Union Atlas Pro Step-On Bindings: First Impressions (2027)

The Quick Version

Stiffer, more precise and noticeably more direct than the regular Atlas Step On. There's less movement around the heel and it feels closer to a traditional strapped binding.

It's the first Step On setup I've ridden where I'd genuinely consider choosing it for the ride itself, rather than the convenience. Still early days, but a super promising first impression.

First ride • Tested with DC Judge Step On boots

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First Impressions

I still prefer straps.

That’s probably the best place to start.

I’ve tested a lot of bindings over the years and, left to my own devices, I’d still usually reach for a normal strapped binding. I like the feel, I like being able to cinch things exactly how I want them, and I’ve never really felt that getting in and out of bindings was a problem that desperately needed solving.

Why the Regular Atlas Changed My Mind

That’s why the regular Union Atlas Step On surprised me last season.

I rode it a fair bit through the season – not exclusively, obviously. I’m constantly swapping between bindings and testing different setups – but enough to get a proper feel for it. And it was the first Step On setup I’d used that didn’t feel like I was making some obvious compromise just to avoid doing up straps.

I still wasn’t ready to bin my regular bindings… but I finally understood the appeal.

So I was genuinely excited when Union brought out the Atlas Pro Step On for 2027. I’ve only had an initial ride on it so far, so this is very much a first impressions piece. No pretending otherwise.

What Feels Different on the Pro?

The biggest difference straight away is that it feels tighter and more direct than the standard Atlas Step On.

Not wildly different. Definitely not some completely new binding. Just more precise.

I already love the strap version of the Atlas Pro and was stoked that this has a similar feel.

The regular Atlas Step On was already pretty responsive, but there was a little more movement in the system than I’d ideally want when I was riding harder. I wouldn’t call it sloppy, because it wasn’t, but if I was really driving through a turn or loading the board aggressively I could still feel that slight disconnect compared with a good stiff strapped binding.

The Pro seems to reduce that.

The highback is stiffer, the whole chassis feels more planted, and there’s less of that slightly vague movement around the heel and back of the binding. That’s the main thing I noticed.

Union’s press release mentioned the forged hybrid highback, carbon spine and Drive Frame setup, which is all very nice on a product page, but the useful bit is that it does actually feel firmer (without becoming horribly unforgiving).

I was half expecting the Pro version to just be the same binding turned up to eleven. It’s not really like that. It feels more like they’ve taken the bit I was slightly unsure about on the regular Atlas and tightened it up.

I rode them with my DC Judge Step On boots from last season. They’re pretty battered now but still hanging on, and I already know that boot well, so it made sense to keep one part of the setup familiar rather than throwing a new boot into the mix at the same time.

That probably helped make the difference in the binding more obvious.

Entry and exit is exactly what you’d expect if you’ve used the Union Step On before. Easy, solid and quick. I still can’t quite master the “jump in” approach I’ve seen pros doing, but I’ll work on it.

But honestly, I don’t care that much about that anymore. The whole reason I liked the Atlas Step On in the first place was because once I was actually riding, I stopped thinking about the fact it was a Step On binding.

That’s the bit Burton never really sold me on.

The Union felt more like a proper binding first, convenience thing second. The Pro feels even closer to that.

Other Features

A few other features worth mentioning if I haven’t already. The Pro obviously gets the forged carbon highback spine – but it keeps the tool-free, two-stage forward lean adjustment. I again preferred the option with increased lean, which still isn’t particularly aggressive.

Both models use Hi-Flex EVA for vibration damping and have non-stick footbeds to help prevent snow and ice buildup. The gas pedal is equally adjustable on both models. The Pro has the stiffer Drive Frame and a 3D aluminium heelcup.

Nothing revolutionary there, but the Pro’s stiffer construction is noticeable when you’re riding aggressively.

Still Not Giving Up Straps

I’m still not at the point where I’d say I prefer Step On to straps. I’ve got to at least test the new Union Neo and latest version of the strapped Atlas Pro first.

But this is the first Step On binding I’ve ridden where I could genuinely imagine choosing it for the ride rather than just the convenience.

That’s quite a big shift for me.

I need more time on it before getting carried away. I want to ride it on a few different boards, get some full days in and see whether the extra stiffness still feels good once the novelty has worn off.

But first ride: very good.

And more importantly, it feels like an actual progression from the regular Atlas Step On rather than just a “Pro” badge and a load of carbon marketing.

When Are Union Making a Step On Boot?

This is the obvious question now.

Union already makes boots (pretty good ones I’m told).

Union now makes a very convincing Step On binding.

At some point those two things surely meet?

Maybe not this season. Maybe not next.

But I’d be amazed if it never happened.

I’m keen to get some proper time in Union’s current boots this season anyway. The old DC Judges have done the job, but they’ve had plenty of use now and I’d like to see how Union’s own boot feel compares.