KASTLE has released boots equipped with the innovative "RYF" system that "remembers the fit"!

KASTLE's newly announced ski boots are generating a lot of buzz. At first glance, they look like BOA boots, but they actually feature a completely different and innovative new closure system called "RYF (Remember Your Fit)." These boots are said to "remember the fit." To find out more about them, Kenta Uraki visited KASTLE's headquarters

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Kessle unveils new system "RYF (Remember Your Fit)" to the world

At Prowinter 2026, a trade show that garnered significant attention in the winter sports industry in 2026, a new ski boot closure system called "RYF (Remember Your Fit)" was unveiled. Austrian ski brand Kässle will be adopting this innovative system for its boot line for the 2026-27 season

So, we immediately headed to the Kessle headquarters. We spoke with Alessandro Speranzoni, the product manager and engineer at the headquarters who is in charge of boot development, about RYF technology and its potential

Alessandro Speranzoni, Product Manager and Engineer in charge of Kästle boot development. [Copyright: Kästle GmbH]

A new concept: "Remembering the fit"

Uraki : First, could you tell us about this new system called RYF? It has become a hot topic in the European industry since its announcement.

Alessandro : RYF stands for "Remember Your Fit," and as the name suggests, it's a closure system that remembers the fit of your boots.

Traditional ski boots have drawbacks: buckle-type closures make instant fine adjustments difficult, while dial-type closures require repeated fine adjustments each time they are tightened. However, RYF combines dials and buckles to maximize the advantages of each, resulting in a structure that allows you to instantly reproduce the fit you set

In other words, by operating a single lever located in the center, you can start sliding with the same fit every time

K130P RYF [Copyright: Kästle GmbH]

Uraki : The RYF's cable system is also quite distinctive.

Alessandro : That's right. RYF uses cable tension to wrap around and tighten the entire foot. The important thing is not just to tighten it, but to distribute the tension evenly.

By optimizing the cable anchor points,

the design ensures even pressure distribution across the instep
, forefoot
sides

Differences from BOA

K110P RYF [Copyright: Kästle GmbH]

Uraki : Recently, more and more ski boot brands are adopting the BOA system, but what makes RYF different?

Alessandro : BOA is an excellent system with the major advantage of allowing for quick and even tightening with a dial. On the other hand, RYF aimed not only to "tighten" but also to "recreate the fit." BOA uses a dial to adjust tension, so it's commonly used for repeated fine-tuning at the ski resort.

In contrast, RYF's concept is to instantly recreate the ideal fit

For intermediate to advanced skiers who prefer a relatively tight fit while skiing, the ability to release the tightness with a single buckle when getting on the lift and then re-establish the same fit with another single buckle just before starting to ski is a major advantage

Our top priority was to perfectly reproduce the ideal fit we had created and to improve the accuracy of setting reproduction. As a result, we needed a "memory-based" system rather than an "adjustable" one


Uraki : How will you approach BOA, which is already well-known in the market?

Alessandro : Rather than focusing on competition, we prioritize clearly communicating the "difference in value." BOA offers simplicity and intuitive operation, while RYF offers reproducibility and consistent performance. The experience of "getting the same fit every time" is a strength that you'll immediately understand once you use it.

So, let's take a look at a video to see how to actually wear these RYF-equipped boots. You put your foot in, fasten the buckles and straps, and adjust the fit with the dial. This series of actions appears to be the same as with BOA

But the crucial difference lies in the next time you put them on. You simply fasten the buckle; there's no need to turn a dial. This is what I want you to notice. In other words, RYF (Remember Your Fit) is a very smart fit system that "remembers your fit and reproduces that fit every time."

Here's what it's like to actually try on the K130P RYF. The lower fit you've set can be released and then restored with a single touch

Why did Kessle choose RYF?

Uraki : What was the reason for adopting this system for Kessle's boots?

Alessandro : Kessle boots have always prioritized precise fit and performance. We felt that RYF was a perfect match for that philosophy.

For the 2026-27 season, we will be introducing RYF to our Performance line (KP series) and Terra line (KT series). These boots offer a significant improvement over the buckle fit in the instep area, which has often been a challenge in the past. This improvement does not compromise power transfer or stability

Uraki : Will this RYF become a technology exclusive to Kessle?

Alessandro : Currently, Kessle is the first to adopt this, but the concept itself is very versatile. I
think there is a good chance that other manufacturers will take notice of similar "fit-memory closures" in the future, and that RYF itself, or a similar system, will be adopted. It could even become a new standard for the entire ski boot industry.

K130P RYF

• Flex: 130
• Last width: 100mm (26.5cm)
• Weight: 2039g 1/2 (26.5cm)
• Sizes: 24.5-30.5cm (1cm increments)

 124,300 yen

K130P RYF

K120P RYF ¥113,300 | K110P RYF ¥103,400 | K105TERRA RYF ¥99,000

Expectations for the Japanese market

 K130P RYF [Copyright: Kästle GmbH]

Uraki : Japanese skiers are very particular about boot fit, and I see great potential in the RYF market here.

Alessandro : We think so too. Japanese skiers are very technically oriented and place great importance on fine-tuning the fit.

RYF
precise micro-adjustment
, consistent fit
, and uniform pressure distribution across the entire foot
, which I believe will be highly appreciated by Japanese users.

Ski boots: Towards the next evolution

RYF offers more than just a new closure system. It's a revolutionary concept: "memorizing the fit." If BOA is a technology for "easy tightening," then RYF is a technology for "recreating the ideal fit."

Ski boots are now entering a new phase of evolution. Manufacturers are honing their technology and dedicating themselves to development to stay at the forefront of this advancement. A change in ski boots will undoubtedly change your skiing. And everyone can reap the benefits. Why not experience it for yourself?

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