cm and R 9.8.
The right boot definitely feels tighter. I can wear them for 30min without pain but i do feel some pressure points around the R shin and R midfoot and some slight numbness under both forefeet.
On paper I should fit a us 9 but I wonder if 9.5 makes more sense as which riding I don’t feel pain and response seems on point.
I do notice a little more heel lift with the 9.5s (perhaps 1-2cm) when standing but they have 45 days use. The 9s have less than 1cm of heel lift.
I previously had a pair of us10 imperials and after 50 days found that response was quite poor due to packing out considerably.
Thanks for your advice.
Chris.
Hey Chris
Thanks for your message. Yeah with your foot size, I would expect that the 9 would be the better foot, but it sounds like they are causing discomfort and that you’ve been good with Burton 9.5s before. Have you ridden in the boots yet? Or is this after trying on for the first time? Have they been heat molded?
Hey Nate.
No I haven’t ridden in them yet. My instinct is to return them and pick up a pair of 9.5s next season.
I haven’t heat molded as I purchased online.
I agree on paper the 9 sounds fine. I might try them on one more time.
Thanks,
Chris.
Hi.
I just tried again and this time no pain or pressure.
Perhaps I dialed the boas too much. This time
I just tightest them till the slack was gone then a half turn more.
They seem fine both width and length wise.
I guess a firm fit is something I need to get used to.
So I think I will keep and perhaps get a heat mold.
I also haven’t put in my sidas inners yet.
I will let you know how I get on.
Chris.
Hi Nate,
I’m torn between the Photons and the Ions. I have a custom wide with cartels size 11.
Riding style is slower carves than fast for the most part and I enjoy side hits and the occasional tight tree runs.
Any advice? I’ve tired both and the photons felt very comfy right away but I worry they won’t be stiff enough? Prior boot was imperial. Thanks!
Hi Matthew
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Photon, as they are right on in terms of the flex match with the Custom, IMO. But the Ions are within range and a good match too. If you think you prefer stiffer boots, then the Ion would definitely work with your setup. But given how you describe your riding, I would be leaning Photon and, IMO, they should be stiff enough. One more thing to take into account though – Photon is a very similar boot, especially flex-wise to what the Imperial was, so if you felt the Imperial was fine flex-wise, then that’s more pointing towards the Photon. However, if you felt they were a little too soft, then you might want to go Ion.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi there, I am currently riding the Imperial, but after riding quite some time with them (don’t know how long exactly but more than 100 days for sure) so they lost quite some stiffness (especially noticeable on warmer days). Now since the Imperials have been discontinued, I am not sure which boots I should have next. I am not looking for super stiff boots since I already have a pair of the Northwave Domain, but I still like it to be on the stiffer than on the softer side. I want them to be stiff enough to do some playful carving, but also to be soft enough so I can go deep when I want to pop my board, land bigger kicker jumps and absorb bumps.
Do you think the Ions (after they lost their initials stiffness after approx two weeks) would be a good replacement for my Imperials or should I look more after some Photons?
Hi Marvin
If you’re looking for the most similar in terms of flex to your Imperials (what they were to start with), then go Photon – the Photon are essentially the replacement for the Imperial (previously Imperial was pretty much the speed lace version of the Photon BOA). The new Photons aren’t exactly like the old Imperials, but pretty close and certainly the closest equivalent. The Ions would be a good bet, if you think you wanted something a touch stiffer than your Imperials were to start with. I feel the Ions are around 7.5/10 flex vs 6.5/10 flex for the old Imperials and the new Photons.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate
I tried Rulersin shop and im not sure but i felt like they are little bit wider, how ION perform there ?
My feet is 27cm and its D on wide scale…
I tried 43EU-28cm , toes slightly touching the end but not sure about wide
Can u help somehow ?
Also im deciding about Ride Fuse or Ion, its hard bcs my country doesnt even have these bots in shop so i need to order online , so every help about sizing will help me
When i look at web they say get ride half size down i dont even know what to think
Example i triend Nidecker Kita 27,5 fit good
Rulers 28cm feel good maybe more play inside bcs of wide of the boots
Thats what we have here in Serbia 🙁
Thanks
Hi Filip
I have one foot at 27cm and the other at 27.3cm. I typically ride both Burton and Ride in a 28cm (US10) and those sizes work well for me. If I could get into either in a 9.5 it would probably be Ride, but I like them in the 10. With both your feet at 27cm, you can probably get into the 27.5cm Ride Fuse, but no guarantees. Burton boots, in my experience are a little wider than Ride boots. Burton are what I consider to be mid-wide, with Ride what I consider to be medium. If you have D width, then my instinct is that the Ion will be a better fit than the Fuse. But it’s hard to say for sure.
Thanks a lot Nate
You’re very welcome Filip. Hope you have an awesome season!
I guess i’m being a cheap ass and not willing to pony up the money for high end boots. Quite frankly, i own my boards and bindings because I could purchase them at about 50% off (i bought 3 pair of targas at 125/each) Will the photons will deliver the same performance as the imperials, you’d say?
Hi Ryan
Yeah the Photon and Imperials are very comparable. In fact previously they had the Imperial and the Photon BOA and then the Imperial essentially became the Photon (speed lace) – so the Imperial was pretty much the speed lace version of the Photon Boa. There have been some small changes since it was the Imperial but still very similar.
I’m looking for an backup set of boots incase my Burton Imperials fail. The photons have my attention but I’m wondering if I really need something stiffer or if the photon will support my stiffer setups (XVMagtek 168W + Rome Targa and Orca159 + Atlas). I’m heavy rider (230lbs) and prefer bowls and carving. Keep the photons or find something stiffer?
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
For your setups, riding style and specs, I would go stiffer. If you want to stick with Burton, then the Ions are a good bet or the Driver X, if you want to go really stiff. For what you’re describing, I don’t think the Driver X would be too stiff, but it depends on preference for how stiff you wanted to go. If you wanted to go stiffer but still not super stiff, then the Ions would work well. Otherwise the Driver X. I would try to go minimum 7/10 flex for what you’re describing, and preferably a little stiffer than that – and anywhere up to 10/10 flex, IMO.
Hope this helps