For the 2025-2026 season, VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports has announced the new PRO BOOT ski boots. These next-generation ski boots seem to have been delivered from the future, but what exactly are they? Let's take a look behind the scenes at the fascinating development and product.
VAN DEER - Red Bull Sports' completely original and proud product
Marcel Hirscher, the undisputed champion of alpine racing, has reigned supreme for 15 years, breaking unprecedented records. Since founding his own brand, VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports, in 2022, the brand has taken the racing world by storm with numerous FIS World Cup victories for skiers like Henrik Kristoffersen and Timon Hogan
Naturally, their recognition and popularity in Europe grew, and in the 2024-2025 season they finally made their debut in Japan through Klev Sports in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture. They were described as "magical skis" by Hirscher, and it has been announced that a new boot will be released for the 2025-2026 season
The boot is called the "PRO BOOT." Its design, inspired by the image of VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports skis, includes a logo, a four-buckle design, and a power belt. At first glance, it doesn't look much different from traditional ski boots
So, the next question that arises is, "Is this an OEM boot with a logo applied to the mold (casting) of some manufacturer's boots?" The answer is a complete no. The "PRO BOOT" is a completely original product by VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports. It is a product that was developed from scratch and completed with a unique design. And of course, it is a product that is packed with Marcel Hirscher's attention to detail and is a product that he is proud of
Let's take a look at the reality of this
The beginning of a secret project
In fact, before the "PRO BOOT," the pure racing boot "RB02" was already developed for the 2024-2025 season
In the summer of 2023, Marcel Hirscher, his father Ferdinand, and three world-renowned ski boot engineers, Toni Giger, Hubert Immler, and Gerhard Neumeyer, gathered in Annaberg, Austria, where VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports is based
In the winter of 2023, when VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports competed in the World Cup for the first time, Henrik Kristoffersen (NOR) switched to VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports skis and achieved a brilliant victory in the SL event at the W-CUP Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GER) in January
Following the ski victory that caused a sensation in the racing world, a team of three engineers immediately began sketching out a ski boot that summer that would maximize the ski's performance
Why boots?
Why VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports boots?
Hirscher was quick to answer the question.
"Ultimate performance always starts with the boots. To unleash the true potential of skiing, you need the perfect boots. That's why we decided to use our know-how to develop our own boots from scratch."
Tony Giger, one of the engineers and COO (Chief Operating Officer) of VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports, said:
"From the outside, all ski boots may look the same. Outer, inner, shell, cuff, buckle, strap... at first glance, they are all familiar elements. But in fact, there are infinite possibilities hidden within
"Ski boots are the most important link between the skier and the snow, interacting with the bindings, plates and skis. Yet this important element is often underestimated. That's why we tried a completely new approach."
From scratch to revolutionary boots
Tony Giger continues:
"The development process literally began with a blank sheet of paper. Our engineers began by recording, cataloguing and analysing Marcel and Ferdinand's racing experiences, which led to the creation of the first sketches, which were then converted into CAD models.
In the process, we adopted a new design philosophy.
Typically, racing boots prioritize power transmission and other factors secondary. But that doesn't make for a revolutionary boot. The RB02 successfully combines performance with shock absorption.
The RB02 is designed with three distinct zones: shin, ankle, and foot. In the zones that transfer power from the skier to the skis and then to the snow, the boot is shaped to fit the contours of the foot to prevent loss of force. At the same time, a shock-absorbing zone is also included. This ensures that the rebound force from the snow surface is evenly distributed within the boot before it is transmitted to the skier's body, enabling more precise control and resulting in a smoother, more stable ski. The
"lifter" in the sole also serves as a shock absorber.
A special structure called "DEER-Boost" at the rear of the boot provides enhanced rear support around the heel and ankle, improving balance and helping you maintain proper position while also better supporting the force on the shin area, improving power transfer during turns and contributing to control on steep slopes
The RB02 test model was developed in-house at VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports and manufactured in collaboration with innovative Italian boot manufacturer SCARPA. Based on Hilscher's motto, "Perfection creates magic," the RB02 was finally born after undergoing around 50 CAD model optimization loops
Italy is the world's most traditional boot kingdom. SCARPA is a manufacturer renowned for its world-class technical capabilities. This was the perfect opportunity to precisely translate the ultimate design developed by the VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports engineering team into a product
Its power is demonstrated and its ability is proven
The newly developed "RB02" boots quickly landed him on the W-CUP podium. On October 27, 2024, Henrik Christophersen placed second in the GS race, the opening round of the 2024-25 W-CUP held in Sölden (AUT), and then again in the SL race at Levi (FIN). The RB02 was clearly on his feet
▼Henrik Christophersen's own post from the award ceremony at the Sölden race (Henrik is on the left)
On January 9, 2025, the official VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports website posted the following statement:
"It began as a secret mission and is now blazing a new trail in racing boots. Following on from their race-winning skis during their first winter in the W-CUP, VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports engineers have now successfully developed a groundbreaking ski boot. The revolutionary RB02 racing boot combines performance and shock absorption to make it a boot for all skiers, not just top athletes like Henrik Kristoffersen, Timon Haugan, Fabian Ax-Schwarz and Alys Obert-Serrakanta."
Shortly after, Henrik Christophersen finally won the Grand Slam at Val d'Isère (FRA) on January 15th, and Timon Haugan also achieved the biggest victory of his career by winning the night slalom at Schladming (AUT) on January 29th. It's no exaggeration to say that VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports boots are now at the center of the world
Racing precision for all skiers
Marcel Hirscher once said,
"You can be the best skier in the world, but if you don't have the best materials, you'll never win. We want you to win. We want you to ski as fast as you can, and we want you to push your limits and break new ground on the race course."
Hirscher's passion is for all skiers, not just racers seeking victory. Just as they developed their own freeride fat skis, they pour their passion and know-how into the development of their gear, hoping that all skiers who love skiing and snowy mountains will have the best possible skiing experience
The same sentiment is embodied in Hirscher's newly released "PRO BOOT" for the 2025-2026 season. The "PRO BOOT" is designed to allow all skiers to enjoy the excellent performance that the "RB02" boots have proven in the world's top alpine scenes
Engineer Giger says,
"Based on the same philosophy as skiing, the difference between racing boots and general-purpose boots isn't in the quality or components, but in the comfort and roominess."
So how does the PRO BOOT achieve this "more comfortable fit" and "more room for your feet"? Let's take a closer look
Features of "PRO BOOT"
Its main features and points of interest are the following three points:
① Optimized sole and geometry
By making the sole shorter than usual, the dispersion of pressure power is reduced, resulting in better power transmission. For example, the sole of a 25.5cm boot is approximately 295mm, while the PRO BOOT is 288mm. While the numbers may seem small, it has a big impact on performance
The PRO BOOT's last width is 97mm. Boots aimed at racers at the W-Cup level typically have a last width of around 92mm for a tighter hold. 97mm is a comfortable, roomy design that is perfectly suited to the average Japanese foot width
The optimal sole length and last width for comfort, combined with the perfect balance of volume to encase the foot, were developed after analyzing hundreds of thousands of foot shapes. This optimal geometry (design) is one of the things these boots are proud of
This provides excellent power transfer and control for maximum performance and comfort
② Pre-equipped with a lifter
The bottom of the PRO BOOT is equipped with a unique lifter. The higher the boot, the more efficient the pressure on the skis and the greater the maneuverability. This lifter also acts as a shock absorber
Also, while the bottom of racing boots is usually slippery and difficult to walk on, these boots are made with a pre-gripping material, so you can walk safely and comfortably on any surface, without interfering with your gliding
3. Innovative Intuition Liner
The liner is specially made from a high-quality heat-moldable foam material, and by heat-molding it with an Intuition pad, the liner, including the tongue, will fit your foot perfectly in just a few minutes
The liner also includes an insole for added comfort and support, resulting in an innovative fit
PRO BOOT 130/110
Functions
: Intuition liner with heat-moldable foam for a perfect fit (tongue included)
, optimized fit
, optimized sole
, pre-installed lifters
, SIDAS PowerStrap P2
, dual screw canting,
removable spoiler
Size: 25-28cm
Flex: 130/110
Last: 97mm
Weight: 2251g (1/2)
¥176,000 (tax included)
The PRO BOOT is a new generation of boots that combines high performance and comfort, born from Hilscher's passion for gear and insatiable curiosity. I'd love to try it out on the snow
Try on the "PRO BOOT"!
Rider impressions
Skier Ken Hirose tried out the much talked about "PRO BOOT" as a tester and took it for a test run in the Yuzawa area in February. Let's hear his impressions
Ken Hirose's impressions
"I'm the type of skier who moves the board away from my body in the first half of the turn and uses centrifugal force to bend the board, but even if you lean hard or lean quickly in the first half of the turn, the board stabilizes you in a good position after you lean, so I always feel like I'm in a good position
I felt like I could use flexibility in all phases of the turn without feeling like my heel was the strongest part."
[Profile] Ken Hirose
is from Hokkaido and currently lives in Gunma Prefecture. Using the techniques he developed in alpine skiing, he is active in the freeride competition scene. Based in Numata, he visits various fields, including Mt. Tanigawa.
From these comments, it seems that the "PRO BOOT" is not quirky and would suit a variety of skiing styles. It is also a boot that feels flexible in any direction. It has just the right amount of flex and fit, allowing for smooth movement and a comfortable feel. The fact that you can naturally ride in a good position is likely due to the effect of the rear support
Now it's your turn!
We're holding a Premium Test Ride where you can try out this PRO BOOT on the snow!
Kleb Sports, which stocks VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports, will be holding a Premium Test Ride in March.
Along with the new ski models for the 2025-2026 season, you can also try out the PRO BOOT 130. The following three sizes are available:
The tours are divided into two sessions per day, morning and afternoon, and each session is limited to a small number of 10 people so that the staff can provide thorough support and allow for thorough test rides.
There are many noteworthy models in the ski lineup, but for details, please see this article
Test riding the VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports ski and boot set will make you feel like a FIS World Cup racer, and it's incredibly exciting. This rare opportunity, available for the first time ever, is truly "premium." Why not grab a "PRO BOOT" and try it on? We're looking forward to seeing what kind of impressions will come out of your mouth as you glide freely down the piste!
Overview of the "VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports Premium Test Ride"
Advance
registration: Free
On-the-day registration: 1,500 yen (subject to availability; free on-the-day registration at the Sapporo International Venue only)
Participation requirements: Please bring your driver's license and mobile phone with you on the day of
the event. Event times: Two sessions: 1) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 2) 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Only the afternoon session will be held at the Sapporo International Venue on March 16th)
| Event Schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 1st (Sat) – March 2nd (Sun), 2025 | 9:00-15:00 | Naspa Ski Garden, Niigata Prefecture |
| March 8th (Sat) - 9th (Sun), 2025 | 9:00-15:00 | Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture |
| Saturday, March 15th to Sunday, March 16th, 2025 | 9:00-15:00 3/16 morning only | Sapporo International Ski Resort, Hokkaido |
[Note]
If the advance registration is full, please come directly to the venue to register. (Priority will be given to those with reservations.)
◆Details and application
xraeb Sport
official website: https://www.xraeb.co.jp/xraebsport
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