The '25-26 new Boots Impression is available at
the STEEP SKIBOOK which is currently on sale In conjunction with this project, we'll introduce you to more impressions of boots. The tester is Saiki Shinji, the principal of Maiko Snow Resort's school. He is an alpine player when he was a student and is now the principal of a ski school, and is also a perfect person to participate in freeride competitions.
How to interpret impressions
and test them on at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort on April 11, 2025. The weather is cloudy. The temperature is about 10°C. The slurping snow quality is unique to spring. I glide in most boots with two. Skiing on the same slope and comparing.
- Don't forget that the numbers on the chart are subjective judgments by Saiki Shinji. This is not the manufacturer's recommended value (5 = highest, 1 = not suitable). The same applies to hardness and weight (5=hard/heavy; 1=soft/light)
Review of K2 "CORTEX ZONAL 140 BOA®"
Flex=140
Last=96-98mm
Weight=2,283g (26.5cm, 1/2 pair)
Size=22.5-28.5cm
¥135,000
Strong boots that never lose to rough course
"When I think of BOA boots, I had a preconceived notion that they were models that wanted comfort for the general public, but as soon as I put them I realized that these boots were completely different from that concept.
The part where the lower shell feet are inside, has the comfort of a typical BOA, but the upper shell part has the same flex as racing boots for athletes.
With boots that are so stiff, the ending is generally narrow and it's a little uncomfortable to wear. There are many boots that are particularly tough on the side of the little finger and around the ankles, but with these boots, it's amazing that they still have a volume of regular boots that are just a little more spacious, but still have a Rex that looks like a player boot. I think this volume imbalance is something that other boots don't have.
Even if you start skiing, there is no gap at high speeds or the boots that will lose against rough courses, and as long as your body is really strong, you can ski anywhere. It's probably not a problem with high-speed ice burns, or hard burns like those crusts in the mountains, and I have the impression that you can ski anywhere without being afraid.
Anyway, the impression is that they are strong boots.
Rather than being too hard, I get the impression that it's a boot with a crisp, fixed hardness, or rather a very fixed one. It gives the impression of it as a boot that maintains a stable position rather than a moving boot.
People who participate in freeride competitions have a variety of backgrounds. Some people have originally played moguls, some people go backcountry from park skiing, and others who are originally good at racing and getting them to grip. Freeride boots are originally based on the type of slipper that person has, and their preferences vary depending on whether they are freeride boots that are more racing-oriented or freeride that is more freestyle, but I think these are boots that are very easy for people who have been racing to try the mountains in the future.
I think it would probably be a bit tough for people who played parks and moguls.
It's comfortable but quite strong. I have to make sure I don't get fooled by the comfort of the shoes (lol). It feels very comfortable when you put your feet in. The volume and gentle feeling of being wrapped around the lower shell are comfortable, but I guess it's the strength of the upper and the rigidity of the back. Just like regular racing boots, there are two vertical rivets in the back, so this back support and side rigidity are also very strong, giving you a sense of the upper strength.
For example, the upper thickness is completely different from SALOMON's dual BOA. From this point of view, I have the impression that the people they are targeting are significantly different in their orientation and ski style. I think the thinner shell type has faster response and allows for lighter skiing, but I think it's a great boot for people who want to run through rough areas like heavy tanks.
evaluation
reviewer
profile
Shinji SAIKI
Skiing days per year: Approximately 100 days | Height 172cm, weight 72kg | Home slope: Maiko Snow Resort
At the "STEEP SKI BOOK 2025" currently on sale, you can see reviews from 106 people, including professionals and general skiers!
This impression project was held in which 106 skiers, from riders who receive support to the general public. Be sure to find the skis and boots you've been interested in, and try to find the sensory aspects that cannot be measured using specs alone. Additionally, the test drives follow detailed information such as what kind of gear they normally use, where they slide, their height and weight. With this in mind, you should get a clearer image. Furthermore, if you are a rider, you can also watch the glimpse on Instagram or YouTube. Gather information from multiple angles and have a great time to find the best ski boots.
