Sneak Peak: 2014 Burton x Diemme Rover Snowboard Boots

In snowboarding, collaborations are the mid-season release or limited edition collection for 2014. It seems like everyone is doing a collaboration. It’s the “in” thing to do. Burton Snowboards has been doing some type of collaboration for probably over 15 years. Whether it’s graphics from Mark Gonzales or Ron English or Stash or Kid Robot, Burton has been pushing what it means to work with other artists or brands. Snowboard boots have taken cues from footwear trends for years, including the Vans Hi-Standard or Burton’s Boxer that looked like the classic Timberland boot.

Diemme Footwear is an Italian boot company with its credentials based on making boots for Chanel, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo and Nonnative. Burton and Diemme collaborated on a snowboard boot and a après leather chukka. The goal was to make a boot that looked as good as it rides. At first glance, the outer is constructed of a pebbled full-grain leather featuring an articulated cuff with wingtip accents. Wingtips were originally used on footwear as protection in industrial environments. From a tech side, there’s the new Infinite Ride 4 Liner, Vibram Eco-Step (30% recycled), ice-spikes, and EST optimized mid-sole. These boots oozed cool. One thing that I did note is that they seemed a bit heavier than a standard pair of boots, which I chalked up to the liberal use of leather.

Then I got a chance to lace up a pair and take them for a spin. First impression? These things are super supportive and amazingly comfortable! The new seamless Infinite Ride 4 liner works really well. I can’t assess how it will hold up over time. The heel and ankle support seem really solid, but it did take a bit of getting used to compared to the Imprint 4 in my 2013 Ions. For lace boots, I’ve always been a huge fan of the Articulating Cuff as it creates a really smooth flex as you lean into your toe side turns. You really can’t beat Vibram for grippy and solid traction.

One thing to note is that the leather will wear over time like a pair of your dress or street boots. So if you are into keeping your product pristine, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a stylish pair of boots that are built to perform, keep looking here.

At the end of the day, I didn’t really note any of the weight that I felt lifting up the boots. The best way to sum up these boots are that they feel like the equivalent of a Cadillac for your feet.

Features (from Burton):
• Shrinkage™ Footprint Reduction Technology
• LACING: Traditional
• LINER: NEW Infinite Ride™ 4 Liner with Tuff Cuff and Rad Pad
• CUSHIONING: Vibram® EcoStep™ Rubber Outsole [30% Recycled] with Rubber Ice Spikes and Low-Profile EST® Optimized Midsole with B3 Gel
• FLEX AND RESPONSE: Genuine Full Grain Leather and NEW Power Up Firm Flex Thin Profile 3D® Molded Tongue
• COMFORT: Snow-Proof Internal Gusset, and Level 3 Molded EVA Footbed with ESS Support Shank, Dual-Density Cushioning, and Aegis™ Antimicrobial Coating
• An Exclusive Collaboration with the Designers at Diemme Footwear [www.diemmefootwear.com]

Support: 6