Head Challenger 110 W

Model Year
2014-15
Category
All-Mountain Walk
Last Width
99-101
Flex Index
100
Price (MSRP)
$600.00USD

Finding a workable fit solution in a strong and balanced all-mountain ripper was not a challenge here. Testers of a wide variety of foot and leg shapes were able to jump into the Challenger 110 W and get straight to the business of shredding. It's a medium that hedges toward the snug side of the range, with a firm grab on the heel and ankles and a slightly shorter length fit than others the same size, testers said.

For skiers looking for more comfort than narrow-class boots might offer but don't want to lose control, the Challenger's Adaptive Fit feature may offer a unique benefit—it makes the shell itself narrower with the turn of an Allen wrench on the bottom of the boot sole. This feature is also a bit of fit tension insurance down the road for skiers who want a return to like-new closure after the liner has broken in a bit.

Testers said it felt a bit soft for a 110—and they were right because it's a 100 flex boot. Why Head calls it the 110 remains a mystery but the manufacturer did confirm that starting next year the number name game will reflect the actual flex index—probably a good idea, we think.

The Perfect Fit liner is highly moldable with an out-of-box fit that's as good as any but with the full custom option that EVA foam construction offers. The liners are cooked inside the shells in an oven for five minutes then the boots are worn for ten for a more personalized fit.

Gender 
Women's
Sizes (MP) 
23.0, 23.5-27.5
Hike Mode 
Yes
Construction 
Overlap
Boot width profile 
Narrow
Medium

Kudos

  • “Not too girlie—this one's responsive and has solid edge control.” -- Emily Alleman
  • “Good for aggressive skiing—no hesitation and good feel for the snow.” -- Lee Ann Ross
  • “Wow, feels light and comfy but is powerful turn to turn—rocking boot to take a skier to next level.” -- Heather Risseeuw
  • “Very responsive—skis like a narrow category boot. I like the fish skeleton buckles.” -- Linda Parazoo
  • “Ideal flex for an aggressive skier and able to move to the edge quickly.” -- Tosha Treat
  • “Solid, cozy feel—holds the foot well.” -- Julia Carr
  • “Powerful driver throughout every turn—light and easy to get from edge to edge.” -- Michael Kendrick Powderly
  • “Very stable boot with good fore-aft support. Comfortable and easy to walk around in.” --
  • “An agile, comfortable boot with a plush-feeling liner.” -- Allison McGuirk
  • “Forgiving and comfortable while still being able to out-ski the boys.” -- Jana Rogers
  • “Smooth, solid boot all the way through.” --

Caveats

  • “Uncomfortable for me at the boot top—kind of inconsistent and edgy.” -- Emily Alleman
  • “The fishbone buckles are terrible—they continually get re-latched when trying to take it off.” -- Brigid Kennaday
  • “Top of cuff cut into my shin and calf a bit.” -- Tosha Treat

This boot available at...

Killington, VT
Telluride, CO
Valatie, NY
Seattle, WA
Telluride, CO
Golden, CO
Plymouth, MI

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!

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