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K2 2013 Ski Boots

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Ski manufacturer, K2 is jumping into their first ski boots for the 2013/2014 season.

While most other ski boot manufacturers design their boots based on race models, building off of old designs and existing molds, K2 started with nothing but vision. Somehow they have created ski boots with maximum efficiency and performance over a wide range of conditions for a fit and function unlike any other ski boot. To quote SKI Magazine, “K2 joins the boot fray with an impressive freshman-year success.”

K2 SpYne and K2 SpYre Men’s and Women’s All Mountain Ski Boots
The K2 Spyne 130 is the first expert level ski boot that did not evolve from a race boot. This is important because race boots are designed specifically for hard snow. Contrastingly, the K2 SpYne men’s ski boots and the K2 SpYre women’s ski boots (more colorful, with different last offerings, and a 15% lower cuff height than the men’s version) are designed for all mountain skiing, to perform well on everything from hard snow, to variable conditions, to moguls, to powder.

Designed with K2’s E3 (Energy Efficient Engineering) Philosophy, the technologies in the K2 ski boots work harmoniously to absorb external energy from terrain while efficiently transmitting internal energy from the skier to the ski. As Powder Magazine says, “K2 has taken a fine-tuned approach in its All-Mountain boots and optimized the natural forces of skiing.” The technologies that make the K2 SpYne and SpYre ski boots unique include Energy Interlock, PowerFuse SpYne, and Fit Logix.

Energy Interlock is an interlocking cuff/shell connection that absorbs vibrations better, and disperses energy across a broader surface for a smoother flex as compared to the standard riveted cuff/shell connection. The vibration absorption means that it will take longer for your body to get tired since it will be taking less impact. The smooth flex means that the press of your shin into the tongue of the boot will not be a creaky, catchy experience; rather it will result in a consistent lean forward, putting you in an optimal position for controlling the ski.

The PowerFuse SpYne involves a Y shaped piece at the back of the ski boot that is stiffer than the rest of boot material. This PowerFuse SpYne maintains the integrity of the cuff and shell connection for excellent lateral transmission as the skier carves turns, rolling from one edge of the ski to the other. Additionally, this piece of harder material allows the use of slightly softer upper cuff plastic, which makes it easier to get in and out of the boot, and gives a better fit around the leg for better energy transfer.

Fit Logix refers to the connection between the foot, the liner, and the outer boot. It includes multiple last offerings to accommodate several foot widths, a shape that prevents pressure points during ankle flexion, and the advanced K2 Intuition liner. Fit Logix enhances performance and comfort for all day skiing.

The K2 Intuition liner is shaped to the skier’s foot, and molded to the shell of the boot, for a lack of gaps in the connection between the foot and liner and shell. This makes for efficient power transfer, allowing the skier to more easily control the ski. The lower part of the liner can be custom fit, and the upper part has a plastic exterior on the cuff and tongue, making for better energy transfer from the lower leg, and dispersed pressure on the shin to help prevent painful ‘boot bite’.

K2 Pinnacle Freeride Ski Boot
The K2 Pinnacle freeride ski boot shares many of the features of the SpYne and SpYre, plus it is thoughtfully designed for easy touring with Synchro Interlock, PowerBuckle, Tour Flex Notches, and versatile Integrated Tech Fittings.

Manufacturers of riveted boots are often faced with decisions of where to compromise with a walk mode, but K2 got around these problems to offer a ski boot with a walk mode that doesn’t sacrifice downhill performance. Mike Hattrup, Director of K2’s Backside Development explains how in detail, but the general idea is as follows: Rivets must be removed to allow for a walk mode, but without the rivets, the boot loses its strong connection and therefore its strong performance – so K2’s Pinnacle boot has an alternative to rivets.

Built on the Energy Interlock design, the Synchro Interlock can be released with the flick of a ski pole to allow the simultaneous liberation of the Interlock and an internal wedge. While secured, this system delivers uncompromised downhill performance. When released, it offers a greater range of fore and aft motion, for comfortable walking.

The only other thing the skier needs to do in order to switch from skiing to touring is un-buckle the PowerBuckle attached to the power strap across top of the boot – and then he can easily buckle it again to head back downhill without having to adjust to find that perfect fit.

The PrecisionFit Tour Intuition liner of the Pinnacle features all the benefits of the liners found in the SpYne and the SpYre, plus Tour Flex Notches strategically placed at hinge points on the ankles. These notches work with the Synchro Interlock and the PowerBuckle to improve the range of motion for easier touring.

On the K2 Pinnacle freeride ski boot, the Integrated Tech Fittings are part of the shell injection, rather than just outsole pods. This makes for better strength and durability with improved torsional stiffness. Plus these outsoles are all DIN compatible so that you don’t have to fiddle around to accommodate your alpine and tech binding setups.

For the sake of their customers, K2 is not into selling their boots online, and neither are we. So if you want to try out K2’s new line of ski boots to see if one may be right for you, head into your local ski shop. If you’re in Park City, come see the Jans Mountain Recreation Experts at Park Avenue, Park City Mountain Resort, or Deer Valley Resort where our experienced boot fitters provide custom ski boot fittings with a Lifetime Fit Guarantee.

Kendall Fischer, Content Writer

 

Please note: this post was originally published on December 2, 2013, and may be out of date.