It’s peak season for winter sports buffs and, boy, we’ve got something to pique your interest!
Little compares to that feeling, shredding through the snow, owning the slopes at breakneck speeds. But to get the most out of your next mountainside adventure, you’ve got to be at your best — and for that to happen you’re going to need total confidence in yourself, in your technique and the kit you rely on.
So, we took some time to get acquainted with one set of ski boots that’s turning heads…
No holds barred
Nordica’s Strider has all the markings of a first-rate hike and ski boot.
Made for skiers “who’d rather ski new lines than stand around and wait in old ones”, it’s obvious from the word go that the thinking and technology behind the Strider breaks the mould.
It has a fresh feel to it. Ultra-light, snug and super comfortable, but still robust enough to take on pretty much anything you throw at it. Nordica have built a boot to instantly upgrade your experience, using versatile design and a brand new hiking mechanism that’s changing the way skiers get about on the pistes.
Sound too good to be true? Brace yourself for five features that put this hike and ski boot in a league of its own…
100% Customisable
The Strider’s scrupulous construction means it can be adapted for any wearer, in any situation – it’s good to go straight out the box, with minimal break-in time (if any).
But it’s the Tri-Fit system that makes it so adaptable.
Three key ingredients go into this system, with each one integral to overall performance:
- Infrared-ready shell: Can be expanded from 100mm to 104mm in just 6 minutes. There is no cooling required and absolutely zero risk of overheating or melting the shell.
- Cork fit liner: Moulds itself around the heel and ankle for unrivalled precision and a comfortable performance fit. Can also be heated to achieve a faster, perfect fit.
- Screw-in components: All major features i.e buckles, power straps, toe and heel inserts and cuffs can be removed and replaced at any time using a standard spanner and screwdriver.
READ MORE:
- 10 savage snowboarding videos to get you pumped
- The art of falling: Avoiding nasty injuries on the pistes
- 5 awesome winter sports festivals to put on your radar
Lightweight technology
Mobility has always been a top priority for skiers.
By integrating totally unique features, both new and time-tested, Nordica have put lightweight design at the heart of this boot.
Let’s start from the top.
The robust mesh power strap boasts a bulky 45mm width for supreme stability, delivering a snugger fit that enables precise steering control. With cut-outs to help drop any unnecessary weight, this strap has proven itself time and again to be one of the most sought after designs out there.
Add Tri Force construction to this all new cuff, and you’ve got a boot that’s secure as they come, but lightweight and agile enough for a natural feel and total ease of movement.
Uniting three different types of plastic compounds, the new ‘Triax’ cuff on the Strider is at least 20% lighter than any cuff made from traditional materials. Stiffness in the spine of the boot and the sole help to transmit energy precisely to each ski, while the softer shell and cuff wrap complete the ski trifecta, delivering maximum comfort.
Hike mechanism
This ground-breaking system allows you to pace up steep hills unimpeded, meaning your focus and energy stays on your skiing.
Many hike and ski boots out there right now simply cannot match this ultimate experience.
While open, it promotes exceptional forward flex, that provides a generous 46 degrees of motion, facilitating powerful hiking on steep inclines.
When locked down, the mechanism channels energy directly to the skis, giving you that famous Nordica downhill experience.
It’s an exceptional addition, offering the wearer the best of both worlds. No matter where or how you spend your time in the skis, you can do it with gusto.
READ MORE:
- 10 savage snowboarding videos to get you pumped
- The art of falling: Avoiding nasty injuries on the pistes
- 5 awesome winter sports festivals to put on your radar
High performance soles
How could we ever forget? Hike and ski boot soles are so often the make or break component when it comes to performance and avoiding injuries.
Gripwalk soles come mounted as standard on the Strider Pro 130 Dyn and Strider 120 Dyn models. While the Strider 110 (no Dyn) is mounted with ISO 5355 Alpine soles. Take your pick.
Bring a revolutionary Michelin outsole into the mix, and you’ve got arguably the most technologically advanced sole structure to feature on any ski boot, anywhere.
It’s next to none.
Building a boot that hikes as well as it skis was never going to be an easy task. But in collaboration with Michelin’s expert designers, Nordica have produced a revolutionary sole with a fully integrated toe, arch and heel system that’s matchless in both traction and adherence.
Whether it’s fluffy snow or tightly packed ice, the Strider “stands up to everything you’re likely to meet in the face of adventure”.
Take the snow by storm
We could keep talking about this boot all day.
Dynafit inserts, premium weatherproofing and a laced 3D light cork liner are just a few of the other progressive features that Nordica have squeezed into this one-of-a-kind product.
Why not get fitted out for your best season yet? Find out more information about the features mentioned in this post, and more!