currently running in the popular "STEEP SKIBOOK." In conjunction with this feature, we'd like to introduce some more boot impressions. Our tester is Shinji Saiki, the head of the ski school at Maiko Snow Resort. A former alpine skier in his student days, he now works as the head of a ski school while also competing in freeride competitions, making him the perfect person for this feature.
How to interpret the impressions
: The test date was April 11, 2025, at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. The weather was cloudy. The temperature was about 10℃. The snow quality was slushy, typical of spring. There were a maximum of two runs while wearing the boots. The comparison was made on the same slope.
Remember that the values in the chart are Shinji Saiki's subjective judgment. They are not manufacturer recommended values (5 = best, 1 = unsuitable). The same applies to items such as hardness and weight (5 = hard/heavy, 1 = soft/light).
K2 Cortex Zonal 140 Boa® Review
Flex=140
Last=96-98mm
Weight=2,283g (26.5cm, 1/2 pair)
Size=22.5-28.5cm
¥135,000
they never give way on rough courses.
These boots are incredibly strong;
"My preconceived notion of BOA boots was that they were a model for general comfort, but the moment I put them on, I realized that these boots were completely different from that concept
The part of the lower shell where your foot sits has the typical comfort of BOA, but the upper shell has the same flex as an athlete's racing boots
Boots that are this stiff usually have a narrow last, making them a bit uncomfortable to wear. Many boots are a bit tight, especially around the little toe and ankle, but these boots are amazing in that they still have the volume of a regular boot, while still providing the same Rex as an athlete's boot. I don't think you'll find this imbalance in volume in other boots
When I actually started skiing, I didn't have any trouble with the boots giving in to the gaps at high speeds or the rough terrain, and as long as my body was strong, I could ski anywhere. I think I could probably ski on icy runs at high speeds, or even on hard, crusty runs in the mountains, without any problems, and I got the strong impression that I could ski anywhere without hesitation
In any case, these boots make a strong impression
Rather than being stiff and sticky, they have a firm, crisp feel, and I get the impression that they are very firm boots. Rather than being boots that move, I get the impression that they are boots that keep a stable position
People who compete in freeride competitions come from a variety of backgrounds. Some originally skied moguls, others moved to backcountry skiing from park skiing, and others originally raced and are good at gripping the snow. I think preferences for freeride boots vary depending on the individual's style of skiing, with some preferring racing-oriented freeride boots and others leaning more towards freestyle. I think these boots are very well-suited for former racers looking to take on the mountains
I think it might be a bit tough for people who have done park or mogul skiing
It's comfortable, but also quite strong. Don't let the comfort fool you (laughs). It feels very comfortable when you put your foot in. The volume of the lower shell and the gentle feeling of being wrapped around it are comfortable, but I think it's the strength of the upper and the rigidity of the back. Just like regular racing boots, there are two vertical rivets on the back, so the back support and the rigidity of the sides are very strong, and you can really feel the strength of the upper
For example, the thickness of the upper is completely different from SALOMON's Dual BOA. This also gives me the impression that the target audience and their skiing style are very different. I think that a thinner shell provides faster response and allows for a more nimble skiing experience, but I think these boots are great for people who want to traverse rough terrain like a heavy tank
evaluation
Reviewer
profile
Shinji Saiki:
Annual skiing days: Approximately 100 days | Height: 172cm, Weight: 72kg | Home resort: Maiko Snow Resort
The now-on-sale "STEEP SKI BOOK 2025" features reviews from 106 people, including professional and amateur skiers!
This impression project was participated in by 106 skiers, from riders receiving support to the general public. Find the skis and boots you've been interested in and explore the sensory aspects that can't be measured by specs alone. We also tracked detailed information about the test riders, such as what gear they usually use, where they ski, and their height, weight, and physique. Reading the impressions with that information in mind should give you a clearer picture. Furthermore, if you're a skier, you can watch the skiing videos on Instagram or YouTube. Gather information from multiple angles and have fun agonizing over the process to choose the best skis and boots
