How to Relace and Repair Burton Speed Zone Lacing
Burton Speed Zone lacing uses New England Ropes that are constructed of American-made fibers and are virtually indestructible, but in the event that laces break or fray, repairing and replacing them is extremely simple. So, while it’s unlikely you’ll need to repair your Speed Zone lacing boots, if you find yourself with a broken lacing system you can follow this step-by-step guide to get back out on the mountain as soon as possible.
What is Burton Speed Zone lacing?
Burton Speed Zone™ utilizes two quick-pull laces that allow you to loosen and tighten the upper and lower zones of the boot independently of each other for a more customized fit. Similar to BOA, the ropes are routed within the boot shell and all you need to do is pull up to tighten and back to lock the laces in place.
Repairing Burton Speed Zone Lacing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Repairing a busted Speed Zone lace is relatively straightforward, but there are a few tricks and tips that can make the project easier for a first-time boot doctor. In general, there is a five-step process for swapping out a Speed Zone lace and each step has a few different components.
- Get a Speed Zone Replacement Kit
- Remove the Boot Liner (optional)
- Remove the Broken Laces
- Relace the Upper/Lower Zone
- Tie Off the Anchor Knot
Note: There is a separate Upper Zone and Lower Zone and only the zone with the broken lace needs to be replaced.
Step 1: Get a Speed Zone Replacement Kit
To swap out your old laces you will need some new laces. Fortunately, the Speed Zone Replacement Kit from Burton includes laces, the attached handles, a purpose-built tool for threading the new laces through the boot shell, and an instruction card (that reiterates the steps outlined in this guide).
There are a few different ways to get a Speed Zone Replacement Kit.
- Drop into your local Burton store.
- Check out Spare Parts on burton.com.
- Visit an authorized Burton retailer in your area.
If you can’t find what you need, please feel free to hit up the Burton Guides to chat about your options.
Pro tip: Consider purchasing a Speed Zone Replacement Kit before you need it and keeping it in your gear closet, so you’re not stuck without boots while you wait on parts to ship.
Step 2: Remove the Boot Liner (optional)
This step is optional, but replacing laces for the first time is generally easier without the boot liner in the way, so go ahead and remove it so you can access the cable routing holes on the inside of the boot shell.
Step 3: Remove the Broken Laces
To remove a broken Speed Zone lace, find the end of the lace with the knot (located between the tongue of the boot and the shell) and snip it off using a pair of scissors. You may need to loosen the boot all the way to be access the end of the lace and get to the knot. Proceed to pull out all sections of broken or frayed lacing before proceeding.
Pro tip: A pair of needle-nose pliers can be helpful in pulling the knotted end of the lace out.
Step 4: Relace the Upper/Lower Zone
When replacing either the upper zone or lower zone, insert the replacement tool into the appropriate routing hole on the boot shell and push it through until it comes out by the locking cleat on the side of the boot. Next, insert the non-handle end of the new lace through the locking cleat (make sure you are using the correctly labeled "Upper Zone" and "Lower Zone" parts) and through the eye on the end of the replacement tool. Then, gently pull on the tool to feed the lace through the routing within the shell of the boot.
Continue to feed the new lace through the rest of the appropriate holes.
- Upper Zone: Lace the boot from the bottom to the top.
- Lower Zone: Lace the boot from the top to the bottom.
Upper Zone Step-by-Step Guide: Photos
Make sure to save the release pull-tab from your old laces and transfer it onto your new laces, threading through the lowest section of Upper Zone lacing and the highest section of the Lower Zone.
Lower Zone Step-by-Step Guide: Photos
Make sure to save the release pull-tab from your old laces and transfer it onto your new laces, threading through the lowest section of Upper Zone lacing and the highest section of the Lower Zone.
Step 5: Tie Off the Anchor Knot
Once you have completed fed the lace through the internal routing in the boot shell, you will need to tie off a secure knot that will prevent the lace from coming undone. We generally recommend a variation of a half-hitch knot.
Want to take this guide on-the-go? Download the complete (printer-friendly) How to Relace and Repair Burton Speed Zone Lacing Snowboard Boots PDF guide.
Snowboard Boot Lacing Durability
It is important to note that snowboard boot laces (regardless of the type) are prone to wear over time. The useful life of snowboard boot laces can be dramatically cut short with improper use (such as regular overtightening, resting your board edge on the laces while riding the lift, or dragging your laces while walking back to the car) so make sure to take care of them as best you can.
But with that said, all Burton men’s snowboard boots, women’s snowboard boots, and kids' snowboard boots that feature Speed Zone are backed by our industry-leading 1-Year Warranty. So, rest assured that we’ve got your back (or feet) no matter what.
