Recommended Boots | 2021-22 Season Highly Rated by Pro Shops | Highly Recommended Boots from Experts

Photo: DESCENDANT 100・ASCENDANT SC/ FULLTILT

The strength of professional shops is that they can evaluate products from multiple angles and compare numerous brands based on the wealth of knowledge they have accumulated, on-snow trials, and user feedback. So we asked professional connoisseurs about new boot models that they highly praise and want users to know about. Which are the "recommended models" for the 2021-22 season from professional shops filled with expertise and a love of skiing?!


Highly recommended ・BOOTS

'21-22 Newly released noteworthy models

DALBELLO | KRIPTON 130 TI ID 

SIZE: 24.5-29.5cm (1cm increments)
WEIGHT: 2191g
FLEX: 130
PRICE: 107,800 yen

◆Official website: http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/

The walk mode has been removed for a more tech-friendly design! The gliding-focused concept captures the hearts of skiers
Head clerk
Oguchi Shinji

Recommendation:
Sanwa Sports Webstore Newly released for the 2022 season, the Krypton 130T.I.ID is perfect for the current FREERIDE scene. Dalbello's iconic and distinctive boot is undoubtedly the Krypton! The IL MORO, a derivative of the Krypton and used by the legendary Tanner Hall, and the LUPO series, which was one of the first to support tech systems, are just some of the highlights of Dalbello's reputation in freeskiing. The 130T.I.ID eliminates the walk mode as it's specialized for skiing. However, it does support tech for walking on approaches! Its simplicity and ski-first concept are sure to capture the hearts of freeriders worldwide!


It's so light! And yet..

K2 | MINDBENDER 130

SIZE: 24.5-30.5cm
WEIGHT: 1725g
FLEX: 130
PRICE: 93,500 yen

◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp

Lightweight yet stiff enough to handle everything from icy slopes to powder
Owner
Iwao Saeki

Recommendation:
Tyrol The opening is made of a soft material, so it fits well even in relatively low temperatures, and it's great that you can wear it in a tent or snow cave. The range of motion in walk mode is just enough, and the fact that it's not too large gives you peace of mind when skiing. It's light yet rigid enough to provide just the right amount of support, from ice runs to powder.

I highly recommend the Mindbender series in general
Store manager
Daisaku Nishimura

Recommendation:
D-RIDE is lightweight and designed to allow active ankle movement for ski control. It features a thermo inner, but it fits very well even in the initial state. I highly recommend the Mindbender series in general. I wear the women's model Mindbender.

They are comfortable to wear and allow you to enjoy stress-free activities from backcountry skiing to the slopes
Owner
Katsuhiko Odashima

Recommendation:
Mountain shop Niseko 343 BC, a freeride model. Lightweight yet strong polyurethane material is used from the sole to the heel, and the combination of different hardness levels makes it easy to put on and take off. It's comfortable to wear, and a model that can be enjoyed stress-free from backcountry skiing to the slopes. While there have been no changes since last year, this is a series that is highly refined and enjoys high customer satisfaction.


K2 | ANTHEM PRO


SIZE: 22.5 - 27.5 cm
WEIGHT: 1650g
FLEX: 125
PRICE: 89,600 yen

◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp

It's so light! You'll be hooked on the lightness
Owner
Hirofumi Tabira

Recommendation:
the Dencraft K2 BOOTS, but it will be sufficient for Japanese men under 170cm tall. The flex is 125, which may seem a little soft, but with the front spoiler attached, the rigidity has increased to about 130. And it's so light!

The spine's transmission characteristics make the most difficult part of skiing, turning around a valley, automatic. These boots don't have the sticky feel of other manufacturers, so you might feel a bit uncomfortable the first time you put them on, but you'll soon get used to it and become addicted to the light and nimble feel


This fit is good

LANGE | XT3 TOUR SPORT

SIZE: 25-28.5cm
WEIGHT: 1525g
FLEX: 110
PRICE: 108,900 yen

◆Official website: http://grkk.co.jp/lange/index.html

Lightweight, easy to walk in, and a great fit

Staff member Minoru Kojiguchi

Recommendation:
Shugakuso Hokkaido University Store. Lightweight and easy to put on, the range of movement in walk mode is wide and smooth. The inner lining is sturdy and fits well.

These boots have excellent adhesion and transmit information from the snow surface
Manager
Kohei Takada

Recommendation:
Paddle Club Nagoya Racing Boots incorporates Dual Core Technology, which has been in use for several years, into their dual-purpose boots. This gives the boots excellent grip when skiing, and also provides excellent information transmission from the snow surface, which is essential when operating the skis. The newly designed hike mode switch for the XT3 is also very smooth and trouble-free, and the walking range is more than sufficient. The Grip Walk sole makes these boots easy to walk in, not just on snow hikes, but also in parking lots.


REXXAM | R-EVO 110M

SIZE: 22- 28.5 cm
WEIGHT: 2125g (26.5)
FLEX: 110
PRICE: 83,600 yen

◆Official website: https://rexxam.com/PRODUCT/index.html

The unique auto-fit system automatically changes the boot width!
Manager
Kohei Takada

Recommendation:
Paddle Club NagoyaThese REXXAM boots are popular for basic skiing and mogul skiing, but their tenacity also makes them fun for freeriding. Furthermore, thanks to the unique AutoFit system, the width of the boots automatically changes, adjusting to fit your foot as you ski. This makes them a great choice for any skiing situation, not just basic and mogul skiing.


This pair of shoes is perfect for any situation

FULLTILT| B&E PRO LTD


SIZE: 23.5-30.5cm
WEIGHT: 2000g(27.5)
FLEX: 90
PRICE: 84,700 yen

◆Official website: https://fulltiltboots.com/ja-jp

This one ski can handle everything from parks to powder

Owner Haruo Morishita

Recommendation:
NATURAL Not only does it offer great freedom of movement, it's a versatile boot that can handle everything from park runs to powder runs. Especially switch runs! It's incredibly stable, easy to practice in, and great for just hopping on a switch.
The wrap structure of the inner boot also keeps you warm even in the coldest powder. Another
that if you heat-mold a new pair, they'll fit so well you're ready to hit the slopes right away.
They also fit well with the wide, high-arched feet of Japanese people, and since no one has legs as wide as mine, if they fit me, they'll fit everyone!


FULLTILT| ASCENDANT SC

SIZE: 24.5-30.5cm
WEIGHT: 2092g(27.5)
FLEX: 120
PRICE: 88,000 yen

◆Official website: https://fulltiltboots.com/ja-jp

Tough enough for big jumps in the park while still being tech-ready

Owner Mikiya Tanno

Recommendation:
TRUNKBASE tech bindings and feature walk mode for backcountry skiing, but they are also sturdy enough to withstand hard use. They're also great for big jumps in the park. They're the perfect boots for the jack-of-all-trades skier.


GEN | GENESIS 95


SIZE: 22.5 - 28.5 cm
WEIGHT: 2200 g (s-fit custom), 1900 g (intuition)
FLEX: 95
PRICE: 81,400 yen
Tough enough for big jumps in the park while still being tech-ready

Owner
Yoshiyuki Ohno

Recommendation: Proshop JOCS GEN! A multi-purpose boot with flex, stickiness, and rebound that can be used in any situation.

Edge grip and maneuverability comparable to alpine boots

TECNICA | COCHISE 130 DYN GW

SIZE: 22–31 cm
WEIGHT: 1850 g (26.5)
FLEX: 130
PRICE: 88,000 yen

◆Official website: https://www.nordica.com/japan/

Tough enough for big jumps in the park while still being tech-ready

SKI Advisor Kiyuji Okayama

Recommendation: AlpenOutdoors Flagship Store Kashiwa. Mountain boots tend to have a wide, roomy last, but the COCHISE series offers excellent fit and torsional rigidity. They grip the snow firmly even at high speeds, and are comparable in quality to alpine boots. The range of motion in walk mode is also excellent, allowing for stress-free use even when hiking.

I also like the feel of alpine boots because I can ski on the slopes
Store manager Ikutaka Yamauchi

Recommendation:
Peak Performance Sapporo Flex, the comfort is comparable to regular alpine boots. It's perfect for me, who spends the same amount of time on the slopes and backcountry. I've been wearing them for about five years, with minor changes.

ATOMIC | HAWX PRIME XTD 130 TECH GW

SIZE: 22/22.5–30/30.5cm
WEIGHT: 1875g (26-26.5)
FLEX: 130
PRICE: 98,890 yen

◆Official website: https://atomicsnow.jp/

Great for those who want a secure fit around the ankles and want to skate securely
Staff member
Umino Sota

Recommendation:
from SKI SHOP VAIL , but judging from sales in our store and feedback from customers who have worn them, the HAWX series is the most highly rated. For those with wider feet, choose "PRIME", and for those with slightly narrower feet, choose "ULTRA". The list price is quite high, but they are still selling very well. At this point, the level of perfection is very high, so I think it is great for those who are particular about the hold around the ankles and who want to ski firmly.


For those who want to switch to freeride boards

ROXA | ELEMENT 100

SIZE: 24.5 - 30.5 cm
WEIGHT: 1670g (26.5)
FLEX: 100
PRICE: 50,600 yen

◆Official website: https://www.roxa.com/

It's packed with features for comfortable skating and is great value for money at just 50,600 yen (tax included)!
Staff member
Keiji Takagi

Recommendation:
OFF-1 (Off One) - Features an all-around flex of 100, a 3-piece construction that allows for smooth knee bending and straightening, a 45° buckle that securely holds the heel, simultaneous heat molding of the outer shell and inner boot for a perfect fit from the start, and a GRIP WALK sole that makes walking stable and easy. Packed with all these features, it's great value at just 46,000 yen! I highly recommend these boots to intermediate to advanced skiers who are considering switching to freestyle or all-mountain skis.


Great news for parents and children, three generations of skiers

FULLTILT | DESCENDANT 100


SIZE: 24.5-30.5cm
WEIGHT: 2000g (27.5)
FLEX: 100
PRICE: 77,000 yen

◆Official website: https://fulltiltboots.com/ja-jp

Great for those who want a secure fit around the ankles and want to skate securely
Owner
Hirofumi Tabira

Recommendation:
Dencraft FT's "DROP KICK PRO" and "CLASSIC PRO" are synonymous with freestyle boots, but the "DESCENDANT" is a different kind of comfort boot. With a 102mm last width, it's a boot suited to Japanese skiers. Easy to put on and take off, it's the perfect boot for families with dads and moms, as well as senior skiers.


FULLTILT | growth spurt

SIZE: 18.5-21.5 cm
WEIGHT: 982g (small)
FLEX: 70
PRICE: 24,200 yen

◆Official website: https://fulltiltboots.com/ja-jp

The shell size can be adjusted as your child grows!
Owner
Takao Ban

Recommendation:

ski & snowboard shop Narrows These revolutionary boots allow you to adjust the shell size as your child grows. The sturdy inner lining and two buckles ensure a perfect fit.

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