Hike is light like a tour model and
gliding is like an alpine model.
I picked up this season's hottest freeride boots that are compatible with tech bindings. The advantage of using tech bindings is that it reduces the burden of hiking up. In the first place, the weight of the binding itself is very light, and the edge of the boot is used as a fulcrum to raise the heel, so a very natural step reduces unnecessary load.
As a weak point, it is not as good as separate bindings in terms of power transmission and holding feeling when sliding. Even in the sense of compensating for that, there is an advantage in choosing boots with high gliding performance. Also, if you are not used to backcountry skiing, it is better to choose sturdy boots. This is because the performance of the boot partially compensates for the gliding technique.
*Boot specifications: S (size), F (shell flex, hardness), W (one leg weight), GRIP (Gripwalk equipped model), TEC (TEC binding compatible sole)
[Freeride model]
Freeride boots, mainly from ski boot brands, are of this type. As with the alpine model, there are many 3 or 4 buckles on the 2-piece shell, and both the hold feeling and power transmission cultivated in the competition are made lighter by using lightweight shell materials and parts. Many models are equipped with grip walk soles, and the compatibility with other than tech bindings is also a major feature.
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
A wide range of lightweight freeride boots with walk mode from Atomic. Among them, the 100mm last is "Hawks Prime XTD". Equipped with a heat-molded inner shell that has a reputation for gliding performance, the model with a tech insert is marked with "CT". The HT has a Tech insert on the toe side only 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
First appearance of tech binding compatible boots without walk mode function. A pair that focuses on big mountain freeride rather than backcountry tours. The aim is to provide performance that responds to hard skiing, and the idea is to add a hike-up function to it. It is a concept common to the binding "Marker/Duke PT".
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 have various variations depending on the last width and purpose, and three models that are compatible with tech binding are displayed as "DYN". Both are 2-piece shells with 4 buckles that will not feel uncomfortable even on the slopes, and are equipped with a heat-molded inner and a power belt with a buckle. 1600g per leg is the lightest class in this 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
There are 2 models of FT Tech binding compatible boots with walk mode. This is a lightweight design that uses lightweight glyamide resin for all three-piece shells. The inner is a tongue type that follows the movement of the ankle when sliding or climbing. The sole is equipped with a Michelin full rubber sole that is ideal for climbing on snow and off-road, and comes with a grip walk sole.
FULL TILT｜ASCENDANT SC
S=24.5-30.5cm｜F=120｜W=2092g｜ GRIP TEC ｜99,000 yen
Sammy Carlson signature model of ASCENDANT. The specs are the same as APPROACH.
HEAD｜KORE 1
S=24.5−27.5cm｜F=130｜W=1554g (26.5cm)｜ GRIP TEC ｜99,000 yen
Freeride boots with walk mode on the head are a total of three models: Flex 130 “Core 1”, Flex 120 “Core 2 (88,000 yen)”, and Flex 110 “Core 2W”. Both are 4-buckle models with a medium-width 100mm last. In addition to being able to heat mold the entire shell to fit, further customization is possible by injecting a special liquid (at a specialty store) around the heel and ankle.
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 popularity since their introduction. The lower shell is bi-injected with two types of TPU resin to achieve both high running rigidity and good foot penetration. The upper is lightweight with Pebax resin. 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=unpublished｜ GRIP TEC ｜108,900 yen
"XT3" is Lang's tech binding compatible model. There are 5 models from 100 to 140 (3 models from 80 to 11 for women) with different flexes, so there are plenty of variations. Both have dual cores that use two types of resin with different hardness to achieve both power transmission and weight reduction. The new Flex 140 model is the best 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 hard sole and spine support power transmission, while the soft shell and cuff provide a comfortable fit to the foot using a unique tri-force construction. Among striders that have a reputation for gliding performance, this "Elite 130" uses a lightweight and tough glyamide material for the shell to achieve further 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
Salomon's long-awaited 4-buckle new model for freeride boots. The polyamide resin shell, which has both the necessary rigidity and lightness, has a thin design and can be customized for each shell. The core frame insert makes it easy to put your feet in. In addition, there are 5 models of Flex 120 and 100, and Flex 110 and 90 for women's models.
https://steep.jp/catalog/salomon/
TECNICA｜COCHISE 120 DYN GW
S=24-31cm｜F=120｜W=1750 (26.5cm)｜ GRIP TEC ｜82,500 yen
Technica's popular model that has been focusing on freeride boots with walk mode from an early stage. We have constantly updated the functions necessary for the backcountry, such as a strong walk mode system that does not impair the cuff rigidity, a shell that allows easy foot insertion, and a smoothly movable cuff hinge point. There are many variations for both male and female models.
https://www.tecnicasports.com/japan/
[TOUR model]
Lightweight ski tour boots specialized for backcountry skiing, mainly from mountaineering boot brands. Light weight of less than 1500g per leg and hike mode with a wide cuff range of motion are designed to prioritize ease of climbing and walking. The development trend of each brand is how to improve the gliding performance. There are also many models that do not comply with ISO standards, and options other than tech bindings are very limited.
DYNAFIT｜HOJI FREE 130
S=25.0-31.5cm｜F=130｜W=1550g (27.5cm)｜ TEC ｜132,000 yen
A backcountry freeride model that embodies a number of practical ideas by Eric Jorleifsson. Boasting high sliding rigidity and power transmission, the wide toe box prevents cold feet and clogs when landing from high cliffs. The HOJI lock system, which switches the cuff, buckle, and power belt at the same time with one action when switching between ski mode and walk mode, is excellent above all. There is also a Flex 110 model.
https://steep.jp/catalog/dynafit/
ROXA｜R3 FREE TOUR 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 tour and freeride boots that take advantage of the 3-piece shell structure. This "R3" is a top-end model in the freeride category. With a 3-piece shell that flexes flexibly and a light weight of 1520g per leg, it achieves both high gliding performance and stress-free mobility even on long tours.
SCARPA | MAESTRALE XT
S=24.5-30cm｜F=undisclosed｜W=1490g (27cm)｜ TEC ｜87,500 yen
The "XT" is a model that has enhanced the gliding performance of the "Maestrale", which boasts a standard popularity as a tour boot, with a cuff range of motion of 56 degrees and rigidity that supports downhill performance. It is a pair that focuses on more aggressive riding performance with a cuff that enhances the hold feeling and a footbed that is set forward like an alpine boot.
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
A new top-end model that thoroughly sticks to Scott's riding performance, which has a reputation for tour boots. A 3-piece shell with 3 buckles, a power strap with a buckle that is convenient for mode changes, a 2-step adjustable forward tilt angle, and a BOA fit liner that enhances the fit and hold, achieving both light climbing and high gliding performance. I am letting
https://www.scott-sports.com/jp/ja/products/wintersports-equipment-boots