Burton Step On® EST® Bindings: Everything You Need to Know

Burton Step On® EST® bindings deliver nearly limitless mounting options with natural underfoot flex, all while eliminating the hassle of conventional straps. Talk about unleashing the full potential of Channel snowboards.

The hardgoods experts at Burton created Step On EST by combining the best elements of Burton's EST and Step On binding systems for an elevated riding experience. But Step On EST is much more than just a mash-up, it’s the culmination of years of on-snow testing combined with countless hours in Craig’s prototype Facility.

Riders have been asking for an EST version of the Step On binding system from the start, so here it is, and we’re really proud of it. Whether you’re making your first turns or are a seasoned pro, come learn why the future of snowboard bindings is Step On EST.

What is Step On® EST®?
Step On EST Bindings: Origin & New Features
Pros of Burton Step On EST
Cons of Burton Step On EST
Frequently Asked Questions About Step On EST

What is Step On EST?

Burton Step On EST Bindings: Two images. A three-quarter view and rear view of white Burton Step On EST Genesis bindings.

Burton Step On EST bindings are the best elements of Burton EST® and Step On® combined. This means you get the unparalleled adjustability and board feel of EST, with the convenience of Step On in a single system that’s compatible with all snowboards featuring The Channel.

Step On EST bindings require just two screws per binding to mount. Additionally, the outboard mounting points of the EST system allowed us to eliminate excess material from underneath the snowboard boots, letting your snowboard flex like it should; from tip to tail, without any dead spots underneath your feet. At its initial launch in 2024, Step On EST is available for men and women riders.

Step On EST Bindings: Origin & New Features

Burton Step On EST Bindings: Snowboarder hiking while carrying a snowboard under their arm with Step On EST bindings mounted.

Since the launch of the Step On binding system in 2017, the hardgoods engineers at Burton have been keenly aware that riders wanted an EST version, too. The truth is, we originally launched Step On with our Re:Flex mounting system so that it would be available to more riders, because not everyone rides a Burton snowboard. There was another advantage of waiting to release a Step On version of EST: it gave us the ability to collect tons of rider feedback and on-snow testing data. All this information was crucial in designing the best bindings.

Astute Burton aficionados probably remember that winter 2019 was the first time we offered Step On EST bindings as part of Jake’s MINE77 collection. Whether you managed to get your mitts on one of these original pairs or not, you’ll notice that our 2024 release of Step On EST looks a bit different visually and features two major updates.

The first new feature is the addition of DialFLAD™ for tool-free adjustment of Step On EST binding hibacks. This enables riders to quickly and easily adjust the angle of their hibacks on the mountain, in between laps if they desire, with no tools. It’s a small change that we know you’ll appreciate, especially if you love tinkering with your stance.

Second, attentive riders will notice the Jake blue TPU bushing which now sits just below the footbed of Step On EST bindings. This new footbed allows the Burton engineers to fine-tune the riding characteristics of Step On EST bindings, affecting qualities like vibration damping and responsiveness.

Finally, while not considered to be a feature per se, the negative space on the sides of the binding baseplates combined with the flexibility of the footbed delivers a medial/lateral (nose to tail) flex in the binding that is very similar to what EST bindings with The Hinge offer.

Pros of Step On EST

Burton Step On EST Bindings: A snowboarder on a snowy slope holding a single Step On EST binding for the camera to see.

The three primary advantages to riding Step On EST bindings (with a Burton Channel snowboard) are threefold: nearly infinite stance adjustment options, enhanced board feel, and an ultra-convenient strap-free connection to your snowboard.

Nearly Infinite Stance Adjustment

Step On EST bindings unlock the full potential of The Channel. They accomplish this by ditching traditional underfoot mounting discs in favor of two outboard mounting points on each binding. This simultaneously reduces the total number of screws required to mount your snowboard bindings while also increasing stance adjustment options, most notably stance width and centering.

Enhanced Board-feel

Because Step On EST doesn't require underfoot mounting discs or hardware, we were able to remove most of the hard plastic elements from the footbed of Step On EST baseplates. Instead, your boot rests on a cushioned footbed which sits directly on top of the snowboard deck. With minimal plastic between your boot and the snowboard, you’ll experience a much more natural snowboard flex from tip to tail, something we refer to as enhanced board feel.

Strap-Free Snowboard Connection

Step On EST offers you an incredibly quick and secure connection to your snowboard, without the use of traditional straps. Instead, a heel clip and two toe hooks interface seamlessly with Step On snowboard boots, letting you step in and out in seconds. No more bending over or sitting in the snow to strap in. And when you’re done with your lap, simply lift the heel release lever and step out. It couldn’t be easier.

Cons of Step On EST

Burton Step On EST Bindings: Mikey Rencz slashing an untouched bowl feature in Whistler, BC, Canada.

By and large, we believe that Step On EST bindings are the future of snowboarding, but to make sure you have the whole picture, there are a few considerations to be aware of.

The first thing to know is that Step On EST bindings require Step On snowboard boots. This means that if you don’t already ride Step On, you’ll need to invest in Step On boots as well as Step On EST bindings at the same time. However, if you already own Step On boots, they are compatible with Step On EST bindings. In that case, saddle up, partner.

Second, EST snowboard bindings, including Step On EST, are only compatible with snowboards that feature The Channel mounting system. While this makes them compatible with just about every modern Burton snowboard, it does limit the selection of non-Burton snowboards that are compatible. The good news is That Channel mounting technology is open-source, and there are other manufacturers that also offer channel boards if you don’t want to ride with us. We'll try not to take it personally.

How to Use Step On EST Bindings

Burton Step On EST Bindings: Close up image of a snowboarder's foot in a Step On EST binding.

Using Step On EST bindings is as easy and intuitive as it gets, with two screw mounting, and a strap-free connection to your snowboard. If you’ve never mounted EST or ridden Step On, you’ll be amazed at how easy both are to learn.

How to Mount Step On EST Bindings: Easy 4-step Process

Step On EST bindings from Burton mount with just two screws per binding. To mount your bindings, you’ll need four M6 Channel inserts, four M6 screws, and a #3 hand-held Phillips-head screwdriver. Follow this simple four-step process for installation.

Step 1: Insert two M6 Channel inserts into each of the two channels on your snowboard. Slide them to the approximate mounting location for each of your bindings, taking into account the reference stance locator markers on your board.

Step 2: Taking into consideration your stance (regular or goofy), place your bindings on top of your snowboard deck and line up the M6 inserts underneath the mounting holes on either side of each binding, ensuring that the bindings are centered on the reference stance indicators.

Step 3: Adjust the angle and setback of your bindings to suit your personal stance preferences.

Step 4: Using a hand-held Phillips screwdriver (don't use power tools as they may damage your snowboard), install the M6 mounting screws, threading them through your bindings and into the Channel inserts. Hand-tighten them.

How to Connect Step On Boots to Step On EST Bindings

The beauty of Step On boots and bindings is that they're just as secure as strap snowboard bindings, take only a fraction of the time to get connected, and you can step in hands-free. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Start by positioning your boot directly over your binding. Place the heel of your boot into your Step On EST binding, pressing down and back. Listen for two distinct clicks to know that you are fully connected to your bindings.

Step 2: Now, shift your weight onto your toe, press down, and rock side to side, listening for two more clicks to confirm that both toe hooks have engaged with the toe cleats on your bindings.

Step 3: Ride it like you stole it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Step On EST Bindings

Burton Step On EST Bindings: Detail of a snowboarder jibbing a rail in a terrain park using Step On EST bindings.

Q: Can you order spare parts for Step On EST bindings?
A: Currently spare parts for Step On EST bindings are only available through warranty replacement by submitting a warranty claim or contacting the Burton Guides directly.

Q: Can users replace broken Step On EST parts at home?
A: Some parts of Step On EST bindings are user-replaceable at home. One example is the toe hooks, which can be replaced with a screwdriver, in the comfort of your home.

Q: Are Step On EST bindings available with canted bases?
A: As of 2024, Burton does not offer canted bases for Burton Step On EST bindings.

Q: Are Step On EST bindings available with The Hinge?
A: Currently, no Step On EST binding models offer The Hinge, however, the design of Step On EST bindings delivers lateral/medial flex that is similar to EST bindings featuring The Hinge.

Burton Step On EST Bindings: Detailed studio image of men's black Burton Genesis Step On EST bindings.