Pop, drop, butter and jib – unleash your creative side this winter with our Editors’ Choice Men’s 22/23 Freestyle Ski Boots
Roxa Element 130 I.R.
£520
Sizes (MP) 24.5-30.5
Walk mode Y
Volume Low – Medium
Last (mm) 99-101
Flex 130
Weight (per boot) 1,550g @ 26.5
roxa.com
Think this looks a bit like the R3 in the Freeride boots? You’d be right. The Element uses a lot of what works really well in the R3s, including the excellent shaping and customisation, then adds some freestyle flair. The reversed forefoot buckle helps protect the lever from getting bashed up in the park. The 45° ankle buckle is there for incredible heel hold, with a regular top buckle for excellent tension around the leg. The cabrio design gives that progressive flex you need when launching large, and the shin is further protected by the heat-mouldable liner wrapping around the leg, rather than having a regular tongue. The beefy power strap further enhances leg hold. Even though this is an all-mountain-style freeski boot, it is surprisingly light and has a rear lever to release the cuff; handy when hiking your next lap though the park.
BEST FOR: Multi-faceted freeskiers looking for a light yet powerful boot that views the whole mountain as a playground.
Dalbello Jakk
£210
Sizes (MP) 22.5-32.5
Walk mode N
Volume High
Last (mm) 103
Flex 80
Weight (per boot) 1,945g (no size stated)
dalbello.it
Updated for 2023, the Jakk is a brilliantly affordable entry-level boot with a mega-roomy 103mm last. Ideal for high-volume-footed freestyle skiers en route to podiums in the park, it comes with Dalbello’s classic cabrio construction and a super-smooth 80 flex. Soft and laidback, it’s perfect for aspiring park rats looking to jib and stomp their way through winter.
K2 FL3X Method
£285
Sizes (MP) 24.5-30.5
Walk mode N
Volume Medium
Last (mm) 102
Flex 90
Weight (per boot) 2,000g @ 26.5
k2snow.com
Dropping in at just £285 this winter, the artist formerly known as the Full Tilt Descendant 4 is an incredibly good-value boot. With a relaxed progressive flex and a roomy 102 last, the Method will work well for newbie freestylers and/or anyone looking for max comfort and good time all-mountain shredding. A super-smooth customisable boot, it comes with Intuition liners, GripWalk soles, heel lock buckles and a shock-absorbing boot board. Scale up to the Method Pro for a stiffer flex and Intuition Wrap liner (£345).
K2 FL3X Revolver Pro
£365
Sizes (MP) 24.5-30.5
Walk mode N
Volume Medium
Last (mm) 102
Flex 100
Weight (per boot) 1,920g @ 26.5
k2snow.com
Formerly known as the Drop Kick Pro, K2 claim the FL3X Revolver Pro is the lightest freestyle boot on the market and Bode Miller reckons it’s the best boot in the world. Winner of multiple awards, accolades and superlatives, it really is a bangin’ bad-ass of a boot that comes with the classic Raichle-style progressive forward flex, an easy on/off heat-mouldable shell, Intuition Pro Wrap liner and adjustable forward lean. Throw in the shock-absorber boot board and alpine soles and you’re looking at a freestyle fave that’s rigged and ready to get max sendy.
Read the full category reviews with more men’s 22/23 Freestyle ski boots
