Boots - Imperial or ION?
At the end of my last NZ trip my trusty Deluxe Alphas kicked the bucket (pardon the pun). Got a few seasons out of them but the time has come to grab a new pair.
I’ve been looking at the Burton Imperials as they look like a good allrounder, although the ION is the higher end model. Riding style is mostly all-mountain, little/no park. Stiffer boot looks the goods for me.
So here’s the question; I’ve found (via 2 local Melb shops) either a pair of 2016 Burton Imperials or 2014 Burton IONs, both at $400.
Thoughts?
This is how I would decide (in order):
1. Which boot feels better (based on: overall fit, comfort, preferred flex). If one stands out, especially in regards to fit, this is what I would buy.
2. If they feel the same/similar, I would definitely go for the higher end model. Better materials take longer to break down, better liners don’t pack out as much, the higher end boot will retain its original flex for longer etc. You really get what you pay for boots… if you have a choice and both work for you, go higher end.
The Ion is a really good boot. If it fits your foot shape, it will serve you well.
Good points Jez. I actually went in today and they had sold the 2014 IONs (damn) but on the upside had a pair of 2015 Burton SLX and Nitro Venture (both 2015).
Tried both, both extremely comfortable, although the SLX had the edge for my foot shape. For the riding I do and the number of days a year I hit the slopes (30-40) they should last a few seasons, even though they are more expensive, boots are pretty important.
Apparently the new Burton stock is hitting Aus retailers in 2 weeks for those interested. I’m going to wait for the new IONs to land and decide then.
I switched to 32 for the first time this season.
But before that I have been wearing Burton boots for years.
The short story is I prefer Imperials to Ions by a mile.
I had Ions 2 seasons back in Whistler and I really didn’t like them. The Ions and SLX have a new style liner thats made of a rubbery material. Even wearing a 13 when I usually wear a 12, the Ions were really uncomfortable and basically feel like they never break in. Lots of my friends complained about them too.
Last season in Whistler I got my hands on their new version of that liner and used it in my old boots. It was better, but I still felt like it took my sense of board feel away, and still they didn’t really mold as nicely as their old style liner.
I switched to an Imperial which is pretty much the best boot they make with the old liners, and problem solved.
The Imperial is a really good boot.
7/10 Flex and 2 thumbs up from me.
Thanks for the feedback Andy, I’ll give them a try!
The old Burton SLX were the best boots I’ve ever used. My last pair lasted me 200+ days which has never happened before (granted they were destroyed by that stage). I’m in SLX again and I’m pretty happy with them, but they aren’t as good (in regards to fit) as my old boots. I hate it when they changes things up like that. The same thing happened way back in the day with the Ions. One year they were great, next year they were shockers!
Good feedback on the Imperial, Andy. I’ve never used them myself. When did Burton start putting in the rubber liner you’re talking about? My boots are at least a three seasons old (I bought them and kept them for a couple of years before finally breaking them out last season), and I don’t believe they have the liner you’re talking about. I’ll have to check out the new models. Sounds shitty.
I think more than anything this proves a point we always preach: Don’t buy boots just based on brand, or model, or recommendation. It’s super important you try on a full range of boots from all brands before making an informed decision based on: fit, comfort, preferred flex, and materials/features. Just general advice here.
Good feedback on the Imperial, Andy. I’ve never used them myself. When did Burton start putting in the rubber liner you’re talking about? My boots are at least a three seasons old
The new liners came in 2 years ago. So you got the last of the awesome SLX boots.
I understand why Burton is trying these liners. They are more durable and can be molded more than once. They are good in theory… just not in practice.
To me they seem like an attempt to replicate Intuition Liners.
I still think Burton make great boots. But after switching to 32s with the Intuition Liners, I don’t want to ride anything else. Unless Burton gets Intuition liners?...
High end K2 and Ride use Intuition Liners now too.
If you really like your boots and the outer is still in tip top shape you can just buy an intuition liner for it.
But to elaborate on Jez’s Burton liner question: With the “new” burton infinite ride liner used in the slx and ion from ‘14, apparently they went back to using the same material they used to use (open cell foam,) which gives the qualities that Andy’s just described, as it “never breaks in.”
I was looking at these as an alternative when I heard Nike pulled out of snerberding:
So yeah… apparently it is encouraged to work the liner the old skool way (sanding down, and probably also cutting out, at least from the outside,) to get a full custom fit.
I was a little .... iffy on that tho’, and didn’t look any further but that’s okay I now have 2 pairs of nikes and my k2 maysis so I’ll look for a new boot when I reach the crossroads for it.
Went into MSC in Preston today (always helpful guys in there). Tired on Imperials and Ions, the Ions won out for comfort on my feet even if they did set me back an extra $100. They’re pretty firm but for my foot shape I don’t know if I’ll even need to get them heat moulded - the shop did say I can take em in and get them done a week or so before we fly out though, included in the price - pretty sweet. I’m pretty stoked with them and can’t wait to get them out at Whistler in 8 weeks and counting! Thanks for all the advice guys, it really does come down to 10% reading and 90% trying them all on!
Yeah, I hate the new liner too.
Bit late to the discussion but I’m in Burton Imperials, have been for the past 2 seasons here in whistler and couldn’t be happier with them, super lightweight and fit my foot nicely. Responsive as hell and they just work for me.