Burton Emerald Snowboard Boot

The Burton Emerald snowboard boot fills a spot in the middle of Burton’s range of snowboard boots for women. It’s priced comparably to most other mid-range boots on the market and comes with similar technologies, albeit with different names. The boot is mid-flex among Burton’s other boots and makes the boot very versatile. While this means it appeals to a lot more people, it also brings a lot more scrutiny. This boot doesn’t just have to do one thing well, it has to be able to perform all over the mountain for a huge variety of people.

Comfort

The Burton Emerald uses Burton’s 3D molded tongue technology not just to control its flex, but also works to ensure extra comfort. The tongue wraps farther around the top of the foot and reduces the pressure points that tend to build on top of the foot due to the outer shell and boot liner stacking across seams. The Emerald also features Burton’s new 270 degree cushioning. That means the boot has a 50% larger air pocket that last year’s model and it comes with 75% more cushion on the midsole. The problem with all this extra cushioning is that the comfort eventually fades into pack out. Your best bet is to use the heat-moldable liner for the perfect fit. Otherwise, you might end up with a boot liner that fits too loose and can lead to cramps and numbness in your toes.

Function

Let’s face it, this boot has to perform almost perfectly to make people happy. It’s not a specialized boot and has to fit almost any situation on the mountain. To start, the lacing system is the Speed Zone system that Burton has adapted to almost all of their boots. While it isn’t as functional as the superior BOA lacing system, it is a big step up from standard laces. It is quick and simple, but loosens up during the ride more than a BOA system. If there is one failing to this boot, it is the lack of a relationship between the liner and the outer shell. There is nothing holding them together, no lacing system as in the higher-end Burton boots and no friction fabric as in some other brands. This means you end up with heel lift and if you try to compensate by tightening the boot, you end up with an uncomfortable fit.

Conclusion

The quality of the boot is still Burton, which means it will hold up as well, if not better than, other comparable boots. The power spine system is a nice feature that Burton claims will give the boot more response than the boot would have without it. More importantly, the spine system gives the boot extra durability along the seams and protects it from potentially damaging edged on the snowboard. Like every boot, the Emerald has strengths and weaknesses. It has some problems with the liner and shell fit, but for the price you will get a boot that works all over the mountain and works very well.