Union Snowboard Bindings F/W 2026/27 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboard Bindings F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Union
Interviewee: Claudio Distasi – EMEA Sales Manager

How would you describe the 2024/25 snowboard binding season in terms of market performance and consumer demand
The 2024/25 season has been strong across the board. Consumer enthusiasm for high-performance bindings remains high, and our ongoing commitment to pushing the limits of snowboard technology continues to deliver results. The strong response confirmed that snowboarders continue to prioritize quality, reliability, and long-lasting performance—values that define Union’s DNA.

What current trends are shaping the snowboard binding market (pricing, consumer preferences, retail shifts, rider demographics)?
Riders are increasingly looking for bindings that combine performance with convenience, which is driving growth in both high-performance strap bindings and step-in systems. Sustainability is becoming more important, with buyers paying closer attention to materials and brand practices. On the retail side, direct-to-consumer channels are growing, while specialty shops remain critical for engaging serious riders. Overall, the market is becoming more diverse, with riders of all levels seeking gear that matches their style and needs.

From changing consumer behavior to tariffs and supply chain stress, what’s been the biggest challenge for your brand recently?
Like the rest of the industry, we’ve navigated supply chain pressures and rising costs, As a vertically integrated company, Union designs, develops, and manufactures every binding in our own dedicated factory—where only Union products are made. This unique setup gives us complete control over quality, production, and timing. Even in today’s complex supply chain environment, this vertical structure allows us to stay agile and reliable, ensuring that riders and retailers get consistent product and service no matter what’s happening globally. We work hard to balance innovation and production speed while maintaining the quality and durability our riders expect. Staying agile and customer-focused has been key to meeting these challenges head-on.

BRAND FOCUS

What is your brand’s core mission or philosophy, and how does it influence the way you design and position your bindings?.
Union is a performance binding company. For 20 years, our mission has been to push the evolution of snowboard bindings to their absolute limits. Everything at Union comes down to focus and dedication Our STRONGER motto defines not only our products but every part of the company. From delivery, sales, and customer service to our Pro Team, friendships, and genuine approach, we are committed to transforming the snowboarding experience through quality, performance, and passion.

How has your brand evolved in the snowboard binding market over the past few years?
Over the past few years, we have continued to expand our binding lineup while staying true to our core values. In 2025/26 we launched Union Lab category as our true research and development platform—a space where we experiment with new technologies that will later influence our standard range. It’s not about volume or immediate growth; it’s about redefining what’s possible. The Union Source FC, weighing just over 1 kg per binding, is the lightest model ever made and delivers a ride feeling unlike anything else on the market. The market keeps evolving, and so do we, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance for snowboard bindings.

Who is your target rider for the 26/27 season, and how has that profile changed in recent seasons?
Union’s target rider has always been the performance-driven snowboarder. We build bindings that can stand up to the demands of the world’s best, riders who expect precision, durability, and response from their gear. If it works for the best, it works for the rest.

Which product ranges or binding styles do you anticipate driving the most growth in 26/27?
Our main focus for growth remains in the traditional strap binding market. While convenience bindings are getting more attention industry-wide, we continue to see the biggest potential in refining and advancing high-performance strap bindings, what we learn from Lab projects continues to feed innovation across our entire line, keeping every model relevant and fresh. Meanwhile, the Step On® partnership will open new opportunities and attract riders seeking convenience without sacrificing performance.

BINDING SPECIFIC

What new technical innovations are you introducing for 26/27 (buckles, straps, highbacks, baseplates, heel cups, etc.)?
We are introducing new highbacks, ankle straps, baseplates, and heel cups across the 26/27 collection. A key highlight is our all-new Neo model, featuring a unique three-piece baseplate construction that is exclusive to Union.

Are you exploring new materials, construction techniques, or performance features in your bindings?
Yes. Our new Neo binding introduces a three-piece baseplate design with a mini disk, delivering true board flex and increased lateral freedom for a more natural ride feel. Each piece can be engineered from different materials in the future, allowing us to fine-tune performance even further.

Do you have any new design directions, collaborations, or special editions for the 26/27 line?
For 26/27, we are rolling out several new rider pro models and inline collaborations that we are really excited about, including a Kevin Bäckström Atlas and the Source Pro Torstein pro models.

Are you developing or expanding quick-entry / step-in binding systems, and how do you see demand for them evolving?
We launched the Union Step On® in January 2025, and the response exceeded our expectations. The first drop sold out quickly. We have a second wave of Atlas Step On bindings hitting stores in fall 2025, and we are expanding the Step On lineup with two new models for 26/27.

What steps are you taking toward sustainability and ethical production in bindings — whether in materials, processes, or lifecycle?
In December 2024, Core SRL (Union’s parent company) achieved B Corp certification, a major step forward in our commitment to doing business the right way. As an independently owned company, we are proud to make decisions based on what truly matters: the future of snowboarding. B Corp status reinforces our ongoing effort to improve how we produce, who we work with, and how we contribute to the snowboarding community. We are also continuing to expand our use of Duraflex Blue nylon across select models. This material, part of Envalior’s sustainable product family, is made with 90% sustainable raw materials, without sacrificing strength, cold-weather durability, or longevity. For future collections, we are looking to scale up its use across more bindings.

Are you focusing on specific customer segments (freeride, freestyle, women’s-specific, youth, entry-level) for 26/27?
Union remains focused on offering high-performance binding options for every type of rider. With more than 30 models in the line, we have something for everyone, from youth and entry-level riders to the most demanding pros.

Key Products:

The Neo, Atlas Pro Step On®, and Source Pro TH define Union’s 26/27 lineup. The Neo delivers big-mountain precision with a new three-piece baseplate and impact-absorbing bushings. The Atlas Pro Step On® pairs instant connection with effortless Step On® convenience and edge-to-edge response. The Source Pro TH offers a direct board connection with Hybrid 3.0 straps for unmatched comfort, control, and performance.

Neo:

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Atlas Pro Step On®:

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Source Pro TH:

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