Burton Step On® Heel Lift: Is boot movement in my bindings normal?

If you recently made the switch to Step On® bindings and experienced what you believe to be Burton Step On heel lift, it’s important to understand what is normal and what is cause for concern. With insights from the Burton Guides and our hardgoods developers, we’ve assembled this short overview of answers to common questions about boot movement in Step On snowboard bindings.

• How are Step On bindings different than strap bindings?
• Is it normal for Step On bindings to make clicking noises?
• Is boot movement in Step On bindings normal?
• I think I'm experiencing abnormal heel lift, what should I do?

How are Step On bindings different from traditional strap bindings?

Strap bindings are the traditional method for connecting your feet to your snowboard. This type of binding utilizes tongue and ladder straps which secure across the ankle and toe of the boot, holding your foot securely against the baseplate and within the binding’s heelcup. While strap bindings have a proven design, they require the rider to manually strap in every time they transition from the chairlift or skating to riding. This often means sitting in the snow or bending over and using one or both hands to manually ratchet the buckles to tighten or release.

Alternatively, Burton Step On bindings are strapless snowboard bindings that deliver all the same performance characteristics of traditional strap bindings, but with quicker and easier hands-free boot entry. This type of binding utilizes integrated locking points (two toe hooks and one heel clip) that align perfectly with the toe cleats and heel cleat on a Step On compatible boot, holding you securely within the binding. With Step On bindings, the rider simply lines up their boot in the binding, and steps down onto the binding footbed to connect; no sitting in the snow and no hands required. It’s as simple as “heel, toe, go.” When it’s time to disengage the boot from the binding, the rider simply lifts the small lever on the heel of the binding to release the boot, and step out.

Note: Burton Step On snowboard bindings require compatible Step On snowboard boots that feature corresponding heel and toe cleats.

Pro tip: Learn more about the Burton Step On binding system by reading How do Burton Step On Bindings Work and Burton Step On Bindings: Everything You Need to Know.

Is it normal for Burton Step On bindings to make clicking noises?

When using the Burton Step On binding system, you may hear a variety of clicking sounds. These noises are caused when the Step On binding heel clip and toe hooks engage with the heel and toe cleats on your Step On-compatible boots and are perfectly normal. These audible clicks help you confirm that you are securely attached to your bindings.

Additionally, it is common to hear occasional clicking or rubbing noises from the Step On system while riding. These clicking noises are the result of minor friction between the toe cleats and the toe hooks and are also normal. It’s also possible (though not common) for riders to notice clicking coming from the binding heel clip contacting the boot heel cleat.

If you ever experience a louder than normal clicking sound and/or an unexpected release of your Step On boot from the binding, stop riding immediately and inspect your equipment. It’s possible that the boot was not fully engaged and locked into the binding. If you continue to experience unexpected binding releases, you should contact the Burton guides to explain your situation and discuss your options.

Pro tip: Consult the Burton Warranty for more information about repair and replacement options.

Is boot movement in Step On bindings normal?

Similar to the movement in traditional strap bindings, a little bit of movement while riding the Step On system is normal and necessary. This is primarily caused by the heelcup of the binding rotating forwards slightly as the boot pulls against it. There is also a little bit of movement in the system thanks to the binding’s compression and rebound of the binding’s EVA footbed. Finally, it is also normal to experience a little bit of movement in the toe of the boot. All of these sources of movement are intentional and are designed to give just the right amount of flex for a responsive yet forgiving ride.

Understanding Step On Boot Heel Clip Positions 1 and 2

Left: Position 1. Right: Position 2.

When referring to the Step On binding system, there are two positions or stages of being clipped into the binding heel clip. We refer to these as position “1” and position “2”.

When connecting the heel of your boot to the heel clip of your Step On bindings, you will hear two distinct clicks as you step in: click 1 is the boot engaging with position 1, and click 2 is the boot engaging with position 2. Ideally, you want to get into position 2, with your boot seated flat against the Step On binding footbed. However, if there is significant ice and snow built up in your binding, you may only be able to get into position 1.

Position 1 provides a secure boot to binding connection, but it may also result in more upward boot movement in the binding than preferred. If you are unable to get into position 2, remove your boot from the binding, clear any snow, ice, or debris that you encounter, and re-clip in to get into position 2. This will provide the most secure and responsive riding experience.

If you are in position 2 but are still experiencing significant upward heel movement, where the sole of the snowboarding boot completely loses contact with the Step On binding footbed, you should continue reading to troubleshoot your Step On system.

Note that it is normal for the heel of the boot to lose contact with the footbed when applying pressure towards the toeside edge, and for the toe of the boot to lose contact with the footbed when applying pressure toward the heelside edge, as seen in the video above.

I think I’m experiencing abnormal Burton Step On heel lift. What should I do?

Significant Burton Step On heel lift is not common, and if you experience it, you should investigate the problem further. In almost every documented instance of abnormal heel movement, the problem is caused by improper alignment of the Step On boot heel cleat with the Step On binding heel clip.

Troubleshooting Step On Heel Lift

If you think you are experiencing abnormal Step On heel movement, follow this quick six-step process to help diagnose the issue.

Step 1: Begin by referencing the Burton Step On boot/binding size charts to confirm that your boots are paired with the correct bindings. Step On bindings must be paired properly to work as intended: men’s Step On boots should be paired with men’s Step on bindings, women’s Step On boots with women’s Step On bindings, and kids’ Step On boots with kids’ Step On bindings.

Step 1a: If you find that your Step On bindings are paired with the wrong gender or size for your boots, you’ll need to get the correct bindings. You can bring your boots, bindings, and board to your closest Burton retail location if you need assistance.

Step 1b: If you verify that your boot to binding gender pairing and sizing are both correct and you are still experiencing abnormal heel movement or heel lift, continue to step 2.

Step 2: Grab a friend with a phone (to record a video), put on your boots, and clip into your Step On bindings while standing on a flat surface.

Step 3: Confirm that your boots are fully clipped in.

Step 4: While standing flat, have your friend crouch behind you with their phone at the level of your heels. The heel of your boot, Step On heel clip, and snowboard deck should all be clearly visible in the video.

Step 5: While clipped in, have your friend record a video as you shift your weight onto the balls of your feet, putting pressure on the toe-side edge of your snowboard, but while keeping the snowboard deck flat on the ground. Do this with each foot individually versus both at the same time. Record video for each foot. Use a chair or a wall to help you balance.

Step 6: Review the video.

If there is a misalignment between your boot’s heel cleat and the heel clip on your binding, allowing your heel to lift up off of the footbed and lose contact with the binding, you may be eligible for a warranty repair or replacement. The Burton Guides will need to investigate your claim to determine your options. Visit the Burton Warranty page and submit the required information to get the process started.