Gear review | Nidecker Kita APX snowboard boots

First impression

When I first looked at the Nidecker Kita APX , I particularly liked the simple design, with the occasional purple accents adding a little more color. Another impressive feature is the stable and non-slip Vibram sole, which feels extremely stable. Basically, the boot has a high-quality finish and conveys a feeling of confidence. What is certainly exciting for me is the new approach with a strap to close at shin height. This promises more support at the aforementioned point and should provide more direct power transmission, especially on the frontside.

For the closure, Nidecker uses the classic double Boa system on the Kita, but arranges the working mechanisms slightly differently. The Boa system, with the latest rotary knobs (H4 coiler) from BOA, also seems very stable during the first opening and closing cycles, which makes me a little happy, as the system on my previous boots gave up after half a season.

The liner of the Kita APX, the Gold Liner, also seems well thought out, as it has some features that sound very useful to me. Heat molding allows the liner to be quickly and individually adjusted and ensures a precise yet comfortable fit. As you can already tell from my use of the subjunctive mood, I stupidly didn't test the thermal adjustment.

High-quality materials and the additional flex zone in the toe area noticeably improve mobility. The purchased Ortholite insole also promises not only strong support, but also long-lasting use. The whole thing is rounded off by a simple, reliable Velcro system that holds the inner shoe securely in place.

Testers and test conditions

I currently spend an average of two to three days a week on my snowboard. Of course, I prefer to be out in the powder when Ullr allows us to do so. I'm 1.86 m tall, currently weigh 95 kg and am therefore more of a "strong boarder". My aim was to test the Nidecker Kita APX for suitability for everyday use in as many different snow conditions as possible. Unfortunately, the powder days in the northern Alps have been rather sparse so far, which is why most of the 15 or so days in the boots were spent on the slopes and in their immediate vicinity. The conditions alternated between solid and icy pistes, a few daring excursions into shark-like slopes and a maximum of a handful of powder days, on which defensive skiing was the motto due to the avalanche situation.

Performance piste

The Kita APX really comes into its own on the piste thanks to its pronounced rigidity. The power transmission is extremely direct and enables very controlled handling even in icy or hard conditions. Especially in combination with a stiff board, this results in a setup that works very well, especially up to the middle of this season, when piste conditions were often challengingly icy and a lot of artificial snow was involved.

The heel hold should be emphasized, as it provides a very stable and secure feeling even on my weaker side, the backside. In addition, the special strap (wrap strap) in the shin area contributes to the extremely solid and precise transfer of pressure to the frontside. Overall, the boot provides a very direct, powerful and reliable feel on the piste.

Off-piste performance

Off-piste, the boot was tested in a wide range of conditions but in the immediate vicinity of ski resorts. Here too, it is clear that stiffness is a key feature of the Kita APX. It ensures a very safe ride, especially on steeper or narrower terrain where precise and fast reactions are required. The boot converts my efferent (from the head to the executing body part) movement impulses reliably and without delay, which conveys a high degree of control and safety.

At the same time, the stiffness enables very sensitive afferent (information from the CNS to the brain) feedback from the ground: unevenness and snow conditions are perceived immediately. This can be unfamiliar at first, at least that's how I found it. As a result, I was a little more defensive at first until my body and head got used to the fast feedback loop.

However, once you have adjusted to it, the boot opens up a very precise and conscious riding experience, which can also take your own snowboarding to the next level. Because this detailed feedback about my riding behavior feeds motor learning and makes your skills even more precise. One thing is very clear here: You should already have reached a certain level on the snowboard so that you can handle it.

One point that stands out is the comparatively low damping for "stronger impacts". Especially during jumps or hard landings, it becomes clear that the focus of this boot is clearly on control and directness. In my setup with a very stiff board and bindings, this impression is further reinforced.

PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT THE DAY (CONCLUSION)

Nidecker's advertised motto is: to create an "all-day long boot" that is superior in all snow conditions and performs on all facets of snowboarding. It is understandable that such a boot cannot deliver 100% of what a special boot for the park or powder can in all disciplines. I think the performance is exceptionally good due to the stiffness and stability both on the frontside (on the shin) and on the backside (heel hold). I therefore highly recommend this boot for boarders who appreciate precise power transmission to their snow sports equipment, both on the piste and off the lifts and ski areas. I would also recommend the boot to anyone who likes direct feedback and is interested in improving their snowboarding skills.

From my subjective point of view, the above-mentioned features mean that the cushioning falls by the wayside, which is why I wouldn't recommend the boot to everyone who repeatedly hits bigger impacts. I also have to say that my footbed (the emphasis is on MY) suffered a little during the day in the boot. Even after a few days with the boot on the mountain, I kept getting numb spots in the area of my sole. Unfortunately, I often encounter this problem in snowboard boots, which is why I assume that it is not a general problem. Especially as Nidecker has used the expertise of Ortholite for the sole construction.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

+ Very direct power transmission due to high flex

+ Excellent heel hold for great control

+ Precise, sensitive feedback from the ground

+ Strong all-mountain performance, especially in demanding terrain

- Low cushioning for harder impacts

- Runs rather small or fits quite snugly

INFORMATION

RRP: € 449.95 (currently € 382.46)

• Dual BOA WrapStrap System for very firm, evenly distributed support and maximum power transmission

• Stiff flex (4/5 according to the Nidecker scale) with a clear focus on response, stability and control at higher speeds

• Heat-moldable gold liner with custom flex zone in the toe area for individual fit and more comfort

• Vibram outsole with strong grip on icy surfaces and good performance when hiking

Click here to visit the Nidecker website for more information

The snowboard was provided to PowderGuide free of charge by the manufacturer for the duration of the test. You can find out how we tested it in our test statement.