The 2021/2022 K2 Anthem 105 LV was tested in the women’s All-Mountain Traditional narrow category by the experts at America's Best Bootfitters, powered by Masterfit.
The Gist
The new Anthem 105 LV returns with a stiffer spine and lighter weight and one of the most comfortable fits of the entire test, our team reports. This sleeper won testers over with its ease of use and cushioned feel against the foot and leg but had them praising its top all-mountain agility test results which they hadn’t seen coming. One of the best of the bunch for just about anyone, they said.
The Fit
While the Anthem 105 LV shares the same shell as its stiffer big sister 115, it utilizes a softer Precisionfit Pro liner, which testers loved for its soft draping against the foot and cushioned padding throughout, but they also noted that the 105 felt more medium-ish in its squeeze factor when compared to the quite snug grip of the Anthem 115. Not that this was bad, testers loved the open toebox and forefoot for a flat, balanced stance on the floor of the boot and plenty of circulation to go ‘round. They said the hold through the ankles was substantial and the heel grip was good enough for them, though it didn’t have the Achilles clamp of the 115. Testers said the cuff and liner tongue combo had a great feel against the shin for flexion and ample room for real skiers’ calves, even in the stock calf fit setting (it can get bigger).
Performance
This is one of those, “it did everything I asked it to” success stories from the boot test. Our test team is full of good, aggressive skiers who trend toward liking stiffer boots in the narrow and medium All-Mountain Traditional categories, so when a 105 flex rises to the top of their score sheet it’s really saying something. Testers loved the lightweight, snappy feel of this boot from turn to turn, and some went so far as to say it was one of the most lively feeling boots of the entire test. Its edge power was commendable for a 105 testers said, but they offered a few reminders that if torque and stability for high-speed, high-impact skiing are a premium, then opt for the 115 which has that covered. For anybody else, the 105 is just right, they said.
Cool Features
The power strap on the 105 is regular old Velcro, but that’s fine with our crew. They said the “grippyness” of the GripWalk soles on the K2’s seems stickier than other brands and had a nice, cushioned roll for walking about. The oversized buckle throws were a hit with testers and all agreed it was easy to get on and off, and warm. The Women’s Adjustable Cuff can be tweaked to further flare-open the boot top for muscular calves or shorter legs, which a few of our higher-volume calf testers loved.
