The Trinity 95 surprised testers with how much fun it was to ski once they tuned into its unique flexion mojo and they pushed it into gold medal status in the All-Mountain Walk category.
The Gist
Testers love the massive amount of hangar space in the B.F.C. 100 Heat, calling it (like the other B.F.C.'s) absolutely, positively, without question, hands down a whole lotta room! In fact, it has had the roomiest scores of the boot test for three years running in instep height, navicular, ankle pockets and calf—and third roomiest of the bunch in the toebox and forefoot. So yeah, large feet and legs belong here! Testers continue to applaud how well the B.F.C.'s ski—much better than they’ve expected for something so big and luxurious. In addition to its sweet apres mode it has an on-board Thermic heating system that can be controlled via a phone app!
The Fit
One tester summed up the B.F.C.'s overall fit this way: Soooo huge! However, he went on to say that the fit seemed congruent and well-shaped for the thickest of feet and legs (a sentiment echoed by other testers as well). And then he then pondered whether there are actually feet this big. We know there are, and we know that some folks simply don't like tight fitting footwear of any sort—and as such, this boot will appeal to fans of Uggs, Crocs and flip-flops.
Performance
The stance is upright for those with average calf volume—a larger calf will push the lower leg more forward and be just right, our testers guessed. The 100 flex is on the money, testers reported, and they wondered if it would be enough support for the XXXL dude attached to such a foot, suggesting some may want to forego the heater for the stiffer, non-heated B.F.C. 120 which has tested well with us in the past. Generally, testers all agreed that the B.F.C. 100 was strong enough and quick enough for just about any decent skier and it comes with as balanced a lateral stance as one could want. Performance scores exceeded testers' expectations on this one.
Cool Features
The Apres Mode (that's what K2 calls it) walk feature is adopted from the other, recent, more serious hikers in the K2 boot line, but if nothing else, K2 knows its target customer. This cuff release mechanism is all about strolling parking lots, tailgating, beers at lunch (maybe breakfast too), and its ease of use and range of motion is fantastic, testers said. GripWalk soles can be purchased to make the strolling even more sublime (if you have an appropriate GripWalk binding).
The Gist
Lighter and more agile-feeling underfoot than older versions, the graphically new Panterra 120 continues to please our crew with a re-styled walk mode and a more streamlined exterior. A new mold last year gave the Panterra a ripped new look borrowed from medium-width DS’s Power Cage construction, and on snow testers thought this newest version was crisper and stronger than its predecessor, without the turbo-lag of old. The fit still remains generous in the toebox, forefoot and up through the instep (where it ranked in the top 5 hike mode boots for most room last season).
The Fit
Dalbello calls this a 100-102 for its set-and-forget, backward latching VVF (Variable Volume Fit) bottom buckle that will close the lower boot from a 102 to a 100 mm via a crafty expansion slot which the buckle can tighten up like a, well, like a buckle. It's cool because once that buckle is set the way the skier likes, he doesn't mess with it anymore, and just gets in and out with it closed—lock it up and throw away the key. But the real point to this is that this boot really fits like a 102 mm. It's a wide ride. It has a tall fit over the instep and a big wide tube of a forefoot and toebox, so big thick feet (and legs) do well in the Panterra—it's one of our testers' particular favorites for a high volume instep fit.
Performance
Two years ago Dalbello stripped out the unneeded heel inclinator mechanical bootboard (it went up and down like an Impala low-rider's rear end), gave it some new grippy soles, tractiony mid-arch cladding and a scuff resistant shell exterior—all useful changes that also shaved excess weight. The switch to an Irfran (polyolefin) shell and cuff material similarly shed some poundage, but testers still say none of that drastically altered the performance character of the Panterra 120, other than the lighter weight quickened up the pace of turns, they said—an improvement over the previous generation Panterra's sometimes ponderous transitions, but the lighter package didn't seem to undercut classic Panterra power to the edge, which remains torquey and stable—testers gave the Panterra 120's Edge Power its highest score of the five last year.
Cool Features
The cuff release is simple and effective for gaining some stride with the Dynalink buckles undone and testers report that the soft versus hard flex setting adjustment works well, though too soft for most in the soft mode. There are options available to upgrade to an Intuition (I.D.) liner and now rockered GripWalk soles come mounted on the boot for use with GripWalk compatible bindings.
The 2019/2020 Roxa R3W 95 was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Walk medium category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
This tall and upright three-piece got its highest scores in the performance categories: stance, edge power and quickness—testers agreed its feel for the snow was highly tuned and it had a slinky-carvy attitude edge to edge. Testers said that the R3W 95’s entry and exit game was world class, though they fumbled a bit at first with the overlaps and upper Velcro strap buckle. For a more customizable fit, they reminded that there’s an IR (Intuition-Roxa) liner version available for an extra 75-bucks.
The 2019/2020 Rossignol Alltrack Pro 110 W was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Walk medium category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
The women’s top of the line Alltrack Pro has gained a reputation as the perennial best-looking boot of the test and this time around was no different--its new pale Ice Blue hue won over our test team. They said that while it has a hike mode, it looks, feels and skis like a full-on Alpine boot, with no power or quickness demerits. The fuzzy liner eases entry and exit, but testers also said it belies the beast within—this is an expert’s boot that still welcomes intermediates.
The Fit
Our test team says the Alltrack Pro 110 W fits like a glove—a medium-width one. No bothersome hotspots, no pinch points, a calf fit that suits average bodies and a flex feel that's cushioned enough and progressive. They love the white fur liner, even if it's a little over the top, and say the boot's a dream to get on and off.
Performance
From relaxed cruisers to hard-charging ex-racers, every woman likes the turns they lay down when they're wearing the Alltrack Pro 110 W. They say turn initiation is automatic, deep carves are stable at speed and off-piste carnage is tamed with ease. Some say the cushioned, fuzzy liner might rob the boot from a little quickness, but a happy trade for most. Very few testers have much good to say about the hike mode range of motion when the cuff is released, but they do appreciate that this boot doesn't ski like a boot with a hike mode. They say look at the cosmetics to know the difference—that's a bar mode, not a hike mode.
Cool Features
The Thinsulate Platinum liner is warm as well as fuzzy, which testers liked. The boot soles can be swapped for WTR (Walk to Ride) compatible ones, which will improve walkabouts and require a WTR binding—or they could hit the skin track with an A.T. frame binding.
The 2019/2020 K2 B.F.C. W 90 was tested in the women's All-Mountain Walk wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Many testers rated the fit of the top-shelf B.F.C. W 90 in 5’s across the board (that’s the roomiest score possible) and another’s fit commentary was one word: huge. Another tester, discussing the initial fit and feel said, put this boot on and try not to smile—I dare ya! This one’s big for sure, rating most room in almost every fit parameter except the ankle and heel where testers said there was a little more retention. They also said it skied head and shoulders above their expectations—sleeper slippers.
The Fit
The fit is so oversized that testers wrote warnings on their test forms that only truly wide, high-volume feet need apply, but they also had no hotspot complaints or shape concerns—it was foot-like in its shape, as best they could tell. The entry and exit is worth mentioning here—as easy as it gets (and pop the walk mode and it gets even easier). One tester claimed she could put it on with no hands and with all the buckles still done up. Flex feel was even and comfortable they said, and they agreed that the calf is comfortable here—even a grown-up cow's worth of leg shaft would be at home, they figured.
Performance
Testers were shocked at how well the B.F.C. W 90 wide load rode—the stiffness was on-target, the stance angles were neutral and enabled athletic movements, the edge power was solid and the quickness was there (if you could fill up the space with foot). Testers got aggro' with the Built For Comfort and found that, apparently, it was built for crushing it too.
Cool Features
The Apres Mode (that's what K2 calls it) walk feature is adopted from the other more serious hikers in the K2 boot line, but if nothing else, K2 knows its target customer. This cuff release mechanism is all about strolling parking lots, tailgating, beers at lunch (maybe breakfast too), and its ease of use and range of motion is fantastic, testers said. GripWalk soles can be purchased to make the strolling even more sublime (if you have an appropriate GripWalk binding). The B.F.C. W 90's Convenience, Warmth & Features score was a perfect 5.0.
The 2019/2020 Fischer My Ranger One 110 PBV was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Walk wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
It was no surprise to find the My Ranger One 110 PBV’s highest score was for Convenience, Warmth and Features—it’s very roomy, very cushy, very warm and very easy on and off, testers guaranteed. Testers gave it the highest instep fit score of the entire women’s test, which translated into a loss of transmission for average and lower-volume testers—so big thick feet and legs (and the higher instep in between) will luxuriate here. Testers say it’s great in medium and big turns, but shorties took some oomph.
The 2019/2020 Dalbello Panterra 105 W ID GW was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Walk medium category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
An all-new women’s performance three-piece joins the Dalbello line-up this year in the Panterra 105 W ID GW and our test team liked the step up from the softer Kyra of the past. Testers said the gal Panterra runs tall on the leg with a firmly padded shin fit and stouter-than-105 flex feel. Strong to the edge, they said. Supremely easy to slide on due to the spiral ID (Intuition-Dalbello) liner, which they recommend molding straightaway, with roomy-medium containment once all the straps and overlaps are navigated.
The 2019/2020 Roxa R/Fit Hike 110 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Testers didn’t see this one coming! The sleeker and lighter R/Fit Hike 110 was also a sleeper and a fighter. Testers said its shape was surprisingly well-matched to the foot and leg, with a firm enough grip to light up quick turns on demand but without negatively affecting comfort. One tester called it a vacation home for your feet. Another said it was the best newcomer to the boot test and a sneaky powerhouse. Its lowest scores were for fore-aft support but testers said average and smaller guys with thicker feet will be fine.
The 2019/2020 Rossignol Alltrack 120 was tested in the men’s All-Mountain Walk wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
The perennial tester favorite Alltrack 120 went through a major overhaul for this season, with a completely new mold shape in Dual Core plastic, a totally re-done liner and a redesigned hike mode. Testers approved and gave it a gold medal level thumbs up. More sculpting for the thicker, higher-volume foot but without sacrificing performance, testers said. Lighter weight now, but without losing the dampness and predictability of a polyurethane shell. Dual Core breathes new life into every arc, of every radius, on any terrain, they said.
The 2019/2020 K2 B.F.C. 120 was tested in the men's All-Mountain Walk wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
Testers love the massive amount of hangar space in the 2020 B.F.C. 120, calling it absolutely, positively, without question, hands down a whole lotta room! In fact, it has the roomiest scores of the entire test for instep height, navicular, ankle pockets and calf—and third roomiest of the bunch in the toebox and forefoot. So yeah, large feet and legs belong here! Testers continue to applaud how well it skis—much better than they’d expected for something so big and luxurious. And with a sweet apres mode!
The Fit
One tester summed up the B.F.C.'s overall fit this way: Soooo huge! However, he went on to say that the fit seemed congruent and well-shaped for the thickest of feet and legs (a sentiment echoed by other testers as well). And then he then pondered whether there are actually feet this big. We know there are, and we know that some folks simply don't like tight fitting footwear of any sort—and as such, this boot will appeal to fans of Uggs, Crocs and flip-flops.
Performance
The stance is upright for those with average calf volume—a larger calf will push the lower leg more forward and be just right, our testers guessed. The 120 flex is a bit overstated, testers reported, and they wondered if it would be enough support for the XXXL dude attached to such a foot. However, those who had tested the 90-flex two tests prior said this was still a big improvement, performance-wise. Generally, testers all agreed that the B.F.C. 120 was strong enough and quick enough for just about any decent skier with as balanced a lateral stance as one could want. Performance scores exceeded testers' expectations on this one.
Cool Features
The Apres Mode (that's what K2 calls it) walk feature is adopted from the other more serious hikers in the K2 boot line, but if nothing else, K2 knows its target customer. This cuff release mechanism is all about strolling parking lots, tailgating, beers at lunch (maybe breakfast too), and its ease of use and range of motion is fantastic, testers said. GripWalk soles can be purchased to make the strolling even more sublime (if you have an appropriate GripWalk binding). The B.F.C. 120's Convenience, Warmth & Features score was a perfect 5.0.
The 2019/2020 Full Tilt Descendant 8 was tested in the men's On-Off Area wide category at Silver Mountain Resort by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
The 2019 Full Tilt Descendant 8 sprouted a hike mode switch in the off-season, so this year we tested it in the On-Off Area group, though this walk feature will probably see more use in parking lot apres ski sessions or hiking the pipe than in the skin track. Otherwise unchanged from last year, testers again gave it high marks for its warm and highly customizable liner, a category best entry and exit score and a lightweight feel on the foot. However, they cautioned strong, technical skiers that the cuff's overly forward stance and very soft flex combined to collapse under load.
The Fit
To enjoy the 102 mm width available here, skiers should be sure to heat mold the Intuition Pro liner. Prior to molding it fits uncharacteristically snug in width behind the forefoot and over the instep—after customization the liner more evenly addresses the foot and its wide last feel is revealed. Testers report that the length fits short, so this may be a model in which to upsize to gain even more wide-load room. Testers say the cuff is low on the leg, set more forward leaning than the norm, and softer flexing than advertised.
Performance
Cruisey, schmeary turns made off the heels worked well, testers said. Lateral power may have been there, but testers said it was difficult to access due to the over-flexed leg position that the forward lean and soft flex left them with.
Cool Features
There are many available options for the Descendant 8, which falls under the Full Tilt Evolution style shell. There is a stiffer, #10 tongue available.
