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
Manager 
Shinji Oguchi

Recommend:Sanwa Sports Webstore
The "Krypton 130 T.I.ID," newly released for the 2022 season, perfectly matches the current freeride scene. Dalbello boots' iconic boot is undoubtedly the Krypton! Derived from the Krypton are the "IL MORO," used by Tanner Hall, and the "LUPO series," which was one of the first to adopt the tech system. It's no exaggeration to say that this is synonymous with Dalbello's reputation in freeskiing.
The "130 T.I.ID" eliminates the walk mode in order to focus on skiing. However, it is tech-compatible to accommodate walking for approaches! Its straightforwardness and skiing-first concept are sure to capture the hearts of freeriders around the world!!


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:The Tyrol
boots have a soft opening, making them easy to slip on even in relatively low temperatures, and it's great that they can be worn in tents or snow caves. The range of motion in walk mode is sufficient, and the fact that it's not too large provides peace of mind when skinning. They are lightweight yet have sufficient rigidity, and they perform admirably on everything from ice to powder.

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

Recommendation:The D-RIDE
is lightweight and designed to allow for active ankle movement for ski control. It features a thermo-moldable liner, but even out of the box, it has a very good fit. I highly recommend the entire Mindbender series. I personally 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 Odajima

Recommend:Mountain shop Niseko 343
BC, a freeride model. Lightweight yet uses strong polyurethane material from the sole to the heel, and the combination of different stiffnesses makes it easy to put on and take off. It's comfortable to wear and can be enjoyed without stress from backcountry to groomed slopes. There have been no changes since last year, but I think it is a well-made series with 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 Denkraft
K2 Boots lineup, they are perfectly adequate for Japanese men under 170cm tall. The flex is 125, which might seem a bit soft, but with the front spoiler installed, the rigidity is increased, making the flex feel more like 130. And best of all, they're incredibly 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 –all theit ticks

Staff member Minoru Kojiguchi

Recommend:Shugakuso Hokkaido University Store.
Lightweight and easy to slip on, with a wide range of motion in walk mode for smooth movement. The inner lining is also firm and provides a good fit.

These boots have excellent adhesion and are excellent at transmitting information from the snow surface
Store Manager 
Kohei Takada

Recommend:Paddle Club Nagoya
Racing Boots have incorporated Dual Core Technology, which has been used for several years, into their all-purpose boots. This results in boots that offer excellent grip while skiing and superior feedback from the snow surface, which is essential for ski control. Furthermore, the newly designed hike mode for the XT3 is very smooth and trouble-free to switch to, and the range of motion while walking is more than sufficient. With a Grip Walk sole, these boots are comfortable not only for skinning hikes but also for walking in places like 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!
Store Manager 
Kohei Takada

Recommend:Paddle Club Nagoya
REXXAM boots are popular for basic skiing and moguls, but they also offer excellent flexibility, making them fun for freeride skiing. Furthermore, thanks to their unique auto-fit system, the boot width automatically adjusts to fit your foot as you ski, making them a reliable choice for all types of skiing, not just basic and mogul.


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

Recommend:NATURAL
These versatile boots offer a wide range of freedom of movement and can handle all situations, from park riding to powder.
Especially great for switch riding! They provide excellent stability, are easy to practice in, and are fantastic for quick switch maneuvers.
The inner boot's wrap-around construction keeps your feet warm even in freezing powder. Another
that if you heat-mold a new pair, they'll break in so quickly you can hit the slopes right away.
They fit wide, high-arched Japanese feet well, and since I don't have feet wider or higher than 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
These boots are designed for backcountry skiing, featuring


GEN | GENESIS 95


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

Owner 
Yoshiyuki Ohno

Recommend:Proshop JOCSGEN's all-around model! With its flex, resilience, and quick rebound, this is a multi-purpose boot that can handle 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

Recommend:AlpenOutdoorsFlagship Store Kashiwa Store. While mountain boots are generally thought to have a wide last and a relaxed fit, the COCHISE series offers exceptional fit and torsional rigidity. It firmly grips the snow surface even at high speeds, and its quality is comparable to alpine boots.Furthermore, the range of motion in walk mode is excellent, making it stress-free to use even when hiking.

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

Recommend:PeakPerformance Sapporo
Flex. The fit is just as comfortable as regular alpine boots. It's perfect for me, as I ski on groomed slopes and backcountry with roughly equal frequency. I've been wearing them for about five years now, despite some minor changes over the years.

ATOMIC | HAWX PRIME XTD 130 TECH GW

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

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

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

Recommend:from SKI SHOP VAIL
, based on our past sales and customer feedback, the HAWX series has the highest ratings. For those with wider feet, choose "PRIME," and for those with slightly narrower feet, choose "ULTRA." The retail price is quite high, but it still sells very well. It's incredibly well-made at this point, so it's a great choice for those who prioritize ankle support and want to ski seriously.


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

Recommend:The OFF-1 (Off One)
is an all-around boot with a flex of 100, a 3-piece construction that allows for smooth bending and straightening of the knees, 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 for stable walking. With all these features packed into a price of 46,000 yen, it offers excellent cost performance! This boot is highly recommended for intermediate to advanced riders who are considering switching to freestyle or all-mountain boards.


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

Recommend:Denkraft
FT is known for its "DROP KICK PRO" and "CLASSIC PRO" boots, which are synonymous with freestyle skiing, the "DESCENDANT" is a different kind of comfort boot. With a last width of 102mm, it's a wide boot suitable for Japanese feet. It's incredibly easy to put on and take off, making it perfect for dads and moms on family trips, and 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

Recommend:Ski & Snowboard Shop Narrows
offers innovative boots with adjustable shell sizes to accommodate children's growth.

The sturdy inner liner and two buckles provide a secure and comfortable fit.

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