Burton – Tourist Splitboard Boot

Burton has invested more into the backcountry this year.  It’s no secret that while resort riding is slowly declining, off piste riding is seeing a steady growth.  With the growth, we are seeing more and more innovation.  Typically with splitboarding the major innovation has been in bindings.  However, with our review of the Fitwell splitboard boot, and other splitboard boots that have been on the market for years, Burton decides to throw their hat in the ring.

The Burton Tourist is a touring specific splitboard boot.  It’s built off one of our favorite snowboard boots ever made, the Burton Ion.  The tourist has a rearward flex, for more capable skinning and s stiffer Vibram sole with heel welt for crampon use.

It’s a niche market to cater too.  Often splitboard specific boots are stiff and not something you want to use every day of the year.  The Tourist seeks to offer a good all around boot that you could wear all year if needed.  It rides well as a normal boot, but offers a wide flat sole, but maintains some flexibility.

Burton developed with Will Ritter of Spark R&D for the perfect fit with Sparks bindings (which burton is currently in collaboration with on other items).  The boot has gone through many iterations.   And have been well received by early reviews.

They may not meet all the needs of a splitboard boot right away, but when contrasted with a classic snowboard boot they seem to be a step in the right direction.

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