It would have been hard for our test team to imagine many improvements that needed to be made to the Cochise, but this year’s update provides several that were widely appreciated.
The Gist
After a couple seasons of waiting, women get the high performance KORE 2 W freeride boot from Head. It comes with all of the top tier goodies that the men’s KORE 1 has integrated recently, like a reinforced Grilflex shell construction, a reinforced liner cuff and a new, beefier Power Plate power strap. Our women testers love how this snug medium-width grabs the foot, with a particularly performance-minded feel around the heel, and they love the on-target 110 flex feel that says ready to rock. The Liquid Fit liner provides an option on an even tighter heel pocket, but most didn’t think they’d need it! The boot is light on the foot and comes with an option to upgrade to GripWalk soles. Testers thought the rearward range of motion was adequate for touring but mention forward rotation is limited.
The Fit
Definitely on the snug side of the medium group, testers agreed, but not full-blown narrow territory. They like the slightly longer toebox feel for comfy touring and cited an evenly distributed fit everywhere in the lower and upper boot. Some testers note some aggressive liner padding above the achilles and below the calf, which some hoped would mellow out with a liner cook. Testers liked the even flex feel and said it was right where it needed to be for its performance tier.
Performance
The KORE 1 has always displayed accurate steering and a quick move to the edge (a perfect score there in last year's on snow test) and easily found a stable sweet spot through a variety of snow conditions. We expect similar results for the new women's version. Some of our male testers thought the boot felt a little edgy at first but discovered that Form Fit shell molding created a more balanced and neutral feeling position--our female test team felt the boot stood neutral in indoor fit tests. All testers who've gotten Liquid Fit injected have noted an uptick in steering, quickness and edging performance.
Cool Features
The Smart Frame shell construction maintains thicker, ribbed and rigid Grilflex plastic in areas where stability and power are critical and keeps the thinner, better wrapping Grilflex where it suits foot-shape matching and easing entry and exit. Graphene is a powder additive to the plastic that increases stability and provide a damp feel like polyurethane without adding substantial weight. GripWalk soles come mounted on the men's KORE but are an optional purchase on the women's KORE 2 W. The updated liner cuff material, 45mm Velcro power strap and integrated plastic Power Plate are key to the KORE's improved flex feel. Testers like the buckle lock keeper-bales that hold position while touring with buckles undone but that can be buckled over the top of for more convenient on-area buckling.
The Gist
The KORE 1 got a shell revision last season in the form of thickened shell walls in critical zones to stiffen the flex and provide more stability on edge. Testers could feel the difference and liked it, citing a stronger feel on edge than the previous year’s version. This year the KORE 1 returns with additional updates of an updated liner cuff and a 50mm power strap with an integrated plastic Power Plate to more evenly spread shin pressure during flexion, which testers agree performs as billed. The hike-articulated 3D Perfect Fit liner’s Liquid Fit injection feature remains a tester favorite for anatomically snugging the heel and ankle pocket, and testers who have undergone the Form Fit shell-cook customization process said both fit and flex feel improved dramatically. Testers appreciated the fact that the light weight of the Grilflex and Graphene shell and cuff didn't reduce the kind of "real boot" fit or performance they've come to expect from Head. They also liked that the simplicity and tradition of the Head four-buckle overlap has been modernized here with space age plastics, tech binding compatibility and an intuitive, functional hike mode.
The Fit
Testers found the fit evenly snug and well adapted to bony points and wide spots, but they said it ran on the narrow end of the medium-width fit spectrum. That was not a criticism, but an observation—testers had zero complaints of hot spots or other fit issues, and say the updated Power Plate and wider power strap has served to solidify the KORE's stiffness (legit 130 they said) as well as better distribute pressure along the shin. Testers who underwent the Liquid Fit liner injection process reported an improved rearfoot (heel and ankle) fit that they were able to control during the process, which they liked for its simplicity and immediately perceptible result.
Performance
The KORE 1 has always displayed accurate steering and a quick move to the edge (a perfect score there in last year's on snow test) and easily found a stable sweet spot through a variety of snow conditions. Some testers thought the boot felt a little edgy at first but discovered that Form Fit shell molding created a more balanced and neutral feeling position. All testers who got Liquid Fit injected noted an uptick in steering, quickness and edging performance. The new liner cuff material and power strap assembly worked miracles for the KORE's flex feel--strong and even, testers report. The hike modality is super easy to actuate and with the top two buckles open the rearward rotation was acceptable, though testers still say the forward range of motion is a bit limited.
Cool Features
The Smart Frame shell construction maintains thicker, ribbed and rigid Grilflex plastic in areas where stability and power are critical and keeps the thinner, better wrapping Grilflex where it suits foot-shape matching and easing entry and exit. Graphene is a powder additive to the plastic that increases stability and provide a damp feel like polyurethane without adding substantial weight. GripWalk soles come mounted on the KORE. The buckle lock keeper-bales are handy for keeping things adjusted properly while unbuckled for touring but can also be buckled over the top of, which is a convenience for on-area ski days.
The Gist
This boot checks a lot of boxes, one tester said. Another just said, I want this boot! For two years in a row, the women's Ranger has been on the podium for its gold medal pairing of stunning range of motion in hike mode (best in test) with true Alpine descent qualifications, all wrapped in a noticeably lightweight package. This year the Ranger 115 W returns with an updated cam buckle power strap, a stronger lower shell and slightly stiffer build, making it even more appealing to those demanding a dominant descent--and it manages to simultaneously increase the smoothness of an already friction free touring mode. Fitwise it remains one of those tight-mediums, testers say, right on target for a 99mm last and ideal for average to slender calves. Its sneaky hike mode switch location remains a tester fave.
The Fit
Our test team continues to place this right between a medium and narrow—so pretty much what you'd expect from a 99 mm last. They repeatedly give it very even fit scores throughout the lower boot and upper cuff, meaning that it grabbed the foot and leg with a firm grip but in a contoured way that didn't offend bony bits or wide spots. They liked how easy it went on and off and that it buckled up in a straightforward, alpine sorta way without goofy overlaps and ladder straps. Not only has the women's Ranger gotten the highest scores of the Freeride medium width group for Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel, it has also outscored every Freeride boot in that criterion, regardless of its width group.
Performance
Bankable, regular and reliable from turn to turn, on every kind of terrain and snow surface is how testers described the lady Ranger. They said it was more a steady-Eddie than it was lightning quick, but they praised the way they could count on this one for a powerful, smooth descent regardless of how they might have gotten to the top, whether by chairlift or sweat equity. The option to earn ones turns with this boot are the real deal, they said, citing its (still) light weight (1650 grams in a 26/26.5) and a long-ranging, friction-free stride while in hike mode.
Cool Features
The Ranger 115 W ticks all the boxes for a modern, high performance All-Mountain Freeride boot: Grilamid shell and cuff, tech binding compatibility (Dynafit fittings), full-thermo liner, rockered soles (GripWalk), minimalist buckles and a superior cuff release and cuff rotation range of motion. And it does all of that with top shelf fit and performance. Well done, Fischer!
The Gist
Two years ago we thought the first generation Ranger was Fischer’s best boot ever and one of the best boots in our test. Last year, with the arrival of its wider brother Ranger One, we thought Fischer had two of its best boots ever and two of the best in our test. This year the Ranger 130 returns with a fortified lower shell to increase its power and stability without substantially affecting weight and simultaneously improve its already smooth range of motion in walk mode. This year's update also comes with a stronger cam-buckle power strap and a revised liner. Testers have always loved how well it cradles the foot and leg—if a little like that uncle’s too-hard handshake on the lower leg and ankles…a bit too tight but you kind of like it too.
The Fit
It still fits the way you'd expect a 99 mm last should—snug side of the medium group. This remains a close-to-anatomy shell design with a thin, fully moldable liner for some minimally cushioned separation between foot and shell, leg and cuff. Testers say it fits with an anatomically contoured python-like grip, especially though the lower leg shaft and into the heel and ankle pockets where the fit tension was fairly aggressive. Testers who had the liner molded found the fit relaxed there, but this is no wide side of medium last bucket—it's more like a Recaro bucket seat for the feet.
Performance
Where to start? When you first pick up the boot you realize it's out of the ordinary. The sleek look, smooth finish and featherweight feel in hand (1600 grams) set it apart from others in the hike mode category. The first buckle-up provides a performance fit feel, and then the search for the hike mode switch leads to the discovery of the stealthiest touring flip switch on the market. Barely the size of a beetle wing, a smooth flip of the lever engages a thin interior cable which releases the cuff seamlessly (will it stand the test of time, a few tester wondered initially, and so far it has). And then the easy stroll to the skis begins, with long and unhindered strides enabled by friction-free and wide-ranging cuff rotation, both rearward and forward in equal measure. When veteran testers prepare to test an on-off area boot that weighs so little and walks so well, we naturally ready ourselves for a worthless downhill experience. So, imagine our collective surprise when we find that the Ranger 130 has absolutely ripped in test after test! Stable through high speed crud laps, sensitive in untracked pow, commanding to the edge when arcing trenches on piste. Testers couldn't find its performance Achilles heel—though it maintained one hell of a grip on theirs.
Cool Features
The Ranger 130 comes with GripWalk soles installed, which adds to its easy walking game. Tech compatible with Dynafit tech fittings, this sidecountry/Freeride boot might easily compete with true Backcountry boots—which we have tested-out in the past by entering it in our Backcountry category test as well, where it won. Two liner pull loops and a new bomb-proof cam-buckle power strap are the extent of the features menu, and we are a little disappointed that there isn't a lateral cuff adjustment, but often those are sacrificed in the name of better cuff rotation in hike mode, which is available here in spades.
The Gist
Finally, an women's XTD for the masses! Not that the already popular Hawx Ultra XTD 115 W didn't appeal to a lot of skiers, but it's tight--both in the lower and in the cuff. The new Hawx Prime XTD 115 W opens up the fit of both to, well, levels similar to the Hawx prime all-mountain boot, which is one of the best selling women's boots in the country. Classic Prime ease of fit in the forefoot and toebox, coupled with performance-snug heel and ankle pockets make for an ideal uphill and downhill fit combination. The upper cuff still runs a bit narrrow and tall, along the lines of the Ultra XTD, but with more flare at the boot top for the average calf. Increased shell wall thickness on both the medial and lateral sides of the lower shell adds power to the previous XTD chassis, and an all-new Mimic liner provides a close but comfy fit that works on both the up and the down.
The Fit
With a lower shell fit more similar to the all-mountain Hawx Prime W line up, the Prime XTD will accommodate an average to slightly wider forefoot and the cuff is more medium in volume than the narrow Ultra XTD. Testers like the contoured fit around the ankles and said that the fit over the top of the foot is snug but even. Memory Fit oven-cook, then mold customization works well for making minor shape changes, especially over the top of the foot and calf, our tests have shown.
Performance
We like Grilamid. We also like polyurethane. Here you'll find the polyamide plastic known as Grilamid in the lower shell and polyurethane in the upper cuff. Grilamid is heat-stretchable like polyurethane, and when it's done right it skis pretty damn similarly—meaning, strong and stable, predictable. Sometimes it can be twitchy, but in the new women's XTD Prime 115 we'll just call it quick. It has a resiliant, energetic flex feel (testers said). It has a snappy return to center in between turns (testers said).
Cool Features
Unlike the narrow Hawx Ultra XTD's the Hawx Prime XTD comes with GripWalk soles rather than a backcountry boot style built-in rockered sole and like the rest of the freeride category is tech-compatible. It forgoes lateral cuff adjustments for the sake of solid, touring pivot points, which sometimes is an alignment demerit, but the Memory Fit oven-cook customization feature can help the knock-kneed and bowlegged while addressing general fit improvements—win, win!
The Gist
If Ultra conveys narrow or skinny, like a Michelob Ultra, then Prime says hell yeah, give me some meat and a friggin’ real beer, dammit! The all-new Hawx Prime XTD 130 is a medium-width Freeride charger made to house the foot of a real man, the kind of guy who’s out to stomp some Lycra-clad Sallies in the skin track to get that stash first! Well, maybe not exactly like that—but the Prime XTD opens up the fit in width, instep height and calf circumference so that the vast majority of skiers (with average feet) can have a crack at one of the absolute best boots for going both up and down the mountain. The Hawx Prime XTD 130 is everything skiers liked about the narrower Ultra XTD, with a bit more. More room, yes, but also more shell wall thickness both medially and laterally for a stronger descent and less softening in warm spring skiing temperatures. The more-better Mimic liner adds a new layer of custom fit material close to the foot and shin to get it totally dialed.
The Fit
Well, it fits much like the All-Mountain Traditional Hawx Prime--a well contoured but snug medium. This is a performance fit for the average foot, but a noticeable relaxation of the squeeze found in the narrow Ultra XTD boots. The lower leg fit remains closely wrapped and tallish on the leg for substantial support, and while the heel and ankles are well gripped, the forefoot and toebox flares for a comfortable, warm touring experience. The new Mimic liner offers another level of custom fit feel against the shin and top of foot, as well as a better wrap around the ankle pockets.
Performance
We like Grilamid. Here you'll find it in both the lower shell and upper cuff. It's heat-stretchable like polyurethane, and when it's done right it skis pretty damn similarly—meaning strong and stable, predictable. Sometimes it can be twitchy, but here we'll just call it quick--as quick as narrower bro Ultra XTD. The Prime retains the XTD family's resiliant, energetic flex feel (testers said). A snappy return to center in between turns (testers said). It was strong and undeterred through a variety of mank and mung (testers said). This boot skied almost as well as the pinned cuff Hawx Prime 130 S, and just as with Ultra XTD we think the Prime XTD tours as well as the Atomic Backland. Maybe the core, on-area, off-area regular guy (with a regular, average width foot) really doesn't need two boots. Wow, what a concept.
Cool Features
Unlike the narrow Hawx Ultra XTD's the Hawx Prime XTD comes with GripWalk soles rather than a backcountry boot style built-in rockered sole and like the rest of the freeride category is tech-compatible. It forgoes lateral cuff adjustments for the sake of solid, touring pivot points, which sometimes is an alignment demerit, but the Memory Fit oven-cook customization feature can help the knock-kneed and bowlegged while addressing general fit improvements—win, win! The new Mimic liner utilizes a thin layer of heat moldable material close to the foot contact layer to provide a fine-tuned fit, post oven cooking.
The 2019/2020 Tecnica Cochise 105 W Dyn was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Freeride medium category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
The Fit
Tecnica smartly places this 99 mm right between the narrows and the mediums, capturing the broadest audience of good skiers who want options on hiking or skinning around with one single model. Testers liked the heel and ankle hold, but also appreciated the slightly more open fit at the forefoot, over the instep and in the calf. A few testers cited that the tongue fit was a little firm at boot top, but most noticed that it mellowed with some skiing time.
Performance
Part of the reason that this boot skis as well as alpine boots is that it didn't give up alpine boot plastic to shave weight. Instead, Cochise relies on thinner shell wall construction in legit polyether plastic, both in the lower boot and upper cuff. The metal-on-metal cuff release mechanism keeps a direct-drive feel on board, and the firm, well-shaped C.A.S. liner maintains a connection between the body and the boot shell—no thermo-sponge loss of transmission here. Testers claimed this boot was quicker and stronger than expected at every turn on any snow surface.
Cool Features
The same Custom Adaptive Shape (C.A.S.) features found on the Mach1 boots are found here too. The shell is pre-dimpled in common work zones for better-formed and better-lasting heat stretches, and the C.A.S. liner is highly moldable and also grindable thanks to a high-density microcell exterior. For skiers looking to tour on lighter weight equipment, Cochise comes with Dynafit certified tech fittings integrated into the shell. The boot comes stock with alpine soles, but an accessory A.T. rockered sole set is available for use with compatible backcountry bindings.
The 2019/2020 BRAND-MODEL was tested in the GENDER-CATEGORY at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
The 2018 Salomon QST Pro 110 W returns mainly unchanged and in similar fashion to last season's test we found a broad spectrum of takes on this unique all-mountain hiker. From the first look at the QST Pro it's apparent that it's different. The low-slung instep of the cabrio lower with the embedded Endofit tongue looks a little spacey, and entry to this ski escape pod is different too—pull on the tongue loop and simply drive the foot on in, but don't pull too hard or the tongue can pop out of its slotted berth. Once in, testers either loved the close grip over the instep or they began thinking of a Custom Shell cook job to raise the roof a bit.
The Fit
Testers place the QST Pro on the snug side of the medium-width group in the lower boot, where the fit is painted on every nook and cranny. The upper cuff is more relaxed, addressing the shin with a flat but padded feel and an open-enough boot top to handle thicker calves. The stance is noticeably upright, testers concurred, and the tongue is firm against the shin, and yet the boot's flex is long-travel and springy. These fit, stance and flex characteristics either brought tears of joy to testers' eyes or the other kind in a fairly even split.
Performance
The upright, springy stance put many testers on their heels, but several mentioned that the long travel flex allowed them to get forward into a good skiing position. The lateral cuff geometry is a little on the knock-kneed side of neutral, which gives the QST Pro a slinky, agile attitude which was particularly fun in softer snow off-piste, testers said. Testers who rolled the edge angle up a little steeper found a stable base of lateral support. Testers liked the lightweight feel of the boot and found it to be a capable hiker-skinner.
Cool Features
Testers like the easy flip-switch of the sideways Surelock cuff release, though some mentioned wishing it wasn't located as high on the boot spine, hidden under the powder cuff. The QST Pro 110 W comes with alpine soles, but a rockered, tech-compatible sole set is available as an accessory purchase.
The 2019/2020 Roxa R3W 105 T.I. was tested in the women's On-Off Area medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
The 2019 Roxa R3W 105 T.I. returned to our boot test with only minor changes, and our test team approved again! It's a svelte 99 mm three-piece (cabrio), contouring closely along the curves of the foot and lower leg and minimally padded with a full-thermo Intuition liner. The Grilamid shell and Polyurethane cuff combine for a unique blend of light weight and strong flex feel. The hike mode's range of travel is impressive, testers said.
The Fit
Testers say this 99 mm rides the fit fence between the medium width and narrow groups. The toebox is snug, and the shell feels very close to the navicular and ankle bones—most testers had a full liner molding on their to-do lists. The heel pocket is tight but right. The calf offers a bit of relief from the squeeze, so average legs attached to slender feet will do well here. Testers noted a sharp feeling tongue against the shin, and again were hopeful that liner cooking would put that to bed.
Performance
Uncharacteristic of a three-piece construction, testers said the flex feel is stout (stiffer than the 105 labeling) and because it starts from an upright position it required some push to find a fore-aft sweet spot. Testers liked the power that the solid cuff generated in lateral moves and said it tipped all manner of skis onto edge and held them there well. The boot's performance sweet spot is in the lateral moves, testers agreed, allowing the stiff, thin-shell-walled lower boot to feel the snow surface and sink its teeth in. Transitions between turns were lively and quick and edging response was immediate, testers said.
Cool Features
Testers like the collection of gadgetry here. The power strap buckle is wide and easily dialed in for tension. The 45-degree second buckle retains the foot at the instep effectively. The ski-hike cuff lock is simple to actuate, and in conjunction with a long and friction-free range of travel in hike mode, they liked the easy roll of the GripWalk soles when walking. Note that the R3W 105 T.I. is tech compatible, and that if a skier plans to use them with alpine bindings, be sure those are GripWalk compatible.
The 2019/2020 was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Freeride narrow category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Testers agreed that for an all-day-skiing crossover boot that’s at home in-bounds or on short forays into the backcountry skiers will be hard-pressed to do better than the new Alltrack Elite 120 W. It forgoes lightweight plastics, sticking with a polyether shell for damp control of the ski, but offers tech binding compatibility and an option on GripWalk soles for off-campus missions. A touch softer than 120 and on the roomy edge of narrow, testers gave it the second highest score of the entire test, men’s included.
The 2019/2020 Nordica Strider 115 W dyn was tested in the women's All-Mountain Freeride medium width category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Coming from a group of serious skiers, when they say this is a serious performer, well, we take them seriously! Nearly perfect scores for its edge power and stability and also for its quickness and feel for the snow, the Strider 115 W Dyn will not disappoint rippers looking to dominate demanding pitches on big skis. Sitting well to the narrowest side of the narrow group, the liner’s aggressive heel and ankle fit relaxed with wear time but testers still recommend a liner cook to even it up.
The Fit
The women might not know it, but their fit impressions of the Strider mirror that of the men—an ultra contoured match to the foot and the leg, just on the snug side of the medium width middle-ground. The cork-clad exterior of the Precision Fit W Primaloft liner provides a bulwark of solid, yet moldable material that cradles the curves of the rearfoot with a firm pushback that says, performance, testers report. They loved the initial, cushioned, comfy feel on first entry, but they more appreciated the fact that the liner had guts and held the foot well after some serious test runs and a bit of sweat. Lots of comments like: snug, ideal grip, conforming, curvy.
Performance
The Strider 115 W Dyn's edge power score was its highest (and one of the highest edge power scores of all On-Off Area women's boots, regardless of width), which backs up what testers were saying—full on Alpine boot power to the edge on any terrain, at any speed. Testers mentioned that the Strider was no slouch for quickness turn to turn, citing its light weight on the foot as a source of fast movements, but they gave the stability and power of the Strider 115 W Dyn the nod as its best characteristic, especially when paired with a highly functional touring range of motion and an easy to use, intuitive cuff release switch.
Cool Features
The Primaloft insulated liner might appeal to the creature-comfort focused, but most of our testers were eyeing the rockered and Michelin rubber soled GripWalk plates that come on the boot and the Dynafit tech fittings for use with lightweight low tech bindings. The Grilamid plastic lower shell is moldable via simply wearing the boot after Infrared heating, though few testers mentioned a need to change the boot's shape beyond basic liner molding. They liked the ease of buckling and most liked the buckle catches—and all adored the pale blue hue with white and orange highlights.
The 2019/2020 K2 Mindbender Alliance 110 was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Freeride narrow category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
With high scores for its dialed stance and its convenience, warmth and features kit, testers affirmed that the new Mindbender Alliance 110 is a multi-playground master with more throttle response and quick handling than expected for its high level of fit luxury. Thin shell polyurethane and Pebax keep it light, and testers loved the two-position forward lean adjustment on the metal-to-metal hike mode apparatus. This is the roomiest of all women’s narrows, regardless of category, so testers said average feet should not fear this untracked pow reaper.
