With the usual cool design from the USA paired with new useful features, the new K2 ski boot promises to be a success. K2 fans will certainly be pleased. What K2 has considered in the development and what the shoe has to offer, they learn here.
by Rolf Fleckenstein
I'll be honest, I'm a bit of a K2 fan and when I heard a little over a year ago from Walter Dietiker, K2's Swiss country manager, that they were launching a ski boot this season, I was immediately hooked. I could finally wear a K2 ski boot with my K2 skis, was my first thought. A very promising story. However, launching new products is not a success story per se. With some market launches, you sometimes really have to ask yourself "does it have to be this way?", especially if the company's expertise is in a completely different market segment than the product it is launching, e.g. when ski manufacturers suddenly become textile entrepreneurs or launch bikes. That can go well, but it doesn't have to. In the case of K2, it must be said that the idea is not only great, but also based on strategic considerations and know-how, considering that K2 and the group behind it have a lot of experience in manufacturing and marketing sports shoes to inline skaters, snowboarders, skiers (Full Tilt) and recreational athletes. The know-how and the necessary contacts for a successful market launch of ski boots are fully available.
The fact that K2 is entering the market this winter season with its first collection of ski boots is a real boon, especially for all die-hard K2 fans and friends of this legendary American ski brand. Those who ski K2 skis will finally have the opportunity to buy and wear a K2 ski boot with them starting this winter. Many will take advantage of this opportunity, of this I am personally very convinced, especially since K2 does not have cheap goods produced somewhere in the world and simply put the K2 logo on it, but produces a specially designed and high-quality product with new features to adorn the skier's foot. From A-Z, the ergonomics of the foot and foot movement was included in the development of the ski boot to combine the highest possible safety with comfort. In doing so, K2 aligned itself with its existing clientele and created a shoe aimed at all-mountain skiers, at home in a wide variety of snow conditions and used in any terrain.
Model range 2013/14
K2 brings this winter on the one hand a clear all-mountain series for women (SpYre) and men (SpYne) with three models each on the market and on the other hand a freeride line (Pinnacle) consisting of two shoes for the men. This is a good size as a market entry even for such an established brand like K2. You don't immediately go for the "big Max" and come up with a huge collection, but instead focus on quality and K2-typical innovative strength: that's very likeable. And you wait once the customer reactions of the first collection and act with a certain caution, which speaks for the fact that you act smart and thoughtful in the management of K2. That makes a really good impression.
Some technology
A ski boot is nowadays a highly technological matter, actually too technological for most buyers, but I still want to briefly explain the individual features of K2's ski boot concept here. Three core concepts form the basis of the K2 ski boot: 1. Energy Interlock: The shell is connected to the cuff without rivets, which results in less tension in the boot and better mobility of the boot. 2. Powerfuse SpYne: At the rear of the shoe is a y-shaped component that provides additional power and lateral stability. 3. Fit Logix: This refers to the connection between the foot and the ski boot shell and includes three last widths (97 mm - 102 mm), the cut-out at the navicular bone and three inner shoes.
Inner shoes
K2 has designed three different inner shoes for its first ski boot series, which are quite similar in terms of concept, but differ in terms of comfort and quality. The most premium model is called PrecisionFit INTUITION: this is K2's premium inner boot, which has a heat-moldable material, an asymmetrical, heat-moldable tongue that reduces pressure on the shin, and is made of three layers for very high comfort. K2-INTUITION stands for the pre-adaptation of the inner shoe to the foot before the inner shoe is inserted into the shell. The foam used in this process stands for the highest quality. The LuxFit INTUITION is the medium version, which, in contrast to the premium model, consists of two layers. The Cush Fit is the simplest liner K2 uses, it consists of only one layer, uses a standard EVA foam and is not heat moldable. The ski boot models are each equipped with one of the three inner shoes, pay attention!
Technical features
Here I will list the most important six technical features of the K2 ski boot:
1. interchangeable outsoles:
They are interchangeable and provide good grip on terrain or stairs.
2. padded mid-grip:
An anti-slip unit between the ball of the foot and heel region provides extra grip on rocks, slippery edges or stairs.
3. power wedge:
A removable spoiler adjusts to the calf and changes the template by two degrees.
4. power strap:
A wide strap with Velcro closure, on the SpYne 130 model with Camlock quick release, at the top of the boot provides final support and snow protection.
5. socket fit index:
To compensate for the different angles of the lower legs, you can adjust the shaft forward or backward by 2.2 degrees each or a total of 4.4 degrees.
6. alloy buckles:
In good German "aluminum buckles" that look very special thanks to their cutouts and are very light.
Men's models Allmountain "SpYne
The men's range of all-mountain ski boot series from K2 includes a total of three models. The higher the flex the higher the sportiness as well as the used quality of the inner boot.
 |
 |
 |
||
| Ke SpYne 130 | K2 SpYne 110 | K2 SpYne 90 |
Ladies models Allmountain "SpYre
The women's range of all-mountain ski boots from K2 has been carefully adapted to the anatomy of the female leg. Women have a lower calf base and about 15% lower shaft than men. The result is also three models that use a narrower last and a higher quality liner, as in the men's range with increasing flex.
 |
 |
 |
||
| K2 SpYre 110 | K2 SpYre 100 | K2 SpYre 80 |
Freeride men's line "Pinnacle
The freeride men can consider themselves lucky this year, they were given a small range consisting of two beautiful green models. "Pinnacle" means "peak", so it is made for skiers who want to push into these regions. In addition to the technology of the all-mountain boot, the Pinnacle has a high-quality walking mechanism that, thanks to the Energy Interlock concept, allows you to walk in the terrain without therefore having to accept a loss of performance or stability on the descent.
Features of the Pinnacle Freeride shoes
3 buckles:
The shoe has three buckles, increasing the mobility it needs for off-road walking.
Synchro Interlock:
Based on the Energy Interlock, a blocking wedge and the interlock latch are opened or closed. This creates greater freedom of movement in the walking mechanism, flex and performance are maintained in ski mode.
Powerbuckle:
The "power buckle" is a sophisticated buckle on the upper strap. This means you only have to tighten the strap once and can loosen or tighten it through the buckle. In addition, three buckles when walking, become four buckles when riding. Clever, guys!
Integrated Tech Fittings:
They are not attached, but integrated into the shell, which provides greater stability. The outsoles are suitable for alpine and touring bindings.
Tour Flex Notch:
The inner shoe is additionally equipped with inserts that support buckling and stretching while walking, thus providing more freedom of movement and a more natural motion.
Interchangeable outsoles:
The outsoles are DIN compatible, interchangeable and fit alpine and touring bindings.
Men's models Freeride "Pinnacle
The Pinnacle comes in two different versions, each with a typical K2 great design that pleases, this year in green.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
| K2 Pinnacle 130 | K2 Pinnacle 130 | K2 Pinnacle 110 | Walking mechanism |
I must say, I am very excited to see how the K2 ski boot will feel in use on the slopes and throughout the season. My anticipation for it is already very great.
English 
Deutsch 
Français 
Español 
Italiano