Burton Ion Snowboard Boot - Men's - 2008 BCS

Update: Yes, they run a little small, but once I got the right size I really like these boots. They were comfortable right out of the box (needing little break-in), and are easy to get on and off. It's nice to have upper and lower zones on the laces (and having two zones makes it easier and quicker to fully tighten them). They are warm, and the lower center of gravity and smaller footprint are nice. Yes, they are on the stiff side, but that works for me. Of course cost is an issue, but having comfortable feet is so very important.

Park riders might find these boots a little too stiff, but I really like that about them. I guess you could keep the laces looser if you wanted to. These boots provide great control on the corduroy and (more importantly) powder. Nice quick lacing system. The velcro strap on the liners is great for staying put all day. Really warm. Really comfortable. However, buy at least a half size bigger.

I ride Ions that are a few years old, and have no intention of getting new boots. I almost have 0 complaints. The boots are very stiff. They have inserts that make them ridiculously stiff. This limits you somewhat on rails, but not considerably unless you're more of an urban border (I make do by pairing them with a more freestyle binding) Great for backcountry and park, especially good in the pipe.

Cushioning is good. I've only had a bruised heel once from a pretty serious flat landing. No points taken off there.

Lacing system is I think the best part. Light as hell, but allow for a better fit than the boa system does, in my opinion. Boots can be tightened in the "upper zone" independently from the "lower zone." People with wider feet or who usually have toe/foot discomfort will find a tighter upper zone and looser lower zone to magically solve these issues.

Durability is outstanding. After using these for more than a couple years, they feel even better than when I first got them. Somehow, they don't really smell, even though I would certainly expect them to given my boot history. The air bubbles in the heel seem intact. I bought a size 11 boot and I'm a 11.5. It was snug but liner molded perfectly, and the footprint is probably that of a 10 or 10.5.

The only reason I would consider rating them a 4/5 is price. The same-tier boot from other companies is typically $50-$70 cheaper than this. Still, because these have only cost me less than $100/year, I think the investment is worth it.

I have a pair from a few years ago. These fit like a glove. No hot spots. Feet never get cold. Heels always stay in place even when I keep them loose. Not the stiffest boot on the market, which is good. I previously had the Rulers and these are definitely softer than those as well as much more comfortable. I'm constantly messing with my laces throughout the day so the quick lace system is a godsend. I continue keep these on hours after riding, when I'm in the bar and never even think about loosening them up and it has nothing to do with how many Long Trails I've had. Best boot I've ever owned.

I know it can be tricky buying boots on-line, but I couldn't find these boots locally. I usually wear a 10.5, so I figured that I would be OK with an 11. Nope. With the 11's, my toes go to the tip of the boot (with thin socks) and I'm sure would eventually cramp up. With the Ion's, I guess that I'll need an 11.5. The boots otherwise seem great, but I obviously can't really review them. Just be aware that they definitely run small!

Just bought my second pair of ions. My old ones were size 11.5, and only a little too small I just got the 12's, the boots are awesome, but they feel smaller than my old ions that were 11.5, I suggest you buy a size bigger

these boots will keep your feet warm and dry. hiking up a ridge in 3 feet of fresh? sliding and buttering in the spring slush? no snow or water seepage at all. this is a pretty stiff boot, and it will take a few trips to break them in, but once they're dialed in, they'll give you confidence to launch the booter without worrying about landing on the knuckle. I've put a lot of days in wearing these boots, and haven't had any trouble with the speed lacing system snagging or breaking, and it is very convenient being able to get your boots on or adjusted quickly when it's freezing or blowing or it's your turn on the bizzle.

My boyfriend used to have the Burton Hails and he always complained that they hurt his feet, but the Ions are perfect. He loves them and has gotten a few compliments on the white/green ones. He normally wears an 11.5 in shoes but had to get a 12 in these boots!

The Speed Zone lacing works pretty well. More convenient lacing than traditional lace-up boots. Allows you to put your boots on faster and take them off even quicker! This is my 3rd season wearing Ions and they're still as comfy and solid as the first year I got them.

They are the best boots available no doubt about it