As I exit the Paradise Chair atop Lake Louise Ski Resort, snow mist blows over Eagle Ridge. I begin the hike to the drop-in point, peeking over a wind lip that’s inviting and intimidating all at once. After taking in the surrounding peaks, my friend and I settle on E.R. 3, a cliff and rock-littered face that demands precision and control.
I make the drop. Controlling my speed via closed, long radius arcs, I swish through the heavy snow as I calibrate to the incline. My boots, the Burton Highshot X Pro, transmit every input to the board, helping me dial in as I dodge drop-offs and my thighs burn. Finally, I reach my friend. Whew. I made it.
I’m on a three-day mission in Banff, Alberta to put Burton’s latest creation, the Highshot X Pro boot ($729.95), through its paces. It’s a design bursting with innovation, including triple-BOA adjustment, a wrap-style liner, and a two-part zipperless gaiter. But how would it work on Banff’s gullies, inclines, and powder fields? Here’s my take.
What to know about the Burton Highshot X Pro
For winter 25/26, Burton released two new boots, specifically designed for Step On bindings. The Highshot and Waverange come in three flavors: A base model, an X version, and an X Pro. The X Pro models feature a third BOA dial that further dials in fit and response. While the Waverange is the surfy, easy-flexing model, the Highshot is burly and responsive.
Key to the Highshot X Pro’s performance is its Triple Zone BOA Performfit Wrap. Three dials allow fine-tuning and easy adjustment, with the lowest dial locking the foot in to enhance response. That third dial attaches to an internal plastic tongue, an idea that took shape between Burton and Team Rider Mark Sollors.
In an interview with The Riders Lounge, Burton Senior Product Developer Fran Orlando recounted exchanging sketches with Sollors, before arriving at an idea “to bring the toe box to the foot.” Once implemented, the third BOA zone allowed customized fit to the lower foot, something that hadn’t been done before. Orlando added: “When you do need it or engage it, it’s something really different and impactful.”
Aside from the triple-BOA, the boot uses a unique wrap-style liner, which folds around the shin, in contrast to traditional tongue designs. Picture the way a cinnamon roll overlaps around itself — the liner works the same way.
Along the toe-box, a two–piece zipperless gaiter adds function and style. The upper zone uses a 3D mesh for flexibility, while the lower includes Kevlar fibers for durability. Orlando said, “There’s function in that it’s protective. A lot of it was driven by aesthetic, and that clean look. Kind of cues back to some high-end mountaineering boots.”
EVA cushioning takes the edge off drops, while a Vibram Ecostep Plus outsole provides hiking bite.
Pros:
• Triple-BOA tuned fit
• Responsive yet flexible
• Sleek style
• Traction
• Benefits of Step On interface
Cons:
• Lowest BOA dial requires careful adjustment
• Good, not great, shock absorption
How I tested the Highshot X Pro
The bulk of my testing occurred during a three-day excursion to Banff, where I rode three mountains: Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise. I evaluated the boots while freeriding, including carving, trees, steeps, powder, and hiking.
After long days, tens of thousands of vertical feet, cold lift rides, and hikes into avalanche-controlled terrain, I had the data I needed. Besides that, it was my first experience with Burton’s Step On system (more on that later).
How the Highshot X Pro performed
Booting up in the Highshot X Pro, I knew it was different. Instead of a long tongue like a pair of hockey skates, the wrap-around liner encased and supported my shins. And instead of the usual liner pull ties, I simply got to work rotating the BOA dials. From top to bottom the BOA dials took around 14, 21, and 1/2 rotations.
I believe ankle flex is integral to snowboarding performance, and in the past, I’ve used stiffer “responsive” boots that inhibited that. So I was surprised during my first runs when the Highshot Pro X naturally flexed at the ankle and into the shin. As I took those first turns, the boots felt locked in, yet flowy, as I bounced back and forth between turns, sometimes briefly jumping off the snow.
That brings me to the Step On system. I can describe it in one word: delight. I’ve ridden conventional strap bindings for more than three decades, and while Step On always intrigued me, I never made the jump. It does feel different, but in good ways.
Until now, I never realized the tedium of strap bindings, how they interrupt my day, and gradually wear me out. With Step On, it was a mash of my heel, wiggle of my forefoot, three clicks, and on my way. The ride was even better.
Because Step On uses mechanical attachment points, I could tip the board further on edge and pop off the snow as I exited a turn. Then, before entering the lift line, a quick lever pull and release.
Back to the boots. In Banff, I faced some challenging moments, like Gun Run at Mount Norquay, Wild West at Sunshine Village, and E.R. 3 at Lake Louise. Each had a serious incline and heavy snow, with trees littered about. I needed to be on my game.
After clicking in, I’d ollie 180 into a drop, the boots responding instantly. The wrap-around liner kept me comfortable, and the toebox let my toes flex upward with ease. Hiking to sidecountry and avalanche-controlled terrain, the Vibram sole locked into snow and ice.
After initially setting the BOA dials to be snug yet comfortable, I’d leave them for most of the day. As time wore on and the flex softened, I’d tighten the upper two to firm things up. As for the third, lowest dial, I’d leave it alone once set.
The two-piece gaiter added a sleek, smooth look akin to a pair of Air Jordans or Clark’s Desert Boots. Combined with the white colorway, the boots had a winter chic appearance that was both functional and cool.
I wear a size 11.5 in almost all footwear, but I go with a 12 in Burton boots. That gives my toes a little extra room and flex.
While the boots performed excellent among big mountains, I had to be careful adjusting the lowest BOA dial. Though the internal tongue aided fit and response, extra tightening caused pressure. I also would’ve preferred a little more cushion on flat landings.
Final thoughts on the Burton Highshot X Pro
When I first caught a glimpse of the Burton Highshot X Pro online, I thought wow, those are so cool. Such was the style of the two-piece gaiter, the tech of the triple BOAs, and the chunky outsole. But in the past, I’ve been surprised by gear that doesn’t live up to its appearance. Thankfully, these boots exceeded expectations.
First and foremost is the combination of natural flex with response. It’s something I haven’t felt before in snowboard boots. Picture footwear that’s supportive, yet allows natural athletic movements.
Next was the comfort and tuned fit from the wrap-around liner and triple BOA. These were my first BOA-equipped boots, and they made me realize the system’s a natural fit for snow sports. It’s also so much easier than lacing up. Style-wise, I was proud to wear something so sleek.
These boots are for dedicated riders pushing their limits. The tech and performance are legit.
