'24-25 What are the "freeride boots" recommended by pro shops?

The staff at pro shops have a strong ability to judge quality by looking across a wide range of brands, test riding on the snow themselves, and gathering feedback from users. So, we asked them to tell us which boots they recommend from the new 2024-2025 models

*All prices include tax

ATOMIC ｜HAWX PRIME XTD130 BOA GW

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

These medium-volume boots are made with a 100mm last. They are now suitable for people with wider feet. Compared to the previous MIMIC LINER, the inner boot features a "Power Ankle Lock" design, which adds padding around the ankle for better support around the ankle and heel

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HEAD｜KORE130MV

◆Official website: https://www.head.com/ja_JP/

The biggest reason I chose these boots is because they have the same angle setting as the RAPTOR series of racing boots. Backcountry boots tend to have a forward lean angle to accommodate walking, but the KORE boots have the same setting. This has a huge impact on skiing performance, so these boots are a must-try for users who tend to lose their balance front to back.

Another feature is that they make it easy to perform diagonal movements with the boots. I would highly recommend these boots to users who prefer alpine-style movements.

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K2｜BFC110 BOA

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

The BOA system for ski boots went on sale to the general public starting in the 2023-2024 season!
It's actually a pretty innovative and practical system, and in a sense, it seems like this system might become the default. Personally, I think beginners and intermediate skiers will benefit more from the BOA system than advanced skiers. The BFC BOA seems to be aimed at exactly that, and is my top pick for the 2024-2025 season!

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K2 ｜DIVERGE SC

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

This is a 3-piece model of K2 boots. It can be used with both alpine and tech bindings. The biggest appeal of these boots is that they can handle anything. I personally use this same pair for everything: slopes, powder, backcountry, and park. I use them quite hard, but I've never had a malfunction. They also have a walk mode, and another plus is that the boots themselves are quite sturdy. This is the perfect model for all-around skiers who want to do everything

These boots are techbin compatible and feature a walk mode, making them a "jack-of-all-trades" that can also be used for park riding. They're on the stiffer side of the older FT boots, but they offer excellent power transmission. Mode changes are a bit tedious, so they're not for everyone, but they're highly recommended for experts

K2｜METHOD

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

These boots are perfect for beginners to freeskiing, as they fit like sneakers. The soft flex allows for easy movement at low to medium speeds, allowing you to enjoy free runs in comfort. If you purchase them in-store, the inner and outer shells can be heat-molded, meaning you don't have to worry about them getting damaged. They are also especially recommended for skiers who primarily enjoy cruising as a leisure activity

K2 ｜ METHOD B&E

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

These signature boots are from legendary ski duo Phil and Henrik. The innovative asymmetrical design embodies the secret behind their unique riding style! They're like sneakers! Feel like you're controlling the skis with your own feet, allowing you to control the board with complete freedom. These boots are perfect for freeriding

Introducing a new color! Is the right one white? Or the left one white? The excitement of not knowing which color it is until you open it will capture the hearts of skiers! Not only are these boots stylish, but they also maximize the performance of freestyle skiers. The 2023-2024 model features a rubber strap for improved shock absorption and power transfer during takeoff

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K2 | Mindbender 130 Boa

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

These boots are considered the pioneers of the BOA system for skiing. The Mindbender, already known for its comfort, is perfectly matched with the BOA's snug fit, making it even more refined. Its comfortable fit and easy-to-use walk mode make it the perfect boot for both backcountry and on the slopes! You can choose the flex, so it's perfect for any skiing level

K2｜REVOLVE TW

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

This is definitely a boot you can't go wrong with! From the slopes to the park, this is a pair of boots that will satisfy both casual and freeskiers. It inherits the shell shape from the FT, and features a heat-molded wrapping liner, Grip Walk, and a power belt that tightens securely. The "REVOLVE PRO" is recommended for moguls, but for a wide range of skiers, the "REVOLVE TW" is recommended! Despite being a pro model, it has a flex of "100" and is fully equipped!

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LANGE | RS 110 SC

◆Official website: https://rossignol.co.jp/

It's no exaggeration to say that the '24-25 model is a complete redesign! Every detail has been redesigned to create a better fit and greater freedom of movement. LANGE boots are popular with beginner skiers, but we also recommend them for freeskiers who primarily ski on the slopes, in the park, or on moguls. They don't have Grip Walk or Walk Mode, so they're best suited for skiers who primarily ski on the slopes!

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NORDICA｜UNLIMITED LT 130 DYN　

◆Official website: https://www.tecnica-group.com/

The inner ankle is filled with cork for a better fit, and the thin shell wraps around the entire foot for smooth power transmission

The "UNLIMITED LT130 DYN" is the flagship model of NORDICA's UNLIMITED series, which underwent a full model change last year. It will continue in the 2024-2025 season, but was extremely popular in its debut season. It boasts excellent strength and a wide range of motion in walk mode. Only the "130LT" model has a Michelin rubber sole!

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PHAENOM｜fs 01 100

◆Official website: https://www.phaenom-footwear.com/

PHAENOM is a brand new ski boot brand that will be available from the 2024-2025 season! This brand specializes in freeskiing, with a lineup of 2 models and 8 styles.

Structurally, it combines a 3-piece lower shell and shell tongue with a 2-piece upper cuff, and features an innovative design with two buckles and a wide power band! If you're not planning on racing or demoing, this is certainly a necessary and sufficient structure. The fit is better than I expected, and they're solid (maybe too solid...), so they feel great.

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PHAENOM ｜ fs01 110

◆Official website: https://www.phaenom-footwear.com/

These boots are truly authentic, with no compromises made in the overall shell design or the finer details. Even during the try-on process, I felt a secure fit comparable to that of a four-buckle boot. The stress-free, enveloping sensation is likely due to the balanced shape and height of each part of the three-piece shell, as well as the large buckle. The inner liner and Lenz insole work together to firmly hold the heel, another important feature. The inner grid outer sole and Lenz insole are likely to help reduce accumulated damage. The

extra-thick power belt on the upper also provides a very secure feel. I generally tighten them tightly, but you may want to loosen them a bit depending on your ski and style of play. Because of this power belt, I chose a 110 flex. If you prefer a stiffer feel, choose a 120 or 130. Each component is highly refined, so the boots can be used right out of the box without any modifications.

Furthermore, the manufacturing process is environmentally friendly and fully conscious of the 3Rs. There's also a walk mode and pin-equipped freeride series for backcountry skiers. Lastly, the build quality is such that even an alpine racer would be satisfied, so I wouldn't recommend these boots to anyone looking for a quick and fuzzy boot.

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SALOMON｜S/PRO SUPRA BOA 120GW

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

These boots feature the BOA system for a comfortable fit. Furthermore, the custom shell (heat molding) allows for a better fit to your feet, allowing you to enjoy skiing without stress. You can choose the flex that best suits you: 130, 120, 110, and 105 and 95 for the women's model. These versatile boots combine comfort and functionality

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SCARPA｜MAESTRALE

◆Official website: https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/scarpa/

The classic BC tour boot, the Maestrale, has been completely redesigned and reborn as a new model! Lighter and with a wider last, it's easier to wear and handle, making it the best-selling BC tour boot of the 2024 season. As the benchmark for tour boots, this is the first pair we recommend you try if you're considering replacing your boots

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SCARPA｜ TX PRO

◆Official website: https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/scarpa/

This is the first full model change in over a decade. It's lighter than the previous model, and the range of motion in walk mode has increased from the current 22 degrees to 62 degrees. The increased range of motion, especially backward, makes it just as easy to walk in as a tour boot