Freeski Shop Review! 2022 Season's Recommended Latest Boots | SKI SHOP VAIL

SKI SHOP VAIL is a renowned ski pro shop with a focus on freeride. The high-quality selection, carefully selected by staff with extensive expertise and experience on snow, has earned the shop the trust of many users. From among the selection, store manager Ikeda has carefully selected the boots he "most highly recommends" this season

BOOTS SELECT 5

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①This pair of shoes is perfect for any situation!

FULLTILT | B&E PRO Review

HENRIK HARLAUT & PHIL CASABON'S PRO MODEL

FT boots are a great choice for those looking for a boot that allows for freestyle ankle movement. They are very popular at Vail

Among them, this B/E is gaining popularity for its beautiful design. As a signature model of PHIL CASABON and HENRIK HARLAUT, it is a custom-made design, but it is chosen by people who are particular about design. In terms of stiffness, it is a Flex90 boot, which is FT's most standard. The inner lining has good molding power, so it is not overly soft and is surprisingly firm. As is typical of FT, the ankle is easy to use, making it a model that is very suitable for freestyle. It is also available in smaller sizes for women, starting from 23.5 cm

Wire boots are good, of course, but wire boots alone tend to feel a bit tight and constricting. In comparison, buckle and wire hybrids have a more even feel, and are slightly wider and more roomy, so they're easy to wear even for people who don't like narrow boots. The inner lining has a very good shaping ability, so they're easy to wear unless you have very thin feet

◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003580/ct614/page1/order/

Those looking for boots suited to freestyle come to our store with the FT in mind. VAIL carries a large selection of FT boots. I don't think there are many shops with such a comprehensive FT lineup! However, due to their popularity, sizes are already running low, so if you're looking for FT, come early. The manufacturer has announced that FT will be discontinued at the end of this season, so if you want to wear this style of FT, now's the time!

◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003584/ct614/page1/order/

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②Has edge grip and maneuverability comparable to alpine boots

TECNICA | COCHISE series ratings and reviews

The Coaches series has been reborn this season. It's not only great-fitting, but it's also lighter than before. Another major change is the addition of a locking function to the walk mode. It sometimes happens, regardless of the manufacturer, that the skis loosen up and switch to walk mode while skiing. Locking the skis prevents this from happening, so you can rest assured

They also offer a firm grip on the snow even at high speeds, and are comparable in quality to alpine boots. They offer excellent fit and torsional rigidity, making them especially recommended for those who prioritize skiing and want a boot that's easy to move in. The series offers subtle variations in hardness and weight, so you can choose the hardness you need to suit your skiing technique, physique, leg strength, and other levels. They range from 130 to 90 if you include the "Team" model

When choosing from within the series, the lightweight Coachlite type is recommended for those who walk for long periods of time or enjoy long hikes and tours, while the 130 or 120 is recommended for those who want a walk mode but also want to pursue sliding and want boots that transmit power easily when pushing down when going fast

The Gripwalk sole is compatible with most skis, so these boots are great for people who want to use both skis and snowboards on the slopes. I think sizes around 110 are also great for intermediate and advanced skiers

◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003663/ct616/page1/order/

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3. For those who prioritize gliding and want a strong grip, but also want something lightweight

ATOMIC HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 CT GW Review

These boots are from the alpine manufacturer ATOMIC. They're incredibly lightweight, weighing just 1,580g for a size 26cm. Last year, they introduced a new inner liner called the MIMIC inner. The ankle, heel, and tongue are made of a supportive, heat-moldable material, allowing them to mold perfectly to the shape of your foot

The shell is also heat-moldable, so even if the boots look a little narrow, they can be adjusted to fit a variety of people. For wider feet, choose "PRIME," and for slightly narrower feet, choose "ULTRA." This is a continuing model that has been very popular for the past few years. It's perfect for those who are particular about the hold around the ankle, or for those who prioritize skiing but want a lightweight boot

◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003599/ct615/page1/order/

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④A highly satisfying and well-made pair of shoes that can be enjoyed from backcountry to the slopes

K2 | MINDBENDER series ratings and reviews

This is a continuing model from last year. It sold well last year and is selling well again this year. I think the reason for its popularity is its comfort and the fact that the opening is made of a soft material, making it easy to put on. Both the inner and shell can be heat-molded. Another great thing is that you can make it looser if you want a more relaxed fit. Compared to other brands, the arch area is a little looser, so it is well-suited for people with flat feet in Japan

It's lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle everything from icy runs to powder. As a result, it's a series that offers high levels of perfection and customer satisfaction, making it a model that can be enjoyed stress-free from backcountry skiing to the slopes

There are also many people who change to alpine soles and use them on skis for the slopes. They are chosen by people who want comfortable boots for family skiing trips, and by people who not only ski in the backcountry but also play in the snow with their children on the slopes. In other words, you can use them comfortably to suit your style

◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003605/ct617/page1/order/

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5. Excellent walking performance. Improved foot comfort and gliding performance

SCARPA | MAESTRALE series ratings and reviews

This season, the series has undergone some changes. The walk mode system, which was previously used in the Maestrale XT, a higher-end model of the Maestrale, has now been adopted for the Maestrale series, providing a firmer grip and a greater sense of security

At just 1,420g for a size 27cm, they are extremely light, and as SCARPA is originally a mountain boot manufacturer, they are known for their excellent walking performance. The soles are fully covered with Vibram soles, which have the advantage of providing excellent grip. I highly recommend them for touring enthusiasts

However, you need to be careful because it is not a Grip Walk, so it will work with touring bindings, but not with non-tour bindings. The inner lining also tightens firmly. If you have never tried SCARPA before and are interested in touring boots, I highly recommend giving them a try

◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003693/ct629/page1/order/

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summary

The key to choosing boots is to first and foremost to clarify your intentions and goals for skiing. Are you going to do freestyle, touring, or just ski on regular slopes? Then narrow down your options based on what you consider important, such as stiffness (flex), hold, weight, comfort, and whether a wider last is better for your foot shape. Of course, you also have to consider your preferences for design and brand. The five models introduced here are all popular models with excellent performance. Be sure to get yours soon!

VAIL's online shop offers more detailed information about boots, so please take a look. Of course, if you come to our store in Kanda, our experienced staff will be happy to help you with any questions, so please do stop by!

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[INFO]
Kimura Building 1F, 2-1 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5577-6411
(Business hours) Weekdays 11:30-20:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:30-20:00

[Brands we carry]
Atomic, Salomon, Majesty, K2, Line, Rossignol, Armada, Volkl, Head, Faction, G3, Dynafit, DPS, Moment, FT, Dalbello, Oakley, Smith, Giro, POC, Hestra, Sweet Protection, Norrona, FW, Teton Bros, Patagonia, Peak Performance, and many more

VAIL's recommended skis are here

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