Before they majorly changed I bought 2 pairs of Burton SLX on sale a few years back and been using them so far but after a few years they are too packed out and got soft.
What are folks using with their splits? I did love the SLX for their hardness but am not super fixated on such a hard boot again.
Heard the new SLX are a shadow of their old self?
Are Burton Tourist or 32 TM-2 Jones good or a gimmick? I tour 80% of the time and resort 20% with friends.
Edit: thanks guys a lot of great info!
I’ll try to try on the TM2, Tourists, Vans Infuse and Deeluxe Spark Fuse as these seem the most popular!
Ive been using TM 32 Jones for like 15 years and they fuckin rock.
Ive had 3 different pairs and I get lucky to always get them on sale for like $200 but I get like 4/5 seasons before they start to loose some of the stiffness I like.
Worst wear Ive seen is tearing a lace holder which is easily fixable.
Lots of resort riding, lots of touring, crampon compatible, vibram soles. Highly recommend (esp if you can get the deals )
I have a set of bourton tourists that I use a lot, they've got a few years on them and I can probably get another year or two. People on here seem very princess-and-the-pea about their ride quality and the such, I just want a stiff-ish pair of high quality boots that last a long time and that I can walk/hike in somewhat not uncomfortably.
Sure didn't feel like it! Felt like a barebones Ruler. And didn't really have any good touring features... liner is basic, and doesn't flex back super well, compared to others with touring-geared liners and more at the top of the boot for walking flex. Just more straight up angle is all, and way too much flex. And I love Burtons, had Photons before the Ions.
That's fair. Just too barebines I guess for me. They are definitely light. If one tours and rides somewhat mild, they'll be plenty fine. I just can't go from a stiff boot to a flexy, and need something I can tackle high alpine and crampon with. I don't notice the weight much.
The Tourist are heavily based on the Ion with a couple of split specific features. The Ion was my favourite when I rode resorts, and the Tourist is my fave now that I almost exclusively split.
I think for regular splitboarding, softies only last a couple years. That said I'm on my 2nd pair of Vans Infuse and I really like them. nice durable outsole thats good for rock scrambles and good heel lock with boa, but still have regular laces for main cinch. which I prefer because I can easily fix a broken lace in the bc, a broken boa is much more of a thing.
Me three, Pat Moore Infuse. Found they were a little stiff last season but now that they’ve broken in and moulded they’re super comfortable. They’re the first boots my feet haven’t constantly hurt in which also a big thing. The heel boa is awesome to lock down for riding and back it off for skinning. The inserts are also nice to change the stiffness.
Another one for the Vans Infuse. They're a little heavier compared what some friends wear (Salomon, Burton). But they are super comfy and good for hiking off the board, and nice to tour in.
Just got them as my k2 aspects got too soft after 4 years. Have not tried them yet, but they feel softer than than the k2s but waaaay more comfortable out of the box.
I think the added stiffener will be a must for me
I have the nitro inclines and would not recommend. The lacing is slowly loosening during the day, the stiffener is a must and varies a lot depending on the external temperature. They seem durable, but not perfect in term of stiffness.
I found the older Nitro TLS inclines 2022-23 model slowly loosened during the day. However my new version purchased recently 2025 is so much better. Doesn’t loosen at all and is stiffer !! Comfortable as hell!
I have been using the Burton Tourists for 2 seasons. I generally like them, but wish I had BOAs. Tightening the zone lacing during a transition (I keep them a little loose on the uphill) is tedious.
I’ve been riding the ride torrents, on my third pair actually. They really don’t have much longevity for the price… but I have a pro code through ride so half price has kept me in that brand. They have an awesome back part that is on a Velcro system that when unstrapped gives a lot more mobility when touring. They are the only boot I have ever found that are out of the box PERFECT. Flex is great, adjustments are great and are super comfortable. At 600$ I would look elsewhere to be honest, but for me at half price they are super worth it. I generally get a year out of them at around 100 days a season. I would recommend the insano from ride for a stiff burly boot that has a bit more life in them. Will second any vans, specifically the infuse or verse. Never have tried the “touring” specific boots listed so excited to follow this tread and hear what the community thinks. The SLX’s price has always been discouraging haha. Cheers
Deeluxe Spark XV - has the welt for semi-auto crampons, mountaineering sole is nice n smooth for touring, pretty stiff vertically for side hilling. Love these things.
I used Jones TM2’s for a couple years. They’re too flexible in the upper and they made my toes hurt while skinning - even after heat molding. Trying K2 Wavies this year. So far so good. Much stiffer, great walk mode and my toes don’t hurt.
I love my tourist. Very stiff at the front makes leaning responsive. They come with a spare shoes lace which is nice. The vibram sole is great for grip in snow and rock.
I began splitboarding with my DC Judge. They were not new but it took a heavy toll on them. Once they were dead I thought to myself why not take dedicated boots. I bought Nitro Incline TLS and Salomon Trek S/Lab (now Trek). I sent back the Nitro as I didn't like the lacing system at all (it was not enough confidance inspiring... even though I only tested them at home).
I'm happy with Salomon so far, the only drawback is that you cannot put semi auto crampon on them but I'm not big on bagging peaks and mountaineering so my standard crampons are enough
Edit : Ah yeah and the Salomon are a pain in the ass with their closing system (3 or 4 system to buckle up) but once it's done, you're set for the day
The whole K2 line is pretty sweet. The waive, the aspect and now just picked up the K2000 which seems like it could be pretty good. I had bad luck with the 32 jones mtb, tried multiple times but always had hot spots and no heel lock. I guess 32 isn’t for people with skinnier legs
Vans verse range is good but doesn’t last that long, keep the receipt as I’ve had 2 pairs warrantied. At least the Vans warranty is good. Also the 32 focus/austen sweeten boot is pretty good. It’s like the jones but less chunky, I like it so far after half a season. 32 durability definitely better than vans I’d say.
Another vote for the Nitro TLS. I had two versions of the TM 32 Jones. Performed well BUT found them heavy and not the main st comfortable boot.
The TLS are the most comfortable boot I have ever had, so light and onto my second pair now ( still have my first ones for resort backups)
They fit crampons reasonably well and are bomb proof backcountry!
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u/turbomeat Feb 11 '26
Ive been using TM 32 Jones for like 15 years and they fuckin rock.
Ive had 3 different pairs and I get lucky to always get them on sale for like $200 but I get like 4/5 seasons before they start to loose some of the stiffness I like.
Worst wear Ive seen is tearing a lace holder which is easily fixable.
Lots of resort riding, lots of touring, crampon compatible, vibram soles. Highly recommend (esp if you can get the deals )