The Gist
Built for Comfort—amen to that, testers said. This is a huge, cushy bucket with an awesome hike (bar) mode (hey even K2 calls it an Apres Mode). It is not built for expert skiers (or advanced ones) but would be a great starter boot for big footed bubbas with large calves.
Fit
The entry and exit is without parallel—so easy and smooth (no hands). And once in, the fit is a cushion-monger's dream—so silky soft it's sick (say that with a lisp). The stance is upright, open at the boot top and the cuff is fairly low on the leg, so big-ass calves need to be in there to fill up that space and move the leg into a balanced position. Testers gave the fit scores an even stroke down the maximum and just-shy-of-maximum width column—open, easy and even.
Performance
This boot is a surprisingly strong edger if a skilled skier tips the boot sideways. But the edge power sweet spot requires a skier to maintain a balanced position fore and aft, as the boot's low, soft cuff isn't going to help much with that—failing to the rear and collapsing to the front when taxed (some bite, mid-shin for some), testers said. So, it’s a good low-edge-angle cruiser for après-ski-centric folk who will absolutely love the hike (bar) mode here.
Cool Features
Did we mention that the Synchro Interlock cuff release system is super? Easy to use and creates a ton of smooth mobility fore and aft. Did we mention they call it “Après Mode." Tres bon. It also has K2's sweet upper cuff adjustment mechanism.
Kudos
Caveats