The hike is as light as a tour model,
and the glide is as easy as an alpine model.
We've picked out some of this season's hottest freeride boots that are compatible with tech bindings. The benefit of using tech bindings is that they reduce the strain of hiking uphill. The bindings themselves are extremely light, and the heel is raised using the welt of the boot as a fulcrum, allowing for a very natural foot movement that reduces unnecessary strain
The downside is that they don't offer as much power transmission or hold as separate bindings. To make up for this, choosing boots with high performance is beneficial. Also, those who are not used to backcountry skiing should choose sturdy boots. This is because the performance of the boots can partially compensate for skiing technique
*Boot specifications: S (size), F (shell flex, hardness), W (weight of one shoe), GRIP (Grip Walk model), TEC (TEC binding compatible sole)
[FREERIDE model]
This type of boot is primarily found in freeride boots from ski boot brands. Like alpine models, they often feature a two-piece shell with three or four buckles, and combine the holding power and power transfer capabilities cultivated through competition with lightweight shell materials and parts for weight reduction. Many models also feature GripWalk soles, and another major feature is that they are compatible with bindings other than tech bindings
ATOMIC｜HAWX PRIME XTD 130 CT GW
S=22/22.5–30/30.5cm | F=130 | W=1668g (26-26.5cm) | GRIP TEC | 98,890 yen
Atomic offers a wide range of lightweight freeride boots with walk mode. Among them is the "Hawk Prime XTD" with a 100mm last. It features a heat-molded inner liner in a shell renowned for its glide, and models with tech inserts are marked with "CT." The "HT" model features a tech insert only on the toe and is compatible with "Shift" bindings
https://steep.jp/catalog/atomic/
DALBELLO | KRYPTON 130 TI ID
S=24.5-29.5cm (1cm increments) | F=130 | W=2191g | GRIP TEC | 107,800 yen
This is the first time that a tech binding-compatible boot without a walk mode function has been released. This boot is focused on big mountain freeriding rather than backcountry touring. The aim is to provide performance that can handle hard downhill runs, with the addition of hiking functionality. This is a concept shared with the Marker/Duke PT bindings
https://steep.jp/catalog/dalbello/
FISCHER | RANGER 130 WALK DYN
S=24.5/25.5-27.5cm｜F=130｜W=1600g｜ GRIP TEC ｜126,500 yen
Fischer's freeride boots come in a variety of variations based on last width and intended use, and three models are labeled "DYN" for compatibility with tech bindings. All feature a two-piece shell with four buckles that feels natural on the slopes, a heat-molded liner, and a power belt with buckles. At just 1,600g per boot, they're among the lightest in their category
https://www.goldwin.co.jp/fischer/alpine2021/boots.html
FULL TILT｜ASCENDANT APPROACH
S=24.5-30.5cm｜F=120｜W=2092g｜ GRIP TEC ｜88,000 yen
FT offers two models of tech-binding compatible boots with walk mode. These boots feature a lightweight design, with a three-piece shell made entirely of lightweight gliamide resin. The inner lining is a tongue type that follows the movement of the ankle when sliding and climbing. The sole is equipped with a Michelin full rubber sole, ideal for climbing on snow and off-road, and comes with a GripWalk sole
FULL TILT | ASCENDANT SC
S=24.5-30.5cm｜F=120｜W=2092g｜ GRIP TEC ｜99,000 yen
This is the Sammy Carlson signature model of the Ascendant. The specs are the same as the Approach
HEAD｜KORE 1
S=24.5-27.5cm | F=130 | W=1554g (26.5cm) | GRIP TEC | 99,000 yen
Head's freeride boots with walk mode come in three models: the Core 1 with a flex of 130, the Core 2 (88,000 yen) with a flex of 120, and the Core 2W with a flex of 110. All are four-buckle models with a medium-width 100mm last. The shell can be heat-molded to fit, and further customization is possible by injecting a special liquid into the heel and ankle area (at a specialty store)
https://steep.jp/catalog/head/
K2 | MINDBENDER 130
S=24.5-30.5cm | F=130 | W=1725g (26.5cm) | GRIP TEC | 93,500 yen
K2's freeride boots have been gaining acclaim since their release. The lower shell is bi-injected with two types of TPU resin, providing high rigidity and a comfortable fit. The upper is made of Pebax resin for lightweight construction. The buckle-type power belt and improved walk mode lever are also easy to use
LANGE｜XT3 140 PRO MODEL
S=24.5-29.5cm | F=140 | W=undisclosed | GRIP TEC | 108,900 yen
The "XT3" is a model compatible with Lange's tech bindings. There are five models available with different flexes, ranging from 100 to 140 (three women's models, ranging from 80 to 11). Each model utilizes a dual core, using two different types of resin with different hardness, for both power transmission and lightweight design. The new 140 flex model is the top-of-the-line hard boot in its class
NORDICA｜STRIDER ELITE 130 DYN
S=22.5-31cm | F=130 | W=1790g (26.5cm) | GRIP TEC | 103,400 yen
The unique Triforce Construction is used, with a hard sole and spine supporting power transmission, and a soft shell and cuff providing a comfortable fit. Among the Strider models, which are renowned for their gliding performance, the Elite 130 uses a lightweight and strong Griamid material for the shell, achieving even greater weight reduction
https://www.nordica.com/japan/
SALOMON | SHIFT PRO 130 AT
S=22/22.5-28/28.5cm | F=130 | W=1631g | GRIP TEC | 93,500 yen
This is the long-awaited new 4-buckle model for Salomon's freeride boots. The polyamide shell combines the necessary rigidity and lightness with a thin design, and each shell can be customized. The Core Frame insert makes it easy to put on. There are also five models available, with flexes of 120 and 100, and women's models with flexes of 110 and 90
https://steep.jp/catalog/salomon/
TECNICA｜COCHISE 120 DYN GW
S=24-31cm | F=120 | W=1750 (26.5cm) | GRIP TEC | 82,500 yen
This popular model from Technica has been a key player in freeride boots with walk mode since its early days. It has constantly updated its backcountry essentials, including a robust walk mode system that doesn't compromise cuff rigidity, a comfortable shell, and a smoothly adjustable cuff hinge point. There are a wide variety of models for both men and women
https://www.tecnicasports.com/japan/
[TOUR model]
Lightweight ski touring boots, primarily from mountaineering boot brands, are designed specifically for backcountry skiing. The lightweight design, weighing less than 1500g per boot, and the wide range of motion of the cuff in the hike mode prioritizes ease of climbing and walking. Each brand's development trend is focused on how to improve the gliding performance of these boots. However, many models do not comply with ISO standards, leaving very limited options other than tech bindings
DYNAFIT | HOJI FREE 130
S=25.0-31.5cm | F=130 | W=1550g (27.5cm) | TEC | 132,000 yen
This backcountry freeride model is the product of Erik Gjøleifson's practical ideas. It boasts high gliding rigidity and power transmission, and the wide toe box prevents cold feet and prevents jamming when landing from high cliffs. The HOJI Lock System, which simultaneously switches the cuff, buckle, and power belt with a single action when switching between ski and walk modes, is a standout feature. A 110 flex model is also available
https://steep.jp/catalog/dynafit/
ROXA | R3 FREETOUR TI IR.
S=24.5-30.5cm | F=120 | W=1520g (26.5cm) | TEC | 108,900 yen
Roxa is an Italian boot brand that specializes in touring and freeride boots that take advantage of the benefits of a three-piece shell construction. The R3 is a top-end model in the freeride category. With a supple, flexible three-piece shell and a lightweight weight of just 1520g per shoe, it combines high-performance skiing with stress-free maneuverability for long tours
SCARPA | MAESTRALE XT
S=24.5-30cm | F=undisclosed | W=1490g (27cm) | TEC | 87,500 yen
The XT model further enhances the gliding performance of the popular Maestrale touring boot, boasting a 56-degree cuff range of motion and rigidity that supports downhill performance. With a stronger cuff hold and a footbed that slopes downward like an alpine boot, this boot focuses on more aggressive riding performance
https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/store/c/c40/
SCOTT | COSMOS PRO SKI BOOT
S=25-31.5cm | F=125 | W=1400g (26.5cm) | TEC | 115,500 yen
This new top-end model is a perfect fit for Scott's renowned touring boots, offering the ultimate in riding performance. It features a three-piece shell, three buckles, a power strap with a buckle for convenient mode changes, two-position adjustable forward lean, and a BOA fit liner for a secure fit and hold, providing both effortless climbing and superior downhill performance
https://www.scott-sports.com/jp/ja/products/wintersports-equipment-boots