Burton snowboard boots too small -- What to do?

**focus** · 01-03-2007, 10:08 PM

My buddy bought a pair of snowboard boots from a guy out west a while ago. He took a couple runs on them and they were killing his feet -- they are a good half size too small. What should he do?

He's got the receipt....there isn't a shop name on the receipt, but it's located on 150 W. Colorado Ave. in Telluride. The only problem is the receipt is dated from a couple years ago (2/17/05).

Anyhow, the boots are in brand new condition -- they're the Burton Ion in a 9.5. Is it worth it to contact Burton? Do you think the original shop would help him out?

**flatlander#2** · 01-03-2007, 10:14 PM

He could have foot reduction surgery. I grew tired of having my jacket sleeves too short, (16.5 x 37 shirt size) so I had my arms shortened. Honestly it kicks ass. I do find reaching the high up shelves to be challenging and I can no longer dunk, but I now buy Large shirts that fit great, no more XL tent around the waist shirts.
Good luck

**rideit** · 01-03-2007, 10:15 PM

I hope you are kidding. E-Bay is probably your only recourse...or gear swap. It is simply too far out from purchase date for either Burton or the shop to be in a position to help out, realistically. Good luck!

**whatcomridaz** · 01-03-2007, 10:21 PM

try wearing them for at least 15 days out on the hill. The Ion's will pack out almost a full size

**Rontele** · 01-03-2007, 10:23 PM

Try tech talk. If that doesn't work then Gear Swap. If that doesn't work, PM Root Skier, he trades snowboard boots for rimjobs.

**yogachik** · 01-03-2007, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by whatcomridaz

try wearing them for at least 15 days out on the hill. The Ion's will pack out almost a full size

Which is why I no longer wear Burton boots. Tell your buddy to grin and bear it for a week or more, they will most definitely stretch and then fit him perfectly.

**focus** · 01-03-2007, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by whatcomridaz

try wearing them for at least 15 days out on the hill. The Ion's will pack out almost a full size

This is the kind of gold I was looking for.

Figured ebay was the only recourse. Guy's known for close to a year that they were too small....

The length, not the width, is the issue... I know they'll pack out laterally, but how much will they pack out lengthwise?

**warthog** · 01-03-2007, 10:52 PM

Mine were the same way- really snug in the toe box. They do pack out a bit, give it time. Or, he could try to buy a half size bigger liner. They usually use the same size last for a couple different sizes, only difference is the liner. Worth a shot. Or, just put those shoe strechy thingys in em, and crank em up.

**rideit** · 01-03-2007, 10:56 PM

Burton actually makes a separate last for every size, including 1/2 sizes. At least in all of the better models. I believe.

**fiddler** · 01-04-2007, 12:32 AM

You know how they used to bind Chinese women's feet to make them tiny? That technique should fix your buddy up

**ryank** · 01-04-2007, 02:13 AM

Try heating them up with a blow dryer and lacing them up as tight as you possibly can, walking around in them - that will make them give a bit, plus form to your foot's shape, but everyone in this thread is correct, these boots will pack in a bit.

My Thirtytwos are already starting to get loose after 2 seasons, need new liners.

**Dangerous E** · 01-04-2007, 09:31 AM

If your buddy wants his boots to actually fit after 4 or 5 days of riding he'll man up and deal with a little discomfort. If he wants a pair of boots that fit like a pair of sneakers then tell him to get rid of those things. Gotta have tight boots brother. I have a size 9.5 foot and I use size 8 Ions--Perfect fit, just takes a little while. Worth it in the end though. If he's really concerned then have him go to a reputable shop and have his foot properly sized. Then go shred the gnar...

**warthog** · 01-04-2007, 10:50 AM

Is he using footbeds? A good footbed will totally change the way the boot fits. Have the footbed guy heat up the liner and throw some toe caps on him. It'll work.

**Shredhead** · 01-04-2007, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Dangerous E

I have a size 9.5 foot and I use size 8 Ions--Perfect fit, just takes a little while. Worth it in the end though.

I agree, my grom wears a 10 and is still growing. He's in the 9 Ions and I think we might l be good for another year.

**MarsB** · 01-04-2007, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by Dangerous E

If your buddy wants his boots to actually fit after 4 or 5 days of riding he'll man up and deal with a little discomfort. If he wants a pair of boots that fit like a pair of sneakers then tell him to get rid of those things. Gotta have tight boots brother. I have a size 9.5 foot and I use size 8 Ions--Perfect fit, just takes a little while. Worth it in the end though. If he's really concerned then have him go to a reputable shop and have his foot properly sized. Then go shred the gnar...

Sounds like the same bunk theory the canucks I played hockey with in college had. I still have foot problems from jamming my feet in skates 2 sizes too small. Snowboard boots should be bought to size just like any other footwear, that shit's just retarded- just ask a good bootfitter. The performance gain is minimal. Like others have said, Burtons do pack out pretty quickly - wear a thinner sock or heat the liners a bit. I had a pair of Rulers that packed out in half a season of riding.

**Dangerous E** · 01-05-2007, 11:08 AM

Sorry man, you are totally wrong here. The fact that your boots packed out after half a year is only proving my point--that you have to get them kinda tight so when they break in they fit properly. Up until I swithced jobs I was "a good bootfitter" and I learned from a really good bootfitter. Snowboard boots should absolutely not fit like a normal pair of shoes cuz you are doing so much more and putting so much more stress on your feet. Most foot damage is done from the foot sliding around on a crappy footbed in a boot that's too big than from tight boots. BTW, hockey skates and snowboard boots are apples and oranges my friend. Like you said, just ask any good bootfitter.