ONCE YOU'VE CHOSEN TO GO THE STEP-IN ROUTE, THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BINDINGS ARE RELATIVELY SLIGHT COMPARED TO THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BOOTS. MANY PEOPLE SWEAR BY RATCHETING ANKLE STRAPS FOR INCREASED HOLD. SOME PEOPLE OPT FOR STIFF, SUP- PORTIVE BUT HEAVY BOOTS. OTHERS ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH LIGHT-WEIGHT, FLEXIBLE BOOTS. THE FOLLOWING BOOTS, STARS IN THEIR FIELD, ARE EITHER UNISEX, OR DESIGNED SEPARATELY FOR MEN AND WOMEN.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STEP-IN BOOT WORLD
1> VANS FENIX XHB The Fenix is a versatile freestyle boot built for taking hits, big airs, heavy drops and riding powder. Designed for use with an external high back, its comfortable fit works equally well for Illen and women. Recommended Binding: Switch X-Type Vans, 800-VANS-800, www.vans.com. $239
2> BURTON FREESTYLE SI Flexible. This all-round boot will give you just as much joy in the steep and deep as in the pipe or the park. Super supportive without being restrictive, explore the whole mountain. Recommended Binding: Burton Freestyle SI-X Burton, 800-881-3138, www.burton.com. $209.95
3> SHIMANO CORNICE Intended for aggressive riding and extreme terrain, this supportive boot encourages riding steeper fall-lines and landing big airs. Recommended Binding: Shimano Clicker HB Pro K2, 800-666-2579, www.K2snowboards.com. $229
4> K2 FIREBIRD Ride light and free. The Firebird will take you to the park and beyond. Recommended Binding: Shimano Clicker HB Pro K2, 800-666-2579, www.K2snowboards.com. $199
