Kastle K110P

Model Year
2023-2024
Category
All-Mountain Traditional
Last Width
100
Flex Index
110
Price (MSRP)
$849.00USD

In Kastle's sophomore year as a boot manufacturer and our first interaction with the 110-flex medium-width K110P, testers were again impressed (having tested its inaugural 130-flex last year). Testers applauded the quick gains from last year in the way of an improved liner and more flex offerings. The consensus was that the Kastle boot has its fresh roots sunk into deeply established old-school, four-buckle-overlap design traditions--and our somewhat old-school testing team dug that, with a few minor caveats.

First, they loved the 110-flex for everything the 130-flex was not: easier to get on and off, softer flexing against the shin, forgiving of mistakes and more comfortable on bony points. The softer polyurethane plastic build-out of the 110 just made everything a bit more relaxed, which made this Kastle more approachable for the masses (and our testers) and a bit more fun. It's still a serious boot that will appeal to technical skiers looking for a spartan, no-nonsense ski driving machine, testers said, but for all but the most demanding and hard-core skiers the K110P would be plenty. It flexes and skis stronger than the 110-flex indicator suggests, they said, and it's a snug 100mm last. Going to the 97mm narrow version and the 120 or 130 stiffnesses would come with trade-offs in comfort and ease of access, testers thought.

That Kastle's entry into the boot realm is focused on the narrowest race plugs and then performance 97- and 100-mm overlap performance models sets a high bar for themselves, as the best, most established boot brands in the world own this space, and yet Kastle has not embarassed themselves. Far from it, they've proved that simple still works, and for the right skier that's a win. Our test team loved the K boot's stance angles (a perfect 5.00) and skiing response, and they only had a few complaints about the fit's less-than-contoured feel on common bony bits. They felt that with a good bootfitter's help, the shape would be on par with the best boots in the category, but still the out-of-box fit experience got a "needs improvement" on their report cards.

Did testers love the Kastle color? That was a split decision. Will the Kastle boots be available at brick-and-mortar specialty retail shops? That remains to be seen. If they're not, it ain't because they don't deserve to be, we think.

Gender 
Men's
Sizes (MP) 
24.0-30.5
Hike Mode 
No
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Medium
Also in this Collection 
130, 120, 100
Cantology Compatible 
No
Total Avg Score 
4.53
Shell/Cuff/Tongue Plastic 
polyurethane/polyurethane
Anatomical Fit and Initial Feel 
4.17
Dynamic Balance 
5.00
Edge Power & Fore-Aft Support 
4.50
Quickness, Steering & Feel 
4.83
Convenience, Warmth & Features 
4.17
Tech Compatible 
No

Kudos

  • “Fits like a glove! Great boot. I could take this one home--so solid.” -- Kevin Gabriel
  • “For only their second year on the market, Kastle has done a very good job building ski boots that make the grade. Kastle is proving that they belong on the display shelves of performance ski shops.” -- Jim Schaffner
  • “I like that it's forgiving without being weak or gutless--vibrations get absorbed by its damp polyurethane build. Exceptionally shaped, anatomical rearfoot area. ” --
  • “The 110 flex Kastle is probably their best product--a little bit easier-going, slightly easier to get on and it punches well above its weight class (120 power for sure). The stance is dialed and the closure is really pretty good. It skis super well--it's gonna appeal to old-school technical skiers, especially those looking for good bang-for-the-buck.” -- Mark Elling

Caveats

  • “Tight forefoot for a 100mm. As expected for a 110, the flex collapsed a bit, and it felt a little sluggish.” -- Jim Schaffner
  • “Feels like an old Lange banshee around the foot--need to open up the old-school toebox and instep shapes if this is a medium.” -- Charlie Bradley
  • “The harshness of the liner was distracting.” --
  • “It's few, simple problems would be that it's overly flat-feeling and tight in particular areas and a little lack of general contour for the foot--it's a little bit boxy. The funny, little buckle flip-up levers intended to help you get your thumb or finger under the edge of the buckle are hard to use. Kind of old-school in feel and difficult to get on and off but nothing really wrong with it.” -- Mark Elling

This boot available at...

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!

Platinum

Gold