Buckles have been a core part of ski boots since well before I was born and they remain the primary way to achieve the proper fit on the slopes. But, since 2023, K2 has had other plans. Using the BOA Fit System specifically designed for ski boots, K2 and other brands, have allowed skiers to achieve a better, more cohesive fit — but only in the forefoot. Starting today, K2 further changes the game with their 2025/2026 early-release Cortex Collection featuring BOA Dual Dial.
With this, K2 achieves a lower-profile fit and streamlined boot design straight out of their factory in Asolo, Italy. The independent adjustments on the cuff and forefoot will now give skiers the most precise control over their ski boot fit on the market. Having just tested the BOA Li2 dials on The North Face Summit Offtrail TR and Trek RSL Road Shoes, I’ve long been a fan of BOA, but look forward to giving it a good test on the slopes.
My days of unbuckling my boots for the lift ride up may be numbered, but I do wonder how I make sure to dial them in to the exact same fit every time. I guess there are always tweaks with traditional buckles, so that may not be so different here?
Key features include:
- Zonal BOA Fit System (H+i1 Dials)
- 96-98mm lasts for low-volume feet
- Available with 105-140 flex rating
- GripWalk Soles
- Customizable low-volume liner
- Bolted rear cuff
- Tech inserts on the 140
The Cortex 140 isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a high-octane boot for the most demanding skiers. Here’s what the K2 team has to say about them:
“This is the boot our freeride athletes have asked for– a performance-focused boot that blurs the edges of race boot and traditional low-volume boot performance and fit. The dual dial system has allowed us to perfect the locked-in feel and power that we’ve previously struggled to refine. The Cortex 140 Zonal BOA® boot doesn’t play nice for everyone but will be a dream boot for rowdy skiers who want a hyper-responsive and stiff boot. We took key learnings from this pinnacle boot to create a low-volume collection that is approachable for skiers of all abilities,” says Tom Pietrowski, Senior Global Ski Boot Product Line Manager.
The K2 Cortex Collection with BOA Dual Dial Configuration will be available in a limited set of freeride boots now and the larger K2 collection in time for next ski season.Available in limited quantities now, you’ll find three unisex models and two women’s models:
- K2 Cortex 140 Zonal BOA – $949
- K2 Cortex 130 Zonal BOA – $849
- K2 Cortex 120 Zonal BOA – $849
- K2 Cortex 125 W Zonal BOA – $849
- K2 Cortex 105 W Zonal BOA – $849
