Head KORE 120 GW

Model Year
2023-2024
Category
All-Mountain Freeride
Last Width
100
Flex Index
120
Price (MSRP)
$1050.00USD

Our test team is admittedly biased toward freeride boots that don't sacrifice proper fit, stance and downhill performance in a trade-off for uphill capability, so it was no surprise that they loved the Head Kore 120 GW. They called it one of the cleanest designs in the freeride category for its sleek and alpine-bred lines, simple and functional set of features and a fit and performance combo that topped the heap. Yes, in fact, this was the highest-scored of the medium width freeride boots.

The Kore 120 has gone through a variety of redesign evolutions in the past few years but testers agreed that it has reached its ideal form in this iteration. The fit is anatomically sculpted for the common bony bits and wide spots but without giving up a firm, controlling grip where it matters to testers. The flex feel was rated as ideal and on-target for a 120 flex. The stance was right where testers wanted it to be, they said, though the updated ski-walk lever incorporates a small amount of fore-aft adjustability as well as improves its simplicity of function and ease of use. They also like the fat but low profile power strap that was secured with a cam lock buckle on ribbed nylon (called Ratchet Velcro) that got snug and stayed put.

The Formula design heritage is apparent in the Kore boots, both in look and on-snow feel. They are strong without being clunky and dead, and lively enough for any quick turn in a very tight spot but without rendering the boot squirrelly at speed. Testers for the most part didn't mind the use of Superlight plastic (polypropylene) in the upper cuff for weight savings, but they did appreciate tried-and-true polyurethane in the lower shell. They also didn't mind the Form Fit additive that makes an oven-cook-and-mold session possible, though most didn't find a need for employing it as the out-of-box fit was pretty sweet (and its highest score), they said.

A few testers thought the flex feel was a touch softer than billed, but not by much they said. A stiffer 130 flex Kore is available in the RS build, which means it's a narrow last--this 120 flex is the flagship medium width in the Kore line up.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.0-30.5
Hike Mode 
Yes
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
110
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
4.57
Shell/Cuff/Tongue Plastic 
polyurethane/Superlight (polypropylene)
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.86
Dynamic Balance 
4.43
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.43
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.43
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.71
Tech Compatible 
Yes

Kudos

  • “Looking good Lewis. Feeling good Todd!” -- Dallas Goldsmith
  • “The walk mode and GripWalk combine nicely. ” -- Greg Hoffmann
  • “Initial feel is right down the mid-width corridor in all aspects. Well spec'd mid-volume boot--these blend containment and comfort in a pleasing way. Reliable roadsters with a blend of good fit and predictable performance. They are a good choice for a solid all-mountain skier with a larger calf. ” -- Bob Gleason
  • “This boot is a nicely executed, releasable-cuff 120 flex boot. Evenly comfortable with good foot hold.” -- Jim Schaffner
  • “The Head Kore is back unchanged and it's really perfect as it is--no reason to change liner or shell. Great fit, super contoured with ideal medium width fit tension. Skis like an alpine boot all day long and range of motion is more than adequate for a freeride boot. By far the best hike-mode, tech-compatible boot Head's ever made, and right in line with the fit and feel of Formula fixed cuff models. Nicely done.” -- Mark Elling
  • “Seemed like it was a legit all-mountain boot that had a hike mode, whereas most boots in the category are hike mode boots that claim to be all-mountain.” -- Stacy Crumpler

Caveats

  • “Didn't match up well with my lower chicken leg!” -- Dallas Goldsmith
  • “Cuff feels huge and soft because it is so low on front of leg.” -- Greg Hoffmann

This boot available at...

Hotham Heights, VIC
Valatie, NY
Columbia, SC
Killington, VT
Seattle, WA
Telluride, CO
Chicago, IL

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