Gear review | The BOA® Fit System

Ritual - "Ratsch, ratsch": A first impression

When you first put on the Salomon Shift Alpha 115 with BOA system, it becomes clear that there is more to it than just a technical gimmick. While classic buckles often tighten awkwardly and asymmetrically, here you can feel how the boot fits snugly around your foot with even pressure distribution. No readjustment is necessary, you simply turn it until it feels nice and tight. When standing, you can feel that your foot is tight but not squeezed. To take them off, simply pull the wheel slightly upwards. With this quick release, the tension is completely released with just one movement.

The BOA system also makes a well thought-out impression in terms of handling. Operation is intuitive. Even when wearing gloves, the twist lock is easy to grip and adjust. This is particularly practical if you have laced the boot so tightly that you need to loosen it again during the lift ride: A quick twist is all it takes and the boot fits perfectly again. This means you can easily keep up with the snow-hungry people on a powder day if they don't want to wait.

The BOA system does not replace all the fastening elements of a ski boot, however: the upper buckles of the Salomon Shift Alpha 115 are still classic. Thanks to the interplay of modern technology and proven mechanics, the BOA system does not look like a radical break, but rather like a sensible step forward. It is particularly suitable for anyone who values simple and precise adjustment. Personally, however, it's usually the upper part of the ski boot that causes me problems, be it due to shin pain or the constant feeling that the boot is either too loose or too tight. In this respect, a perfect fit in the lower area can only contribute to a better overall hold to a limited extent.

The characteristic "ratchet, ratchet" when turning the BOA wheel is almost a ritual. It is a soothing sound that can be categorized somewhere between technology and anticipation. It sounds like stopping, like precision and like: Here we go - ready for the drop-in.

BOA in action.

Fritz Crone

Nordkette Innsbruck

Teja Stüwe

The Boa system

The BOA system was developed in 2001 by snowboarder and surfer Gary Hammerslag, who was looking for a better solution for the lacing system of his boots. Originally designed for snowboard boots, the system has since established itself in many areas: from hiking boots and running shoes to medical products and, for some years now, also in the ski boot segment.

It is a finely adjustable wire rope system that can be tightened or loosened with millimetre precision using a rotary wheel - even with one hand and wearing gloves. This makes handling very comfortable, especially in cold or changeable conditions. A major advantage of the BOA system is the even distribution of pressure. When tightened, the boot adapts to the foot without pinching at certain points. This improves support, reduces the risk of pressure points and ensures a consistently stable feeling. The fit can also be adjusted quickly and easily during the day's skiing. A quick pull and the ski boot is loosened. Turn a few times to precisely readjust the fit - this is particularly practical on lift rides when you want to give your feet a little break in between. Compared to classic buckles, this not only saves time, but also enables a much finer adjustment of the fit.

The BOA system is also considered to be very robust. It is insensitive to cold, wet and dirt and works reliably even in harsh conditions. The materials are designed for durability. However, I can't say whether the system actually lasts longer than buckle systems after my test period. If something does break, BOA offers a lifetime spare parts guarantee.

The Shift Alpha 115 uses the BOA system in the lower section, but two buckles in the upper shaft. So even this model can't do completely without classic buckles. However, the combination works well in practice. The BOA system ensures comfort and adaptability, while the buckles in the upper area provide the necessary shaft pressure. There are currently no BOA-only ski boots that do not have any buckles at all. However, some models, such as the K2 Mindbender 125 BOA for women or the K2 Mindbender 140 BOA for men, have an additional BOA system in the inner boot. This is a step towards fully integrated fit technology.

However, new technology also comes at a price: if you opt for a model with a BOA system, you will have to pay around €100 more than a similar model with classic buckles.

BOA in the Pow Pow.

Fritz Crone

Teja Stüwe

Use

The Salomon Shift Alpha 115 women's ski boot with BOA system was tested under all conceivable conditions. Whether on the ascent or descent, in fresh powder snow in the backcountry, on jumps and sidehits, on the piste, in the park or in steep couloirs - the boot has been part of many snow adventures this season. Whether in spring-like slush at +20 °C or in deep snow at -15 °C - the boot has been part of many snow adventures this season. And the conclusion? The BOA system performed better than me in every situation.

Conclusion

In summary, it can be said that the Salomon Shift Alpha 115 women's ski boot with BOA system is impressive in many areas - especially due to the high level of ease of use and the even adjustment in the lower foot area. It enables quick and precise adjustment of the boot and is superior to classic buckles in this respect. At the same time, the system does not replace all conventional closures and may be more difficult to repair in an emergency. Overall, however, it offers a modern and well thought-out alternative, especially for skiers who value adaptability and ease of use and for whom extra comfort and performance are worth the extra cost of the BOA system.

However, regardless of whether with or without the BOA system - the key to maximum performance remains a ski boot that really fits. Some are blessed here, others - like me - are still on a never-ending search for the perfect fitting model.

But as long as it doesn't quite click, I just keep on turning and enjoy the "ratchet, ratchet" sound.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Easier and quicker to use than buckles

+ Better hold (even pressure distribution)

+ Lighter (can replace several buckles, but depends on the ski boot)

- More expensive than ski boots without BOA system

- More difficult to repair than buckles

Information

Sales price €750,-

1 BOA® Fit System, screwed: The BOA® Fit System offers a finely adjustable, precise fit and performs even under the toughest conditions. For optimum heel hold with improved power transmission and more edge grip.
Polyurethane: A material with uniform density that ensures perfect wrapping, reliable progressivity and good power transmission.
Integrated tech inserts: Low tech inserts are integrated into the shell and thus form the perfect complement to touring bindings to offer you high reliability and direct power transmission when climbing with skins.
Medium grip sole: A Contagrip® insert between the toe and heel and GripWalk pads improve grip on difficult terrain such as rocky peaks, ice and other uneven surfaces.
Custom Shell™ HD: The Custom Shell™ HD process ensures quick customization of the boot's lower shell in just ten minutes. Thin wall construction and new materials allow the foot to be closer to the shell.
Exobelt technology: The strong textile/plastic closure and BOA® Fit System provide exceptional heel hold and blister prevention on ascents, as well as precision and power on descents.
Frictionless rotation: Polymer threaded bushings provide natural cuff rotation and allow effortless uphill movement.
Freespine: This extremely stable plastic strip at the back of the boot connects the upper and lower shell, adding an extra layer of reliable alpine progression to your freeride comfort.
Twinlock mechanism: These redesigned SkiWalk and FreeSpine™ boots offer a large range of motion and progressive alpine flex, while the horizontal locking position ensures security and durability.
PowerWedge: The PowerWedge is a small insert in the FreeSpine™ and increases your range of motion when open. When closed, it delivers optimal power transmission and an authentic alpine experience.
Polyolefin + PEX

Custom tongue: Fully removable and completely customizable tongue of the liner for perfect adjustment to the instep height. If required, foam inserts can be added or materials removed (+/- 8 mm).
Light² footbed: Lightweight, slightly pre-shaped footbed made from special foams.
My Custom Fit™ Freeride 4D Pro: This pre-shaped liner offers improved foot support and an excellent fit. Softer foam and Talyn® on the outside facilitate adjustment, while the elastic toe box provides more space.
Walk function
Lace system loops
Screwed Energyzer Velcro® 45 mm: An easily removable, 45 mm wide strap ensures a secure hold on the lower leg and optimizes power transmission, while an elastic section improves both progressivity and rebound.

GripWalk, pre-mounted ISO 23223: The pre-mounted GripWalk sole plates with their special shape ensure greater running comfort and grip in all conditions.
Full-length rubber sole
Female-specific upper design: An anatomical upper with deep rear support for a better fit and more comfort for female calf shapes.

1 hiking loop: An additional hook on the upper buckle improves the range of motion and mobility of the shoe in hiking mode, so you can head for the summit more comfortably.
2 screw-in aluminum buckles: Two screw-in buckles that can be easily removed for boot fitting and repair.

Click here to visit the BOA website for more information.

The boot with BOA was provided to Powderguide.com free of charge. You can find out how we test them in our test statement.