Burton Highshot X Pro Step On Snowboard Boots Review

As a snowboarder who likes riding aggressively, I’ve been dreaming of an ultimate snowboard boot that blends comfort and performance. Since my first time using a BOA-dial boot, I knew a double BOA would be better. Once double BOA dials became the industry norm, it was only a matter of time before the next benchmark: A triple BOA snowboard boot.

Finally, Burton released the Highshot X Pro for its Step On snowboard binding line, bringing with it the mythical high-performance third BOA dial. Yes, these boots only work with Burton’s Step On binding system. But, these boots bring next-level responsiveness, heel hold, and board feel all without sacrificing comfort.

In short: The Men’s Highshot X Pro Step On Snowboard Boots ($730) are a top-of-the-line boot in both price and performance. The BOA Triple Dial PerformFit lacing system delivers unrivaled foot and heel hold in the snowboard boot world. This is the first of what we expect to be the next generation of triple BOA snowboard boots. This ultra-responsive boot pairs a high-performance asymmetrical quick-dry liner with a burly Vibram outsole. It’s built with a Step On attachment system, so you can free yourself from traditional binding straps.

Burton Highshot X Pro Step On Snowboard Boots Review

Fit and Comfort

Straight out of the box, the Highshot delivers a comfortable fit. A lot of that stems from the asymmetrical-shaped liner. Instead of dealing with a cinch lace system, the Highshot liner uses a simple Velcro strap, leaving the heavy lifting of retention to the triple BOA shell system.

The liner is heat-moldable, so if you don’t like the fit out of the box, a quick trip to your local board shop for a heat molding should alleviate discomfort. The liner is also quick-drying to manage sweat and has extra EVA cushioning underfoot to absorb big landings.

In my opinion, the real magic of this boot — in terms of comfort, fitment, and performance — comes from the triple BOA system. Each BOA dial provides micro adjustments to find the perfect foot, ankle, and calf hold. Though, I found that this process does take some practice, as it’s easy to over-tighten the dials.

Stiffness

The Highshot X Pro snowboard boots are a medium-stiff boot coming in at 7 out of 10 on the stiffness scale. While these aren’t the stiffest boots I have ever ridden, they are up there on the stiffer end of the spectrum.

As a stiffer boot, this design feels great when matched with an aggressive riding style. I loved deep carving on groomers, taking speed through moguls, and pushing myself on steep double blacks.

While I was able to butter and press while using the boots. It takes a lot of effort. The ankle zone (thanks to the triple BOA) feels immobile compared to a surfy-feeling snowboard boot.

Step On Boot-to-Binding Functionality

The Highshot X Pro is a Step On boot designed to only work with Burton Step On bindings, instead of traditional straps that hold your boot to the binding. The Highshot X Pro boots feature a large heel clip on the rear of the boot and two smaller clips closer to the front of the boot (one on each side).

I first got to test this system and boot during a demo day with Burton at the 2025 Blister Summit. During the event, I only got a few initial laps on the setup. Even though I wasn’t proficient in the system, the heel lock with these boots was notable. I still came into winter 2026 filled with skepticism about the Step On system, knowing the only thing that could win me over was true performance.

After multiple days with them this past season and dialing in the setup, I was hooked.

User Adjustments

Using the system was simple but required me to relearn how to step in. I was used to putting my toe in first. But the Highshots require the heel to enter the binding first, locking in the heel clip before pressing my toe down.

While learning, it was easier to complete these steps on flat ground while stationary. But after a week of riding, I was able to quickly do this motion with speed when getting off a chairlift. I did have problems getting my heel to fully lock down the first few days, most likely from incorrectly stepping in, and then requiring me to ollie and stomp down before getting the system to fully lock.

Because the Step On system doesn’t use straps, the boot itself does more of the work holding your foot down and initiating turns. The tradeoff is that the entire system feels lighter weight compared to traditional bindings. It also delivers a significantly better board feel.

All in all, if you’re willing to relearn how to step into your snowboard bindings, the Step On boots will reward you with incredible response, high performance, and speedy entries and exits.

Innovative Closure System: Three BOA Dials

Highshot X Pro uses Burton’s BOA Triple Dial PerformFit lacing system. The first two BOAs are traditional in a sense, with one tightening around the calf and cuff of the boot. The second tightens down over the foot. But the third BOA dial revolutionizes heel hold, comfort, and performance.

Inside the boot (but above the liner), a large L-shaped “Internal Ankle Hammock” tightens both downward and rearward, locking the heel into the back of the boot. Simultaneously, it holds the foot down.

The hammock provides a ton of surface area, giving seamless pressure from above the ankle all the way to the top of the foot. With the triple BOA dials, it can be easy to over-tighten one or even all three. Finding the perfect fit took a few days on the hill. I experimented with different micro-adjustments across all three dials.

I liked tightening the ankle hammock first, and then the foot BOA, followed by the calf zone’s BOA. During longer days or really aggressive riding, I did find the BOA dials loosened slightly. This required a few extra clicks every few laps, but this seems to be the norm for all BOA boots.

Critiques

While I am absolutely in love with the triple BOA system, there are still some things about the boot I don’t like.

The first and foremost is the price point, with the boots coming in at $730, making them one of the most expensive on the market. You also can’t just buy the boots alone, as they don’t work with traditional snowboard bindings.

Each of the three mounting points is permanently attached, making them incompatible with the heelcup and highback of regular bindings. That means you also need to purchase bindings to use the new boots, bringing the total of boots and bindings to over $1,000 — a hard pill to swallow.

While I think the price of the boots accurately reflects the performance and comfort you get in return, the same cannot be said about long-term durability. After only a few weeks of testing, the outermost part of the boots is showing wear. Creases have appeared on both sides of the ankle on both of my boots, as well as just behind both toe clip points. That’s something I didn’t expect for such a high-cost boot.

Additionally, the outer layer of Vibram along the heel of the boot is being rubbed off from where the highback bolts to the binding. So far, these are just points of visible wear and don’t affect the function or performance of the boot, but it’s disappointing to say the least.

My last critique is that these boots do come with a learning curve, as does any new technology. So be prepared to have a few days of learning how to step into the clicks properly before becoming fast at the process.

Conclusion

The Burton Highshot X Pro Step On Boots are, in my humble opinion, revolutionary. I hope to see triple BOA systems take over the industry.

In the meantime, if you want to experience a snowboard boot with unrivaled performance and comfort, give these boots a shot. As long as you don’t mind the steep entry price, lack of compatibility with other binding systems, and potential long-term durability issues, these snowboard boots might change snowboarding for you forever.