The Gist
Take the successful R/Fit W four buckle overlap traditionalist, shave a buckle off the top for weight and convenience, add a cuff release for easier walking and hiking and put a $450 price tag on it and our test team says you’ve got a bang-for-buck winner. The R/Fit Hike W 85 shares the same wide lower shell fit that testers love in the R/Fit boots and the single buckle cuff with a calf adjustment opens up the fit for average and thicker legs. Testers say the R/Fit flex is stronger than advertised so good skiers shouldn’t let the 85 flex dissuade them.
The Fit
Wide in the front (toebox and forefoot) and tapering to a more snug rearfoot (but not too tight in ankle and heel) and then a bit closer up through the cuff, testers said the average legged with wide feet will find a perfect fit match here. The flex feel is stronger than the 85 rating would suggest, testers agreed, and they appreciated the calf adjustment feature for an easy option for higher volume legs.
Performance
Our test team was able to ski the fixed cuff 95 flex R/Fit W but still waiting for a chance to get this bargain out on the snow.
Cool Features
For the money the R/Fit Hike W 85 is packed with useful stuff: double pull loop on the Ultralon foam liner, thick Velcro power strap, an easy to actuate cuff release and additionally walkable GripWalk soles (with DIN alpine soles in the box) and an adjustable calf spoiler. Serious value for the wide footed all-mountain skier.
