The Gist
The 2018 K2 Minaret 100 LV returns with solid upgrades this season—two buckles up top this year bump its cuff closure quotient up and over its previous single, oversized buckle on the upper boot, which testers liked. The new LuxFit Tour Lite liner shaves weight over its predecessor and is better articulated for smooth touring.
The Fit
Testers like the slide-on slipper feel this year—easier entry and softer, cushier initial feel. They say it fits roomier than expected for a low-volume boot, and most agreed that its off-the-rack fit was somewhat disconnected in the heel pocket, which was worrisome, they said. Our custom tests showed that the lower boot fit was evened-up nicely after the liner (Intuition partnership with K2) was fully heat molded. The flex feel was cushy on the shin, which testers liked.
Performance
The softer-than-100 flex feel and extra room put a rev-limiter on hard off-piste charging, but testers loved the smooth, predictable transfer of power edge to edge, which they said was stable and easy to tap into. Damp and reliable turn to turn seemed more the Minaret's M.O. than were snappy, rapid-fire transitions, but testers said for on-area, off-area options this one would suit many skiers well. They loved the easy-to-use Syncro Interlock cuff release mechanism, which offers more travel than most in the category and has a smooth, gliding feel.
Cool Features
Tech-binding compatibility and an option on rockered, Vibram soles open up lots of avenues for different touring equipment that might lighten the load for uphill treks. Dual-side cuff adjustment is a nice alignment feature not found on many hike mode boots, and testers liked the double pull loops on the liner for more convenient entry.
Kudos
Caveats