Buckle-Free Dual BOA Ski Boots Are Here and They Have an Ingenious Design
Ski boot technology hasn’t changed much in the past 15 to 20 years, so when BOA dial/cable adapter systemoriginally designed for ski boots in 2001, Ski boots coming to the 2023-2024 ski season. But those hoping for a truly buckle-free experience were a little disappointed, as the first BOA-equipped ski boots only had a single dial in place of the two bottom buckles on the lower shell.
Read more: The Best High-Tech Ski Gear of 2025
Well, now Atomic, Solomon, K2, and more have announced new Double Dial BOA Ski Boots It features two BOA dials and completely eliminates any buckles. Some Dual BOA models start at about $750 and are available now, with others shipping this fall. I recently had the opportunity to try out Atomic’s upcoming Hawx Ultra 130 S Dual BOA boots in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and get some first impressions.
Innovative detachable cable for upper cuff BOA dial
As I pointed out after trying out the first-generation BOA ski boots with the single dial, the BOA models are slightly harder to put on than typical ski boots with two bottom buckles. You pull the dial up to fully release the cable, then push it in and turn it counterclockwise to tighten it. You can also loosen the cable without lifting the turntable (just turn it clockwise). It’s a little difficult to get your foot into the boot because when you release the two buckles, the boot doesn’t open up the extra section at the bottom. So, how on earth do you get your feet into boots that have dials on the bottom and top near the cuffs?
The cable can be removed from the boot, allowing you to fully open the upper cuff.
It turns out that the new upper BOA’s cable system is actually detachable and can be clipped on or off the anchor posts, allowing you to fully open the cuff and slide your foot into it without any question. So, yes, there’s a pseudo buckle-like element involved, but once you put your foot in the boot and clip the upper dial in, there’s nothing to buckle – you just dial in what you like Just the fit. I think this is a very beautiful design.
Boots equipped with single or double BOA knobs won’t have a dramatic effect on the way you ski, although you should get slightly better responsiveness and power transfer in turns, especially if you’re an advanced skier. The way the BOA boots wrap around your feet feels a little different – it’s more of a uniform wrap that provides the same level of comfort to both your feet. You can adjust this comfort more precisely. But most people will just appreciate the convenience of adjusting the fit with a dial instead of fiddling with a buckle, especially when it’s really cold and snowing heavily. I often feel like my boots are a little too tight in the third groove, but not tight enough in the second groove. The BOA knob allows you to get just the right seal and reduces pressure points due to the way the cable is sealed.
K2 calls its new Dual BOA boot the Zonal BOA. Its new Cortex range includes the women’s Cortex 125 Zonal BOA.
Still, the BOA Fit System (single or double) doesn’t guarantee you’ll be more comfortable than a traditional ski boot with four buckles. You may still run into pain points, and you really need to make sure you get the right size boot and the right last (width). Often, people get boots that are a little too big for them (racers, on the other hand, want super-tight boots). With the Atomic Hawx 130 S, I actually downsized. This is a narrow “low volume” boot and a bit wide for my feet, but in the limited time I had with the boot, it felt great.
If I use them long term I’ll at least buy a new footbed for them and maybe even get custom padding, which isn’t cheap. company likes comfortable The stock liner will be removed and replaced with a custom liner, into which the boot technician will pad the foam to fit your foot. (Surefoot also sells custom footbeds and a boot warmer accessory that works great.) You can also forego the factory boot liners for $500. ZipFit Boot Liner. A custom boot setup can set you back as much as the cost of the boot itself, but the added cost is worth it for many people desperately seeking a pain-free skiing experience.
Solomon S/Pro Supra Dual BOA 120.
Ski boots with BOA tend to be a little more expensive than ski boots without BOA. I’d like to know the warranty on the system and what to do if you happen to break or damage one of the dials. BOA told me the Fit System is guaranteed for the life of the product and ensures that repair kits and replacement parts are available at ski shops across the country when needed “at no cost to the customer.” Customers can also obtain new parts through the BOA warranty team using: BOAfit.com.
The Atomic Hawx 130 S is a men’s boot, but Dual BOA boots from Atomic, Salomon, K2 and others will be available in women’s versions, as well as a few different flex options – the 130 in the name refers to the stiffness of the boot, which is the stiffest in the range And typically the most expensive models (top-of-the-line boots with dual BOA cost close to $1,000). More advanced skiers will often need stiffer boots, but this also depends on your personal taste and skiing style as well as factors such as weight and height. Rental boots typically have a flex of around 90 degrees, which is not stiff enough for most professional skiers.
Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 S Double BOA.
Preliminary list of new Dual BOA ski boots
atom:
- Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 S Double BOA (available this fall)
K2:
