Shop Photo/Mountain shop Niseko 343
Ski pro shops not only stock the latest materials for each season, but also have amassed information over the years on past products and feedback from users who have actually purchased them. Also, since most owners and staff are skiers themselves, they have a wealth of specialized knowledge and experience
As a result, they are adept at evaluating products from multiple perspectives and comparing numerous brands across the board. So, this time, we asked the expert experts at a pro shop to recommend some excellent boots that you'd be missing out on if you didn't try them on. If you haven't yet found the boots that you'll consider your lifetime purchase, why not use this as a guide on your journey to find your perfect boots?
Excellent boots selected by the experts at a pro shop that you'd be missing out if you didn't try them on!
FULLTILT
ASCEDANT SAMMY CARLSON
SIZE: 24.5-30.5cm
WEIGHT: 1880g (26.5)
FLEX: 120
¥80,000＋tax
is excellent because, above all, it can handle any field.
Mikiya Tanno
Recommend: TRUNKBASE
The Ascendedant Summer Carlson is an all-around model of the FT (Full Tilt) boot. Equipped with walk mode and compatible with tech bindings, these FT boots allow you to comfortably tour the backcountry. And best of all, they're great for any terrain. From tricks in the park to hard riding in backcountry areas, they're perfect for skiers who want to do it all: on the slopes, in the park, in powder, and in the backcountry
Mr. Odajima
Recommend:Mountain shop Niseko 343's FT boots, based on a 3-piece construction (lower shell, rear upper shell, tongue), are among the most popular in the freestyle world. It's the brand with the highest repeat purchase rate.
The reasons for this are the wide ankle range of motion while the boots are sturdy. They are easy to put on and take off, have a warm inner lining, and are lightweight. Other factors that contribute to their popularity include the tightness of the wire buckle and the wrap-type intuition liner, which are a perfect match, providing comfort without compromising athletic performance
Although it is optional, you can change the tang flex and there is a wide range of consumable parts available, so you can feel at ease
The ASCEDANT SAMMY CARLSON is the signature model of Sammy Carlson, a rider who has won numerous brilliant titles at the X-Games and other events and remains extremely popular in the top scene. This season, it was added to the ASCENDANT series. Check out the video of Sammy riding it here
ATOMIC HAWX PRIME XTD 130 TECH GW
SIZE: 22/22.5 - 29/29.5 cm
WEIGHT: 1668g (26)
FLEX: 130
¥89,900 + tax
is a backcountry boot you should definitely try this season.
Tatsumi
Recommend:SKI SHOP Vail.This season, the newly adopted MIMIC inner liner allows for heat molding to more precisely fit the foot shape. The shell also features reinforcement around the heel, increasing rigidity and improving skiing performance.
Previously, the XTD series was a style favored by skiers with narrow feet, but with the introduction of the PIRIME XTD, it is now suitable for all foot shapes, which is a blessing. This is a backcountry boot that you should try this season
with TECH GW grip fork offers increased versatility! Satisfying performance on both climbs and descents.
Fujisawa
Recommended:Ishii Sports Sapporo Store
The HAWX ULTRA XTD is more gliding-focused than the previous model, and the improved overall construction and GripWalk make it compatible with alpine bindings, making it more versatile. The inner lining is made of durable material and can withstand heavy use. This boot is perfect for both climbing and skiing
ROXA
ELEMENT 100
SIZE: 24.5-30.5cm
FLEX: 100
¥50,600 (tax included)
These boots, packed with so many high-performance features, are priced at just 50,600 yen!
Takagi
Recommend:OFF-1
A three-piece structure that makes it easy to put on and take off and allows for smooth knee movement, a lightweight 45° buckle that provides excellent heel hold, an outer shell and inner boot that are heat-molded to fit the wide feet of Japanese people, and the latest Grip Walk sole
These boots are packed with so many high-performance features and are priced at a super reasonable 50,600 yen (tax included)! These are our top pick for freestyle boots this season
Roxa is a brand that appeals to the high quality and high performance of Made in Italy products. It is supported by a team of athletes who work together with engineers, including the famous Glenn Plake. Click here for an overview video of Roxa
DYNAFIT
HOJI FREE 130
SIZE: 25.0 - 29.5cm
WEIGHT: 1550g (27.5)
FLEXl: 130
¥120,000 + tax
: Designed for a secure and stable fit, allowing for aggressive riding!
member Wasshi
Recommend:BLACKDIAMOND
This is an evolution of the "HOJI" ski boot series, which has been developed over many years by professional freeride skier Erik Hoji
The boots are designed for a tighter fit, with a focus on more aggressive, high-performance skiing. Changes to the shell material and shape maximize stability in ski mode, ensuring you can ski more aggressively than ever before
A mini-interview with Hoji, the developer of these boots!
"I really like the HOJI FREE 130, and I think it's a good start to further improve the functionality of touring boots. My ultimate goal in boot development is to create a boot with the highest level of functionality ever, one that doesn't compromise at all when considering performance on both uphill and downhill sections. Right now, I
've been testing the boots every day for two months in Austria and Italy. I can't go into details about what we're testing yet, but this is just the beginning in developing a completely new boot. It's very exciting."
K2
MINDBENDER 110 ALLIANCE
SIZE: 22.5-27.5cm
FLEX: 110
WEIGHT: 1640g (26.5)
¥70,000 + tax
is popular because of its excellent balance of practicality and gliding performance.
Mr. Odajima
Recommend:Mountain shop Niseko 343
There are many types of boot manufacturers, and it seems that high-performance boots that incorporate feedback from competitive skiing are popular. However, Niseko 343 mainly sells heat-moldable boots that meet performance requirements while also being comfortable to wear all day without tiring you out, warm, and easy to put on and take off. We encourage you to take your time to choose the right boots based on your intended use
Although K2 is a latecomer to the boot industry, they release updates and new models almost every year, and their boots are becoming increasingly popular. We especially recommend the freeride-type "MIND BENDER Series," which sold out midway through last year. Here's a rider's review:
"K2 MINDBENDER 110 ALLIANCE (Size used: 23.5cm)"
The balance between practicality and gliding performance is exquisite, and I think the way these seemingly contradictory elements coexisted appropriately is what led to its popularity in stores. In terms of practicality, its industry-leading lightness and the range of motion in walk mode are very appealing.
Furthermore, the boots show meticulous attention to detail, such as a lever that rises when turning on walk mode, preventing you from stepping on the hem of your clothing, and a panel in the inner lining that makes climbing movements more comfortable. I also think this contributes to the lightness, but by varying the thickness and stiffness of the shell in different areas, there is no stiffness typical of boots with walk mode, and the sticky flex feeling contributes to the excellent gliding performance.It felt a little softer than the set flex value, but I think it's a good flex.
NORDICA
STRIDER PRO 130 DYN
SIZE: 22.5-31.0cm
WEIGHT:1910g(26.5)
FLEX: 130
￥97,900 (tax included)
TECNICA
COCHISE 130 DYN GW
SIZE: 22.0-31.0cm
WEIGHT:2035g(27.5)
FLEX: 130
¥86,900 (tax include)
TECNICA COCHISE 130 DYN GW
creates a difference in feel. Two models recommended to suit your skiing style.
member Amari
Recommend:Ishii Sports Shinjuku West Exit Store
I think of TECNICA and NORDICA as brother brands. When it comes to racing products, the two brands have quite similar flavors, but interestingly, when it comes to backcountry products, they are completely different. The point of difference that I consider important is the "flex point of the upper shell."
The TECNICA feels like it bends around the bottom of the third buckle, while the NORDICA feels like it bends around the bottom of the fourth buckle. As for how it affects skiing, for skiers who use up and down motions and move their body more in line with the movement of the skis, the TECNICA allows for more shin room and has a smoother boot response, making it easier to adjust to the movement of fat skis. For all-mountain skiing, the COCHISE is a good choice
NORDICA gives the complete opposite impression, and feels very similar to alpine boots (racing type). The boot response is sharp, and the side of the boot is well-composed, so I think it will make a good impression on skiers who have experience in competitive skiing or basic skiing. For skiers who want to move, I recommend "TECNICA". If you are looking for a feeling similar to alpine boots, then "NORDICA" is the one for you. If you have a chance to try them on in the store, I recommend this
I want you to experience the difference between the two brands!
FULLTILT DROPKICK PRO
SIZE: 22.5-31.5cm
FLEX: 90
￥70,000 + tax
is easy to put on and take off, lightweight, fits well, and has good flexibility.
Ikeda
Recommend:PAPASUboots are highly recommended for freeskiing (mainly on groomed slopes, in parks, and for moguls). They are lightweight, easy to put on and take off, and feature an INTUTION inner liner that can be heat-molded for a great fit.
The softer flex is great for everything from parks and moguls to slopes and side country. But there are other boots that are just softer. Why are FT boots better? This is important!
FT boots have the advantage of transmitting force directly in the direction of bending of the foot. This is not just a feature of FT boots, but a feature of all 3-piece boots. The fact that they facilitate simple bending and stretching movements makes them ideal for freeskiing. They are easy to put on and take off, light, fit well, and have a good flex. This is why we recommend FT boots
K2
RECON PRO
SIZE : 24.5-30.5cm
WEIGHT: 1740g (26.5)
FLEX: 140
￥89,000 + tax
The K2 RECON PRO
boots fulfill all my requirements;
they make me want to ski the moment I put them on.
Tabira
Recommend:Denkraft
The RECON series perfectly meets the two requirements commonly sought by skiers of all stripes: "easy to put on and take off" and "lightweight." And the all-important "warmth" is no different from other manufacturers. (For cold weather, there's the RECON 120 MV HEAT.)
What I felt when I tried skiing in this series was that lightness is also related to ski control, in other words, "lightness can also be an advantage." These boots have all three qualities: they are easy to wear, light, and provide good ski control. Please try them on at your local shop. Once you put them on, you'll want to ski. These are boots like that
"A Little Story About Boots" by Mr. Tabira, owner of "Denkraft":
What do people look for in ski boots these days? There are many different types of skiers, from those who prefer groomed slopes and races to those who want to enjoy the mountains in the backcountry and sidecountry, and also considering gender and age, but there are some things that are commonly looked for in boots.
1. Boots that are easy to put on and take off
2. Lighter boots rather than heavy boots
3. Warmer boots rather than cold boots
These are some of the things that come to mind. The rest is a trade-off with performance and functionality, and the boots I recommend that you'll regret not trying on are "K2 SKI Boots". K2 is a latecomer to the boot market. When K2 started developing boots, they began by setting up a lab to research ski boots. They collected boots from all over the world and collected data on all of them using measuring instruments that they developed themselves. What they discovered was that something that was done as a matter of course by all boot manufacturers was actually impairing performance.
What was discovered from this discovery is "Spyne". Spyne is a Y-shaped support mounted on the rear, which provides even greater strength and power to the energy interlock, maximizing front-to-rear flex efficiency and side rigidity, resulting in high responsiveness on any terrain.
I first wore K2 SKI Boots at a test run at Karuizawa Ski Resort in 2013. My feet are size 24cm, and the test boots I was wearing were size 26cm, but the tip of the ski automatically dropped when I started a turn, and they responded quickly to my upper body's forward movement. I was amazed at the performance of the "Spyne."
These features have been retained, and K2 SKI Boots have transitioned to their second generation since last year. This is the "RECON Series." K2 SKI Boots have finally started to attract attention. With the introduction of the MINDBENDER backcountry boots, lightweight boots with alpine-like responsiveness have gained attention. However, it is the RECON Series that I would like to recommend
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