The Gist
Testers once again said it might be easy to overlook the 2019 Roxa Kara 85—with a name like that you could simply mistake it for a license plate or a gmail account—but this unassuming boot was a surprising contender against boots much stiffer and more expensive! Testers said the 85 labeling is understated, skiing easily like a 100 flex and putting skis on rail with the big girls.
The Fit
Roomy, cushy, comfy—for thick feet and thicker calves—but without feeling like you're wearing the box they came in. Testers concur that the anatomical shaping with shell and liner did the trick for comfort and enough containment at control points to manage the skis. The tongue was cushioned and the flex feel was even (if much firmer than advertised). No drama spa slippers, is how one tester described them. So there you go.
Performance
Testers were shocked at how well this boot drove their skis—it has a great feel for the snow underfoot and enough gumption to manhandle arcs when required. Testers did admit, however, that the Kara 85 was happiest in the cruising zone making nice turns on the groomed or in some light off-piste chunder. Hike mode? This is what you call a walk mode, or an apres mode. Nobody gets this boot to traipse off out a gate somewhere. But it'll help avoid quad burn while tailgating in the parking lot!
Cool Features
The liner does sport some highly moldable Ultralon foam in places, three nicely appointed aluminum buckles and a Velcro powerstrap. What more can you ask for at a street price (MAP) of $350?
Kudos
Caveats