Burton Kendo Review

Hello and welcome to my Burton Kendo review.

In this review I will take a look at the Kendo as all-mountain snowboard boots.

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

NOTE: The 2023 model was the last model of the Kendo.

Overall Rating

Boots: Burton Kendo

Price: $349 (USD recommended retail)

Style: All-Mountain 

Flex Rating: Medium

Flex Feel: Medium (6.5/10)

Rating Score: 82.6/100

Compared to other All-Mountain Boots

Out of the 30 all-mountain boots that I rated:

Overview of the Kendo’s Specs

Who are the Kendo Most Suited to?

The Kendo are best suited to anyone looking for boots that will give them a decent amount of support on a carve but aren't overly stiff. 

Best matched with boards in that 5/10 to 8/10 flex range and particularly well suited to 6/10 to 7/10 flex boards. 

Too stiff to be great beginner boots, though could work for bigger beginners or stronger beginners. Otherwise, a good choice for intermediate to advanced riders looking for a traditional lace boot. 

THE Kendo IN MORE DETAIL

Bindings angles: +15/-15

Board Demoed With: YES Greats

Bindings Demoed With: Union Falcor

Outersole Length:  31.0cm (mondo 28cm)

Difference between Mondo & Outersole: 3.0cm

Backstay Height: 12.0" (30.5cm)

Weight: 2lbs 4oz (1020 grams)*

* Average of a sample of around 50 boots I've weighed was 1028g (2lbs 4oz). Heaviest I've weighed were 2lbs 15oz (1320g) and lightest were 1lb 8oz (680g). So the Kendo were pretty much bang on average. 

Fit

Width: Plenty of room for toes laterally and medially in toe box. A little bit narrower in forefoot, but still overall what I would call a medium width boot, bordering on mid-wide. Not for those with proper wide feet, but a little wider than average. 

True to Size?: Toes not quite brushing the edge when standing up straight but can get them there - they're really close to brushing. And just all round fit, they're just right in the 10 (and I'm typically a 10). So I would say true-to-size for sure. 

High or Low Arch: Before heat molding and riding, there was quite a bit of pressure on top of right foot (which has a higher instep than my left foot. I always get that when first trying a boot on, but this was a little more so than normal. After heat molding, the pressure was considerably better and got better each lap I rode in them. It was still there, but nothing much by the end. 

Around Ankles: Felt uncomfortable pressure around the ankles initially. Heat molding improved it a little but was still uncomfortable. But it did ease after the first lap and then a bit more each lap. It was still there at the end, but again, like the instep pressure, had gotten to a point where it wasn't too bad. 

Responsiveness

I felt like they weren't quite as quick edge-to-edge as my control boots (Tactical ADV). They were a touch better on a deeper carve, than my Tactical but not by much. Not quite as good on a carve as the DC Judge, which I also tested that day. 

Heel Hold

There was very little heel lift in these boots. That pressure around the ankles was uncomfortable for a while, but it was helping lock my heels down pretty well. 

Adjustability

They have traditional lacing, so can customize your fit really well. No special features (like heel hold kit, tongue stiffeners etc) or anything but trad lacing just so good for adjustability. 

Comfort

Initially not super comfortable with the ankle pressure and top of foot pressure. But both those things eased considerably by the time I was done with them and would only have gotten better. And had no cramping or anything like that. 

Shock Absorption

They absorbed shock decently but weren't amazing.

Traction/Sole Quality

Decent overall quality for the sole. Good tread pattern variation. Tread depth varies from quite small depth to mid depth depending on the pattern. 

Reduced Footprint

They have a smaller than average footprint but aren't ultra low profile or anything  - a little longer than most Burton boots I've measured. 

Entry/Exit

Nice and easy to get in and out of, but good and snug once foot was in. 

Really liked the lacing around the lining. Was nice and easy to loosen out but also easy to tighten up and felt like I could get it nice and tight. 

Traditional lacing on the outer boot takes a little more time than the likes of BOA or speed lace, but not by that much - and has the advantage of great adjustability. 

Score Breakdown and Final Verdict

The Kendo are well made boots that perform well across every category we test for. There weren't any outstanding features per se, but no weaknesses either. A solid choice for anyone looking for mid bordering on mid-stiff, traditional lace boots.