Summary:
This is a sturdy, supportive boot with the only potential drawback being weight.
Review:
These boots are made to handle impact, which is great because I have been challenging myself and trying to do a lot more freestyle. They have a built in air bag in the heel, which really makes a difference. The boot provides excellent support and cushioning for hard landings, bumpy terrain and anything else that creates impact. As overall description I would say it is a bigger boot, but bulky is not the right word. It is a heavy-duty boot and with it comes the additional size and weight.
Besides it's stability, I am impressed with the boot's other features. First off, I still can't believe how quickly this boot goes on and off. The inner-lacing is so incredibly easy. I don't know what makes it different from other boots' inner-lacing system, but it is just one pull of the cord and you are in. The thick, flat outer-laces are easy to tighten, so it is as easy as one-two-three and you're off.
The liner is a major factor in the boots performance. I absolutely love the fact that there is no need for a Velcro strap around the calf because the lacing keeps it tight. The liner tongue Velcros to the boot tongue and makes it so that less of the boot is flapping around. It is really easy to take off because it acts as a complete package. I have also noticed that a lot of the technicality in the boot comes from the liner. It seems to be very prominent in support and cushioning and is not just a big foot-bed that slides in. I would recommend that you break these boots in before the season. There is hardly a break-in period, but I found that it took a little longer to break in the toe because of the liner's thickness.
The boots aren't anything special in looks, but they aren't too bad. They have a leathery, shiny, rubber/plastic look to them, like they are made for big kids who like to play. The hockey-style laces are not only great for lacing up, they also go well with the bigger, more aggressive overall look of the boot.
