ROXA is an Italian boot manufacturer with a history of over 45 years in the making of ski boots. Based in Asolo, Italy, which is world-famous for making boots, since its founding in 2000, all of its research and development, testing, and production lines are still conducted in Italy. We asked him about the topics of the '24-25 season at "JSP SNOW EXPO JAPAN2024" (held February 13-14, 2024 @ Pacifico Yokohama).
Distinguishing features of ROXA
What almost all ROXA boot models have in common is that they use 3D printers to reproduce structures designed using CAD systems used in construction. ROXA is also equipped with features that are used by many brands, such as Biofit, Thermo Inner, Walk Mode, and Tech Pin, but the distinguishing feature of ROXA is that the structure is designed using a CAD system and is printed using a 3D printer. Perhaps the reason is that it uses an accurately reproduced mold.
These things lead to ROXA's three major characteristics: easy to wear, lightweight, and warm. Because the shell is made with precision and rationality, there is no unnecessary thickness, and the shell itself is extremely light. If the shell is thin, it will be cold, but since it uses a thermo inner, it is warm, and the 3-piece "cabrio design" structure allows the tongue to open wide, making it very easy to wear.
In addition, the innerwear has a unique technology called the "BIOFIT system". The parts of the shell that are generally said to be easily hit and require adjustment are molded out in advance, and the structure is designed to make them easier to remove with a heat gun. Furthermore, by adopting an appropriate last width based on anatomy, a precise and comfortable fit is achieved.
Overall, the ROXA boots are extremely complete, but let's take a look at how they will develop in the 2024-25 season.
R3 series
A model for backcountry freeride. Comes with pintech for use in the backcountry. Adopts a distinctive 3-piece "CABRIO" design, making it very easy to wear. The Cabrio combines a three-piece shell, cuff, and tongue construction to smoothly, flex, and comfortably secure the foot while providing quick response.
It's not just the ease of wearing that stands out.
The R3 series is said to be the lightest high performance alpine ski boot series to date. The top flex 130 ``R3 130 TI IR'' weighs only 1,580g (1/2pair, 265.cm), which is nearly 300g lighter than freeride boots from other manufacturers. The inner is an injection thermo inner with a tongue. The premise is that the shoes are baked in the oven and then worn, but the tongue allows for a better fit for turning movements. Flex variations include unisex models in 130, 120, and 110, and women's models in 115, 105, and 95.
ELAMENT series
While the "R3 series" is a boot for backcountry use, "ELEMENT" is a boot for freeride and freestyle. Like the R3, it has a three-piece cabrio design, but it takes the R3's pin tech and adds a buckle that has a stronger hold than a regular wire buckle, creating a tighter fit. Great for park rides, even skiers trying out big air tricks can wear them with confidence. It has a proven track record of being used by FWT athletes with good results. Flex is available in 130, 120, and 100.
For the innerwear, only the top model Element 130 uses wrapping type wrap injection. The wrap innerwear is designed to perform air tricks. The other flex is an injection thermo inner with a tongue.
R FIT MV series
The "R FIT MV series" is an all-mountain high performance boot aimed at instructors in Japan. This has a two-piece overlapping shell structure: chef and cuff. Adopts a trident cuff.
The black part is made of a hard, high-density material, while the rest is made of a light, flexible material with a low density.The main feature is that it maintains the necessary and sufficient rigidity while reducing weight. The addition of a slightly softer material to the ankle area makes them very comfortable to wear.
The R FIT MV series uses a thermo-inner called Ultralon, which is basically a sewn inner, so you can wear it as is. However, since 75% of the inner material is covered with thermo material, it can be heated with a heat gun and a hair dryer to be thermoformed. You can wear it as is or heat mold it. Very comfortable, fits well and is easy to wear. In addition to R FIT MV, there is also a type called R FIT HV, which has a thicker body and a wider interior.
Information
official website: https://www.elanjapan.co.jp/
SNS: Instagram ｜ Facebook ｜ You tube