The moment you put on your new gear is a special moment that marks the start of the season. Boots are the most important gear that determines your comfort and performance when skiing."TEAM BOA LF"We interviewed Atsushi Ishikawa, who has been active at the forefront of the scene for many years. He talked extensively about his experience using the boots from a rider's perspective and his preferences when selecting boots. This will surely be helpful for those of you who are looking to choose boots in the future.
Q1: What was your impression when you first saw TEAM BOA LF? What were your expectations before using it?
Ishikawa:When I first saw them, I thought they looked quite soft. Many boots tend to be stiff for the first 1-2 days, but the TEAM BOA LF seemed to fit my feet well from the start and was easy to use.
Q2: What is your usual shoe size and what size did you use for the TEAM BOA LF? Please also tell us about the fit and comfort when you actually put your feet in them.
Ishikawa:I usually wear size 26cm, and my actual foot size is about 25.2cm. I chose 26.5cm for the TEAM BOA LF. The fit is that there is plenty of room in the toes. There is no particular stress, and it fits comfortably in everyday use.
Q3: Regarding the feel of the shoe while riding, what impressed you the most, especially its responsiveness, flexibility, heel hold, etc.?
Ishikawa:From the very first day I put them on, the ankle part bent smoothly and I felt like it was following the movement of my ankle. I was impressed that it felt like it was breaking in even before I started using it, and I could start skating without any discomfort.
Q4: This model is equipped with HEAD's proprietary Liquid Fit. What changes did you notice in the fit around your ankles and heels?
Ishikawa:"I haven't had any injections yet, but I'd like to try it out to further improve the fit as I wear the shoes for a long time. I'm particularly impressed with the ability to customize the grip around the heel. I'm looking forward to seeing how it changes the feel of the shoes in the future."
Q5: What riding style or situation do you think TEAM BOA LF is best suited for? Please also tell us how it suits your riding style.
Ishikawa:I think it's a versatile boot that can flexibly handle any style, including powder, park, carving, etc. I get the impression that it can be used in a wide range of situations depending not only on the flex of the boot itself, but also on the combination with bindings.
Q6: Who would this be recommended for?
Ishikawa:I would especially recommend this to people who like to have fun with turns. Even if you push down firmly, your feet will feel like they are catching up, so I think it's perfect for people who want to enjoy skating with a high degree of freedom in turns.
Q7: What is your idea of an ideal snowboard boot? And to what extent do you think the TEAM BOA LF meets that ideal?
Ishikawa:For me, the ideal boots are those that I can wear without feeling strange from the beginning and that keep that feeling until the end of the season. The TEAM BOA LF feels about 50% of that ideal so far. But I'm quite satisfied. By the way, I only change the outerwear and continue to use the old innerwear. By doing so, I can reduce the difference in feeling and get used to it quickly even if I change it.
Q8: Please give a message to riders who are interested in the TEAM BOA LF and those who are considering purchasing one.
Ishikawa:Boots are the gear that is closest to your body, so it's very important that they fit you well. We want you to actually try them out and see how they feel, how the ankle bends, and how well they hold you. We recommend trying out insoles and other things to ensure you can ski comfortably without pain. For a fun snow life, be sure to give them a try!
"TEAM BOA LF"The appeal of these boots is that they can be used for everything." As Ishikawa says, these boots are a versatile model that can be worn by riders of any style. They are soft enough to wear right from the start, and the fit becomes more comfortable the more you ride. And with Liquid Fit, they are also waiting for further evolution.
If you're not sure which boots to choose, just try them on. From that moment on, your snow life will become more free and comfortable.
