PROJECTSTEP.

Independent binding development

LESS FUSS.
MORE SNOW.

A project exploring automatic rear entry for the boots you already ride.

Starting on the workbench. Built through prototypes, real tests, and a lot of learning.

Explore the idea
REV 0.1 / BENCH DEMONSTRATORCAD MODEL

Loading the CAD model…

Drag to rotate. Digital bench model; physical assembly and testing are still ahead.

EXISTING BOOTSREAR ENTRYMECHANICAL CLOSURETEST. LEARN. REPEAT.
01 / THE IDEA

ONE CONTINUOUS
ENTRY MOTION.

Keep the familiar support of a strapped binding. Explore a mechanism that uses heel pressure to handle the closing sequence.

01

Slide in.

A reclining highback opens the rear of the binding. The straps make room for your boot.

02

Press down.

The proposed heel-driven mechanism brings the highback forward and takes up the ankle strap.

03

Confirm the lock.

The eventual riding design needs positive retention and a clear indication of full engagement.

Intended product sequence. The first bench model studies motion; it does not establish rider retention.

START SMALL.
LEARN SOMETHING REAL.

THE FIRST BUILD

A mechanism before
a mountain.

The first package is an editable, printable bench demonstrator. It gives us a physical starting point for checking pedal travel, highback motion, strap take-up, and release.

Two adjustable prototype sizes: Small and Medium/Large. Both use the same closure mechanism, with different boot-fit envelopes. Physical fit checks will determine which boots each version can support.

See where the project stands
02 / BUILD IN THE OPEN

PROGRESS.
WITH THE RECEIPTS.

10 NOV
2026
  1. 01
    FILES PREPARED

    Design & printable bench parts

    A digital starting point for assembly. CAD checks are documented separately from physical tests.

  2. 02
    NEXT

    Assemble. Measure. Film.

    Check the actual boot, assemble the mechanism, and record the complete entry and release cycle.

  3. 03
    PLANNED

    Develop and test the riding design

    Resolve retention, fit, snow clearance, and release. Then evaluate representative assemblies under cold, impact, and repeated loads.

  4. 04
    FUTURE

    A campaign backed by evidence

    Bring a working physical prototype, an honest demonstration, and a manufacturing plan to Kickstarter.

03 / FROM THE WORKBENCH

THE FIRST FILM
STARTS HERE.

The build, the tests, and the changes in between. Prototype videos will appear here as they are made.

FILM / 001FIRST
ASSEMBLYPLANNED — NO FOOTAGE YET

From printed parts to moving mechanism.

FILM / 002THE FULL
CYCLEPLANNED — NO FOOTAGE YET

Entry, engagement, release, repeat.

04 / BEFORE YOU ASK

WHERE THINGS STAND.

Can I buy or back it yet?

No. Project Step is in development. There are no pre-orders, reward tiers, delivery promises, or active crowdfunding campaign.

Will it work with my boots?

The goal is compatibility with standard soft snowboard boots in two adjustable sizes: Small and Medium/Large. The prototype dimensions describe design envelopes, not verified shoe-size ranges. Physical boot-fit checks are still ahead.

Is the current prototype ready to ride?

No. The current files describe a bench motion demonstrator. They do not establish binding strength, cold-weather durability, or rider retention. A riding assembly requires further engineering and physical validation.

How is it related to SP Bindings?

SP’s rear-entry layout is a design reference. Project Step is an independent project exploring automatic closure; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a product of SP Bindings or Vans.

When will the Kickstarter launch?

There is no launch date yet. A working physical prototype, clear test evidence, and a credible production plan come first. This page will track those milestones.

PROJECT STEP / IN DEVELOPMENT

BUILD IT.
TEST IT.
SHOW THE WORK.

Follow the build